Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 29, 2012With the continued mild spring weather, most areas of Wisconsin are reporting that many spring events are occurring as much as a month early from most years. Lake ice is gone from most lakes even in the far north. Walleye runs on rivers are peaking or nearly over in many areas when they would normally just be starting in many years. Walleye spawning on northern lakes is already well underway and Chippewa Indian tribes have begun spearing. Many spring ephemeral flowers are and blooming and cherry and crab apple trees are blossoming. Sandhill cranes are doing mating displays and tom turkeys are displaying and gobbling. Frogs, turtles and salamanders have emerged.
The mild cool-down in the last week, which still has temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal for this time of year, has slowed some activity. Northern pike and musky are already done spawning in the south. Sturgeon were actively spawning but the drop in water temperatures slowed that activity. That could pick up again with a warm-up in the forecast. Sturgeon had made it upstream as far as the Shawano dam.
The walleye run on the Wolf River and throughout the Lake Winnebago System came early and fast and walleyes have begun making their way back to the lakes. Prime spawning activity lasted just a couple days. On the Wisconsin River the walleye run is in full swing below the Nekoosa Dam to the Petenwell Flowage, but is about complete below the Wisconsin Dells dam with many fish showing back up in Lake Wisconsin. Walleye runs are near peak on the Menominee and Peshtigo rivers in the northeast.
The ice is now out on Lake Superior and people are preparing for smelt fishing which opens April 1. Lake Superior anglers have been capitalizing on early warm weather and ice out bringing in some good catches of trout and salmon from along the south shore. Strong numbers of steelhead were still being caught on the Lake Michigan tributaries in Manitowoc, Kewaunee and Sheboygan counties. Rain in the last week had tributaries in the south running high and muddy, but good numbers of anglers were still fishing the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Root rivers and Oak and Sauk creeks, but success has decreased in recent days.
While the game season is closed on many inland lakes, anglers have been having some good early success for crappie and bluegill especially in the southern and southeastern lakes. White bass and suckers are running and providing some very good action and dip netting.
Chorus frogs and spring peepers had been very active, but quieted down with the cool spell. Salamanders are emerging now as well. Painted and Blanding?s turtles have been seen sunning themselves on rocks or logs. Coyote pups are being born this time of year in burrows and red fox pups may already be here.
Pasque flowers, marsh marigold, Dutchman's britches, bloodroot and hepatica are blooming. May apples and prairie smoke are emerging.
The recent record warm temperatures across the state and region have resulted in a large number of early records for bird migration and this week early nest records were reported for killdeer and wild turkey, both species weeks ahead of a typical nest initiation date. Ruffed and spruce grouse are drumming and displaying in the north and prairie-chickens are displaying at leks in central Wisconsin. The large numbers of snowy owls that wintered in Wisconsin are now leaving the state for the arctic, with multiple snowy owls were reported this week at Ashland and 10 seen at the Oconto harbor.
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A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
Wildfire Report for March 29
The spring wildfire season is underway. In the past week, 51 wildfires burned 71 acres. Two buildings were burned during these fires and another six were threatened. Debris burning is the main cause of wildfires in the state, followed by equipment. When burning leaves and brush as part of your spring clean up routine, always adhere to permit restrictions. Burning permits are frequently suspended this time of year. You must check each day after 11 a.m. on the DNR website dnr.wi.gov (search ?burn?) or call 1-888-WIS-BURN before you start your fire. People are asked to use extra caution when disposing of ash from fireplaces and wood heaters ? make sure they are completely cold to the touch before dumping outdoors. Also, be extra cautious around power lines that may have come down on windy days. Always assume a downed power line is energized and dangerous.
Firewise Tip: Remove the leaves and other debris that has accumulated next to buildings, in lawns, and on and under decks. Take special care to clean out dead leaves from evergreen shrubs near buildings. Stack firewood, lumber, or other combustible materials at least 30 feet away from buildings.
South Central Wisconsin
In the past week, three fires burned just over 2 acres. The largest was a 1.8-acre fire in Sauk County caused by debris burning. Fire danger has been all over the place this week ? Low one day and back up to High the next. Burning permits were even suspended at one point. Weather changes quickly and sometimes dramatically this time of year. A 35-acre wildfire threatened a subdivision in Fort Atkinson (Jefferson County) on March 28. Multiple fire departments were on the scene and all homes were protected.
Northern Region
The Brule Dispatch Group - Cooler temperatures slowed fire activity this week. The only wildfire reported this week was on March 27 in Douglas County; cause of that fire was a downed power line due to high winds.
Cumberland Dispatch Group ? Fire danger has been high all week. The small amounts of rain received are negated by the high winds and lower humidity. Four fires occurred in the area this week, burning just over 2 acres. Three of the fires were caused by debris burning and the other was caused by equipment. A 1.3-acre debris burning fire in Washburn County threatened one structure. Remember: Burning permits remain suspended in Polk, Burnett and Washburn counties due to elevated fire danger.
Park Falls Dispatch ? Fire danger has been high this week; a total of eight fires burned 11 acres across the area. Causes of fire have been improper ash disposal, railroads, power lines, and debris burning. A series of railroad fires burned near the New Auburn Wildlife Area in Barron County. Fortunately, the fire was quickly contained by the DNR and local fire departments and kept to only a couple of acres burned. In Rusk County, a debris pile, thought to be extinguished, re-ignited several days later and caused a 1.5-acre wildfire.
Woodruff Dispatch Group - Fire danger has been moderate to high this week. Four fires burned just over 1 acre; causes were debris burning and equipment.
West Central Region
Black River Falls and Wisconsin Rapids Dispatch Groups -- In the parts of the West Central Region where the DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 11 fires burned just over 7 acres in the last week. Two structures were threatened by wildfire but were ultimately saved due to suppression efforts. In Jackson County, four fires occurred along the interstate over a distance of half a mile. Two of the fires were fairly small. One was nearly an acre and the largest was 2.4 acres in size. The fires burned up the hill through leaf litter and grass. As the terrain got rocky, firefighters used back cans to suppress the fire. One lane of traffic was closed for about an hour. Be aware of emergency equipment along the interstate and make sure you slow down.
