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/Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 22, 2012Summer arrived well ahead of schedule in March and would appear to have eclipsed spring. From Superior to Sturgeon Bay and Menomonie to Milwaukee record temperatures have been set all week in the 70s and even low 80s.
Many people have been out enjoying the warm weather. Devil?s Lake State Park reported large numbers of hikers out on trails over the weekend and Wyalusing State Park reported record numbers of campers for a March weekend. However, there have been some downsides to the warm weather. Hikers in Bayfield County have picked off ticks and deer flies and mosquitoes are buzzing in Vernon County. The very warm nights have had an adverse impact on spring harvest of maple sap ? which requires warm days and cool nights to run -- with many trees budding, which essentially ended the season in many areas just as it began.
Snow is all but gone in the north and remaining ice is rapidly melting and dangerous. Migrating birds, including water fowl, continued to wing in to the state from Crew Meadows in the northwest to Horizon Marsh in the southeast are finding open water and weather conditions to their liking.
Surgeon spawning has begun on the Wolf River, which is the earliest it has occurred in at least 62 years. Prior to 1950, according to weather records, the last time spawning began in March is believed to have been 1938. The sturgeon are spawning along the Sturgeon Trail west of New London on County Highway X, which is only known current spawning site, but that is expected to change by early next week.
The spring walleye spawning run is at, or near its peak. In recent days more than 2,200 walleye were captured, tagged and released in the New London and Shiocton areas. Relatively high flows are providing excellent spawning conditions from New Long upstream to Lemann. Rain is needed to maintain flow and water level and if weather holds, warm water will provide excellent incubation and an early hatch.
Anglers are having exceptional success catching 10-12 inch perch and a few in the 13-14 inch range on the Mississippi River with minnows and night crawlers the most popular baits. Sauger, northern pike and walleye are also biting.
The youth turkey hunt is just two weeks away, the fishing opener six weeks away and deer nearly eight months out, but there is still time to participate in one of the remaining public deer hunting forums. The forums began earlier this month and continue to March 29. An on-line survey is also available for you to provide input. These ?virtual deer forums? allow you to take part without traveling. The online survey will be available until April 3.
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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 22, 2012
The spring wildfire season is well underway in Wisconsin. The abundant dead vegetation that was last year?s grass, leaves, and flowering plants is prime fuel for a wildfire. People are urged to be extra cautious this time of year with anything that can cause a wildfire to start. So far this year, 164 wildfires have burned 303 acres in DNR protection areas (just over half the state). Six buildings have burned and another 67 have been threatened by fires. To put things in perspective, at this time last year only five fires had occurred on less than 2 acres. Debris burning is the main cause of wildfires in the state. If burning leaves and fallen brush is part of your spring clean up routine, consider alternatives like composting or chipping the material instead. Anyone who does burn leaves and brush must adhere to burning permit restrictions. Annual burning permits area available from local ranger stations, emergency fire wardens, by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876), or on the web at dnr.wi.gov (search ?burn?). Once you have your annual burning permit, you are required to check daily for burn restrictions after 11 a.m. on the days you want to burn. Put off burning entirely on windy days. Burning permits have already been suspended in several parts of the state due to fire weather conditions. Permits are frequently suspended this time of the year, and so it?s very important that people check for restrictions ahead of time; on the web go to dnr.wi.gov and search ?burn? or call 1-888-WIS-BURN.
Firewise Tip: Keep the area 3 to 5 feet around your home ?fuel free.? Remove anything in this area that can burn, such as leaves, plants, mulch, or piled wood.
Northern Region
Spring came early to northern Wisconsin. Fire crews are staging for a prolonged and dangerous fire season due to extensive blow down from last summer?s storms. People are asked to use extra caution when working and playing outdoors. Being aware of the fire danger is the first step. Due to the extensive storm damage in Burnett, Douglas, Washburn, and Polk Counties, burning permits have been suspended in some areas. To learn more about storm recovery efforts, go to dnr.wi.gov and search ?storm.?
Brule Dispatch Group - So far this year, because of slight and spotty snow cover there have been wildfires each month. The Mercer Ranger Station crew was dispatched to the first fire of the year Jan. 9. Pattison fire crews claimed the next three wildfires in February totaling 13.1 acres. Abnormally warm weather brought five fires in March so far. Of all nine fires reported, no structures were lost, although one structure was threatened by a .45 acre fire in Mellon this month. Burning permits have been suspended in the storm damaged areas of southern Douglas County.
Cumberland Dispatch Group reported four wildfires that burned 7 acres this past week. The largest of these fires include a 3-acre fire in Polk County and a 3.3-acre fire in Washburn County that burned one structure and threatened 3 others. Burning permits have been suspended in the wind damaged areas of Polk, Burnett and Washburn Counties as a precaution to prevent fires.
