WDNR Outdoor Report as of January 21, 2010Warmer temperatures and no substantial snowfall in the last week has caused snow conditions to begin to deteriorate, especially in areas of southern Wisconsin. Snow depths range from a low of less than half a foot in some areas to more than 18 inches in the Lake Superior snow belt along the northern tier of counties.
More than a dozen counties have now closed snowmobile trails. Warm weather and some rain are forecast for southern Wisconsin this weekend, so more trails may be closed. Remember, snowmobile trails are closed on a local level based on conditions. Check the Snow Conditions Report on the Department of Tourism Web page or contact the county snowmobile coordinator [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cfa/LR/Snowmobile/trails.html] for the current status of snowmobile trails. Cross-country ski trails remain open at most state parks and forests, but conditions on southern trails have begun to deteriorate some. Conditions on northern trails continue to be reported as good to very good.
Ice depths on most lakes continue to hold at 12 to 16 inches, but ice thickness is often un-even across a lake. Overall, access and ice fishing conditions have been generally good. Walleye action has continued to be very sporadic on northern lakes. The most consistent spots have been the mid-depth break lines and the mud flats in 8 to 12 feet of wate. Northern pike fishing has been fair to good, with the bright sunny days producing the best action during the middle of the day. Panfish have been providing the best action with some decent catches of perch, crappie and bluegill all being reported.
Anglers fishing the Fox River have been having good success with both walleye and perch. Anglers fishing Green Bay have reported some success on perch and whitefish, with the best catches in 10 to 20 feet of water. A few anglers have been targeting northern pike but numbers were down over the last week. Sturgeon Bay anglers have been targeting perch at Sawyer Harbor. Along Lake Michigan, open water anglers have been catching brown trout and occasional rainbows near the Port Washington power plant discharge. Anglers have been catching an occasional brown and rainbow trout through the ice at the Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha harbors.
The Mississippi River has been steady over the past week and was at the 7.7 foot stage at Prairie du Chien. Ice conditions continue to improve even though warmer temperatures moved in last week. Most of the popular ice fishing spots have upwards of 8 to 12 inches of ice. Ice conditions still vary greatly and are considered unsafe. The main channel is frozen over, but travel on it is not recommended. Good catches of crappie, bluegill and some perch are being reported from the backwaters. Walleye and sauger anglers have been venturing out onto the ice below the Lynxville dam, but travel in this area is not advisable. Those anglers venturing out reported a few sauger and an occasional walleye being taken.
Mid-January generally announces the onset of coyote and red fox breeding cycles. These two members of the dog family breed between January and March. Cold, crisp winter nights afford opportunities to listen for the raspy barks of red fox or the high pitched yipping of coyotes. Red foxes generally avoid raising pups in areas where coyotes have established territories.
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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.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Pattison State Park ? The cross-country ski trail was groomed on Jan. 20 and was in very good condition with an 8-inch base and 15 inches of snow cover in the woods.
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
Washburn County - A very large group of 50 to 100 snow buntings has been seen in the area. Groups of 25 to 50 are more common. Snow buntings winter in North America and nest in the Arctic, which is farther north than any other passerine. Look for fluttering flocks (often seen along county roads) of the small white birds except for black wings.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - The conditions on the trail were fair as of Jan. 17, due to the warm temps over the weekend. Grooming was halted and will not take place until the area receives additional snowfall. The Tuscobia State Trail does NOT close due to lack of snow.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) ? Ice depths on most lakes in the area continue to hold at 12 to 16 inches. Many anglers have once again started to drive out to their fishing spots but caution is still urged. Ice thickness is often un-even across a lake and some undisturbed, drifted areas have been reported to have only 8 to 10 inches of ice thickness. Overall, access and fishing conditions have been generally good -- with relatively light snow cover, very little slush, and unseasonably mild temperatures in the last week. However, angling success has continued on a generally slow trend. Walleye have still the main species of interest across most of the Northwoods and action has been very sporadic. Some days have produced decent action but it seems the fish have been very finicky on the bait they'll hit and the spot where it's being presented. The most consistent spots have been the mid-depth break lines and the mud flats in 8 to 12 feet of water, with small sucker minnows for bait. Most of the walleye caught have been in the 12- to 16-inch range, but a few fish in the mid-20 inch size have also been landed. Northern pike fishing has been fair to good, with the bright sunny days producing the best action during the middle of the day. The best success has come on large golden shiners and sucker minnows, fished near green weeds in 4 to 8 feet of water. Some nice pike in the low 30-inch range have been reported from the area in the past week. Panfish have been providing the best action in the area with some decent catches of perch, crappie and bluegill. Perch have been found just off the bottom in water from 5 to 15 feet deep, while the larger crappie and bluegill have been suspended over deeper water and near any green weeds. In addition, the most successful anglers have had to move around quite a bit to find the active fish.
