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Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / Emerald Ash Borer Detected In Washburn, Taylor Counties

« Last post by mudbrook on Today at 05:20:41 PM »

Emerald Ash Borer Detected In
Washburn, Taylor Counties

A mature green emerald ash borer crawls on the bark of a tree.
Emerald ash borer has been detected in Washburn and Taylor counties for the first time, leaving only one Wisconsin county without a positive detection. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has detected the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) for the first time in Washburn and Taylor counties. Burnett is now the only county without a detection since EAB was first discovered in Wisconsin in 2008.

DNR staff members collected larvae samples in the town of Springbrook and the city of Medford. A USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service identifier confirmed these larvae as EAB.

The detections will not result in regulatory changes because EAB was federally deregulated on Jan. 14, 2021, and Wisconsin rescinded its statewide quarantine effective July 1, 2023.

EAB will continue to spread in northern Wisconsin, significantly impacting the state’s ash resource. This is a good time to review the DNR’s updated EAB webpage for information and resources on this invasive species and the EAB Silviculture Guidelines to understand ash management options.

For those looking for treatment options, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s EAB webpage provides information on insecticide treatment for ash shade trees.

The DNR, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension and tribal partners continue to track EAB’s spread. Detection information aids in EAB readiness planning, management and biological control activities.

With 66 new municipal detections already reported in 2024, map updates continue to occur regularly. Visit the Wisconsin EAB Online Detections map to see where EAB has been found in Wisconsin or to report new detections.

https://datcpservices.wisconsin.gov/eab/index.jsp

Wisconsin Fishing / Minocqua area fishing report

« Last post by mudbrook on Today at 09:39:51 AM »

Minocqua Area Fishing Report 5/7/24

The 2024 Inland Gamefish Opener is in the books. Nice weather, compared to most openers, greeted early morning anglers the first day until the skies opened up late morning. Water temps of 46 degrees (large, deep lakes) to 52 degrees (smaller lakes and flowages) greeted open morning anglers. The urge to go shallow from past experiences (or reading this fishing post) did NOT pan out for most of us. Yet, Walleyes were caught and a LOT of anglers were out on the water!

Walleye: Good – With most bodies of water in the “post spawn” time frame for Walleye, it was expected they would have the feed bag on in the shallows, gorging on young Perch and minnows. While some reports of success on smaller Walleyes in tight, better catches came from somewhat deeper water, many in 12-15’. Many of these fish were full of Mayfly larvae rooted out of the mud. Air temps fell overnight into Sunday, crept up, fell again into Monday then surged with the sunshine to reach into upper 50’s. Activity in the shallower water picked up, not fast and furious, but a show of what’s to come. Live bait in the form of large fatheads, Dace minnows, leeches (and even wigglers on a slip-float) a few anglers found Walleyes hitting #6 Flicker Shads and #6 Shad Raps over 10-15’ flats next to breaks. On larger, cooler lakes, Lindy rigging chubs or suckers (3-5”) in 18-25’ off known spawning habitat worked best.

Northern Pike: Good – Not a lot targeted on purpose, but plenty of incidental catches on minnow/chub and jig presentations. Big River Shiners under a float good at this time of year. As focus spreads from Walleye, we will get more reports.
Crappie: Fair-Good – Very temperature oriented, warm afternoon best. Hanging in 6-10’ weeds, yet moving into shallows at the warmest parts of the day to soak up some sun.

Largemouth Bass: Fair - Not much attention, but like Crappies and Gills, moving up tight during warm spells. Wacky worms, jig and creature and swim jigs around shoreline cover.

Yellow Perch: Fair - Few nice Perch (8-10”) picked up by shallow water Walleye anglers. Action should improve as these fish spawned after Walleye and should be getting hungry.

Smallmouth Bass: Fair - Not being targeted. Still catch and release only until June.

Bluegill: Poor-Fair - No reports

While the opener wasn’t as action packed as some others, there is still a very good post spawn bite building.
In other news…Due to an emergency rule meeting with the Natural Resource Board and Department of Natural Resources last Thursday (5/2) and lightning fast signing from the Governor’s office, the Lake Tomahawk/Lake Minocqua Chain is open as of this writing (5/7) for hook and line angling for Walleye. Bag limit of 1 (18-22”) on the Chain per day.