The Park Falls Dispatch Group reported four fires this week having burned 12 acres. The largest was a 9-acre fire in Taylor County. In this case, an outbuilding was burned the week before; embers remained smoldering in the ash and the fire reignited once the snow around it had melted. Ash is excellent insulation and can keep embers smoldering for days or even weeks. Never assume a debris fire is out. Before leaving the area, wet down the ash and stir to make sure the fire is out cold.
The Woodruff Dispatch Group reported four fires having burned just over 4 acres this week. The causes have been debris burning (three fires) and equipment (one fire). The largest was a 3-acre fire in Langlade County caused by debris burning.
Northeast Region
Spring fire season has sprung in Wisconsin and wildfire activity is picking up in the region. There is no remaining snow cover, so burning permits are required.
The Waupaca Dispatch Group reported 17 fires burning more than 100 acres this week. Fire causes have been debris burning and equipment. Nine buildings have been threatened and one burned. There was a 100-acre marsh fire in southwestern Green Lake County; cause is under investigation. Seven fire departments, two hand crews and neighboring fire response unit?s heavy equipment were on scene to extinguish it. A second day was spent ?mopping up? the burned area to make sure the fire was extinguished and not burning under ground, which can often occur in marshy areas.
The Peshtigo Dispatch Group reported 11 fires having burned 15 acres this week. Four structures were threatened. In Oconto County, a debris fire escaped and burned a little over an acre. On Wednesday, March 21, a fire near the High Falls Flowage, caused by a maple syrup cooker, burned almost 3 acres and threatening several nearby cabins. A 0.75 acre fire west of Wausaukee was caused by a burning chain saw. On Sunday, March 18, a fire escaped from a debris pile near Athelstane, burning 5.34 acres. A fire near Peshtigo burned 1.2 acres on Sunday, March 18 after escaping from a pile of wood ashes that were discarded in a grass field. This time of year, disposal of ash from fireplaces and wood stoves can cause wildfire starts when the ash contains embers and then is dumped outside. Make sure your ash is completely cold to the touch before disposing of it outdoors. A fire near Porterfield on Saturday, March 17 burned a half acre after escaping from large brush piles being burned. The responsible party had a permit, but didn't follow the posted time restrictions. Remember: burning is not allowed until after 6 p.m. and is not allowed at all on Sundays and holidays.
South Central Region
Wildfire activity has been increasing with the summer-like conditions. Warm temperatures, sporadic or no rain, low humidity, and gusty winds are favorable weather conditions for wildfire. Fire danger has been in the High to Very High range all week. In the past week, 16 fires burned 40 acres in parts of the region where DNR is responsible for fire suppression. The largest was a 12-acre fire in Columbia County. An 11-acre fire in Sauk County threatened one building. The majority of the fires have been caused by debris burning.
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, 53 fires have burned 98 acres so far in March. Five of these fires were over 5 acres in size. Twenty-nine structures were threatened but ultimately saved due to suppression efforts. Three structures were lost. One structure that burned was an outbuilding in Juneau County, destroyed as a result of a ?hold over? fire, a fire that ignited over the winter and was presumed to be out. The snow melts, the weather warms up and the fire escapes. In this instance, a man started a pile of stumps on fire when there was snow cover. Three days later he noticed smoke but saw no visible flame so he didn?t take any action. The next day the fire spread, burning nearly 13 acres. It completely destroyed his outbuilding, jumped the road and burned onto his neighbors? properties. You must make sure that your fire is completely extinguished!
Debris burning was the leading cause of fires in this area including a 32 acre fire in Adams County that was started when a group of people ignited a fire in a fire pit that had wood stacked in it. They did not have a burning permit. The wind picked up and blew the fire into the surrounding long grass. They had trouble getting cell phone reception to call 911. One person was treated for burns around her face after trying to stomp on the fire to put it out. The DNR urges citizens not to put themselves in harms way by trying to put out a fire.
A fire in Juneau County was also started by someone burning without a permit. A gentleman lit a fire in his burn barrel in his back yard in the morning, and then left his house. Firefighting personnel were called to the scene in the afternoon. The fire escaped the barrel and burned all around his home. It burned into a wood pile, which was entirely consumed. It was far enough away from the house that it did no damage to his home. Remember to keep flammables at least 30 feet from your home.
Some times wildfires are caused by the last thing that you would think of. For example, a man in Monroe started a wildfire by burning the asparagus in his garden patch. Unfortunately it was a very windy day and he burned during the early afternoon, which is the worst time of day. He did not have a burning permit. The fire burned into the surrounding dry grass and ignited his garden shed, which firefighters were able to save. The fire jumped a highway and was contained at a final size of 1.6 acres. Likewise people often don?t think of ATVs as a possible source of wildfire ignitions. An ATV backfiring in short grass started a fire just over half an acre in size in Monroe County. Remember that any time you operate machinery near dry grass there is a risk you can start the grass on fire.
