WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 13, 2008
While most of southern and central Wisconsin began experiencing some truly spring like conditions this week, winter was holding on in northern Wisconsin, which received anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of wet, heavy snow this week. Despite the warm up, snowmobile and cross country ski conditions were still being reported as fair to good in about the northern third of the state as of early this week in the Department of Tourism snow conditions report. But with warm weather in the forecast, conditions could begin to deteriorate rapidly, so it is best call ahead to destinations for updates.
Lakes throughout the state still have good ice cover, with more than 18 inches of ice being reported on many lakes. But as creeks and rivers have begun flowing, ice near inlets and outlets of lakes will be deteriorating very quickly. The last deadline for removing ice fishing shanties comes this Sunday, when shanties must be removed from all northern lakes as well as the waters of Green Bay. Ice anglers can continue to use portable shelters as long as they are removed each day.
Ice anglers have been picking up some panfish. The upcoming thaw should stimulate some good late season action. Oxygen levels were dipping pretty low on some lakes. A thaw should help elevate oxygen levels. Perch continued to be caught on Green Bay at several locations, and whitefish action has also been going strong over the last week with some limits caught.
The Fox River is starting to break up at DePere, but there were still a few ice anglers venturing out on to the ice for walleye. The upper Rock and Crawfish rivers have open water in many locations. Trout streams in the south are open and running at peak flows with the recent snowmelt. Ice is now breaking up in slower moving stretches of Lake Michigan tributaries and there should be more open water and steelheading opportunities by the weekend. The Menomonee River at Miller Park is free of ice, and flows are good for drift fishing. Oak Creek and the Root River are ice free in most areas and good numbers of brown trout and steelhead have been caught. The Pike River in Kenosha is open in stretches with some steelhead reported. In Milwaukee, open water was found all the way out to the harbor and shore anglers have been catching a few brown trout.
This week’s warm daytime temperatures and cool evening temperatures initiated the maple sap run in northern Wisconsin. Predicted cooler temperatures later this week may slow down the process. This time of year is a good time to think about pruning trees and bushes. Any pruning of oak trees should be completed before mid April to avoid the possibility of exposing them to oak wilt disease.
A few male wild turkeys have been seen strutting and displaying. While these behaviors are signs of the impending breeding season, there is still a ways to go before breeding actually begins. Fox and gray squirrels have taken advantage of warming weather and lengthening days by feeding furiously on acorns and other nuts and seeds that have remained buried under the snow all winter.
The onset of spring was most apparent in southern Wisconsin with early migratory birds showing up in good numbers in many locations this week. Flocks of sandhill cranes were reported, along with the return of red-winged black birds, grackles and robins. There has been an early influx of geese, including some snow geese and Ross' geese. The first real movement of bald eagles along the Mississippi River also began with warm weather.
And a reminder that hunting and fishing licenses for the current season expire at the end of this month; licenses for the 2008-09 seasons are now on sale through the DNR Web site, at DNR service centers and at license sales outlets.
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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.
Statewide Birding Report
The spring migration is underway and there have been lots of new bird arrivals in the last week. Sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, some grackles and robins have all been reported in southern Wisconsin. There has been an early influx of geese, including some snow geese and Ross' geese. The first real movement of bald eagles along the Mississippi River also began with warm weather. Next week should bring more migrants, singing bluebirds and the first meadowlarks.
DNR Northern Region
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Warm weather is creeping in slowly to the Lakeland area which is deteriorating both the snowmobile and ski trails. Ice depths on area lakes are still significant but, again individual lake situations should be checked before venturing out onto the ice. As of March 16 all ice shelters need to be removed from the ice on a daily basis. Numerous bald eagles have returned to the area and can be seen catching the air currents near any open water. The Spring Fish and Game hearings will be conducted in each county on Monday April 14, beginning at 7 p.m. This week’s warm daytime temperatures and cool evening temperatures initiated the maple sap run. Predicted cooler temperatures later this week may slow down the process. This time of year is a good time to think about pruning trees and bushes on your property. Not only is it easier to access the trees, but also, with the leaves off, it is easier to view branch structure in order to make proper pruning decisions. In addition, there are fewer insect and disease problems to deal with at this time of year. Now is a good time for anglers to be checking their fishing gear and preparing their equipment and boats for the upcoming opener of fishing season on May 3. Remember to update licenses and consider enrollment in boater safety courses for your kids. You also might want to consider enrolling in a boater safety course for yourself in order to refresh your memory and reacquaint yourself with the current regulations and safety procedures. Licenses for the 2008-09 seasons are now on sale.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Due to the recent warm weather the ski trails are in poor condition. About a dozen Mallards were seen below the dam.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Snow levels are slowly shrinking back particularly where the sun hits. Icy patches on roadways still are present in the northern part of the county. The Middle Inlet Creek and other smaller waterways are showing early signs of thawing as melt-off from smaller creeks add to the water flow. Ice fishing shelters must be removed by the end of the day, Sunday, March 16 on inland waters north of Highway 64 and Green Bay waters.