Kurt's Island Sport Shop
https://www.kurtsislandsports.com/

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / General Inland Fishing Season Opens Saturday, May 4

« Last post by mudbrook on May 03, 2024, 05:44:02 PM »

General Inland Fishing Season Opens
Saturday, May 4

A smallmouth bass fights while hooked on a top-water bait.
With over 15,000 inland lakes, 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers, 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and 260 miles of the Mississippi River, Wisconsin offers anglers a variety of places to cast a line. / Photo Credit: iStock/stammphoto

At long last, fishing season is finally here! Wisconsin's 2024-2025 general inland fishing season will open on Saturday, May 4.

It's shaping up to be a good one, too.

Fisheries biologists expect anglers to find success on opening day. No matter where anglers decide to fish, all Wisconsin residents and nonresidents over the age of 16 are required to purchase a fishing license. Anglers can buy licenses through Go Wild, the DNR’s license portal, or from a license agent.

This year, new fishing regulations are in effect, including a new small tournament registration requirement and a statewide daily bag limit of three walleye/sauger per day on all inland waters. There are also bag and length limit changes for fish species in the following counties: Brown, Chippewa, Dane, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iowa, Iron, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marquette, Oconto, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Vilas, Walworth, Waukesha and Waushara.

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/wifishingreport

Ice Fishing Tournaments / Upcoming Ice Fishing Events 2/13/24

« Last post by mudbrook on February 13, 2024, 01:17:55 PM »

Upcoming Ice Fishing Events 2/13/24

Feb 17th – Lake Tomahawk Family Fisheree – Lake Tomahawk

Feb 24th – 3rd Annual Newbold Fire Dept Ice Fishing Tournament – Muskellunge Lake

Feb 24th – Winter free fishing contest – Any Lake – Sponsored by County Line Station

Feb 24th – Kids Ice Fishing Day – Lake Minocqua – Sponsored by Northwoods Chapter of Muskies, Inc

Mar 2nd – KISS Annual High School Ice Fishing Tournament – Lake Minocqua
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Wisconsin Fishing / Angies Fishing Adventures

« Last post by mudbrook on August 14, 2023, 12:11:12 PM »

Angies Fishing Adventures

I knew going into Wednesday it was going to be a great day, my phone was dead and the last time that happened I had a memorable day hunting so I just had this feeling ??

How could it not be a great day with the theme - Redneck margaritas: Work shirts, cutoff flannels, stuffed talking parrots, also who could forget the gummy worms and not 1 but 2 bananas on the boat

? Sounds amazing right! It was for us, we had a blast!

After the tournament being cancelled the 2 prior years due to weather conditions, we finally got to hit the water for some great fishing and that we did! I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to represent https://www.facebook.com/WiWomenFish along with 30+ other club members at the 2023 Powder Puff Derby, it was amazing and we had a blast, of course!!!

The first thing we did was ask if Sam was competitive, when he said yes we knew he would take care of us and would be a great captain from Dumper Dan Sportfishing Charters. Thanks “Wags” for a great morning!

I learned A TON, we caught some amazing fish and can honestly say I understand why fishing in the Great Lakes can be so addicting. It takes a lot of time and dedication to become successful, hats off to all those captains out there!

Our team “The Dirty Oars” placed 1st for the super derby prize. (total boat weight) while my fellow WWF club members also finished in the top 5 for their total boat weight (also from Dan’s), 4 members that also placed with their individual fish caught and some great costumes were displayed for the contest.
Captain Barb Carey and Rikki Nicole thank you for your drive, support and passion for fishing. It makes women like me (small town northern WI gal) in WWF get out of our comfort zone and try different types of fishing.

Striker https://www.facebook.com/strikerbrands

Casting Queens Empire https://www.facebook.com/groups/662706317876645/

Angie https://www.facebook.com/angier1331

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / Free Fun Weekend June 3-4

« Last post by mudbrook on June 02, 2023, 03:58:42 PM »

Free Fun Weekend June 3-4

a young boy running across a bridge
State park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all visitors June 3-4, 2023. / Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

Find your adventure this weekend during the 11th annual Free Fun Weekend, June 3-4. State park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all Wisconsin residents and non-residents.

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams and roughly 15,000 lakes, the DNR invites Wisconsinites to discover a new favorite park, trail, forest or recreation area or to try a new activity during Free Fun Weekend. This is the perfect time to get outdoors and find your adventure in Wisconsin.