Statewide Birding Report
Tundra Swans, formerly known as whistling swans, have been seen migrating through Wisconsin. Birders across the state have been reporting flights of them throughout the past one to two weeks as the birds move from wintering grounds in southern and eastern U.S. to breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra. Their primary spring route in Wisconsin appears to take them north along Lake Michigan and then north to northwest over Green Bay, inland through northeastern Wisconsin, then to Lake Superior and beyond. They fly in geese-like Vs and often make a short bark or whistle when in flight. Migrating loons were seen this week on Lake Monona in Dane County.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Birds, including robins, red-winged blackbirds and juncos, are back, and the mouth of the Bois Brule River is ice free. The northern section of the river, from Highway 2 to Lake Superior, opens for fishing March 31. The rest of the river will open for the state fishing opener May 5.
Douglas County - Anglers have gone straight from ice fishing to open water fishing on the south shore and north of Washburn. With open water season upon us, people need to check their boat registration and safety gear. The water temperature on Lake Superior is currently about 35 degrees, so don?t be fooled by air temperatures and make sure you are wearing your life jackets at all times. Trumpeter swans have been seen in the north and many never left because of open water on the St. Croix Flowage. Pussy willow branches are blooming lime green and several bucks have been seen with new antler growth. A resident near Lake Nebagamon saw about 70 tundra swans that stopped over from their northern flight on a small area lake last weekend. Sponsored by the Douglas County Fish and Game League, the annual Douglas County fish and game show is being held Friday-Sunday at Wessman Arena in Superior.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Bayfield County - After all this warm weather including it being in the 70-80s all the snow is gone and the trees are trying to bud. Ice on local lakes deteriorated from close to 12 inches one week ago, to less than six inches by Sunday and is now mostly gone. Fishermen have gone straight from ice fishing to open water fishing on the south shore and north of Washburn. The water levels in the tributary streams are low, but with some hopeful rain this week it should help the fish run up the streams. The ice in the Chequamegon Bay should be totally gone before long and no one is really sure how early the smelt run may be this year. The water temperature on Lake Superior is around 35F so do not be fooled by the air temperature and make sure you are wearing your life jackets at all times in case you do go in. Robins, wood ducks, woodcocks and swans have been seen along with a pair of yearling cubs sunning themselves on a dirt mound. The deer ticks are definitely out and people need to be checking their pets as well as themselves. The spring closure is in effect for all county ATV/UTV trails, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which also prohibits ATVs, motorcycles, horses and bikes from being on the forest roads and trails. The Tri-County Corridor and Road Routes remain open for ATV/UTV use.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Burnett County - The warm weather of recent days has melted most of the ice on area lakes. Migrating waterfowl has returning to Crex Meadows and Fish Lake Wildlife areas. Many different species of ducks can be seen while traveling around the wildlife areas. Large flocks of ducks and geese can be observed on Phantom Flowage. The St. Croix River is currently high but is with in its banks. Be careful while traveling on any river in the spring time. As the warmer weather continues please think about removing bird feeders to avoid unwanted black bear encounters.
Polk County - The ice is out and according to older area residents it is the earliest departure since the early 1970s. Turkeys have been seen, along with tom turkeys fanned out and displaying. If weather remains warm, walleyes will be running soon.
Crex Meadows State Wildlife - All flowages on Crex lost ice over the last few days. Good numbers of waterfowl, along with variety, continue to move in, including buffleheads, goldeneyes, mergansers, and Shovelers, among them. Rye strips are greening up in the refuge where deer usually feed. This area is visible from Regal Overlook. Just to the west of the overlook, pasque flowers are beginning to grow.
Interstate State 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 slow. 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 have begun to return to nest in their rookery near the Camp Interstate Shelter. The South Campground remains closed for the season. The North Campground is open and vault toilets are available near the beach parking area.
Gov. Knowles State Forest - The Trade River Equestrian Campground is open for camping, but water has not yet been turned on. Bathrooms are open. If the weather holds, campgrounds are expected to be completely open by April 15. Trails are in good to excellent condition. Turkeys are gobbling, robins are getting worms, and trees are budding.
Rusk County - Ice is off area rivers and most area lakes. River levels are high and the current is fast. Several flocks of geese and ducks have been observed daily. Beaver trappers are reporting success. Area sucker fishermen are waiting for water levels to recede a bit, as lines are getting littered with debris.
Taylor County - Snow and ice are gone. Fishermen are pursuing panfish, turkeys are out in force and deer are moving. Trees have responded to the temperatures and maple syrup season has all but ended leaving local sugar bushes wondering what happened.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice has gone out or is currently going out on nearly all lakes. With the very early ice-out, angling pressure on area waters has been generally light, with just a few sucker anglers out trying their luck. The sucker fishing has been fair with some decent catches of redhorse and white sucker coming from the deeper holes on the Flambeau and Chippewa rivers.
