Just getting back from a quick ice trip to the Hayward area, and I wanted to drop a line or two here regarding ice conditions (with the standard disclaimer that ice is never 100% safe).
I spent most of my time fishing Lost Land Lake, east of Hayward. There is ~ 12-13″ of good ice on the lake, with about 4-6″ of dry snow on top and no slush. Nobody is driving vehicles on any of the area lakes, although I saw plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of snowmobiles and a few 4-wheelers out too. Spring and current areas on many of the area lakes (Hayward, Spider, LLL) are weak or visibly open, so BE CAREFUL.
If you have a chance to punch a few holes in the near future in the Hayward area, be sure to let us know how you did!