In Fall Creek (Eau Claire County) a firefighter was injured by a falling tree while working to suppress a wildfire caused by a rekindled debris pile. The firefighter was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released. In Portage County, a landowner was attempting to plant trees in tall grass. He realized it would be easier to plant without the tall grass so he started lighting the grass on fire to clear a small area, then using a shovel to pat the fire out so he could plant his tree. To be more efficient, he started lighting more than one area at a time. The end result was a 2.2 acre fire that had to be suppressed by the local fire department. The landowner did not have a burning permit.
Northeast Region
Peshtigo Dispatch Group ? Fire danger has varied between Moderate and High this week. Fourteen fires have occurred, burning 42 acres. The causes have been debris burning, equipment, and improper ash disposal. The largest was a 35-acre fire in Howard (Brown County) on March 27. DNR Division of Forestry fire crews assisted local fire departments to control the fire. A small fire (approximately 0.1 acres) in Marinette County, caused by debris burning, burned two structures. Windy conditions can result in downed power lines. The public is urged to be cautious around any downed lines; always assume it is energized and dangerous. A downed power line that is energized may not spark or snap, but it can kill.
Waupaca Dispatch Group ? Fire danger has been High this week, resulting in the suspension of burning permits. Five fires occurred this week, burning over four acres. Causes were debris burning, power line, and equipment. A 2.1 acre fire in Marquette County, caused by debris burning, threatened to burn a nearby structure.
Statewide Birding Report
The recent record warm temperatures across the state and region have resulted in a large number of early records for bird migration. Colder temps this week have moderated things a bit, but overall many short-distance migrants and nesting phenology for recent arrivals is still ahead of schedule. Just this week early nest records were reported for killdeer and wild turkey, both species weeks ahead of a typical nest initiation date. With warm temps most of the ice is now gone from even the largest water bodies statewide. Because of this, we are now past peak for waterfowl migration. Tundra swans have passed through and the first Canada goose and mallard nests will likely be reported in the south this upcoming week. The large numbers of snowy owls that wintered in Wisconsin are now leaving the state for the arctic. Multiple snowy owls were reported this week from Ashland and 10 were seen in the Oconto harbor. Birders should check harbor areas this week as owls are attracted to the harbors due to the migrant waterfowl and water birds. Raptor migration is also picking up statewide. Hawk Ridge reported its first large red-tailed hawk flight this week and overall diversity should peak over the next two weeks as the first broad-winged hawks and a larger push of sharp-shinned hawks move through the state. Wisconsin?s four grouse species are now starting to display. Ruffed and spruce grouse are drumming/displaying in appropriate habitat across the north and sharp-tailed grouse and prairie-chickens are now displaying at leks. Birders should also expect woodcocks to now be displaying statewide in brushy habitats. Late March/early April is a great time for birders to check local shrub patches and woodlands for fox sparrows, sapsuckers, kinglets, purple finch, winter wrens and other short-distance migrants. Birders near larger grassland areas can also expect a good push of grassland sparrows and meadowlarks over the next week. Wetlands should also be productive with lingering ducks, grebes, and possibly egrets, bitterns and night heron arrivals. As always, please report sightings to
www.ebird.org/WI to help track migrant bird populations!
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Ashland County - The ice is now out on Lake Superior and people are preparing for smelt fishing. Some Lake Superior streams will also open for fishing trout on March 31.
Bayfield County - Large numbers of woodcock have returned to the southern Bayfield County areas along with many flocks of ducks that are being seen moving through the area. Trees have began to bud and the grass is greening up. Sap harvest has been slow this year with the early season warm weather. Most people collecting sap have stated sap is running slow and it?s hard to come by this year -- even with the recent cool temperatures -- because trees are budding, sap is already at its end. Ice is off all lakes in the area and the walleye run is in full swing with anglers also commenting that they are seeing many northern pike spawning in the shallows as well. Trappers have been seen taking advantage of the early ice off conditions harvesting record numbers of beaver in the area. Docks are already being placed, with the early ice off conditions every thing seems to be close to a month ahead of normal years. Few anglers have been seen taking advantage of the ice off conditions by boat but those venturing out in boats on local lakes are having some luck harvesting both bluegill and crappie. With the game fish season closed, anglers are reminded it is illegal to attempt to catch game fish until the season reopens in May. A reminder to those getting their boats ready: check boat registrations to make sure they are valid; check the conditions of pfd (personal floatation devices/life jackets) and be sure to have one life jacket on board that will fit each person on board your boats; check your fire extinguishers to make certain they are charged; and take that extra step to plug your live wells, this will help avoid the introduction of invasive into our local waters. The local ATV trails are closed, but the Routes and County Corridor remain open. ATV owners are reminded to check their registrations to make sure they are valid for the upcoming season. The new fishing and trout regulations have been printed and are out, be sure to pick one up before venturing out on the local waters. People fishing the early catch and release trout season should check the regulations to make certain the water they fish is open for the early season. Some of the trout waters do not have an early catch and release season, such as the White River. Warden Schartner commented that she has seen a few anglers fishing the upper end of the White River which is not open for the season. Check the "County Portion" in the regulations to see which waters are open or closed. The White River up stream from the Pike River Bridge is closed until the regular trout season opens in May.
