April 28, 2025
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
This week is off to a rough start, with rain and severe weather for Monday and Monday night. Tuesday and Wednesday should see sunshine, but more rain Thursday and Friday. For the May 3 fishing opener weekend, anglers should have sunshine and blue skies, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, both Saturday and Sunday. Good luck!
“Quiet Lakes’ water levels are good,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, “and water temperatures on some lakes already reach into the mid-40s. The forecast predicts a fantastic opening weekend, and spring is a great time to fish for any species, as it can be a mixed bag on any bait!
“Walleye anglers should find fish off breaks, particularly at dusk and into dark. Fish have been shallow spawning these past weeks, will not be far from those spots, and come shallow to feed at night. Jigs and plastics, Rippin Raps, Husky Jerks, and other crank and minnow baits are excellent choices, and walleye suckers and fatheads on jigs are tried and true options.
“Northern pike will harass any bait that comes near them. Anglers will find fish in/around weeds in 5-15 feet. Crankbaits, spinners, spinnerbaits, and crappie minnows, fatheads, and suckers on jigs under bobbers are great for pike.
“Smallmouth bass, catch and release only until June, might be in with walleyes, particularly on breaks with rocks. Points, mid-lake reefs, and bottom transitions with rocks or boulders will hold both smallmouth and walleye. Anglers will likely catch bass on the same baits they use for walleye.
“Crappies should be in weed beds or on big weed flats staging for spawn. Traditionally, crappie minnows on gold #6 Aberdeen hooks under spring or slip floats account for all of the crappies in our boat while we drift through weed beds. Today’s rods can cast small jigs and plastics or live bait through weeds and catch fish as well. There are some very cool plastics specific to crappie and panfish. Fished on 1/16- or 1/32-oz jig heads, they can catch piles of fish.
“Bluegill and perch should relate to weeds at this time, and the baits mentioned above can catch them as well.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says some beautiful weather is in store for the fishing opener this weekend!
“Walleyes should be nearing the end of spawning, if not already post-spawn. They will linger in their spawning spots, providing some great action on crankbaits and jerkbaits at dusk and dawn. Work these baits slowly, giving them a nice long pause to tempt lethargic, spawned-out fish into feeding.
“Northern pike should be making their way into back bays. Look for areas with dark bottoms, as these shallow bays heat up the fastest. Pike will sun themselves throughout the day to rev up their metabolism, and begin feeding on small panfish making their way to the same areas. Spinnerbaits, spoons, jerkbaits, and swimbaits should pull pike from the bay bottoms. Remember that we still have about a month before we can target muskies.
“Largemouth bass have not yet started to move shallow and still hang in mid-depths, cruising remaining shallow weeds, feeding on panfish staging to come shallow. This time of year, it is hard to beat a jerkbait, as most bass are still feeding on small panfish.
“Crappie and bluegill anglers will be highly weather and water temperature dependent. Watch the water temperature, as you will often find fish in the areas with the highest water temperature. Search back bays, channels, nooks, crannies, and any small feature of water with cover that warms the fastest, and you will likely find fish. However, any bit of cold weather can shut down these fish and even push them back to deeper water. While water temperatures are cold, live bait is king, so grab a dozen crappie minnows or fatheads from your favorite local bait shop!”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter scores fishing opportunities in Lake Sissabagama.
“In this series, I rate local fishing opportunities by individual species, on a 0-10 scale, to reflect catchability, size, and other fishing qualities, with notes on why the species received that score.
“This week, we look at Sissabagama Lake. Though not the highest-profile lake in the area, ‘Siss’ has a long history of great fishing opportunities and holds a special place in the hearts of many anglers.
“Like many other lakes, Sissabagama has undergone some major fish community shifts. As a result, the fishery today looks a little different from what some ‘old timers’ might remember, but it still offers a lot to anglers.
“Muskellunge in Sissabagama score a 6 at this time. Abundance concerns exist, but the lake punches above its weight class for size of muskies. A mix of stocking and natural reproduction supports the musky population in Sissabagama.
“Northern pike in Sissabagama score a 7, with pike abundant and the population supporting desirable-sized fish.
“Walleye score a 5. The walleye population in Sissabagama is the perfect example of an average stocked walleye population. Abundance is moderate to low, especially compared to decades ago when walleye in the lake exhibited strong natural reproduction. Size of walleye is decent.
“Bass in Sissabagama score a 6. Largemouth bass abundance is lower than about 10 years ago, size is not exceptional, and the lake is more of an action than trophy fishery. Smallmouth bass are present in the lake, but in recent times do not make up a big part of the fishery.
“Panfish score an 8, with crappie carrying most of the water here. The crappie population in Sissabagama is popular across all seasons and maintains quality size despite considerable angler harvest interest. Bluegill size is decent, and fish are relatively easy to catch. Yellow perch are present and a few larger perch are catchable.”
