Ice fishing Hayes Lake

[Koerbs]

Are there any restrictions on fishing Hayes lake? Can I drive my snowmobile on it, use my portable house, power auger? Just looking to go have some fun with the bluegills.

[fiskyknut]

Yes, yes, and yes......fiskyknut

[Koerbs]

Can you give me some pointers for my first outing to Hayes?

[deja vu]

I've never done any hard water fishing at Hayes, but I have rowed my boat around in the first half mile of lake just above the dam. The lake area just above the dam has the most structure in it, although there may be good fishing areas in the original river course further upstream... No gas motors on the water during the summer. Maybe you'll have to use a hand auger to drill your holes?

Very good detailed maps are available at the DNR's Lake Finder site online. And the state park office at Zippel Bay state park is probably staffed during the morning hours. Should be able to get good info there, if the Hayes office is closed during the winter.

Good luck.

[RosoRiverRat]

I know there's a few people who regularly ice fish at Hayes but as far as catching much I rarely hear good reports. I know there's some good sized crappies out there but their difficult to find. I know you can snocat in the park and you should be able to use a power auger, the Wannaska Lions have a trny out there each year and drill a bunch of holes.

Have you been back to Buffalo Bay lately?

[RosoRiverRat]

Forgot to add that I almost fell out of my chair when I seen Hayes Lake listed here. I guess it's getting to be a better fishery.

[Koerbs]

I'm going to buffalo this weekend.