Douglas County - The very last remnants of ice are disappearing from area inland lakes in northern Douglas County. Waterfowl are returning to the area. Some sizable rafts of diving ducks have been observed on Alloueze Bay of Lake Superior. Lake Superior anglers have been capitalizing on early warm weather and ice out, producing some good catches of trout and salmon from along the south shore.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Sawyer County - People have been fishing redhorse for little over a week now with varied results. If there are a couple consecutive sunny days, the fish seem to be biting better. As usual, the redhorse prefer deeper pools in the river and a piece of night crawler or large worm is the best bait on a plain hook. The South Fork of the Flambeau seems to always produce fish earlier than the North Fork of the Flambeau or the Chippewa River. Redhorse fishing will pick up as the weather warms up. With pretty much all of the lakes in Sawyer County ice free, the walleye are just starting to poke around in the shallow water and have really not started an all out spawn yet. With most water temps in the very low 40s, the few fish in the shallows are mostly feeding and not spawning. This will also pick up as warmer air temperatures raise the water temperature. Spring beaver trappers are still out in force and will have a long season this year. With creeks and rivers typically not open until the first week or two into April, this year will add a couple weeks. Trappers are having to monitor traps often as water levels have dropped rapidly in most creeks and rivers, in some places dropping over a foot in a couple of days, leaving traps high and dry. Most trappers have resorted to using foot hold traps on a drowning cable as method of choice over the 330 body grip trap. Individuals using body grip traps typically are using them in narrow runs and creek narrows hoping to fill their otter tag or get a beaver. The first week or two after ice out is typically the best time to get the volume of spring beaver first starting to move. Since the creeks and rivers have been open now for several weeks and the water is dropping to the point of summer levels, the beaver activity seems to have really slowed down. Any beaver trappers with otter tags left unfilled still have the month of April to complete this task as well.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Polk County - Lakes in the southern portion of the county no longer have ice on them. People are fishing from shore and boats for early panfish, targeting crappies. Crappies caught from shore have been small. Turkeys have been out in fields during the day. Ducks and geese are stopping on lakes and ponds as they migrate north.
Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - A variety of migratory birds continue to come to Crex Meadows. Large flocks of ducks can be seen on Phantom Lake Flowage and Dike #6. Some Sandhill cranes have begun their mating dance rituals. At least two visible bald eagle nests are showing signs of incubation. Stop in at the visitor center, now open on weekends, for more detailed sightings and maps.
http://www.crexmeadows.org/Interstate Park - Summer hiking trails are open and generally dry. Lake O' the Dalles and the St. Croix River are ice free. Fishing on the river has been picking up. Bald eagles are active and can be easily viewed from numerous overlooks in the park. Eastern bluebirds have returned and can be spotted near the park entrance. Great blue herons are active in their rookery near the Camp Interstate Shelter. Skunk cabbage and hepatica are some of the early spring bloomers that have been observed on the Ravine Trail. Frogs are calling in wetland areas throughout the park. The north campground is open. Vault toilets are available in the campground, near the beach parking area, Camp Interstate Shelter and the River Bottoms picnic area. Water is available at the Ice Age Center, open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The south campground remains closed for the season, as are the flush toilets and the shower facility.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Vilas County - Lakes are free of ice and the spring fish run had started and walleyes were just starting to begin spawning, .but cooler weather has returned slowing spawning progress. The panfish bite has been slow, but with ice off some anglers have begun open water fishing with limited success. Suckers have also been running in some locations. Hard frost has had a detrimental effect on some vegetation, which had started to bud and even blossom. Turkeys are being seen in more areas and seemed to have wintered well.
Rhinelander DNR Service Center area
Oneida County - The early spring has people cleaning up yards and opening up cabins. Burning permits and a daily call-in are required as the woods are extremely dry. The early spring seems to have shortened the maple syrup season. Trees are budding out already and many syrup makers have expressed a concern that the season for gathering sap is already coming to an end. Fish are beginning to spawn, which is triggered by water temperature and length of day. Many boaters are out on the area lakes fishing for perch and crappie. Remember that game fish season is closed and fishers are only allowed to fish for panfish species prior to the general game fish season opener in May. There is no catch and release season for game fish prior to the general opener. Water temperatures are still in the 40s so wear your PFDs (life jackets) as hypothermia occurs quickly if one falls overboard. Wardens are also checking people out gathering mushrooms, trapping spring beaver and getting prepared for the spring turkey season. Remember to buy your 2012 licenses and stamps.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Langlade County - All the ice has been off for at least two weeks on area lakes and rivers. Walleyes are spawning and tribal spearing is ongoing. Some trees have buds but no leaves yet. Flocks of turkeys are breaking up and some gobbling can be heard in the morning.
Council Grounds State Park - All trails are open in the park. The docks are in at the boat landing. Thirty trumpeter swans were spotted on Lake Alexander. The waterfowl has slowed down but hooded mergansers, common mergansers, mallards, and Canadian geese can still be spotted on the river and on Lake Alexander.
Florence DNR at the Florence Natural Resource Center
Florence County - A variety of migrating waterfowl have been observed in the county including mallards, bufflehead, goldeneye, northern shovelers, and wood ducks. Several loons have also been sighted on area lakes. All lakes in the county are now open and fishing should be picking up for walleye on the boundary waters of the Brule and Menominee rivers (daily bag limit is one fish). The Pine River is also open for catch and release fishing of trout with artificial lures. Area forest roads are starting to dry out, but please use caution as some areas remain very wet and rough driving can become very expensive and time consuming to repair.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
The walleye run is in full swing with temperatures at the landings in the mid to upper 50s. There has been a fair amount of fishing pressure with both boaters and shore anglers. Large numbers of suckers are showing up on the Oconto and Peshtigo rivers.
Marinette County - The spring fish run has slowed a little over the past few days. With the cooler temperatures and windy conditions fishing activity has also dropped. Anglers are still having success from shore and from boats on the Menominee and Peshtigo rivers. Reports are indicating that most of the walleye have spawned, but a few female walleye were still being caught that were full of eggs. Spawning activities should be expected to end in the coming days. Along Lake Michigan, shore anglers and boaters were reporting fishing was slow at the Peshtigo Harbor with a few northern pike being caught and the occasional walleye. Walleye and suckers are thick at the Peshtigo dam, with most anglers using stick baits or jig heads and twister tails for walleye. Boaters at the mouth of the Menominee River have been jigging for walleye with good success, one boat reporting 20-plus walleyes were caught in a four hour period. Anglers from Stephenson Island to the Hattie Street bridge have been casting stick baits for walleye with most of the success coming early mornings and evenings. Turkey hunting is right around the corner and in northeastern Wisconsin turkeys have been seen fanned out in fields.