Find a full list of Wisconsin state properties, activities and maps by visiting the DNR’s website. Reserve a shelter or campsite through the DNR’s online booking system. Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, here are some helpful things to know:

STATE PARKS

Vehicle admission stickers will not be required.
All state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Programs and events are posted online on the DNR’s website.
TRAILS

All linear/rail trails will be open to the public, including ATV trails and horseback riding trails.
ATVs, UTVs and OHMs are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and non-resident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.
FISHING

Residents and non-residents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
All 2023-2024 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits.
This is the perfect time of year for small and largemouth bass, panfish and northern pike to be active.
New to fishing? Check out free clinics hosted at state properties.
Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you.
BOAT LAUNCHES

All DNR boat launches are open.
Boats must be registered, which can be done either online or via mail.
Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never move live fish from any waterbody.
SAFETY

Always wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
Use boat lights after sunset.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during an ATV/UTV ride or while operating a boat.
Wear a helmet and protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt while riding an ATV/UTV.
All children under the age of 18 must have a minimum Department of Transportation standard motorcycle or ATV helmet - bicycle helmets are not legal.
Keep your speed in mind as weather and terrain conditions vary or change.
Grab your family and friends and head outdoors for Free Fun Weekend! Take the trail less traveled and head to some lesser-known “hidden gem” state properties. Make sure to tag your Free Fun Weekend photos with #OutWiGo.

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / Help Protect Turtles During Wild Turtle Week

« Last post by mudbrook on May 22, 2023, 01:15:23 PM »

Help Protect Turtles During Wild Turtle Week

Build A Nest Cage, Report Road Crossings And Keep Wild Turtles Wild

A close-up shot of an ornate box turtle making its way across the ground.
Ornate box turtles are often found in the pet trade, however, they are endangered in Wisconsin and are illegal to take from the wild and own as pets. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages Wisconsin citizens to give turtle mothers and the next generation of turtles a helping hand during Wild Turtle Week, May 23-27, and throughout nesting season.

This time of year, turtles begin to emerge from rivers, lakes and wetlands to lay eggs. Wisconsin’s 11 turtle species lay eggs in nests from late May through June in sunny areas and well-draining uplands. This annual nesting migration often puts turtles on roadways and in residential areas. Many females are run over by vehicles during this period, a leading cause of turtle decline in Wisconsin.

Turtle nests are also exposed to high levels of predation as populations of nest-raiding animals such as raccoons, skunks and coyotes grow to historical numbers. The current demand for pet turtles is also a significant issue, leading to the illegal removal of our native, North American turtles from our wild places.

“The nesting season is a tough time for wild female turtles. Many are removed from populations through road mortality, while others are collected, often illegally, for the global pet, food, and medicine industry,” said Andrew Badje, DNR Conservation Biologist. “Protecting female turtles and their nests in the wild and learning how pet turtle demand influences an unsustainable illegal turtle trade are great ways to conserve turtles in Wisconsin and the world.”

Additionally, some Wisconsin turtles must reach old ages and participate in many nesting seasons to reproduce successfully. Blanding’s turtles and wood turtles cannot reproduce until they’re 12 to 20 years old, while others, like ornate box turtles, lay only a few eggs a year. Therefore, removing even one female turtle per year can quickly lead to population declines or the elimination of local populations.

The DNR encourages those interested in helping turtles to consider following these protective actions from now until the end of summer:

Protect turtle eggs in yards and other private property by building and securing a nest cage over any documented nests. Follow these instructions and watch a step-by-step video to build a nest cage that keeps predators away from the nest and allows hatchlings to exit on their own.
Drive with caution on roads that are near wetlands, lakes and rivers. Slow down and be alert.
Report turtle observations, road crossings and nest sites using the Turtle Reporting Form for the DNR’s Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program. DNR conservation biologists use these reports to manage and conserve turtles.
Report suspicious or illegal activity associated with turtles to DNR’s Violation Hotline by calling or texting 1-800-847-9367.
Help protect Wisconsin’s native turtles by keeping wild turtles in the wild and not releasing pet turtles into the wild.
Turtles don’t make great pets. For those desiring to own one, #BuyInformed, and take steps to lessen the impact on the illegal turtle trade.
Learn additional ways to help protect Wisconsin’s turtles and spread the word about Wild Turtle Week.
To learn more about turtles in Wisconsin and submit turtle reports, visit the DNR’s online Turtle Conservation Program form.

https://wiatri.net/inventory/witurtles/

Great Lakes Fishing / DNR Seeking Public Input On Great Lakes Beach Listings

« Last post by mudbrook on May 22, 2023, 01:11:26 PM »

DNR Seeking Public Input On Great Lakes
Beach Listings

A crowd of people enjoy a sunny summer day at the beach of Kohler Andrea State Park.
Generations of Wisconsinites have grown up enjoying Great Lakes beaches and rely on our lakes for safe, clean water. / Photo Credit: Bob Fritsch

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to help update Wisconsin's beach list to keep people safe on Great Lakes beaches this summer.

