May 11, 2026
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
This past week cooled from the mild and sunny weekend fishing opener, but warmer, mid-60s to upper-70s temperatures are in the works, albeit with a few showers possible. Nighttime lows are rising as well, moving out of (some) 20s and into the upper 30s and 50s! Look for windy days ahead, so if you are on water early, but sure to bring a jacket!
“Open water fishing season in the Quiet Lakes’ area is off to a slow start,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, “both in terms of anglers catching fish and anglers fishing in general. Cold, windy weather started the week, and anglers reported seeing very few fishing boats through the week.
“This week looks nicer, with a chance of rain Tuesday, temperatures in the 50s through mid-week, and 70s by the weekend. Hope this will interest more anglers and heat up the fishing!
“Muskies should be around shallow cover feeding on small baitfish and preparing to spawn. An angler in the shop this week caught a nice musky on a small Rapala while casting off the dock for walleye in a shallow bay. Maybe supports the old adage of throwing small baits for musky in spring?
“Walleye action has not set any records to start the season, but anglers are catching fish in 12 feet on leeches and minnows. Rapala and Berkley jerkbaits fished on those edges and shallower as fish feed up onto shallow flats and points.
“Northern pike anglers on the Spider chain are catching a fair amount of pike while fishing walleye. Minnows on jigs, and smaller minnowbaits and jerkbaits are working. Look mainly around shallow weed beds or bays holding baitfish.
“Largemouth bass are in deeper water, relating to deep edges of weeds, rocks, stumps, and wood. Fatheads/tuffies and leeches work. It is a little early for crawlers, though after a week of warm weather they should work for all species.
“Smallmouth bass are around rocky points, shorelines, and reefs, likely holding to deeper rocky areas during the day and pushing shallower at dusk into nightfall. Jigging live bait and plastics are good choices.
“All panfish species should be in shallow cover preparing for spawn and hiding from predators. Look for fresh green weeds in 4-10 feet. Crappie minnows and leaf worms are great choices this time of year. For anglers not wanting to deal with live bait, smaller Beetle Spins, Mimic Minnows, and small jigs and plastics can be excellent.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter expresses appreciation for Fishing Has No Boundaries.
“Once in a while I like to highlight the work done by one of our local partners. This week, it is Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB), an organization with a lot of history and a big presence in the Hayward community.
“The mission of Fishing Has No Boundaries, founded in Hayward in 1986, is making fishing accessible to anyone, regardless of physical abilities. It hosted its first event on the Chippewa Flowage in 1988 and has only grown since.
“The organization has chapters in 11 states hosting thousands of anglers at the events each year. Those around Hayward might be familiar with two different iterations of FHNB. The office for the national FHNB organization is in town, helping coordinate efforts and chapters across the country.
“We also have the local FHNB Hayward chapter that organizes fishing events in our area, including the flagship FHNB event on the Chippewa Flowage each May. The FHNB-Hayward Chapter is active in many other ways too, including supporting local projects and initiatives and an increasing presence at events such as Musky Fest.
“Professionally, I greatly benefited from time working with FHNB. Volunteering at its event a few times broadened my perspective on fishing experiences. At its conference, I learned a ton about adaptive equipment, as well as how to organize specialized events and how to talk about those living with disabilities.
“Fishing Has No Boundaries has also stepped up with funding and advisement on local projects, including ADA accessible fishing piers and platforms.
“Fishing is a pastime that all can enjoy, but making that a reality can be challenging work. We are fortunate to have the passionate, knowledgeable, and eternally optimistic leaders and volunteers of FHNB working right here in Hayward.”
Anglers
Anglers need a 2026-27 fishing license and necessary stamps.
Smallmouth bass season in the North Zone is catch-and-release-only until June 20.
Musky Tale Resort’s Northern Encounter tournament is Friday through Sunday, May 15-17. The entry fee is $110 per two-angler team (entries limited). The event includes cash prizes, raffles, and door prizes Saturday night.
For more information, and to register, visit Musky Tale Resort or call (715) 462-3838.
Fishing Has No Boundaries-Hayward Chapter is hosting its 39th Annual Event Friday and Saturday May 15-16, at Lake Chippewa Campground on the Chippewa Flowage.
Each year, dedicated volunteers come together to support more than 100 anglers with disabilities and their caregivers in a creating a one-of-a-kind fishing experience built on inclusion, accessibility, and community spirit. Participants enjoy evening meals, adaptive fishing equipment, and personalized assistance to ensure everyone can fully experience the joy of being on the water. Local individuals and business owners generously donate every watercraft used during the event, demonstrating the heart and generosity of the Hayward area.
For more information, visit Fishing Has No Boundaries-Hayward Chapter or call (715) 634-3185.
Hunters/Trappers
The application period for the 2026 elk season drawing is open through May 31.
Bonus spring turkey harvest authorization sales continue through Go Wild and license sales agents at one per day on a first come, first served basis. Many bonus authorizations remain available in zones 1 and 3 for periods E (May 13-19) and F (May 20-26). The cost is $10/resident and $15/nonresident.