Oconto County - Shore anglers at Stiles dam are reporting large numbers of suckers being caught along with walleye and few nice northern pike. Stick baits and spoons have been working best. People at the J bridge have been catching walleye floating jigs tipped with minnows on the current seams. Susie's rapids was also producing some walleye and the occasional northern pike, with anglers mainly casting spoons and stick baits. Boaters out of Oconto Breakwater Park have been trolling for brown trout and northern pike with some success; spoons and stick baits have been the baits of choice
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Anglers have been trolling Green Bay with crank baits for walleye in 4 to 10 feet of water. The overall bite has been a little slow, but anglers have been successfully landing a few. Also anglers are incidentally catching a few northern pike, drum, and an occasional carp. Walleye fishing on the Fox River continues to be good with the spawn well under way. Most anglers have been either casting or trolling crank baits or jigging along the river channel for best success. Anglers casting crank baits by the dam have been catching some of the largest fish. Fishing has been best at night for most anglers with the bite slowing considerably during the day. Anglers jigging or trolling have been catching mainly smaller male walleyes in greater numbers. Boat anglers have been catching white bass and yellow perch as well. Shore anglers have also been catching walleye along Voyager Park with best success at night. They are also reporting catching a few catfish and drum.
Manitowoc County - The recent rains have brought the water levels of area rivers and creeks up a few inches and kept their water temperatures stable in the mid 50-degree range, except for the Manitowoc River, which is in the upper 50-degree range already. The high water temperatures along with a plateau in fishing success could indicate that steelhead won't be in tributaries much longer. Though anglers were still having some steelhead success with spawn sacs, in-line spinners, and small jigs. Area rivers have been giving up some decent catches of northern pike with some big fish present. The big lake has continued to produce brown trout for those trolling and also for pier anglers. The hot lures have been flashy spoons, spinners, and spawn sacks from piers. Trollers generally seem to be doing the best with spoons. Reports of decent catches are from areas around marinas and in water less than 25 deep, though action can be irregular. Wood frogs and spring peepers have been calling for about two weeks, and there are a lot of their egg sacs in the wetlands. Bluebirds have occupied nest boxes. Tom turkeys have been calling and strutting for a few weeks now.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Potawatomi State Park - A few morels have been found in the park within the past week. The return of more moderate temperatures has slowed down leafing out of trees. Strong winds this week did not bring any rain to the area, so conditions are dry for this time of the year.
Kewaunee County - Strong numbers of steelhead are still being caught on the Lake Michigan tributaries in Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties. Top spots include the East Twin River downstream from the dam in Mishicot, the West Twin River below the dam in Shoto, and the Kewaunee River. Some of the smaller tributaries are getting good numbers of fish with less fishing pressure. Anglers are indicating they are seeing more spawned out females and believe the run is beginning to wind down. The sucker run is picking up with good success from local dip netters.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
The annual walleye run is well on its way a full month early. Anglers were picking up spawned out females and males on the trip back to Lake Winnebago. White bass are being caught already on the Wolf River a month and a half before the normal fish run. The Wolf River sturgeon run may be winding down with fish showing up at the Shawano dam already. Spring is in full bloom with daffodils and tulips opening many trees are leafing out. With the warm weather, mosquitoes and wood ticks are also out hunting for victims. Turkey hunters are going to want to be extra vigilant in the woods since the early leaf out will obstruct vision and may conceal other hunters in the woods. Remember to call out to another hunter don't just wave. The movement may be what causes the hunter to shoot. Remember to wear some orange when you move into and out of stands.
Green Lake County - Sturgeon were spawning in Princeton with water temps in the river around 60 degrees. Walleye anglers were having success on Lake Puckaway casting small spoons and spinner baits. Walleye fishing has been slow on the Fox River near Berlin, but this may get better this week. Panfish were moving into the shallow bays on Big Green Lake.
Waupaca County - The Wolf River walleye run is coming to an end. Sturgeon are actively spawning and some white bass were being caught. Some anglers have had success catching crappies on the Chain O Lakes. Anglers have been finding crappies in about 5 feet of water near structure. Anglers have reported good success so far during the early catch and release trout season. Some early migrants have been seen this past week, including tree swallows and eastern phoebe in the Waupaca area. A few kayakers have been out during the warmer days. The annual Learn to Turkey Hunt in Waupaca was a success and the weather cooperated. In total, there were 19 participants and 11 birds are harvested.
Waushara County - Ice long gone on area water bodies. Walleyes are about done spawning; sturgeon are spawning but have been slowed by colder temps. Leaves are popping and ground vegetation is greening rapidly. Even with the slightly cooler weather and recent rain, temperatures have still been above average and vegetation growth is about a month ahead of normal. Turkeys are actively displaying. Cranes, swans and other waterfowl are scattered throughout the area. Cranes are displaying mating activity. Flocks of flickers are here. Phoebes, blue and green herons, house sparrows, tree swallows, vultures, bluebirds, cowbirds, grackles, starlings, woodcock, wood ducks are all back. Lots of waterfowl around, Poygan Wildlife Area is loaded with widgeon. A few bats were noted on warmer evenings for over a week now. Spring peepers are peeping. Chipmunks are out now. Some of the early wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Some fruit trees are blossoming, including cherries and crab apples. No state-run prescribed fires have taken place yet as conditions have not cooperated. There has been a large number of muskrats killed on highway 21, just east of highway 49. They are coming form private property. This is not public land as many think.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Winnebago County - Temperatures are beginning to become more normal for March and April. With the warmer temperatures, early the walleye run on the Wolf River and throughout the Lake Winnebago System came early and fast. Female walleyes are not spent of eggs and the walleyes have begun making their way back to the lakes. The run came very fast and the prime spawning activity lasted just a couple days. Anglers continue to see success throughout the Winnebago system and anglers are beginning to pick up walleyes on Lake Winnebago itself. Sturgeon spawning activity continues on the Wolf River and on the Fox River near Eureka. Numerous sturgeon have been observed at the Eureka Dam. Every year there are a stock of sturgeon that run up the Fox River towards Berlin and return to this location to spawn in future years.