Oconto County - Panfishing is picking up on all inland lakes - be aware of old drilled holes on the lakes as some are quite wide to slip into. Ice shacks should all be off after this weekend. Snowmobile trails are still in very good condition. We just received 3-4 inches more. Ice fishing has been slow off Oconto but should be picking up soon. A few brown trout were being caught below Stiles Dam on the Oconto River near Hwy 141 but action has been slow and the banks getting to and from the river are quite slippery. Northern pike action on the bay has been slow but should pick up with the melting snow flowing out of the feeder creeks. A good bet is to set in front of one of these creeks in 2 to 3 feet of water.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Perch fishing continued to be good out of Ern Joys launch. Most people were fishing in 30 to 40 feet of water. Minnows seemed to be the ticket for the perch. Whitefish have also been going strong over the last week with some limits caught. Most people were catching the whitefish while jigging for perch. The Fox River is starting to break up at DePere, but there were still a few ice anglers venturing out on to the ice for walleye. The action has not been too bad with numbers of walleyes being iced. In Voyager Park people have been casting cranks at night with some success. At Sturgeon Bay, action has been somewhat slow lately with a few perch getting caught by Potawatomi State Park. There have been numbers of people fishing for pike and walleye, with limited numbers of fish being caught. Perch action continued to be the main draw to Little Sturgeon Bay. Fish were being caught out in front of Clafins. Some people were also getting a few pike. Just south of Little Sturgeon off of Lime Kiln Road people are getting good numbers of whitefish. Most anglers were jigging for them. People were also getting a few perch out in deeper water.
Potawatomi State Park - As of March 11, ski trails were still in very good condition. The snowmobile trails were also still open.
DNR Southeast Region
Three sandhill cranes were seen flying through Sheboygan County earlier this week, and a female rose-breasted grosbeak was seen visiting a bird feeder on Sunday.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Lapham Peak Unit – As of March 11, ski conditions were better on the upper trails than on the lower lighted loop. South Field on the lighted loop is now ice covered, with ice also appearing at the foot of Big Slide and on Two-Tier. Conditions will continue to deteriorate with the arrival of warm weather. The man-made snow loop is holding up well and will be groomed again when temps drop below freezing. The trail is not groomed when temps are above freezing because it would cause the snow to rapidly turn to ice on refreezing. Skiers can avoid South Field by taking the shortcut to the left shortly after the manmade loop After Wednesday, it is likely that only the man-made snow section will be lit.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Warm weather is starting to break up the ice in slower moving stretches of local tributaries. Look for more open water and steelheading opportunities by the weekend.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, open water can be found in the inner harbor and all the way out to the harbor. Shore anglers fishing at the MMSD office building have been catching a few browns on shiners and spoons. The Menomonee River at Miller Park is free of ice, and flows are good for drift fishing. Oak Creek is also open and fishable.
Racine County - In Racine the Root River is ice free in most areas upstream of Lincoln Park. Good numbers of brown trout and steelhead have been caught in Lincoln and Colonial Parks. Drifting spawn sacs or skein through the slow, deep holes has produced the most fish. Fly fishing has not been very productive.
Kenosha County - The Pike River in Kenosha is open in stretches. Steelhead have been spotted in the Petrifying Springs Park area. In the harbor, open water can be found near the Holiday Inn, and there should be brown trout in the area. Tube jigs tipped with wax worms or spawn sacs generally work well in the harbor.
Inland fisheries team report
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Anglers are picking up some panfish on area waters. The upcoming thaw should stimulate some good late season action. Oxygen levels were dipping pretty low on Lake Seven in Sheboygan County and Random Lake. There was no imminent threat of winterkill but, it was getting close. A thaw should help elevate oxygen levels. Oxygen levels are highest just under the ice and may be near zero below 15' on some lakes at this time of year. The Onion River is open but, may be flooding after the significant snow melt. Good action may be possible as water levels go down.
