WI Fishing Season Opener
Let the Memories begin!

Whether you’re a professional or a once a year angler… the Wisconsin Fishing Opener weekend brings back great memories for all.

The Hayward Area prides itself on being a part of these memories by offering great hospitality and a diverse inventory of fishing waters. Those of you who enjoy fishing the big lakes, small ponds or rivers will find no better nature beauty or resources in the United States.

Along, with world-class musky fishing, our Area has long been known for our number of lakes and rivers to keep every fishing enthusiast satisfied. In fact, Wisconsin’s largest Wilderness Lake, the Chippewa Flowage containing over 17,000 acres of water and 140 islands is prime habitat to numerous species of fish. Known as the “Big Chip” this flowage perfectly compliments the large, crystal clear lakes of our Area known as the “Big Three” … Round Lake, Lac Courte Oreilles and Grindstone with a total of 11,204 acres combined!

These bodies of waters are only the start of the over 200 lakes, rivers and streams in the Hayward Area holding large populations of musky, walleye, northern pike, trout, crappie, panfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and other species of fish. Some of the other wonderful Northwoods waters include our own Lake Hayward in the City of Hayward; scenic Nelson Lake, Lake Namakagon and the Namakagon River north of Hayward; Moose Lake, Callahan Lake, Spider Chain of Lakes, Tiger Cat Flowage and The Quiet Lakes east of Hayward; Red Cedar Lake, Sissabagama Lake, Windigo Lake, Sand Lake and Lake Chetac south of Hayward; and the many streams west of Hayward.

Growing in popularity over the past few years, bass fishing in our Hayward Area has developed into some of the best in the Midwest United States with trophy largemouth and smallmouth caught annually.

If trout is your preference… the streams around our Area are like a scene from a movie as you stroll down the river’s edge or wading through them waiting for a strike. The Hayward Fly Fishing Company and other local bait shops in the Hayward are great resources for up-to-date stream conditions and lures.

Lastly, a timeless form of family fishing…bluegill and other “panfish” bobber fishing can be enjoyed at most every pond, lake or flowage in our Hayward Area. Whether from a fishing boat, pontoon or from the shore, these basic tactics will bring back memories of fishing for these “Snoopy pole-bending monsters” with the person who taught you how to fish. Local boat rental businesses can also add to the enjoyment of this family adventure; allowing you to get to those “hot spots” in the remote parts of the lakes.

Many of our local lakes have lake specific rules on size and bag limits. As always refer to your Wisconsin DNR Fishing Regulations and local lake regulations to make sure of size limits and number of fish you can take home each day. Local bait shops including Pasitka’s, Hayward Bait & Tackle, Minnow Jim’s Bait Shop and others are a key stop to understand local laws and what baits have been used for successful fishing trips for recent anglers. Hayward Area fishing guides are also available for a day of education and memories on the water.

We are proud of our fishing opportunities in the Hayward Area, but what about the time when the fish aren’t biting (which never happens right?)… that’s what makes our Area so special; our family activity versatility!

The shopping in our Area is second-to-none with a variety of shops of specialty items only found in Hayward; a local shopping brochure is now available by stopping in or calling the Hayward Information Center to assist you in finding your favorite and a new favorite store.

Local attractions include the Wilderness Walk Animal Park, Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows, LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center, Chicago gangster Al Capone’s Northwoods Retreat – The Hideout, flea markets, mini-golf, go-cart track, hiking and riding trails, Chequamegon National Forest, Native American celebrations, local breweries, wineries and tasteful Northwoods restaurants!

Did you know that the Hayward / Cable Area is known as the “Golf Capital of Wisconsin”? With thirteen golf courses within forty-five minutes of Hayward, these courses are designed to provide enjoyment and challenge for avid to amateur golfers alike. See for yourself the finest courses with breath-taking wooded fairways, rolling hills, beautifully manicured grounds and majestic northern pines. Visit www.wigolfcapital.com for complete golf information on these courses.

Finally, as always a family trip to the Northwoods as a fisherman is not complete without a stop at the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. This jaw dropping 143-foot-long, 41-foot-tall musky is just the centerpiece of wonderfully landscaped grounds and buildings full of fishing history and memorabilia. Climb to the top of the Musky to stand in its mouth for a memorable photo opportunity.

The Hayward Area would like to wish anglers of all ages a great fishing season in our world-class fishing waters. Maybe you will be the next person registering your world record in our National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame!

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For more information on the entire Hayward Area stop in at our Hayward Information Center building at the intersection of Main Street and Hwy 63 in Hayward.
Or visit us on our up-to-date website at www.haywardareachamber.com. We are also available by e-mail at info@haywardareachamber.com for immediate needs.