Flambeau River State Forest - The ice is off both the South and North Forks of the Flambeau River and local lakes. Definitely feels, looks and sounds like spring with the spring peepers, deer ticks, mosquitoes, and worms all making their appearances known. Daffodils and crocuses are blooming and the catkins are dropping. Most trees are budding and lilacs are starting to leaf out, and the grass is greening up quickly.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Vilas County - Temperatures in the 70s have all but eliminated the ice on area lakes near Boulder Junction. Trout Lake?s southern boat access is open and the entire lake will soon be open to boat traffic. Water temperatures are about 40 degrees and fish spawning will begin soon. Turkeys are beginning their spring rituals with a few toms seen strutting for hens. Fire danger in the area is high due to dry conditions so people are reminded to get their burning permits and check the weather status each day prior to burning.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Snow is almost gone, ice is off the lakes, winter wrens, sand hill cranes and fox sparrows are making their way north! Many trees are thinking about blooming and some pussy willows have turned green already. The campgrounds that are open and closed by snow conditions are starting to lure some campers. Exploring by foot is the best means of getting around the forest trails at this point!
Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area - Spring peepers, wood frogs, peenting woodcock, drumming grouse, and many spring birds mirror the unseasonable warm weather. The 29 inch snowfall three weeks ago is long gone. Most of the runoff drained into the ground and thus rivers are not as high as some springs. The flowage still has ice although with forecasted rain that should leave by the weekend.
Rhinelander DNR Service Center area
Lincoln County - The fantastic weather has people and critters out and moving. Ice is off the lakes and water temperatures on the Wisconsin River have been hovering around 45 surface degrees. Anglers aren?t yet fishing the dams in the Merrill area due to the high water flow, but are having some success catching walleyes downstream in slower water. Turkeys are active and gobbling mornings. About the only complaint so far has been that the maple syrup run was pretty poor, as the weather warmed up too quickly.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Spring fish run is in full swing on both the Menomonee and Peshtigo rivers. Walleye are running in the area rivers and northern pike are swimming their way to spawning marshes as well. Anglers were having some success catching nice walleyes on both the rivers. With the warm temperatures this past week most boat landings on the West Shore of Green Bay are now open. Water temperatures range from 48 degrees at the Peshtigo Dam to 42 degrees at both the Menominee River and the Oconto Breakwater. Many boaters and shore fishermen were targeting walleye and trout with some fish being caught. Shore fishermen at the Peshtigo Dam were starting to catch some nice walleye and the occasional brown trout. The mouth of the Menominee River was the hot spot for walleye this weekend with some very large fish being caught. Boaters trolling the bay at the mouth of the Peshtigo River were catching some nice fish. Most boaters were vertical jigging with green and hot pink jigs tipped with minnows or Gulp Alive. Crocus, daffodil and hyacinths are blooming, maples are flowering, many trees have swollen buds and lilacs are leafing out. Fire season has also arrived early. Several wildfires -- primarily in grassy areas ? have occurred. Many birds migrating north stop at backyard feeders to refuel, so make sure your feeders get cleaned and bleached periodically to prevent disease. Spring peepers are calling from ephemeral ponds.
Oconto County - With the exception of Oconto Park II all boat launch areas are free of ice. Fishermen were targeting walleye and brown trout the length of the Oconto River casting stick baits and twister tails. Boats were trolling the bay just outside the river mouth with stick baits and small spoons. The action has been slow. Large numbers of snowy owls are still being seen in the Oconto area near the bay. The warmer weather has also brought back mosquitoes and ticks.
Shawano County - The ice is off all of Shawano area lakes. Turkeys are starting to display in the area. Warmer than usual temps have also got the fish runs started much earlier than normal. Walleyes are biting on the Wolf River, and farther downstream sturgeon can be seen cruising rock piles. Trees are starting to bud out bringing maple sap collection to an end. The end of March is fast approaching and with it boat registration must be renewed on some crafts and fishing and hunting licenses expire.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Spring ephemerals are just starting to bloom in woodlots with bloodroot flowering and hepaticas beginning to send up their flower stalks
Fond du Lac County - The warm weather is rapidly raising water temperatures and the fish run is in full swing with lots of anglers shore fishing on streams connected to Lake Winnebago. Shore anglers are having success fishing for pan fish and large mouth bass. More boats starting to appear on Lake Winnebago with warm weather and the ice out.
Manitowoc County - Suckers have been running up tributary streams in Lake Michigan over the past two weeks, but as water levels recede the number of fish has been dwindling. Inland sucker runs are also occurring. Bluebirds are already choosing nesting boxes. Turkey vultures, as well as many other birds, have returned.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Despite slightly cooler weather than experienced elsewhere in the state, the ice is gone and anglers fishing the near shore have had mixed success with walleye, northern pike, and brown trout. Trolling or jigging in 6-15 feet of water has worked for all species. There are quite a few eagles around but a lot of the owls and hawks that were being observed have either left or, are keeping out of sight and likely sitting on nest.
