Hayward, Wisconsin Ice Fishing Report 12-28-15

If you were hoping for better ice conditions since our report last week you’re probably going to be disappointed.  Several inches of wet/heavy snow made it just in time for Christmas, but it didn’t do us any favors in the fishing department.  In fact, it may have made things a bit worse…  With good ice already hard to come by, the snow has covered up any visual evidence there was.  There are some fishable small inland lakes and bays of larger lakes, but extreme caution must be used by anyone who is giving it a try.

 

 

 

 

Aron Kastern, his wife Lacey, father in law Dale LaVasseur, and cousin CJ Compton were able to make it out on one of our inland lakes that’s stocked and managed for trout.  If you can’t get on Chequamegon Bay, this is the next best thing.  Heck, by the looks of the pictures it may have been better!!!  Aron called it a trip of a lifetime, with the crew getting into some of the most beautiful brookies I’ve seen.  Lacey got things rolling within 30 seconds of getting set up when she iced a fat 18″ fish with impressive colors to match.  The hot action continued throughout the morning with several fish from 15″ – 18 1/2″ hitting panfish jigs tipped with plastics/waxies in 6′ – 10′ of water.  Our inland trout lakes are definitely an overlooked ice fishing opportunitiy, and leave it to Aron to figure it out.  What an awesome bunch of fish!!!  Aron reports that some of our inland lakes have 5″ – 7″ of ice, but others have 1″ – 2″ or no ice at all.  There’s a fair amount of slush close to the shorelines, but it disappears further out into the lakes he’s been checking.  If you go, an ice bar and flotation gear is a must.  Poke ahead with your ice bar until you know your on good ice before moving forward.  If your inexperienced or unfamiliar with our waters, don’t chance it.  Ice will come soon enough…  Congratulations to Aron and his gang on a very impressive and cool looking trip!  Give us a shout if you’d like to get out there, and we’ll get you set up with a great guide and memorable adventure.  Be safe out there everyone, and Happy New Year!!!