Hayward is a long time muskie, smallmouth bass, pike and walleye fishing destination in northern Wisconsin. As a full time fishing guide in Hayward Wisconsin I spend 6-7 days a week fishing for musky, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. In my opinion, fishing for smallmouth bass is best pre and post spawn (end of May into the first couple weeks of June). After the smallmouth spawn, I primarily focus on musky fishing until the end of the season. Musky fishing is better from opener until the end of July and then September through November. Musky fishing can be good in August as long as the water temps don't climb to higher than 80 degrees. Sunrise and sunset have been key windows for me as a fishing guide as well as moonrise and moonset. Major barometric pressure shifts & pre-frontal (e