For more information, visit turkey hunting on the DNR website.
Hayward Rod & Gun Club on County Road B will host a WI/MN concealed carry class May 16, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., presented by On Target Northwoods Defense. This includes 4 hours of class time and 1 hour of range time. Cost of the class is $109. Wisconsin does not require a live-fire shooting qualification. Obtaining a Minnesota carry permit does require the successful completion of a live-fire shooting qualification.
The course is a complete guide to basic firearms ownership, safety, nomenclature, and its application to home- or self-defense. This includes developing a personal and home protection plan; self-defense firearms basics; legal use of force; shooting fundamentals; gear and gadgets; violent encounters and the aftermath; basic and advanced skills, and more.
For more information, and to register, visit On Target Northwoods Defense or call (715) 558-8312.
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.
Unless otherwise posted, all county roads outside the LCO Reservation in Sawyer County are legal for ATV/UTV use. Contact numbers are as follows for the ATV/UTV trails in Sawyer County Forest (715-634-4846); Chequamegon National Forest (715-634-4821); and Flambeau State Forest (715-332-5271).
For trail and road updates and closures, visit HLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report.
Sawyer County ATV & Snowmobile trail maps are available from the Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau, or download the Trail Treker app ($2) on your smartphone for the complete map ($2).
FISHING REPORT
Last weekend’s fishing opener was a busy one with beautiful weather, however, cooler temperatures prevailed this past week and fishing interest lagged along with it. A warm-up occurring now should help spike interest and improve action! There are some rain showers possible this week, but with temperatures in the 70s. Go fishing!
Musky:
Musky fishing started nearly a month early this year and so far there are few reports on catches. Continue to look for them in warm shallow to mid-depth bays and on weeds and rock, but if you see spawning fish, cut them some slack and look for other, non-spawning fish. Fast or slow, smaller minnowbaits, stickbaits, and suspending baits are worth a try.
Walleye:
Walleyes are in about 12 feet on green weeds adjacent to deep water, shallow flats, rock, points, bars, and sand bottoms. Fishing early morning and evening hours is best. Best baits include walleye suckers, fatheads, and leeches on jigs, and jerkbaits, minnowbaits, and small crankbaits.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike are around shallow green weeds and in bays, actively feeding on baitfish and panfish. Walleye angler report quite a few incidental pike catches. Sucker minnows, fatheads, and smaller minnows work well, as do minnowbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and weedless spinnerbaits.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass are on shallow to mid-depth deep weed edges, rocks, stumps, and wood, and in warm, shallow bays chasing small baitfish. Fatheads, leeches, and plastics on jigs and/or under bobbers, and spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and jerkbaits can be productive at this time.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth bass anglers are finding fish on deep rocky areas, points, shorelines, and reefs during the day, though fish move shallower during early evening into night. Suckers minnows, leeches, and plastics on jigs, and crawdad color crankbaits are all effective. Note: Smallmouth bass fishing is catch-and-release-only until June 20.
Crappie:
Crappies are in/on shallow to mid-depth green weeds, weedy bays, and along shorelines in 4-10 feet. Crappie minnows and plastics on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks under slip bobbers, and Beetle Spins and Mimic Minnows will all do the job.
Bluegill:
Bluegills are in/on green weeds, bays, and other cover in the warmest water in 4-10 feet. Small minnows, waxies, leaf worms, crawler chunks, red worms, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks fished under slip bobbers work best.
April 30: Trapping seasons closed: Beaver in northwest zones; Otter in North Zone.
May 15-16: 39th Annual Fishing Has No Boundaries Hayward Event – Lake Chippewa Campground (715-634-3185).
May 15-17: Musky Tale Resort Northern Encounter, (715-462-3838).
May 16: WI/MN concealed carry class at Hayward Rod & Gun Club, 9am-2:30pm. (715-558-8312).
May 23: Winter Annual Spring Fling 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (715-415-1966).
May 31: Full Blue Moon.
May 31: Final day to apply for the 2026 elk hunting season.
June 6-7: Free Fishing Weekend. For DNR loaner equipment in Hayward, call Scott Braden (715-634-7428 ext.3508).
June 6: Kid’s Fishing Derby – Lake Hayward Park, Hayward MI, HBC, Hayward R&G, 8:30am-noon (715-558-2135).
June 13: WI/MN concealed carry class at Hayward Rod & Gun Club, 9am-2:30pm. (715-558-8312).
June 20: Smallmouth bass harvest season opens in Northern Bass Zone.
June 22-26: Musky Fest Medallion Hunt (715-634-4871).
June 25-27: Musky Fest Fishing Contest (715-558-2835).
June 26-28: Hayward Musky Festival (715-634-8662).
June 28: Hayward Bass Club Round Lakes Open Bass Tournament (715-699-1015).
Spring turkey season is six, seven-day periods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday, in seven zones.
Period D: May 6-12
Period E: May 13-19
Period F: May 20-26
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.