Wolf River Sturgeon Spawning Report - March 28
Slow, but nonetheless a very successful day today?crews did not tag a lot of fish, but we were able to capture and tag some fish at a very nice spawning site on private property north of Leeman where fish have only been tagged perhaps once or twice before. They also tagged a few fish at the Pines where they have worked the past two days as the spawning activity (at least for now) is winding down at this site. Spawning activity did significantly increase at a site upstream of Highway 156, also on private property. Crews did not tag fish at this site though, so a University of Wisconsin Madison researcher could work to record the sounds the males make during their spawning bouts. UW and DNR are working together on a special project to record and analyze the sounds males make while they are releasing sperm during spawning bouts with females. The sounds are very similar to a grouse drumming. From preliminary sound recordings made last spring, researchers found that the sound is very low frequency almost too low for humans to hear. People may feel the sound more than hear it when near a lake sturgeon spawning group. The management application from this work will be to help biologists possibly be able to document lake sturgeon spawning is occurring without even seeing the fish. One of the outcomes from the work beyond describing the sound is to describe the equipment needed to hear or record the sound. The males only make this sound when they are spawning with ovulating females - so if a biologist can document the sound, they know they have spawning lake sturgeon. This is especially important for programs attempting to restore naturally reproducing sturgeon populations that take decades to build up enough adults from stocking before they can be seen during the spawning season.
DNR Southeast Region
Milwaukee DNR Service Center area
The steelhead and brown trout fishing in Lake Michigan has been pretty good off of Oak Creek. Those catching good numbers of fish have been surface trolling spoons.
Havenwoods State Forest - With bloodroot blooming and other woodland wildflowers up and getting ready to bloom, ?spring? is almost a month early at Havenwoods. Some birds are arriving on or before the earliest times recorded in the last 30 years. Sandhill cranes, turkey vultures, tree swallows, flickers, and meadowlarks are among the birds back in town. The warm weather has also brought many people into the forest to exercise. Remember that bikes are permitted on the limestone roads only. A trail map marked with the lengths of trail segments [http://friendsofhavenwoods.org/PDF_files/trail-map-trail%20segments.pdf] allows visitors to create a custom-length trail for walking, jogging, or running. This map also shows on which trails dogs are permitted. Trails are in good condition for this time of year with only a few low, wet spots.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - Visitors to the Forest should be on the lookout for pasque flowers, round-lobed hepatica, and bloodroot. May apples and prairie smoke is above ground, but not yet blooming. Be on the lookout for Dutchman's breeches, which is also starting to flower in some areas. The Ottawa Lake Campground is open and has been a busy place the past few weekends. It is all first come-first serve this month, but there should be plenty of sites available. The first morel mushroom hunter of the year stopped in at the Forest Headquarters and reported that it would still be a week or two before anything is big enough to pick. The early arrival of spring has moved up the annual Spring Wildflower Walks. The first walk will be this Saturday, March 31. Meet at the Forest Headquarters at 10 a.m. Conservation Biologist Tim Peters will lead a caravan of cars to the best display of wildflowers in the area. The hike will last 30-45 minutes, not including drive time. These hikes will continue every Saturday through the middle of May.
Lakeshore State Park - Brown and rainbow trout are hitting spoons and other baits. Fishing has been heavy at the south end of the park behind the Marcus amphitheater over the last few weeks. The prairie smoke plants started blooming last week. Many other plants are starting to green up in the unseasonably warm spring weather. Crews have mowed the prairie demonstration gardens on the north end of the park to make way for the early spring flowers. Bird watching continues to be good with white-winged scoters, ruddy ducks, harlequin ducks, red-breasted mergansers and horned grebes present and all seen at close range at Lakeshore and behind the Art Museum to the north. As usual, both gray and red fox are present and active. All park trails are open and in good condition. The Summerfest trail loop is open on the north end, but closed south due to construction. The south entrance from the road to the island is currently under construction, but pedestrian access is open. The Marina remains closed for the season.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan boaters have had decent catches of brown trout and a few lake trout on a variety of crank baits. Blue, green, and orange colors have all been productive. Boaters remained near shore, concentrating in water less than 20 feet deep. Shore anglers fishing the south pier have been catching some brown trout on green & silver or gold spoons and on shiners. Sheboygan River anglers have been catching steelhead on flies near the Kohler dam, and a few northern pike and suckers have been caught as well. Recent rains have left the river high and muddy with an average water temperature of 54 degrees. The Pigeon River has had few steelheaders present, but anglers have been netting suckers of the Lakeshore Bridge.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, boaters have been catching limits of brown trout using minnows and spoons. Anglers fishing off the pier have been taking good numbers of browns and occasional rainbows on shiners, silver or green & silver spoons, and spawn. Near the power plant, shore anglers have been catching browns and a few rainbows on spawn sacs and shiners. Sauk Creek is high and muddy after rainfall on Friday.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, brown trout were being caught in the harbor and between the gaps with crank baits and on various colors of spoons including sliver and green. A few coho and lake trout were also being picked up with similar presentations. Boats fishing out of Bender Park have been catching some browns and a few coho on spoons, crank baits and flies. The shoreline along Summerfest is producing browns and some rainbows with the most successful presentations focusing on minnows and spawn sacs, with a few additional fish being caught on spoons. A few perch were also being caught on live bait as well. Browns and a few rainbows were being caught at Jones Island on minnows and spawn sacs, but success has varied day to day. On the Milwaukee River, heavy rainfall on Friday has the river running fast and dirty. Rainbows have been caught up at Kletzsch Park on flies and spawn sacs, but not as many as have been caught in the past few weeks. A few bass and northern pike have been caught near Estabrook Park as well. On the Menomonee River anglers in large numbers at Miller Park were still catching rainbows around the stadium, but success has decreased in recent days. Most anglers had the greatest success near the bridges with flies. Additionally a few northern pike were caught in the same area while anglers were targeting rainbows. Water temperatures readings were approximately 56-58 degrees on both the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers. On Oak Creek, rainbows continue to move up with flies producing most of the fish, but spawn sacs could also be successful.