Waukesha County - Trout streams are open and running at peak flows with the recent snowmelt. The early catch and release season runs until April 27. Only artificial baits with barbless hooks are allowed. All streams in Waukesha county are open for the catch and release season. Crappies are biting on Nagawicka and Nemahbin. Try crappie minnows or jigs with waxies suspended in 15-25 feet of water. All Waukesha county game fish seasons are closed for inland lakes until May 5.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park – Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 7.9 feet March 11, the same as the previous day. Cross-country ski trails were still in good skiing condition last weekend, but conditions will most likely deteriorate because of the expected temperatures in the 40s for the remainder of this week. Visitors can hike Sugar Maple Nature Trail to Pictured Rock Cave and view the frozen waterfall. Sugar Maple Nature Trail is open to Pictured Rock Cave. Hiking trails remain snow and ice covered. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is now open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout. Park bird feeders continue to be constant source of activity. Cardinals frequent the feeders throughout the day, but dozens can be seen right before dark. Cardinals are the first birds at the feeders in the morning and the last to leave in the evening. Sightings at or near the feeders include: red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, bluejays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, gold finches, mourning doves, tree sparrows, rooster pheasant, and crows. Bald eagles are renovating their nests. Listen for woodpeckers drumming to announce their territory. Cardinals are whistling every morning. All of these are signs that spring is on the way.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County – As of March 11, the Dodge County ATV trail on the Wild Goose Trail was closed. The warmer temperatures may make the trail surface vulnerable to damage from riding. Dodge County snowmobile trails also remain closed. Call the 24 Hour Trail Status Hotline for information: 920-386-3705
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park – There is still plenty of snow, but it is finally beginning to melt and diminish. Snow piles that were once higher than a vehicle are now a few feet high. The surface of park roads and parking areas are actually visible, puddled with melt water, with windrows of sand left from winter. Expect a combination of mud, ice, puddles, and a glut of running surface water for the next few weeks as this year’s persistent winter reluctantly stomps away! The lake is still ice-covered, but slushy and wet on the surface. Cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked March 4, and were in poor to fair condition as of March 13. Trails will not be groomed again this season, barring an unexpected heavy snowfall. The East Bluff Woods Trail portion of the advanced loop is closed for the winter, awaiting washout repairs when maintenance workers can tackle the job in the spring. Because of the snow depth, the sled hill is still useable, but is not in very good condition. Northern Lights and Ice Age Campgrounds will open April 18. Water facilities will begin to be turned on approximately mid-April on a limited basis. This depends on the weather and nightly low temperatures, so a definitive schedule of which water services will be functioning on a given date is not possible. For March, the Nature Center will be open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park - As of March 11, cross-country ski trails were snow covered and in fair condition. They were hard packed and icy. Conditions will most likely deteriorate over the next few days due to forecasted warm temperatures and rain. The Red Trail is closed for the season due to a campground construction project. Sections of the Yellow Trail may also be affected (section that goes through the group camp), please use caution in this area.
Jefferson County - Anglers are having fair success catching bluegill on Rock Lake off of Tyranena Park and on Elm Point by jigging with waxworms. Most of the bluegills were small but some 8 inchers were being caught. On Hope Lake action is pretty slow with a few bluegill being caught but most are small. The ice on the area lakes is still in good condition with over 18 inches in many locations. The shoreline ice is heaving making access to vehicles and ATV’s a little more difficult. On the upper Rock and Crawfish Rivers open water is showing up in many locations. The snowmobile trails are currently closed in both Dodge and Jefferson Counties The ATV trail on the Wild Goose trail in Dodge County is also closed due to warmer weather. Deer antler shed hunters have been out in force looking now that the snow is disappearing. Flocks of sandhill cranes are being seen in Jefferson County making everyone aware of their presence.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - As of March 12. trail conditions were in a meltdown. Look for frozen trails in the morning with puddles in low spots and ruts from yesterday. Skiing would be possible when the trails soften up but probably not before. One weather forecast has a possible snow event for the area March 17-18 with Willow on the edge of a 1- to 4-inch snow line. Please keep in mind that fresh “Snowman” snow packs into lumps and snowballs under a snowmobile and grooming gear. Look at what a snowplow does to it as a visual illustration. If we get substantial “snowman” snow, it will need to give up some moisture before the groomers can do anything with it. It is hard work for skiers to ski in a track in wet snow and skaters skate really slow. The weekly ski training sessions have ended. Most of the ski trainers compete in a diversity of warm weather events. They continue to train as individuals for their sports rather than in a group. There may be more skiing news to come in the next few weeks. Saturday, March 15 will be the next Full Moon Hike at the Nature Center. The evening starts inside with a presentation about perching birds and then the hike. The event begins at 7 p.m. The event is free with a state park daily or annual admission sticker. The Willow River is holding normal flow and clarity for trout fishing catch and release season. It is fishable below Willow Falls and below the dam. Above the falls is still in ice or lined with shelf ice.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
A few male wild turkeys have been seen strutting and displaying. While these behaviors are signs of the impending breeding season, there is still a ways to go before breeding actually begins. Fox and gray squirrels have taken advantage of warming weather and lengthening days by feeding furiously on acorns and other nuts and seeds that have remained buried all winter under the snow. Deer and wild turkeys are feeding on south-facing slopes, or any other open areas they can find, as the snow gradually recedes.