Flambeau River State Forest - Ski trails are in very good condition and were being groomed Jan. 21. The Flambeau River still has open spots along the river. A robin who is either very confused or knows something we don't has been seen in the area.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest ? Cross-country ski trails were generally in very good condition as of Jan. 20. There is still 9 to 12 inches of snow in the woods. The McNaughton, Raven and Escanaba trails were last groomed Jan. 19. The Escanaba snow base has compacted. There are no bare spots and the snow is firm but not icy. The Raven Trail has some thin spots under conifers on the red loop, but overall is in very good condition. Madeline Trail was groomed and tracked Jan. 20 and was in very good condition. Trails could use some fresh snow but what is out there is really good and groomers were still able to work in some nice tracks.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Jan. 14 and were in fair condition. Campgrounds are closed for the season. Ice Drags are tentatively scheduled for Jan. 23 and 30 and Feb 6 and 13.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Moderate numbers of people were taking advantage of the nice weather this past weekend to venture out on the ice in search of a variety of fish. Care should be taken as the ice condition vary from area to area.
Marinette County - The Menominee River was producing walleye at both the Hattie Street Dam and the Sixth Street Slip Landing. Tip-ups and jigging are both good bets. The lures of choice for walleye jigging are Rattlin Raps and Moonshines in blue or Fire Tiger. Some whitefish were being caught at Sixth Street.
Oconto County - Oconto Breakwater Park has seen a moderate number of anglers jigging for perch in and around the mouth of the river with a few people fishing the north side of the break wall for pike. Anglers at Oconto Park I and II are starting to stage for northern with a few permanent shacks being placed on the Bay proper.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Anglers that have been fishing off Volk?s near the Dykesville landing reported some success on perch and whitefish. The best catches seem to be in 10 to 20 feet of water, with most fish biting on wax worms or minnows. People venturing out of Bayshore and Red river have found decent numbers of whitefish with most action coming in 8 to 20 feet of water. Most anglers have been jigging with wax worms or minnows.
Brown County - Voyageur Park anglers have been having good success with both walleye and perch. Jigging with Buckshots or Rattlin Raps tipped with minnows have been working well. Anglers have been staying close to shore in about 10 feet of water. Duck Creek has been producing perch jigging with minnow heads and wax worms. Sunset Beach Landing was also producing some nice perch along with the occasional northern; jigging and tip-ups with large shiners were both working well.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Anglers at Little Sturgeon Bay have been doing well on perch in 10 to 20 feet of water. The best catches have been on waxworms, but minnows were producing the larger fish. Also a few anglers have been targeting Northern pike but numbers were down over the last week. Anglers have still been doing well on whitefish around Henderson point. Anglers have had the best luck on waxworms or the head of a rosy red. Sturgeon Bay anglers have been targeting perch at Sawyer Harbor; most anglers have been jigging for them with waxworms. Anglers have also been targeting perch and whitefish at Stone Quarry. A few anglers have been fishing Bullhead Point and the yacht club for northern pike with some success.
Peninsula State Park ? As of Jan. 17, the woods had less than 6 inches of snow cover. Most but not all sections of cross-country ski trails were groomed, tracked and range from closed to good condition. Some sections were icy. Snowmobile trails are closed. Peninsula has three snowshoe routes. Most trails are packed. The sledding hill is closed due to bare spots and icy conditions.