Racine County - In Racine, browns and coho have been caught on the east side of the harbor on spoons of various colors, with blue being the most productive. Minnows rigged up on a slip bobber also picked up fish throughout the day. On the Root River, dirty water and increasing flow rates brought about from the recent rainfall did not deter anglers from fishing the river in large numbers, but success rates have decreased from previous days. Small flies and floating spawn sacs have had the greatest success. Also, fishing farther upstream still seemed to lead to more successful trips. Water temperatures in the river were recorded around 56-58 degrees. DNR crews processed steelhead at the Root River Steelhead Facility on Tuesday, March 20. Eggs were collected from both Chambers Creek and Ganaraska strains, and a total of 109 steelhead were processed with 62 of those passed upstream. The next fish processing days are scheduled for Monday, March 26 and Monday, April 2.
Plymouth DNR Service Center area
DNR burn crews will be continuing prescribed burns on Theresa Marsh, Allenton Marsh, Jackson Marsh, the Pike Lake and Northern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and on other state and private ownerships in the area. Some burns are being done earlier than anticipated this year due to an earlier green-up. The floating boat ramps at the Theresa Marsh dam were re-installed last week, allowing canoes and small boats to cross through the dam. The ramps will be raised again next fall before freeze-up. The bottom flow gate at the dam has been open one foot or more for the past few weeks to allow for northern pike spawning, and will be closed sometime during the next few days. The marsh will be held slightly below "full pool" for most of spring and summer. A few migratory Canada geese were still in the area on their way to Canada. The nesting season has begun for the local giant Canada geese.
Waukesha DNR Service Center area
Waukesha County - Panfish action has been picking up on the bigger lakes in Waukesha County. Fisheries samples are showing that walleyes are in the shallows, but have not spawned yet. Muskies and northern pike are done for the most part. Early season trout anglers are taking advantage of the warm temperatures in south eastern Wisconsin. Early season trout anglers are reminded that the season is catch-and-release only and anglers must use artificial lures while fishing for any species on trout streams. People are also reminded that the 2012 Annual Spring Fish and Wildlife Hearing will be held on Monday April 9, 2012 at 7:00 PM. In Waukesha County the hearing will be held at the Richard T. Anderson Education Center at Waukesha County Technical College.
Sturtevant DNR Service Center area
Kenosha County - Fishing activity has picked up considerably in the last two weeks. With the unseasonably warm March temperatures, anglers have reported having good luck on crappies in shallower water and at the mouths of channels. Early morning and evening bites have been best. Catfish have also been active in the evenings, with anglers most commonly using fathead minnows or night crawlers. Anglers are reminded the game fish season does not open until Saturday, May 5, 2012 on most inland waters. During this time, it is illegal to pursue game fish species (even if catch and release fishing).
Racine County - Fishing activity is in full swing in the eastern portion of the county. The Root River is stacked with rainbow trout and anglers have been very successful at catching these fish. White suckers have been right with the rainbows as usual and are fun to catch if nothing else. With all of the warm weather northern pike have moved up to the Waterford and Rochester dams with some anglers having success. Crappies and some white bass have also been caught at the Rochester Dam. Area lakes have been slow for any panfish west of I-94 in Racine County. The Urban Ponds are also being stocked with the trout and are only open to youth and disabled anglers for a couple weeks yet. This is a great chance to take your kids for a little fishing trip.
Walworth County - A Walworth County Chapter of Walleyes for Tomorrow was formed in January 2012. The walleye wagon has been placed in the Abbey Harbor in Fontana Wisconsin. They have plans of collecting eggs sometime in the next couple of days. Walleye activity is increasing on the lake and the club is setting out test nets on Thursday March 29 to see if the females are ripe. If all goes well they will have eggs in the incubator by this weekend.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - With the past couple of weeks of un-seasonably warm weather, the largemouth bass fishing has increased everywhere. Anglers were catching bass in many locations on the Mississippi River including Potosi Point, the Cassville Lock and Dam #10 spillway, the Platte River railroad bridge. Many bass 15-17 inches have been caught, with many undersized bass sized 12-13 inches caught and released. This early year bass fishing has provided great fishing opportunity for the youth anglers having easy access and few casting obstructions at the Potosi Point public boat landing. Anglers were also catching yellow perch and bluegills at O Leary Lake below lock and Dam #11 near Dubuque, as well as below the Cassville Spillway. This past weekend an 18-year-old Dubuque high school student fishing from shore, landed an Iowa state record yellow perch from the Mississippi River pool 12. The 16-inch, 2-pound 7-ounce fish broke the previous record by one inch and one ounce. Turkey hunters have noted that the recent warm temperatures caused an early season emergence of woody vegetation, which will provide more concealment for the upcoming turkey seasons.
Green County - The sucker run is in full swing and the water is heating up fast. Some areas are already seeing temps in the 60s.
Iowa County - Despite the recent cool down (return to "normal"?) flora and fauna are still very active. The warm weather has things about three to four weeks ahead of schedule. Northern pike have already spawned and walleyes are getting close to starting. Chorus frogs and spring peepers had been very active, but quieted down with the cool spell. They should become active again with the forecasted warm up. Toads have been very vocal in recent days. Hikers and woods goers may see salamanders emerging now as well. Painted turtles can be seen sunning themselves on rocks or logs. Many of the birds have arrived or are still showing up. Those that are here are in full breeding mode: setting up territories and defending them. Some of the first female red-winged blackbirds may be here soon or have just arrived. Canada geese have been paired up and may start nesting soon. The large flocks of winter turkeys have busted up and dispersed into their smaller breeding flocks and turkeys have been heard gobbling within the last week. Woodcock have been peenting for the last two weeks. Many of our predator species are in burrows now getting ready to give birth (coyote pups are typically born the second week of April, while red fox pups may already be here). Many of the prairie grasses and flowers are coming up, and pasque flowers have been blooming for the last week. Early spring flowers in the woods such as hepatica, bloodroot, and spring beauty's are blooming as well. A few bucks are still carrying their antlers, but shed hunters will have tough going with the green-up.