Each year, the DNR's beach program reaches out to the public, local beach managers and public health departments along Wisconsin's Great Lakes coasts to determine what changes are needed to the Wisconsin beach list and program information.

A beach is defined as any place where the public has recreational access to the water, regardless of whether the location is used for swimming. Boat launches, some natural areas and private beaches available to the public are included.

“Public comments ensure the Wisconsin beach list reflects locally-used names and the status of beaches and boat launches due to changing natural conditions and public access,” said Diane Packett, DNR Beach Program Manager. “We’d like people to let us know if any beaches are missing or not properly identified on the list and if there are some boat launches that are no longer active and should be taken off.”

This year’s proposed list includes a change to Herbster Beach in Bayfield County to create two separate beaches.

Public comments and local knowledge of Wisconsin's Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shorelines provide the best information about our 57 miles of coastal beaches.

The federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act is an amendment to the Clean Water Act which requires all coastal states – including Great Lakes states – to develop programs for effective water quality monitoring and public notification at coastal recreational beaches. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides grants to participating states to develop and implement a statewide beach program. To maintain Wisconsin’s eligibility for funding under the BEACH Act, state programs must provide an opportunity for public comment when changes to the list or monitoring program occur.

All Wisconsin beaches along the Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shorelines are identified and prioritized for water quality monitoring with these funds.

This federal funding allows communities with Great Lakes beaches to monitor for elevated levels of Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli), a bacterium that can cause illness if ingested. These bacteria are relatively easy to test for compared to other pathogens, so they serve as a helpful indicator of the possible presence of other health risks in the water, such as fecal matter, viruses and other bacteria or pollutants.

“This monitoring data helps local health officials determine when to close a beach due to unsafe conditions and to notify the public so that beach visitors can make informed choices about swimming at the beach,” said Packett.

The DNR continues to improve and upgrade the beach health database and website features and welcomes feedback throughout the year. Questions or comments can be directed to DNRBeachHealth@wisconsin.gov or DNR Beach Program Manager Diane Packett at 608-640-7511.

The proposed additions and changes to the beach list for 2023 are available online on the DNR’s website. Please email public comments on the beach listings to DNRBeachHealth@wisconsin.gov by Dec. 31, 2023.

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Beaches/BeachList.html

Musky Fishing / Northern Musky Season Begins May 27

« Last post by mudbrook on May 22, 2023, 01:03:36 PM »

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers the 2023 northern zone muskellunge (musky) season begins May 27, 2023 and runs through Dec. 31.

During the open season, anglers can catch musky on open waters within the northern muskellunge management zone. All regulations and license requirements apply.

“The warmer weather means more fishing opportunities for anglers to catch our state fish in the northern zone,” said Justine Hasz, DNR Director of the Bureau of Fisheries Management.

Anglers can expect fish in most waters to be done spawning and ready to bite. Muskies will likely be active in shallow vegetated bays, channels and on points just adjacent to shallow bays. Small bucktails, jerk baits, plastics and topwater can be effective fish catchers.

Proclaimed the official state fish in 1955, the muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is one of Wisconsin's most unique trophies.

More musky world records have been landed in Wisconsin than anywhere else. The current state and world record is a tremendous 69-pound, 11-ounce musky taken from the Chippewa Flowage.

Purchase your fishing license online through the GoWild system or from a license vendor. Make sure to check the 2023-2024 Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for daily bag and size limits and special county regulations.

The DNR reminds anglers to have the proper release tools on hand (large landing net, long nose pliers, hook cutter and gloves) and to properly release the fish they catch. Find tips for releasing muskies responsibly on the DNR webpage.

Learn more about trophy muskellunge waters and the elusive fish by visiting the DNR's musky webpage.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/musky

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / DNR Seeking Public Comment

« Last post by mudbrook on May 22, 2023, 01:00:04 PM »

DNR Seeking Public Comment For Environmental Review Of The Village Of Randolph
Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Village of Randolph is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to improve its public drinking water system. The project includes reconstruction associated with watermain, sanitary sewer and stormwater improvement along portions of Center Street, Church Street, 1st Street, Sunny Side Place and Grove Street.

Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project. Submit comments by June 5, 2023 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2
101 S Webster St.
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov or 608-234-2238

Based on the comments received, the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.