DNR Southeast Region
Harrington Beach State Park - Cross-country ski trails were in good condition as of Jan. 17. There were areas of limited snow on the trail. The park is a wonderful place to come to snowshoe. The nice thing about snowshoes is that you can practically go where you want. The Shuttle Trail is plowed for hikers. People have been ice fishing on Quarry Lake. For those who do not know, ice fishing is allowed, but please remember, that it is a quarry. It is usually the last lake to freeze in the county and ice conditions are uncertain. Angles were catching a few rainbow trout. Please remember that an Inland Trout Stamp is required to fish for and keep trout.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit ? As of Jan. 20, cross-country ski trails remained in good condition. The skate lanes were groomed Jan. 19. The lighted loop skate lanes were scheduled to be re-groomed before the Wed. night races. The Lapham Loppet ski race is scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 23.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Southern Unit ? As of Jan. 20 the Scuppernong cross-country ski trail had a lot of debris in the pines. There was still good tracks.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Northern Unit ? The Zillmer cross-country ski trail skating lanes were all groomed Jan. 19 and were in very good condition. The classic tracks were left as they were. The tracks are in good condition, especially on the red and green loops. The tracks on the yellow are in fair condition with some icy spots. The Greenbush cross-country trails were groomed Jan. 19.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The cross-country ski trail was in fair condition as of last weekend. It was last groomed Wednesday, Jan. 13. The ski trail snow depth was about 4 inches. It was still skiable; however, bare ground is visible in some areas and the track continues to melt. The trail will not be groomed again until more snow is received. Nature trails, hiking trails, and roadways may be snow covered and slippery. Visitors are reporting bald eagle sightings. Visitors may also see a red fox.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan 8 inches of ice has been reported in the marina, but fishing there has been slow.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington open water anglers have been catching brown trout and occasional rainbows near the power plant discharge. Both spawn and casting artificials have produced fish. The west slip has open water, and the north slip is mostly open as well.
Milwaukee County - McKinley Marina in Milwaukee has approximately 5 to 7 inches of ice. Anglers there have been catching occasional brown trout, and tip-ups have produced with both shiners and spawn. Ice anglers have also been fishing in the lagoon at Lakeshore State Park, but action there has been on the slow side. Open water anglers fishing the Menomonee River at the MMSD offices have been catching a few northern pike.
Racine County - The Racine harbor is ice covered, but use caution as the ice thickness varies considerably. Water clarity in the harbor has been somewhat poor, but both browns and rainbows have been caught.
Kenosha County - Ice anglers in Kenosha have taken a few browns on minnows and spawn in Southport Marina.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Blue Mound State Park - Cross-country skit trails were re-groomed Jan. 19 for skate skiing; no track was set. Conditions were very good for skate skiing, with a firm base and plenty of loose material for purchase and control. Not icy, minimum 6-inch base on south facing slopes, more elsewhere.
Yellowstone State Park ? As of Jan. 16, the Oak Ridge, Prairie Loop, and Oak Grove cross-country ski trail were open and groomed and tracked. The snowmobile trail in the park was also open. The park offers a good opportunity for snowshoeing enthusiasts. Contact park office for more information and current trail conditions.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The snowmobile trails in the North Western corner of Dodge County closed Jan. 18. Trails previously closed in the southern half of the county. Only the northeastern & north central sections of the Dodge County Snowmobile Trail System remained open as of Monday. These open trails are north of Hwy 33 and east of Hwy 26, along with Corridor 9 around Waupun. Trails in the north central and northeastern area were reported in fair shape. Warmer temperatures are forecast, so conditions could change over the next few days. Riders are cautioned to avoid trail use of any open trails if temperatures are above freezing to avoid damaging the underlying lands.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Mirror Lake State Park - As of Jan. 20 all cross-country ski trails were groomed, tracked and in fair-good condition with an 8- to 10-inch base. Trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing. Last grooming was done on Jan. 17. Current weather forecast, predict precipitation over the next few days to be in the form of rain or sleet so trail conditions may change daily. Trails will be re-groomed for the up coming weekend if temperatures are below freezing and the predicted rain does not develop.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Mid-January generally announces the onset of coyote and red fox breeding cycles. These two members of the dog family have one annual estrus cycle and breed between January and March. Cold, crisp winter nights afford opportunities to listen for the raspy barks of red fox or the high pitched yipping of coyotes. Red foxes generally avoid raising pups in areas where coyotes have established territories.
