WDNR Outdoor Report as of April 3, 2008
The battle between spring and winter continued on in the north this week with people waking up on April Fools day wondering what kind of weather trick had been played on them, with anywhere from 7 to 12 inches of new heavy, wet snow on the ground. Snow depths still range up to 2 feet in the far northern tier of counties, but they drop off rapidly, with only 2 to 3 inches of snow reported on the ground in the central part of the state.
Despite the new snow, snowmobile trails closed throughout the state on March 31, as that marked the end of trail easement for the season with private property owners. While a few snowmobiles were still running on frozen lakes, snowmobile clubs remind riders that using the trails after they are closed could jeopardize trail easements in the future. State parks and forests have also ended grooming of cross-country ski trails for the season, though some good snowshoeing opportunities are still being reported in the north.
Ice conditions remain pretty good on most northern lakes, with ice thickness still in the 24 to 28-inch range. The ice on southern lakes is very poor with open water existing along the shorelines outward for up to 10 feet or more. The Ice Road, running between Bayfield and Madeline Island on Lake Superior was officially closed to traffic March 27, although some people continue to drive on it.
Most anglers on inland lakes have been catching a few perch, bluegill, and in some areas good crappie action. Much of the fishing pressure in the south has been on rivers. Anglers have been catching walleye on the Rock River in Watertown, the Fox River in Green Bay and below the Prairie du Sac dam on the lower Wisconsin River.
Southeast Wisconsin was hit hard by rainfall early this week, and stream flows are high on all Lake Michigan tributaries. Anglers on the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers have caught a few steelhead when the rivers had fishable flows. In Port Washington, shore anglers fishing near the power plant have been catching browns and steelhead. In Milwaukee, shore anglers fishing have been catching a few brown trout. Boat launches are beginning to open, and when boaters have been able to get out on the big lake, they have been catching good numbers of brown trout.
The Mississippi River remained fairly steady in the 8.5 foot range this week. The back water sloughs have been opening up and there is only a small amount of ice left in the backwaters. Bluegill, perch, and crappie action was spotty this week mainly due to the lack of ice. Fishing below dams for sauger and walleye has been good.
A variety of ducks are returning to the Wisconsin River including: hooded mergansers, common mergansers, and mallards. Sandhill cranes, redwing blackbirds and robins are back in good numbers setting up their territories. Bluebirds are showing up in good numbers and this week’s Statewide Birding Report has revised recommendations for people interested in setting out bluebird boxes. Deer have moved out of yarding areas and into the agricultural fields and wood edges. Tom turkeys are beginning to strut and gobble in preparation for spring courting.
Recent cold weather has been slowing the maple syrup process, but warmer days in the past week have begun filling buckets with maple sap.
The rains in southern Wisconsin on Monday, March 31 prompted the first spring salamander migration, including reports of eastern tiger salamanders, blue-spotted salamanders and central newts making their way to spring breeding sites. The migration was not a major one and subsequent rains, especially in the evening or at night should prompt more widespread migrations. As the weather warms and as snow and frost disappears farther north, migration can be expected there over the next week or so. The early spring breeding frogs have also begun to call with the onset of spring weather. Frogs do not require rains to migrate, although rains will increase the number of migrants moving from upland sites to their breeding ponds. After a long, snowy winter, the sounds of these tiny creatures is sweet music to the ear.
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A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
Statewide Birding Report
Increasing numbers of bluebirds are returning to Wisconsin, and bluebirds will begin nesting soon. The March 27, 2008 Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report contained some recommendations for placing bluebird houses that are outdated, based on the latest research on bluebird restoration in the state conducted by the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW), an organization established in 1986 to address an alarming drop in bluebird numbers in the state. In the 2007 nesting season, BRAW members recorded 28,244 bluebirds fledged from 7,800 nest boxes in Wisconsin, the most recorded in the nation. BRAW attributes these impressive production figures to management discoveries made over the last 22 years, some of which are different than previously established management practices. Research shows that 90 percent of boxes can attract bluebirds if properly placed. Proper bluebird management emphasizes: not pairing nest boxes and spreading them at least 100 yards apart; using predator guards on mounting posts; pointing nest box in a northeasterly, easterly, or southeasterly direction to maximize heat uptake in the months of April & May; and use of a shallow nest box with oval hole, and unvented in April and May. BRAW research indicates that “pairing” nest boxes actually encourages the production of tree swallows, a cavity nesting species that also commonly uses bluebird boxes, and decreases the production of bluebirds. By placing boxes close together, male and female bluebirds are encouraged to compete for nest sites, while spacing the boxes 100-plus yards apart reduces this competition. Complete instructions on constructing and placing bluebird nesting boxes can be found on the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin Web site at [http://www.braw.org].