The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is open for the season as of Tuesday, April 15. Open hours are from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. through May, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. from June through August, and then reverting to 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. during September and October. The Hall is open seven days a week, including Sundays and holidays.
For more information, visit Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame or call (715) 634-4440.
The Wisconsin regular spring turkey season opened April 16 and runs through May 27. The spring season is open in seven management zones comprised of six, seven-day periods that run Wednesday through the following Tuesday. Hunting hours differ depending on the time of year and location, be it the northern or southern half of the state. Check out the Turkey Hunting FAQ section, and review the regulations.
The 2025 spring turkey harvest as of April 22 includes 2,451 in Zone 4; 412 in Zone 6; and 211 in Zone 7. Statewide to date, hunters have registered 14,737 birds.
For more information, visit turkey hunting on the DNR website.
Hayward Chapter-Muskies, Inc. will hold its Tuesday, May 6, meeting at the DNR Fish Hatchery in Spooner, starting at 7 p.m. Following a brief business meeting and presentation by hatchery manage Jared Boucher, attendees will tour where the hatchery facility raises fish for stocking. Everyone is welcome.
The hatchery is at 951W Maple (Hwy 70), west of Hwy 63. The hatchery is on the south side of the road. Park in the upper lot and enter the building and meeting room.
For more information, call (715) 634-4543.
Early season anglers should be aware that the early catch and release trout season closes May 2. The general inland fishing season opens May 3. Review the seasons for species, area, and waters you are fishing. If you are not sure in which zone you are fishing, or have other questions, visit the Wisconsin Fishing Season Definitions page.
Last year’s fishing licenses expired March 31, so anglers must renew their licenses for this fishing season. First-time Buyer licenses are available for those who have not previously fished in Wisconsin or who want to return to fishing after at least ten years without a license. One-day fishing licenses are available for anglers who want to try Wisconsin fishing for one day only.
For more information, visit Fishing on the DNR website.
ATV/UTV TRAIL REPORT
All ATV and UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for ATV and at least 16 years old for UTV, must complete an ATV/UTV safety certification course to operate legally on public ATV/UTV trails and areas in Wisconsin. The DNR requires trail passes for non-residents and Wisconsin residents must display a registration sticker. Riders must run headlights at all times when operating. Visit the DNR ATV website for rules and regulations.
Check for updated trail opening dates (and closures) at HLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report and Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance. Contacts for forest ATV/UTV trails are as follows: Sawyer County Forest (715-634-4846), Chequamegon National Forest (715-634-4821), and Flambeau State Forest (715-332-5271).
Sawyer County snowmobile and ATV trail maps are available from the Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau, or download the Trail Treker app ($2) on your smartphone and get the complete Sawyer County Trail Map ($2).
FISHING REPORT
Only a few days remain before the May 3 opening of Wisconsin’s 2025 inland gamefish season. Make sure fishing licenses are current for this year by renewing online or at a license vendor or DNR service center. In addition, check boat registrations and make sure the boat is water ready. Finally (though there are always other necessities!), sort and update tackle and equipment so you are ready to go first thing Saturday morning.
Fishing reports by species will begin again next week, primarily for those with an open season. It is a good idea to review fishing regulations!
April 15: Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame opened for the season, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (715-634-4440).
April 28: Sawyer County CDAC meeting, starting at 6:30 p.m., at Hayward DNR Service Center (715-634-7467).
April 30: Trapping seasons close: Beaver in Northwest Zone; Otter in Zone A.
May 2: Early catch and release trout season closes.
May 3: General Inland fishing season opens (includes largemouth bass; see regs).
May 5-6: Eta Aquarids meteor shower 2-4 a.m., southeast, 5-20 hr., very swift, long paths.
May 6: Hayward Chapter-Muskies, Inc. meeting at DNR Fish Hatchery in Spooner, starting at 7 p.m. (715-634-4543).
May 7-10: 40th Annual Treeland Challenge Bass & Walleye Release Tournament ‑ Full (715-462-3874).
May 10: North Country Riders ATV Club Spaghetti Feed at the Hayward Veterans Center.
May 12: Full Flower Moon.
May 16-17: Hayward Chapter-Fishing Has No Boundaries 38th Annual Fishing Event (715-634-3185).
May 16-18: Musky Tale Resort – Northern Encounter fishing contest (715-462-3838).
May 24: Musky season opens in Northern Zone.
May 24: Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day – Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum in Spooner (715-635-5002).
May 26: Memorial Day memorializing the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country.
May 31: Elk tag application period deadline ($10 fee).
Spring turkey season is six, seven-day periods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday, in seven zones.
Period B: April 23-29
Period C: April 30-May 6
Period D: May 7-13
Period E: May 14-20
Period F: May 21-27
For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau and Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce websites, view the Calendar of Events, or call (715) 634-8662 or (715) 634-4801.