Peninsula State Park - Spring is here at the park. All trails are open to hiking, but may be wet and muddy in areas. All mountain bike trails are closed due to standing water and wet/muddy conditions. Sunset Bike Trail is open. Hepatica was blooming in the park on March 21. Many birds have been spotted at Weborg Marsh with the warmer weather. Snapping turtles, sandhill cranes, robins and spring peepers can be seen and heard throughout the park.
Potawatomi State Park -The snow and ice are gone. Hiking and biking trails are open, and because of the warm March, more campers than normal are using the park. Boaters are launching in Sawyer Harbor. The shower building, sanitary dump station, and fish cleaning station will open by May 1. Launching docks will be put in the water by the end of April. Morel hunters are looking, but no reports yet of any sightings.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Remember to bring a jacket, gloves and a hat when visiting the park. Despite record highs, wind off the lake can have a chilling effect, so be prepared. Spring migrates are starting to arrive. On the trail there were several golden crowned kinglets, a few ravens, and a bunch of chickadees in recent days. Male ruff grouse have been seen preening for females in the wooded dunes area of the Red trail. The pileated woodpecker pair has made great impacts on area trees. Birders are recommended to hike the Brachiopod and Black trails to capture a glimpse of them. At the wetland boardwalk on the Brachiopod trail, visitors have been seeing and hearing spring peepers and wood frogs.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Waupaca County - Anglers have reported some success catching crappies in the shallows on the Chain O Lakes. White bass on the Wolf River are just starting to show up as many were seen caught in the Fremont area. This is about a month early than normal. Sturgeon are also in the Wolf River and are getting close to spawning. Bluebirds, tree swallows, turkey vultures have been seen in the Waupaca area throughout the week. Woodcock are actively peenting and have been for over a week. The annual Learn to Turkey Hunt Program (Waupaca County) will commence this upcoming weekend. Mentors and new hunters have been in the woods looking and listening for turkeys.
Waushara County - Ice out on all area lakes, panfish should start biting in the afternoon in dark bottom bays. Bluebirds have returned, Woodcock are now peenting. Walleyes starting to spawn on Wolf River. Pasque flower is beginning to bloom along the south side of small hills on public lands at Wautoma. Leaves are slowly emerging even on oaks as our warm weather continues.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Outagamie County - The Wolf River walleye run is in full swing with some limits being taken by lucky anglers. The unseasonably warm weather has the sturgeon getting ready for their annual spawning run almost a month early. Sturgeon watchers can see the action at Bamboo bend in Shiocton or Highway X in New London. Check the camera at
www.wolfrivercam.com to see what is happening in the river with the walleyes and sturgeon. Watching the environment has gotten easier in the high-tech world. Migration of waterfowl is rapidly taking place. With the recent warm weather, anglers have been successfully catching walleyes, perch, bluegills, and crappie in numerous locations throughout the Fox Valley. Anglers have been reporting a slow but steady walleye below the Menasha dam and a good perch bite below the Neenah dam. Numerous anglers have been catching bluegills and crappie on the Fox River in Kaukauna and the Neenah Slough. Many individuals have been reporting that they are seeing dead whitefish floating on Lake Winnebago and the Fox River. These fish are dead gizzard shad and are part of a normal annual die off that occurs underneath in ice in winter. Thousands of waterfowl were seen on both the Killsnake and Brillion wildlife areas over the past weekend comprising of widgeon, mallards, shovelers, pintails, red heads, some canvasbacks, tundra swans, Canada geese, etc. Best viewing was off of Lemke Road on Killsnake WA going through the heart of the property as well as off of Conservation Road on the north end of Brillion Wildlife Area. Eagles are now nesting along the Fox River and a great viewing point is the Thousand Island Conservancy Area in Kaukauna off of Hwy Z. Spring ephemerals are just starting to bloom in the northeastern woodlots in Calumet and Brown counties with bloodroot flowering and hepaticas beginning to send up their flower stalks. Pasque flower is beginning to bloom in Waushara County along the south side of small hills on public lands at Wautoma. Leaves are slowly emerging even on oaks as our weather continues to spur on "spring".
