March 24, 2025
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
The Hayward area received an inch or so of snow Sunday night, though warm ground, sunshine, and 40-degree temperatures removed the greater portion of it by mid-afternoon Monday. The forecast indicates a very pleasant week with highs in the 40 and 50s, at least until Thursday night and through the weekend when rain and snow chances reappear. Spring is in session, but winter is stubbornly fighting its departure! Check the calendar below for activities in the coming weeks. Anglers and turkey hunters should be aware their 2024-25 licenses expire March 31.
Travelers can check current road conditions at 511wi.gov for Wisconsin and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
“The mild temps have had some effects on the Quiet Lakes’ ice,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, “and it appears we will see 40 and 50 degrees by the end of this week.
“Various reports say ice conditions are all over the place, and not many anglers are going out now as well, which will continue until ice-out. An angler went through on the Eau Claire chain just north of here last week, but he got out safely ‑ and is back to fishing!
“Reports say the ice sheets still have 12-15 inches of ice, but getting out can be sketchy. If you head out for the late ice bite, make sure to use caution!
“The panfish bite is good right now, and fish should be pushing into shallower water where there is better oxygen than in the basins. Minnows and waxies on jigs seem to work best. Look for deep edges or points adjacent to deep water and fish in 6-12 feet. River and creek inlet areas can be good late ice spots, but use extreme caution in these areas as the ice might not be solid.
“Anglers should think about renewing fishing licenses, as the current licenses expire March 31. Most anglers have packed up the ice equipment for this year and are rigging their boats and open water set-ups. We will get more in depth with that process in the next few weeks.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says that even with some cooler nighttime temperatures, ice is still pulling away bit by bit from the shorelines.
“We received some reports that the top few inches of ice remain solid, but honeycombs quickly once you break through the top layer. This makes ice ventures quite risky this late in the year. If you decide to brave the ice one last time, make sure to take all necessary precautions to ensure you get off the ice safely.
“Many anglers are taking to the rivers in search of trout, suckers, and bass. Small bits of live bait for suckers, and tossing small inline spinners and Rapalas for trout and bass, are working very well for many anglers.
“Lakes might take a while to open consider the amount of ice we still have out there, so any opportunity to get on the water is a good one!
“Finally, it is time to get a new 2025 fishing license, as last year’s licenses expire March 31.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says the DNR is seeking input on the Chippewa Flowage.
“The Chippewa Flowage is a true gem of a lake and the centerpiece of our local fishing landscape. We put a lot of effort into managing the fishery via surveys, habitat work, stocking, and angling regulations, and the Chippewa Flowage Fishery Management Plan guides all that work.
“Fish management plans are not always the most exciting thing for anglers and tribal harvesters, but they are important. The plan sets measurable goals and objectives for each major species. We base these objectives on how people want to see us manage the fishery, which can include preferences for harvest vs. catch and release, and abundance vs. size.
“The current Chippewa Flowage fishery management plan, completed in 2007, is almost 20 years old. Much has changed during those years, so this is an appropriate time to update the plan.
“We are seeking input from anglers and harvesters on their preferences for the Chippewa Flowage fishery. An online questionnaire and comment form is open to the public at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ChipFish25, or contact max.wolter@wisconsin.gov.
“Share the survey link with other Chippewa Flowage anglers and harvesters that you know. The survey will remain open through early summer.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says the DNR has posted some new fisheries reports online for anglers looking ahead to open water fishing or some still looking for a late-season panfish spot.
“New content includes 2024 reports for Barber, Barker, Clear, Mud/Callahan, LCO, Chippewa Flowage, and Spider. You can also find 2023 reports for LCO, Lost Land, Teal, Nelson, Round, Tiger Cat, Mason, and Evergreen, as well as some of our most recent fish management plans.
“Please note that the DNR is planning to reorganize how they post these reports to the web to make them more user-friendly. As a result, the current link might not work forever. However, I will provide updated links in the future.
Wolter says this year’s survey list includes Windfall, Sissabagama, Knuteson, Round, Spider, Moose, and the Chippewa Flowage, and those reports will be available later this year.
The DNR will accept public input on the proposed 2026-2031 duck hunting season thru March 30. Highlights from the proposed season structure include duck zone options and duck season split options. The DNR encourages the public to provide feedback using the Online Input Tool or through mail, or email to Taylor Finger or Alissa Kakatsch.
For more information, visit the DNR’s waterfowl hunting webpage.