Richland County - Last week, the skunk cabbage and marsh marigolds were blooming at Willow Creek. Dutchman's britches, bloodroot and hepatica were blooming. The hillsides are green with emerging buds and leaves on oaks, maples, birch and willow. Chorus frogs and spring peepers have been calling for over a week. Turtles, snakes and bats were out last week, too.
Wyalusing State Park - The camping season has started. Last weekend the park had 13 campers on Friday night and 17 campers on Saturday night. The forecast for this weekend calls for an 40 percent chance of showers Friday and thunderstorms with a high near 61 and a low around 44 degrees. Saturday?s forecast calls for mostly sunny with a high near 67 degrees and a slight chance of showers in the evening with a low of 51 degrees. Sunday should be mostly sunny with a high near 78 degrees. Sounds like another perfect weekend for early spring campers. Recent spring migrant arrivals include: belted kingfishers, phoebes, meadowlarks, tree sparrows, fox sparrows, killdeer, tree swallows, phoebes, fox sparrows, bluebirds, and woodcock. Bird sightings at the park office feeder include: blue jays, cardinals, gold finches, mourning doves, red-bellied woodpeckers, and downy woodpeckers. Flowers in bloom include: wood anemone, bloodroot, hepatica, spring beauty, Dutchmens? Britches, cut leaf tooth wort, violets, rue anemone. May apples and columbine are up, but not yet blooming. Morel mushrooms have been found in Crawford County. There have not been any ?shroomers? in Wyalusing State Park yet or any found in the park. Local businesses have been advertising in area news papers for morels to buy for resale. So that must mean that the morel mushroom season has started or is about to start.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The warm weather has sent a large number of the migrant geese on their way to cooler locations. Local giants have remained and are paired up as are the ducks. Vegetation is about a month ahead of its normal schedule with trees budding and some spring flowers starting to bloom. Anglers are having good success on catfish on area lakes and mixed results on walleye, northern pike and panfish on area rivers. People are reminded that snagging is illegal and ANY fish not hooked in the mouth must be returned to the waters live.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Columbia County - Walleye spawning is about complete on the Wisconsin River with many fish showing back up in Lake Wisconsin (fishery crew caught and marked numerous walleye below Wisconsin Dells dam). Turkeys have broken up from their over winter flocks. Many fruit trees have begun to leaf out and many people have had to mow their yards at least once so far. Sandhill cranes, ducks, and geese are back in force staking out their nesting areas. A killdeer was displaying nesting activity and a red shouldered hawk was heard calling at Pine Island Wildlife Area this week. A violet was spotted near Poynette in bloom this week, as well as other early spring bloomers. May apple and geranium are already sprouting in the woods. Wildlife crews continue to conduct prescribed burns while the opportunity lasts, as everything is greening up quickly. Be alert that some wildlife areas in Columbia and Sauk counties will be conducting turkey Learn to Hunt programs this weekend.
Dane County - Turkey vultures have been seen circling over the Capital City bike path.
Jefferson County - Turtles are emerging from ponds and small creeks. Painted turtles are most commonly seen right now sunning themselves above the water line. Be on the look out for Blanding?s turtles as well. The Blanding?s turtle is most easily recognized by its dome shaped shell and bright yellow throat. Many residents have seen Bluebirds in the area near nesting boxes.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - Anglers have been taking advantage of the warm weather and biting fish at the local dams. Many northern pike, walleye, and crappie were being caught at those locations. A few catfish, white bass and bluegill were also being located by anglers in Rock County waters. Anglers are reminded that the Rock River is the only water that is open for attempting to catch game fish until the first Saturday in May.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Trails remain generally soft and relatively dry although rain was falling Monday morning. Please do not use any trail marked ?Closed.? Erosion will start if people hike those trails in warm weather. A largemouth bass weighting more than 5.5 pounds was caught and released last week by the DNR fisheries crew. They reported good panfish numbers and sizes, plus the usual on perch, lots of them and small. The warm weather had brought out the ticks, but the recent cool down has shut down the frog calling. The most recent bird sighting list is posted at the office and outside on the bulletin board. Construction has started on the turning lanes at the entrance to the park.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Turkeys have been observed gobbling and strutting all around La Crosse and Vernon counties. Morel mushroom hunters are already out, but having very little luck. The walleye bite is slow on the Mississippi River; however, there is some good perch and bluegill action on the Black River and Lake Onalaska. There were also northern pike being caught. Trout were being caught on Timber Coulee and Elk Creek. Sandhill cranes were spotted in the area. Leaves are budding out.
Vernon County - As water temperatures in ponds, lakes, and marshes reach 50 degrees -- if they have not already -- frogs and toads will begin calling. Like male songbirds, male frogs and toads announce their presence to females by singing or calling. Also like birds, each species of frog and toad has a unique call. Unlike the 100s of songbird species that occur in Wisconsin, there are only 11 species of frogs and one species of toad in Wisconsin. Because frogs and toads are amphibians, they require water for breeding and have specific breeding habitat preferences, just as birds have preferred breeding habitats. Some breed in woodland pools, some in spring seeps, and others in cattail marshes. Frog and toad eggs, which are laid in water, hatch into tadpoles and metamorphose into adult frogs or toads. Wood frogs are the first frog to call in the spring, from late March to mid-April. Their squawking duck-like call is soon followed by that of spring peepers and chorus frogs. Toads usually begin calling or trilling in late April or early May, but with the prevailing warm and early spring conditions, look for these timelines to advance by several weeks.
Perrot State Park - Pasque flower, anemones, blood root, dutchman's breeches, wild cherries, serviceberry, and many of our trees are in full bloom! Mosquitoes are out and about and ticks are incredibly prolific, but a walk to a bluff-top prairie is a great way to get in shape for summer. Frogs are calling and hopping about, snakes are emerging and turtles are seeking nesting spots. Hummingbirds are here, along with many waterfowl and songbirds. The 80 degree days have really moved things along.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Unusually warm weather has resulted in great early season camping. Tree buds are popping almost a month early and spring ephemerals will also come early this year. Now is a great time to visit the forest and enjoy some early season camping and hiking without the insects. All-terrain Vehicle trails are closed for the season. Trails will reopen for the summer season on May 15.