Winnebago County - The 2012 sturgeon spawning season has begun - the earliest by far on record. At 6:30 p.m. March 20 crews two groups of sturgeon along the Sturgeon Trail on County Highway X spawning site west of New London that looked like they would begin spawning sometime that night. Biologists expect to see spawning fish on this site Wednesday. Some sturgeon were also along the shore at Bamboo Bend spawning site along Hwy 54 west of Shiocton. These fish though were not exhibiting behavior that indicated they would begin spawning, but it is possible spawning could begin at this site within the next day or two. Please contact our Sturgeon Guard coordinator Rebecca Pawlak at rebecca.pawlak@wisconsin.gov or by calling 920-303-5444 to get signed up for an early sturgeon guard shift or to switch your already scheduled shift to an earlier date.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - Anglers on the Sheboygan River have been catching decent numbers of steelhead and a few brown trout and northerns. Spawn and flies have both produced fish. Suckers have also been seen in the river. Pigeon River anglers have been catching a few northern pike, and the water temperature is 53 degrees. Brown trout and a few lake trout have been taken by Sheboygan boaters. Green colored spoons and stick baits have been productive.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers fishing near the power plant have been catching brown trout and a few rainbows on spawn, shiners, and night crawlers. Anglers fishing the north slip have had less success than those fishing near the power plant discharge. Anglers fishing on the pier have been catching browns and a few rainbows. The most productive baits have been shiners, silver or glow spoons, and spawn. Sauk Creek has low flows and little fishing activity, and the temperature is 51 degrees. Port Washington boaters have been catching brown trout on shiners.
Milwaukee County - Browns are 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 are 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 with live bait. Browns and a few rainbows were being caught at Jones Island on minnows and spawn sacs, but success varied day to day. The Milwaukee River is lower and less dirty than last week. Rainbows were caught up at Kletzsch.
Kenosha County - Temperatures over the past week have been in 70-80 plus range. Steelhead have been observed staging in front of the Pike River and anglers were catching both brown trout and steelhead on the Pike River and Kenosha Harbor. Inland lakes have also seen an increase in pan fish success from shore with anglers using slip bobbers and wax worms. The piers at the Kenosha main boat launch should be in soon.
South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - Maples and apple trees have started to bud. The warm weather has also seen increased morning turkey gobbling activity. The winter flocks have dispersed and several single gobblers have been seen traversing fields in the day time. Walleye and sauger fishermen continue to report good fishing below the locks and dams on the Mississippi River. Walleyes sizes have been running 15-19 inches. Backwater anglers have reported catching daily limits of yellow perch near Bagley. Many of the boat landings, including Cassville, have their oat docks in place. Mosquitoes, ticks and black flies are out. Maples and oaks have large buds and willows are leafing out. Canada geese are sandhill cranes are vying for prime muskrat houses to nest on. Bluebirds are also claiming nest boxes. Some have reported finding small morel mushrooms.
Wyalusing State Park - Trails should be in good hiking condition. The ice in Pictured Rock Cave and Sand Cave has melted. Last weekend the park broke a record with number of campsites occupied in mid March. There were 11 campsites registered on Friday night and 14 sites occupied on Saturday. There have been campers in the park every night this week. The forecast includes 30 percent chance of precipitation on Friday. Saturday and Sunday calls for sunny skies with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s and lows in the upper 40s. The concession stand is closed for the season. Firewood should be available from vendors located near the park entrance. 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. A local birding enthusiast, reported an influx of golden-crowned kinglets and brown creepers at Point Lookout and the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. He also spotted two field sparrows, one of which was singing and two fox sparrows. Tuesday evening there were reports of 14 woodcock seen, with as many as eight seen ?peenting? and displaying around the astronomy center. This display is known as the sky dance. The sky dance begins at dusk. The show continues for about an hour, and the bird is hard to see on the ground. But his flights are visible against the sky.
DNR South Central Region
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - Deer ticks are out in full force! Wear long pants, use bug spray or tight fitting undergarments prior to going out in the woods. Some bluegills are biting at Monona Bay, running pretty small though. Fish refuges are in effect on the Yahara River and anglers should take care in abiding by the fish refuge signs. Game fish season is closed and it is illegal to fish for game fish (even if only planning to catch and release!)
Iowa County - With warm weather, ticks are abundant in the woods. Mosquitoes are flying and trees are leafing out in the area.
Jefferson County - Water levels are lower below normal. Fishing continues to be good for walleyes and saugers in both the Rock and Crawfish rivers in Dodge and Jefferson Counties. Nighttime bow fishing for rough fish has increased on several bodies of water in Dodge and Jefferson counties. Most waterfowl have returned to the area. Nesting by mallards, wood ducks and many others has been observed. People tending to wood duck nest boxes have reported nesting material already in some boxes and even a few with eggs.