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The battle between spring and winter has continued on in the north...although it has most likely turned the corner into spring now. Quite a bit of snow melted away over last weekend, making a patchwork look of snow and bare ground. Winter fought back on Monday March 31, dropping 7 to 12 inches of snow on the Northwoods. People woke up on April Fools day wondering what kind of weather trick had been played on them. On the bright side this heavy wet snow (when melted down) produced three-quarters of an inch of much needed precipitation. The snow is again rapidly melting due to the warm days. The Bois Brule River is now about 3 inches below normal for precipitation, since January. Snowfall total is normal for the winter with 68 inches -- only because of the record snow that fell in December (33 inches). The area is still in need of rain. Trout fishing on the Bois Brule River (from Highway 2 to Lake Superior) opened last weekend. The River is reported to be clear of ice all of the way to the mouth as of April 1. The Bois Brule River is flowing at 128 cubic feet per second (cfs) as of April 2. The 63 year average is 185 cfs. With trout season on the Bois Brule River in full swing, people are reminded to keep in mind that VHS is still a concern and they should continue to take steps to help prevent the spread of this deadly fish disease. The best way to keep up to date about VHS is to look at the Wisconsin DNR’s VHS Web pages [dnr.wi.gov/fish/vhs]. The revised VHS rules and information about using spawn and methods of preserving bait can be found at this site. Spring migrants such as robins, mourning doves, killdeer and woodcock are braving the snow in anticipation for the ground to clear up. Male woodcock normally come back into the area in the last few days of March to set up their territories in preparation for the females who will arriving soon. Until recently conditions for tapping trees for sap have not been ideal. It was reported that the sap was coming very slowly due to the temperatures. The best sap flow usually occurs when the overnight low temperatures are in the mid 20'sdegrees and the daytime high temperatures reach 40-45 degrees. The spring public meeting for the Brule River State Forest is set for April 19, 10 a.m. at the Brule Town Hall. Items to be discussed are projects that have been completed and projects that are planned for 2008, upcoming timber sales, and potential management Activities on newly acquired lands. For more information call the Brule River State Forest at 715-372-5678. Volunteers are needed on Saturday April 26 For the annual Bois Brule River spring clean-up. The Brule River Sportsmen's' Club will be in need of volunteers to help clean up litter along the river corridor Saturday, April 26. Meet in Brule at the pavilion at the Lions park at 9 a.m. for coffee and donuts prior to assignment of a clean up area. Following clean up, lunch will be provided at noon by the Club at the Round Up North in Brule. Bring boots and warm clothing. For more details contact Dennis Smet at 715-372-8377 or John Holter at 715-372-8947. The National Weather Service Cooperating Station at the Brule DNR recorded March precipitation of 0.59 inches, compared to the historical average of 1.80 inches. March snowfall was 5.5 inches, compared to a historical average of 12 inches. The historical average high temperature for March is 37 degrees and the historical average low is 14 degree. The March 2008 temps recorded showed averages of 29 degrees and 11 degree respectively.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - The Ice Road, running between Bayfield and Madeline Island was officially closed to traffic March 27, although many of the locals continue to drive it. The ice is generally still very thick. It is the approach, the beach that has gotten almost unusable. The vans will be transporting people back and forth. When the ice actually gets bad, the wind sleds will start running. Ice Road conditions, and wind sled information can be heard on a 24-hour recording at: 715-747-5400. Ice fishing continues to improve as the ice deteriorates. The hiking paths are starting to show through the ski trails near Lake Superior. Crews stopped grooming cross-country ski trails a couple of weeks ago. But there is still a couple of feet of snow in the woods, making for nice snowshoeing.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Washburn County – Deer are congregating on roadsides and open fields for feeding. A woodcock was heard last week.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Burnett County – There was a report of a whooping crane seen before the snowstorm this week, but it has not been seen since. It was seen with a flock of sandhill cranes.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With winter-like conditions continuing this past week, ice conditions remain pretty good on most lakes across the Northwoods. Ice thickness is still in the 24 to 28-inch range, with 3 to 6 inches of fresh heavy snow on top. Many of the access sites have become very rutted up -- but quite a few vehicles have still been making it out to many of the favorite fishing spots. Warmer temperatures are predicted for later this week, so look for travel conditions to become very sloppy and any late season ice anglers should consider going out by foot. And anyone venturing out on the ice at this time of year should be very cautious as access and ice conditions can change in a hurry with warm, sunny skies or a heavy warm rain. Late-season panfish anglers have had limited success in the last week. Fishing conditions have been good but area anglers have reported some slow action. Most anglers have been catching a few perch and bluegill, but the crappie have been a bit harder to find. Wax worms and small minnows have been the best baits, with the fish being found suspended off the bottom near any kind of cover. The water has not yet begun to run down the holes -- but look for panfish action to pick up when this spring phenomenon does start in the next week or so.