Mississippi River - Bald eagles have started migrating into the La Crosse area. The peak of migration should occur in about 2 weeks, when more open water, and dead fish, are available.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Cross-country ski trails were groomed on March 6 and 7. This will most likely be the last grooming of the year. With the current thaw and freezes trails were still skiable as of March 10, but icy, especially on corners. ATV/Snowmobile trails will close for the season at midnight on Sunday March 16. It was a great season for winter activities after many disappointing years. Lets hope for more of the same next year!
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park – Even with the recent warm temperatures cross-country ski trails were still in good condition with a solid base as of March 10. Snowshoeing conditions in other areas of the park are good with a thin crust on the snow. Panfishing pressure has been very light at Perch Lake with mixed results. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - Spring is on its way at the Chippewa Moraine but there is still adequate snow for those interested in snowshoeing. If hiking is preferred, trails are packed but may be icy in spots so use caution. Ice anglers report some luck, especially with panfish, but extreme caution should be taken before venturing out. Barred owls are often heard in early morning or evenings as birds are in courtship and busy with nest building. They often return to the same nest year after year. Red squirrels are also in courtship and chipmunks are making an appearance. White-tailed deer are moving out of their winter feeding yards and as the snow melts will feed on herbaceous materials like grasses and sedges. Male red-winged blackbirds will shortly be returning to claim the best nesting sites with females arriving about 2 weeks later. Pussy-willows will shortly be in bloom, especially with the warmer temperatures and sap will be running in maple trees.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The snowmobile route has been reopened through the park. Conditions may deteriorate by the end of the week and on the weekend with warmer temperatures. Ski trails are icy! Hiking is not allowed on the groomed ski trails. The oak barrens nature trail and pond trail have been packed. The park had two brave winter campers this past weekend. Some roads are now closed to vehicles due to snow and the snowmobile trail. Many people have been out ice fishing on the lake. Remember – park staff does not monitor ice conditions -- be safe out on the lake! Dates are still available for the accessible cabin in May, Sept, and Oct. Applications are available for the November Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt. Contact the park office at 608-565-2789 for questions or to get an application. The 2008 application is also available on the park Web page through the DNR Web site. We have the new patron stickers at the office.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The ski trails have been packed in the park and many visitors have been enjoying them. Hiking and pets are not allowed on the groomed trails - please stay off to the side. The main entrance is closed at this time. Please use the Czech Ave/winter parking lot. The stairs are not maintained for winter use. Trails are icy and may begin to deteriorate this weekend with the warmer temperatures. This may be one of the last chances for great winter use pictures for the photo contest.
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.
Friday, March 14, 2008
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Wandering Ones. Are you a single adult? Want to meet other like-minded singles to head outdoors with? Join us at this first monthly event for a night hike and bonfire to get acquainted and enjoy an evening outdoors. Dress for the weather. Please call to preregister. Visitor Center. 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Masked Bandits: Raccoons. Raccoons are everywhere - in the woods, near our houses, and even in our garbage cans. Drop in to learn how they walk, make a raccoon mask, and much more. Don’t forget to grab a handout and head outside to look for raccoons. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to discover cool things about nature through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts, games, and picture books. Environmental Awareness Center. No admission sticker required.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Willow Trellis Workshop. Learn to make a beautiful garden trellis out of native willow. Dress for the weather and wet feet; you will be collecting your own willow. Please call to preregister and prepay the $10 fee. Meet at the Visitor Center and be prepared to drive. 10 a.m. - noon. Park Work Day. Do you need service hours or a service project? Dress to be outside working--layers of old clothes, work boots, gloves and a hat as we clear or cut brush at these flexible workdays. Stay as long as you like. Visitor Center. 1-3 p.m.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Full Moon Hike. The evening starts inside with a presentation about perching birds and then the hike. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a nature-related story and activity with preschoolers and their parents. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. We'll spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Ice Age Center. 10 a.m.
Friday, March 21, 2008
• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Woodcock Watch. Discover the American Woodcock and its aerial mating flight. Meet at the park office for an introduction to its habits and habitat followed by a hike to witness this phenomenon. Dress to be outdoors and in tall marsh grass. Bring flashlights and rubber boots! Meet at the park office. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Spring Into Spring. Through songs, stories and games, we will welcome spring back to Wisconsin. We'll even go outside to explore for some signs of spring's return. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Volunteer Work Day. Help build some technical, challenging and environmentally sustainable mountain bike trails in the Kettle Moraine. Work gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirts and bottled water are recommended. We will supply tools, expertise and guaranteed fun! If the weather looks questionable, check the Trail Information Line (262) 594-6202 on Friday to make sure the work day is not canceled. Meet at the John Muir parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and work from 9 a.m. - noon.
Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/or/