Devil's Lake State Park - There's been lots happening in these last weeks of March. The warm weather has really brought out a lot of people to the park, with many hikers on the trails over the weekend. The warm weather also brought out wildlife and has spring migrants coming in. This warm spell has definitely brought the frogs out. With the warm, rather humid evenings, visitors can hear chorus frogs, spring peepers, and even a gray tree frog or two. The toads have been on the move as well, but don't seem to be calling just yet. The snakes have also been out enjoying the sun and several gartersnakes and brown snakes have been found out on the trails. The spring migrants are coming in as well with flycatchers and phoebes being heard throughout the park. Visitors can also here the soft "twitter" of the ruby-crowned kinglets high up in the trees. The great blue herons are back in their rookery, establishing territories and beginning to build their nests. The turkey vultures can be seen soaring around the bluffs and the lake. Around 4 or 5 p.m., visitors can often see 30 to 40 vultures, circling above the north shore. Spring flowers are just getting ready to bloom and several reports of flowers coming up on the south end of the park have been reported. The Dutchman's breaches at the front entrance are just getting ready to bloom and will put on quite the show in the next week or so.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - Very warm temperatures have fish stacking up in backwaters and at dams. New fishing licenses have gone on sale and are available. Turkeys are strutting and the youth turkey hunt is April 7-8.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Water temperatures have reached the low- to mid-50s on the Mississippi River. Very few walleyes are being caught below the dams and the perch fishing has slowed down. Individuals are catching some walleyes trolling the main channel with crank baits.
Vernon County - Like clockwork, numerous short-distance migrants recently arrived back in the area. Red-winged blackbirds, grackles, and robins have arrived in droves, and lesser numbers of killdeer, bluebirds, song sparrows, phoebes, and eastern meadowlarks have filled in the gaps. Short-distance migrants respond more to weather clues, so they can gradually move northward as weather improves. Long-distance migrants depend on changes in day length to trigger their migration. It is believed that short-distance migrants can get a jump on resources and have an advantage over long-distance migrants that arrive later in a region. Bird feeders should keep a sharp eye on the birds frequenting feeders during the coming weeks. Purple finches are a common early spring migrant in southern Wisconsin. Often confused with the resident, exotic house finch, with which it may associate at feeders, a male purple finch is more uniformly colored than house finches. Purple finch numbers typically peak in late April and the birds rapidly advance to their breeding areas in northern Wisconsin by early May.
Merrick State Park - All trails are open and in good condition. There will be some areas that are soft and muddy. Turkey vultures are coming through the area and can often be seen in groups of 15-30 sitting in the trees drying their wings in the mornings. Turtles have already been seen on logs in the sloughs in the south campground. The ice is gone on the river and in the sloughs next to the park. Both boat launches are open but the dock has not been put in yet. The water levels are currently at normal levels. Fishing has been good.
Perrot State Park - All of the trails are open for hiking and are in good condition. There will be some muddy areas due to recent rains. All of the ice in the bay and on the river is now melted. The boat launch is open but the dock is not installed. The water levels are normal and you can access the Mississippi River from our boat launch. Local anglers say the fishing in the area is good. The pasque flowers are now in bloom along the Perrot Ridge Trail, on Brady's Bluff and along the Riverview Trail. Some trees are beginning to leaf out. The bluebirds are settling into their houses. Cardinals and flickers can be seen around the headquarters building. Sandhill cranes can be heard in Trempealeau Bay. A few Great Blue Herons have been seen in the area.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Adams County - The ice is gone and unseasonably warm weather has everything hopping. The walleyes are biting extremely well and limits are being caught on the Wisconsin River below dams. . Gates have been closed at the Petenwell Dam. The closure should make the walleye bite pick up again as water levels stabilize. White pelicans are along the river as well as lots of waterfowl migrating through. Swans can be seen on Arkdale Pond
Jackson County - Warmer temperatures seem to have brought the turkeys out of their winter hiding places. Hunters are reminded to ask for permission early and start scouting for birds now. Most gobblers are starting their mating rituals in the early mornings and can be found in many of the river bottoms on public land. Try looking for their roost sites in the evening, and hunt close to those the following day. Always be cautious of other hunters on public land, and know your target. Brook trout are becoming active in the evening hours on most county trout streams. Robinson Creek is a high quality and popular stream near Black River Falls. Anglers using small streamers with any red color in them, or size 10-16 bead-head nymphs should be successful. Remember that the early trout season is catch and release only, and is restricted to using flies and lures.
Black River State Forest - A once in a lifetime warm March has resulted in trees budding out much earlier that typical. Now is a great time to visit the property and enjoy some early season camping and hiking without summer time insects. All-terrain vehicle trails are closed for the season. Trails will reopen for the summer season on May 15.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Within the past week, spring birds including red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, bluebirds, grackles, woodcock, and migrating waterfowl are increasingly being seen. Evenings have been filled with the sounds of spring peepers and woodcock. Ice is off all area waterways. Folks are lining the shorelines and enjoying time in the boat as they pursue cold water perch and walleye. In the City of Eau Claire, some nice sized walleye are being caught where the Eau Claire River enters the Chippewa River. Anglers are cautioned to be aware of the Altoona Dam Fish Refuge, and the fact that game fish season is closed upriver of the Altoona and Eau Claire Dams.