Crawford County - As of Jan. 20, a warming trend has helped settle some of the snow drifts and wind swept ridges, however plenty of snow still exists in the woods. Snowmobile trails from Boscobel to Gays Mills are now closed. The only trail in Crawford County that remains open is the stretch from Prairie du Chien to Gays Mills. The Mississippi River has been steady this past week. Currently the river stage is at 7.7 feet. Ice conditions continue to improve even though warmer temperatures moved in last week. Most of the popular ice fishing spots have upwards of 8 to 12 inches of ice. Ice conditions still vary greatly and are considered unsafe. Ice fishers are urged to use caution when traveling out onto the frozen waters. The main channel of the Mississippi River is frozen over, but travel on it is not recommended. Another dangerous spot is on the Ambro Slough just upstream from the USFWS boat landing. There, Mill Coulee Creek enters the Ambro Slough and open water/very thin ice exists. Ice fishing activity was very good on some days and spotty during other days. Fishing activity and ice conditions are as follows: Prairie du Chien Area and Lower bottoms: Garnet Lake has decent ice but access can be tricky. Fishing activity there has been slow mainly due to access. Dilman?s pit was producing some very nice white bass (stripers) near the bottom of 40 feet of water. Recently action there has slowed considerably. Ice conditions are pretty good except for Rotten Slough and Hunter?s Slough which are located near the sewer treatment plant. Caution in these areas is advised. Prairie du Chien Ambro Slough Complex: The lower end of Gremore Lake was producing good catches of crappie, bluegill and some perch. The past couple days activity slowed. Tilmont Lake is still producing some very nice crappie and perch primarily in the morning. Mud Slough, the Lower Doubles and Fish Lake have been very slow. Little Missouri was hot last week but slowed down somewhat the past couple days. Good catches of perch, crappie and bluegill were reported. Big Missouri and the Upper Double are starting to produce bluegill and crappie, but action remains spotty. The Fennimore Cut and Spring Lake have been spotty also, but a few decent crappie and bluegill along with a perch here and there have been reported. Largemouth bass have been active throughout the Ambro Slough complex. Panfish anglers report catching many undersized bass and few keeper size. Ice conditions are generally good with the exception of the Mill Coulee Creek and Ambro Slough area. Sturgeon Slough Area: Sturgeon Slough has been very quiet recently. Some anglers have ventured down to Sturgeon (aka McGregor or Horseshoe) Lake but success there has been slow. Sturgeon Slough and Sturgeon Lake have good ice, however travel to Sturgeon Lake can be tricky. Stay on established paths. Cold Spring: Fishing has been slow. Anglers have reported a few bluegill and crappie, but overall very slow. Ice conditions on the southern lobe are good except near the boat landing/stream where open water and very thin ice exists. Mississippi River: Walleye and sauger anglers have been venturing out onto the ice below the Lynxville dam. Ice conditions there vary greatly and day to day. Travel in this area is not advisable. Even so, some anglers have been vertical jigging or dead lining through the ice with a few sauger and an occasional walleye being taken. Ice conditions have been reported as ranging from an inch or two to 6 inches. Small game hunters are finding that the warmer temperatures have provided better hunting conditions. Squirrel hunting has been good. Rabbit hunters are reporting average to poor success. Those who hunt coyotes are finding the breeding season is beginning and there are ample opportunities out there. Some hunters find that wearing snowshoes really helps getting around. Many home owners are gearing up for winter song bird feeding. Many species of birds are coming into feeders even though moderate temperatures have settled in. Bald eagles are kind of scarce on the Mississippi River because of the freeze up. Many bald eagles can be seen north of Prairie du Chien along Highway 27 near County Highway N. Standing corn fields have been ravaged by deer, turkey, squirrels and a variety of song birds.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest ? All cross-country ski trails were open and in fair to good condition as of Jan. 19. The Red Oak and Wildcat Trails were groomed Tuesday for skate skiing. Crews planned on grooming all of the trails but had some equipment issues. The rest of the trails were groomed last Friday for skate and classic. The equipment issue is a minor one and should be repaired quickly. Crews will then finish grooming all of the trails and they should be in good condition for the weekend. The annual Candlelight Ski will be held on Feb. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., starting at the Smrekar warming shelter. This event is sponsored annually by the Black River Forest Trail Foundation. A 1.5-mile trail will be lit with candles with food, refreshments, and a raffle all available. All snowmobile and ATV trails were open and being groomed Tuesday. There are bare spots on the corners and a few areas may be icy. Forest officials will be watching the forecast closely for the weekend and may close them if expected temperatures are too high. Snowshoeing is allowed any place in the state forest not designated for skiing or motorized recreation. Two recommended places include the five mile trail that runs from Pigeon Creek Campground to Smrekar Road, and the nature trail at Castle Mound Campground.