Fishing/Outdoors Report

December 13, 2019 by ·

We have seen a lot of changes this month in the weather and in the fishing: snow, wind, rain, above-freezing temps followed by extreme cold.  With the ups and downs in temperatures and pressure, fish have a tough time getting into a regular routine.  The best news is that the recent subzero temperatures helped solidify ice. 

Area lakes are packed with heavy snow.  Most shoreline areas have a good amount of slush as well.  Ice conditions vary, but most smaller to medium sized lakes have anywhere from 6 to 8 inches. 

Remember, check ice for yourself before heading out and do not rely on someone else. However, do check in with other anglers, bait shops, guides and resorts.  Also, after drilling out and setting up, plan for your fishing area to immediately be saturated with water on account of the weight. A comfortable pair of insulated rubber boots will protect your feet. 

As for the fishing the action continues to be near shore tip-up fishing for northern pike and walleyes.  Pike continue to cruise the shallow weed edges during the day, walleye into the late afternoon to dark.  Panfish has been hit-and-miss, but target areas in the 10 to 20-foot drop-offs near vegetation.  Best baits have been smaller soft plastics on a small teardrop jig.  Electronics are an important tool to find these fish. 

Although we have plenty of snow the lakes are not completely safe and have not been stacked yet for the snowmobilers.  Preliminary checks on ice thickness informs that it not quite ready, but should be soon. Some marsh areas are not solid either yet.  Visitors and residents of Spider Lake Township are now allowed to operate their ATV/UTV’s on all township roads, excludes private driveways.   

 

Filed Under: Fishing Report ·

Let’ Go Fishing

April 25, 2019 by ·

Let Fishing Reel You In!  You arrived in Hayward area ready to start your vacation. You made a trip to the local bait store and stocked up on the best baits and lures to reel in that catch of a lifetime. You head to the lake, cast your line and felt that first tug of a bite. What did you reel in?  The “Quiet Lakes” just might offer the best multi-species, freshwater fishing in Sawyer County!  With an amazing variety of fish in a diversity of lakes, the “Quiet Lakes” is a top-rated fishing destination for anglers of any experience level. Whether you want to spend a quiet day by yourself on the water, rent a pontoon and take the entire family, or hire a guide to help you land the best catch, you will find it all in here.

 

Musky (Muskellunge)MUSKY

The king of freshwater fish. They are the top predator and least populated fish in our lakes. Catch and release is the common practice these days. It’s known as the fish of 10,000 casts, but hiring a guide will cut those odds.

 

Northern PikeNORTHERN PIKE

Wisconsin’s second largest predator fish, second only to their relative the Musky. Pike are typically very aggressive and will feed anytime the opportunity allows. They prefer weed flats and other ambush points.

 

WalleyeWALLEYE

The walleye is the largest member of the perch family and is often targeted for its table fare. Walleyes can be tough to find, but when they are located, they typically cooperate and bite. Bait secret: minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches, and back to minnows as the season starts and finishes.

 

Yellow PerchPERCH

A small fish that most anglers seek more for the taste than the tug. Adults average 7 to 10 inches which make it a good fish for all ages to catch. Perch have a tendency to congregate in large schools making it a one-stop spot to catch your dinner.

 

Largemouth BassBASS

Large and smallmouth bass are brothers, but like family they do take separate paths.  Our lakes offer untapped largemouth fishing, and some area lakes that offers trophy fishing for smallmouth. NOTE: the season for smallmouth does not open to harvest until the 3rd Saturday of June. Regulations for harvest of largemouth on our lakes are any size may be kept with a limit of five.

 

Panfish: BluegillPANFISH

These fish are probably one of the most popular sport and eating fish in Wisconsin. Crappies, bluegills, and sunfish are our most common “panfish”. Probably the most targeted fish in the spring, and often over harvested. Remember to take only enough for a meal and leave some for another day. Limit on panfish is 25, but only 10 of any one species.

 

Filed Under: Fishing Report ·