Chippewa County - Some fishermen reported excellent panfish activity before the ice out last weekend. The record-breaking warm weather has brought many spring bird species back to the area a little early. Within the past week, residents in Chippewa County have observed several species of spring birds including red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, bluebirds, grackles, woodcock, and migrating waterfowl, including swans. Evenings have been filled with the sounds of spring peepers and "peenting" woodcock.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Walleyes are now on their annual spawning run on the Wisconsin River in the Stevens Point-Wisconsin Rapids area. Anglers are having good success on fish in the 15-16 inch range with some in the 18-19 inch range being caught. Anglers are reminded that no walleyes between 20-28 inches may be kept on the Wisconsin River. With the unseasonably warm weather, the run will probably be over by the end of the weekend. Anglers are reminded that their 2011-2012 fishing licenses expire on March 31, which is the same day boat registrations also expire.
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 24, 2012
? Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 - Shakers & Movers 2012 Series: Father of Crex Meadows: Norman Stone. Each month we take a closer look at a person, animal, or management practice that has an impact on something else. March we will learn about Norman Stone, the "Father of Crex Meadows". The presentation by Heidi Rusch will be based on interviews with people who experienced life with Norman Stone, as the first manager of Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. Crex Meadows Visitor Center, 4 p.m.
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 - Nature Hike. Put on your boots and bring your curiosity to explore and discover nature with the naturalist. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. ? Noon.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 - Willow Plant Tower Workshop. Weave a conical plant tower for the climbing plants in your garden using willow cut at Havenwoods. It?s sturdy, functional, and fun to make! For adults and youth at least 16 years old. Please register and prepay by March 27. Cost is $10. 9 a.m. ? 2 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 - Read To Lead. Come to the Kohler-Andrae kick-off of a new program at the state parks. Children ages 5 to 9 are invited to a special reading of a nature book and encouraged to pick up a "Read to Lead" book list. Read or listen to 20 books from the list and enter a drawing for a Kindle Fire and other prizes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sanderling Nature Center. 1-3 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-854-5976 - Nature Center open 9 a.m. ? 12 Noon. Nelson's Point to Weborg Walk: 1 ? 2 p.m. Park at Nelson's Point. We'll scan the shore for migrating waterfowl, investigate a less-traveled birding spot, and learn park history along the way. About one mile. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Monday, March 26, 2012
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 262-878-5600 - Learn To Bass Fish 2-Day Workshop. Join angler education instructor Reid Urban to learn to bass fish. This is a two-day course for March 26 and 28. Designed for ages 16 and up (10-15 year old's with an adult). Learn about selecting rods and reels, knots, rigging, and casting, plus you'll learn what a bass feels like when it bites, how to find, play and land the fish, and basic boat needs for keeping costs down. 6:45 to 8:45 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.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Jacksonport, 920-823-2400 - Get Outdoors Discovery Week. Get Outdoors and explore the park. Stop in at the nature center to pick up a Discovery sheet to complete for a prize. Start at the nature center. 10 a.m. ? 2 p.m.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Jacksonport, 920-823-2400 Get Outdoors Discovery Week. Get Outdoors and explore the park. Stop in at the nature center to pick up a Discovery sheet to complete for a prize. Start at the nature center. 10 a.m. ? 2 p.m. Build a Bug. Know your shapes? Know your common bugs? Combine them both to create a wearable work of art. Bring a 100 percent cotton item, purchase a shirt or bag or use a cloth scrap to print on. Drop in between 10 a.m. and noon to participate in this great hands-on nature event. Shirts are able to be purchased from the Friends store. Join in the fun at the nature center auditorium. 10 a.m. ? noon.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 262-878-5600 - Learn To Bass Fish 2-Day Workshop. Join angler education instructor Reid Urban to learn to bass fish. This is a two-day course for March 26 and 28. Designed for ages 16 and up (10-15 year old's with an adult). Learn about selecting rods and reels, knots, rigging, and casting, plus you'll learn what a bass feels like when it bites, how to find, play and land the fish, and basic boat needs for keeping costs down. 6:45 to 8:45 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.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Jacksonport, 920-823-2400 - Get Outdoors Discovery Week. Get Outdoors and explore the park. Stop in at the nature center to pick up a Discovery sheet to complete for a prize. Start at the nature center. 10 a.m. ? 2 p.m. Textures of Nature. Explore nature through your fingertips. Create a texture book of your own. Drop in between 10 a.m. and noon to participate in this great hands-on nature event. Enjoy this family activity at the nature center auditorium. 10 a.m. ? noon.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Jacksonport, 920-823-2400 - Get Outdoors Discovery Week. Get Outdoors and explore the park. Stop in at the nature center to pick up a Discovery sheet to complete for a prize. Start at the nature center. 10 a.m. ? 2 p.m. Habitat Stamp. Find out what FWSS means? Then discover the different habitats found at the park. Create a unique habitat of your own. Drop in between 10 a.m. and noon to participate in this great hands-on nature event. Enjoy this family activity at the nature center auditorium. 10 a.m. ? noon.