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park ? Cross-country ski trails were still in good condition as of Jan 21. Skiing speeds are moderate with occasional fast stretches. With the changing temperatures and weather conditions, please call the park office at 715-239-6888 for the latest ski trail report. Panfish action has been fair with more small fish moving in to the bays. Northern pike are being taken in the channels around the islands. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. 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. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, crows, cardinals, flickers, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
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, January 23, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - NatureMapping: Mammals. Help us keep track of the critters here at Havenwoods using NatureMapping. We?ll spend the first part inside finding out about what mammals live at Havenwoods. Then, we?ll spend sometime outside looking searching for signs of mammals. The final part will be inside learning how to use the NatureMapping site to record our findings. Please dress for the weather, since a portion of this program will be outside. This program is geared for adults and kids 7 and up. 10 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Lapham Peak Unit, Delafield, (262) 594-6200 - Lapham Loppet Ski Races. 4.5 K Jr High/High School Meet, 11K Lapham Loppet Freestyle Ski Race and FREE Laddie & Lassie Fun Ski Kids race for K-6th, 2 course options by ability. Sponsored by the Friends of Lapham Peak. See the friends Web site [www.laphampeakfriends.org] (exit DNR) for details (click on calendar of events). On site registration begins at 8 a.m., races begin at 10:30 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Palmyra, (262) 646-3025 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski or hike the 1.4-mile purple loop through the woods that will be illuminated by 450 candles! No hills and no spills! The Nordic Trail is on County Highway H about 3 miles south of Palmyra and 1.5 miles north of La Grange. Ski rentals are available in La Grange and the store will donate $2 per ski rental for next year's event. Hot beverages and food will be available for sale in a heated shelter. A bonfire and charcoal will also be available, so bring your marshmallows and food you would like to cook. Dogs are allowed on the ski trail for this event only. A Wisconsin State Park sticker is required on all vehicles. Nordic Shelter. 6-9 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920)868-3258 - Winter Birds at Peninsula. Discover the needs and adaptations of park birds, including chickadees and woodpeckers. Weather permitting, try feeding chickadees by hand. Nature center. 11-11:45 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Cross-country Ski Clinic. Bring your skis and join instructor John Meyer to learn about waxing and other skiing tips. The diagonal stride technique will be taught and practiced. Please call to preregister. Event is weather dependent. Meet at Shelter 1. 9-11 a.m. Owl Prowl. Join us for this annual event to discover why owls are perfect night hunters. Dress for the weather because we will be outside in search for these predators. Meet at the Visitor Center and be prepared to drive. 8:30-10 p.m.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Preschool Storytime: We Dig Groundhogs. What animal digs big holes, eats all summer, and sleeps all winter? If you guessed a groundhog, you're right! Come find out about these furry sleepers. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. It is not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents. Then a short activity will reinforce the story's nature-related theme. Nature Storytime generally lasts 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, January 29, 2010
? Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, New Auburn, (715) 967-2800 or e-mail - Snowshoeing by Moonlight. Join naturalists Rod Gont and Frank Lowly as they lead one or two-hour snowshoe hikes by moonlight. All ages are invited. More than 40 pairs of snowshoes are available for those without them. Please call ahead to reserve snowshoes. There's no charge, but donations are accepted. Warming fires will be going and hot chocolate and hot water are available. Meet at the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Reserve Unit Visitor Center. 6:30 p.m.
? Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie, (715) 232-2652 - Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe. Enjoy a lighted trail, hot chocolate and a warming fire at the Menomonie Depot Visitor Center. Limited ski rentals will be available through Stout Adventures; contact Tim Mertz (715) 232-5190 for availability. Snowshoes will be provided by the Menomonie School District at no cost. 6-9 p.m.
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/