The 2025 DNR Spring Hearing is April 14, starting at 6 p.m., when the DNR and Wisconsin Conservation Congress offer the public an in-person opportunity to provide their input on a variety of natural resource-related questions. An online option starts at 7 p.m. (the DNR will post the link on the Spring Hearing web page). Input gathered at the in-person meeting and through the online option both carry equal weight. The hearing questionnaire and hearing locations are available online. This year, the Sawyer County meeting is at the Winter High School in Winter.
The Wild Rivers Chapter-Trout Unlimited is hosting a Conservation Expo & Fundraiser at Flat Creek Lodge Saturday, April 5, starting at noon. The event includes many exhibitors, raffles, live and silent auctions for guide trips, fly and spin fishing rods and reels, trout and bass flies, fly tying, fishing lures and gear, and much more.
For more information, visit https://wrtu.org.
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.
Each year, forest entities close their trails and roads for spring thaw, typically between March and May, depending on conditions. Flambeau Forest trails annually close to ATV/UTV use from November 15 until May 15, but could open earlier. The forestry department monitors this through spring. Visit HLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report to check for trail and road updates and closures.
Unless otherwise posted, all county roads outside the LCO Reservation in Sawyer County are legal for ATV/UTV use. The Trail Treker app shows any changes. Contact numbers are as follows for ATV/UTV trails: Sawyer County Forest (715-634-4846), Chequamegon National Forest (715-634-4821), and Flambeau State Forest (715-332-5271).
The Sawyer County ATV and Snowmobile Trail Map is available from the HLVCB.
FISHING REPORT
NOTE: The 2024-25 fishing (and hunting) licenses expire Monday, March 31. If you plan to fish or hunt after that date, a 2025-26 license is necessary.
Spring temperatures and weather are negatively affecting the ice condition, making some lake access difficult and the safety on it questionable. Good ice continues in some areas, but some other areas are questionable, and there are reports of a few anglers going through it. Sunshine and warmer temperatures this week will hurry along the ice deterioration. Anglers choosing to continue ice fishing should not go alone, use extreme caution, and make sure to bring all necessary safety equipment such as spikes, ropes, wearable and throwable flotation devices. Check the ice as you go, both out and back, as conditions can change quickly while you are on the ice.
Panfish fishing is good for the dwindling number of anglers who continue to pursue it. Look for fish to start moving to shallower areas. Find fish on points and edges near deep water, with fish holding in 4-16 feet. Small jigs with minnows and waxies will work well.
If tempting fate ice fishing is not to your liking, early season catch and release trout fishing is open thru May 2 (inland gamefish season opens May 3) and catch and release bass season is open year-around. Spinners, Rapalas, and similar baits will get the attention of both species. The sucker run should start soon in the rivers, with live bait the way to go.
March 26: Crow season closes.
March 29: Partial solar eclipse.
March 29: Brule River fishing season opens downstream from US Hwy 2 (see regs and legal fishing hours).
March 31: Some boat registrations expire – is your registration current?
March 31: The 2024-2025 fishing and hunting licenses expire.
April 5: Wild Rivers Chapter-Trout Unlimited Conservation Expo & Fundraiser at Flat Creek Lodge, starting at noon.
April 5: Fly Fishing Film Tour – Hayward Fly Fishing Company, The Park Center, $25, 7:30-8:30 p.m. (715-634-8149).
April 12: Full Pink Moon.
April 12-13: Spring Turkey Youth Hunt.
April 14: 2025 DNR Spring Hearing in all counties, 6 p.m. start; see hearing questionnaire and hearing locations.
April 14-16: DNR annual Spring Hearing online participation.
April 15: Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame opens for the season 9:30am-4pm (715-634-4440).
April 15: Trapping seasons close in Northern Zone: Mink; Muskrat.
April 20: Easter Sunday.
April 22-23: Lyrids meteor shower, 2-4 a.m., east and overhead, swift streaks, 10-20 hr.
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 6: Hayward Chapter-Muskies, Inc., general meeting, 7 p.m., at Flat Creek Lodge (715-634-4543).
May 7-10: 40th Annual Treeland Challenge Bass & Walleye Release Tournament ((715) 462-3874).
May 12: Full Flower Moon.
Thru May 31: Elk tag application period ($10 fee).
Spring turkey season is six, seven-day periods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday, in seven zones.
Youth Hunt: April 12-13
Period A: April 16-22
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.
