Looking to head north to fish? Some popular lakes still covered in ice

HAYWARD (AP) — Anglers looking to start the upcoming fishing season in northern Wisconsin will find some popular lakes still covered in ice.

Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Manager Bob Hujik tells Wisconsin Public Radio there's still as much as 15 inches on some northern lakes. He says most of the lakes affected are around Hayward and north of that location.

The Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest has even delayed opening its campgrounds and hiking trails due to deep snow.

Dennis Wystedt, who works at Hayward's Bait and Bottle Shoppe, says people are still ice fishing.

Cable Area Chamber of Commerce Director James Bolen says last spring also had a slow start but by late May hotel room tax collections were up 12 percent.

The inland fishing season opener starts next Saturday.

CLICK HERE for details on Great Lakes ice conditions via NOAA.

CLICK HERE for fishing information via the Wisconsin DNR.