Jackson County - The ATV trails in Jackson County remain closed until mid-May. ATVers looking for a pleasant spring ride should consider the Buffalo River State Trail, which crosses northern Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, and southern Eau Claire counties. The Buffalo River State Trail is open for ATV riding year round.
Trempealeau County - With water levels falling in the streams, the early catch and release trout season is in full swing. Anglers were reporting good results with wet flies. Although the streams and rivers in Trempealeau and Jackson counties are open for the early season, anglers are reminded that trout fishing in the ponds and lakes in both counties remains closed until the general fishing opener in May. Anglers on the Mississippi River are reporting that perch fishing has been good, and that the walleye and bass action has been spotty. Boaters who are looking to do some wildlife watching should check out the backwaters, which are holding large flocks of many varieties of ducks.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Chippewa County - Many families have been taking advantage of the pleasant weather to do some sucker fishing. As an added bonus, they have been catching a lot of fish as well. Anglers and boaters are anxious to get on the water giving local marinas an early boost to their busy season.
Eau Claire County - With the warm weather fish runs are way ahead of schedule. DNR fisheries staff are running a survey on the Eau Claire River and found that suckers are running and perch and walleye are in spawning locations already. Anglers are starting to catch perch and suckers in places that they normally catch fish in mid April. Turkeys are definitely spreading out and now is a good time to start scouting for spring turkey hunting. Things are starting to green up but people need to be careful if they decide to have a camp fire to make sure they don't cause a forest fire.
Wausau DNR Service Center area
Marathon County - The cooler temperatures seem to have slowed the walleye bite on the Wisconsin River. Fish are still being caught, but in significantly smaller numbers. Anglers are reporting that males are milting but that females are still with eggs and hard bellies. Crappies are starting to bite more consistently. Suckers were running in full force on the Big Eau Pleine River last week and over the weekend, but also have slowed with the cooler temperatures. Turkeys are very active in fields strutting and displaying. Gobbles can be heard in the early mornings as Toms are assembling and chasing hens.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Wood County - The spring walleye run is in full swing on the Wisconsin River below the Nekoosa Dam to the Petenwell Flowage. Anglers were having success from shore and boats, As a reminder, on the Wisconsin River (including all sloughs, bayous, and flowages upstream to the first dam or highway bridge) in Wood County motor trolling is permitted. The minimum length limit on muskellunge is 45 inches. The minimum length limit on northern pike is 32 inches with a daily bag limit of one. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit on walleye and sauger, but fish from 20 through 28 inches may not be kept and only one fish over 28 inches is allowed.
Buckhorn State Park - Visitors were out enjoying the weather this past weekend hiking, boating and fishing. Boat launches have been popular lately with the lake level up close to normal. There are no additional launch fees, but all vehicles using the launches or parked in the parking lot must have a state park admission sticker. The accessible fishing pier and boat boarding piers will be put in by mid April. We are looking for camp hosts for June. Contact the park at 608-565-2789 if interested.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate remains closed and parking is available in the winter lot on Czech Ave, park stickers are required to park there. The stairway up the bluff is still closed and will remain closed during the construction and until all work and safety inspections are completed.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT STATE PARKS, FORESTS, AND TRAILS
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Check with the park or forest of your choice for additional activities and special events not listed. Most events are free of charge; park admission sticker required unless otherwise noted. Events and times subject to change.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 - Drop in on Frogs. Spring is around the corner and soon the sound of frogs will fill the night air. Drop in the nature center and participate in some activities all about frogs and toads. 10 a.m. ? 3 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 - Weekly Wildflower Walk. Take a spring walk through the Kettle Moraine State Forest and view the blooming wildflowers. The weekly walks are held every Saturday from March 31 to mid-May (flower dependent). Walks begin at the Forest Headquarters, but be prepared to drive to wherever the flowers are blooming. Forest Headquarters: S91 W39091 Highway 59, Eagle, WI. Meet at 10 a.m.
? New Glarus Wood State Park, New Glarus, 608-527-2335 - Night Hike and Owl Talk. Supported by The Friends of New Glarus Woods State Park. Evening.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 262-878-5600 - Willow Trellis Workshop. Cut native willow then construct a beautiful garden trellis. Please pre-pay by calling 262-878-5600, fee is $20. Meet at Shelter #1 but be prepared to drive. Dress for the weather, program will probably be outside. Waterproof boots are helpful but not necessary. 9-11 a.m. Learn To Fish Workshop. Join angler education instructor Reid Urban to learn to fish. Training will consist of an hour lecture and an hour workshop each day and includes actual fishing. 1:30-3:30 p.m. You must sign up in advance by February 29, 2012. Send an email to Reid Urban, call 262-902-4371, or download a registration form at the Scheduled Fishing Clinics website.
Monday, April 2, 2012
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 - Spring into Fitness! This is a two month series of weekly walks in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest from April 2 to May 28. Meet at 5 p.m. at a different location each Monday for a 2-3 mile hike. April 2: We will be hiking just over 3 miles on the Ice Age Trail. The trail is easy with a few rolling hills. This is an out and back trail. Meet at the start of the Ice Age Trail at the forest headquarters parking lot. 5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 - Boom! Bang! Thunder. Do you like storms? Listen to the raindrops fall and the wind blow. Come to Havenwoods to create a thunderstorm and discover the magic. Preschool storytimes are for children ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. 9:30 ? 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-854-5976 - Nipissing Shore Hike: 1 - 2 p.m. Meet at Nature Center. Discover Peninsula geology on 1.5 mile walk along an ancient shoreline dating back 5,000 years. Tree identification, too. Counts towards Like to Hike. Rolling terrain.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 262-878-5600 - Braided Denim Rugs. Learn the pioneer technique of making braided rugs from rags. You'll learn material prep, construction and take home a finished chair pad-sized project. Discover a new way to keep those old jeans out of the landfill. Please pre-register and pre-pay by calling 262-878-5600. Helpful to have strong hands. All materials supplied. Fee is $20. Meet at the Visitor Center. 6-9 p.m.