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Cold weather remains, which is slowing the maple syrup process. This week’s heavy snow will only add to the problems. Fishing has still been slow, but thick ice conditions hold promise for some late ice fishing activity. Sports shows are being held this time of year. This is a great time to get out with your kids and start thinking about preparing for annual fishing and boating traditions. March 31 was the expiration date of hunting and fishing licenses. If you have not purchased your new licenses, now is a good time to come into the license outlets and service centers to do so. A continuing reminder to those interested, April 14 is the date for the Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Conservation Congress Meetings. These begin at 7 p.m. and are held in each county of the state. If you are busy tending to your yard and dealing with after winter clean up chores; please remember that burning permits are required once snow cover is gone and are available at area service centers. Remember that careless outdoor/debris burning is the major cause behind wildfires. Lakeshore property owners who are spending the spring season working on projects such as repairing of piers and construction of swim rafts, we remind you that information is available at DNR service centers related to the construction/placement of piers, swim rafts and water trampolines. There are specific guidelines and regulations involved in connection with the construction and placement of these objects on the waters. The spring wildflowers will soon be appearing and those of you who enjoy those hikes in the woods or along the roadsides will enjoy the annual floral displays that will begin to unfold. One of the early arrivals will be the trailing arbutus, the wood violets and the marsh marigolds. Please remember that you must not pick the wildflowers. Take a camera along with you on your hikes so that you can record and keep their beauty for your future enjoyment.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Ski trails will no longer be groomed this season. Snowmobile trails closed March 31.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Winter is holding on tight in the region with up to 10 inches of new snow earlier this week. Temperatures have been struggling to get above freezing during the day, which is allowing for some great late-season ice fishing. Travel conditions on the lakes remain excellent with vehicles going pretty much anywhere they want. Most lakes have a minimum of 25 inches of ice and vehicular travel should be good for at least another week if not - however, caution is always advised and you should check locally to determine safety of the ice. Perch and crappie have been providing the most action in the area. "Tip-downs" baited with live fatheads and small shiner minnows are working best for crappies, fished near weed edges off points and the mouths of bays. Perch are frequently found along the transitions from hard bottom to soft bottom, or over muddy flats in the main lake basin. The best gear for catching them is to use a light jigging rod with a spinning reel attached, loaded with 2- to 4-pound no stretch line. Tip this with a small Swedish pimple or hali jig and use spikes for bait. Electronics in the form of a Vexilar are invaluable so anglers are able to see schools of perch come through and mark their bait in relation to the bottom.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Cross-country ski trails are closed for the season. There is still approximately three feet of ice on Lake Alexander. The campground will open May 1; however, the flush toilet buildings will not open until May 22. A variety of ducks are returning to the Wisconsin River including: hooded mergansers, common mergansers, and mallards. Two immature bald eagles, and a belted kingfisher have also been spotted.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Peshtigo has still been very slow for any fishing action. Walleyes have been seen at night at the dam by some of the mill workers. The water is still pretty cold. In Marinette, almost all action has still concentrated around the Hattie Street Bridge and dam to Interstate Bridge in total. Trout and walleye anglers have reported a trout here, and walleye there, but water is still kind of cold for a lot of action. A streak of warmer weather is needed for action to pick up. Early bluegill action is reported on some inland waters with very thin ice conditions. Maple sap is filling the buckets this week, cool nighttime temperatures and warming day temps are keeping it flowing. Sandhill cranes, redwing blackbirds and robins are back in good numbers setting up their territories. Deer have moved out of yarding areas and into the agricultural fields and wood edges. Tom turkeys are beginning to strut and gobble in preparation for spring courting.
Oconto County - The Oconto River in the city of Oconto is near the top of its banks with water temperatures still in the top range of the thirties. Water temperatures will rise as the daytime temps increase and ice disappears. Trout and steelhead anglers are testing the waters below the Stiles Dam area of the Oconto River with a good amount of fishing pressure over the week and some success for brown and rainbow trout reported here and there. The water is still a little too cold. Ice anglers have continued fishing out of the harbor as well, with no word of much for any catches. There are several All Terrain Vehicle courses available throughout the county for locations and dates check the Recreation Safety Education Classes Web pages of the DNR Web site.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - On the Fox River in Green Bay, anglers have been focusing on walleye. Most other fish caught have been incidental. Walleye seem to be there in large numbers but also seem to be scattered about. A lot of techniques seem to be working without any one standing out as the best. The bite is sporadic -- some days good and other days not. The key is to find the technique that is working for that day as anglers who do have been catching fish every day. Crank baits, plastics, and minnows have been working in shallow, rocky areas, but the bite is still slow. Trolling seems to be effective on some days. Boat anglers have been finding luck along the channel’s edge. Boat anglers fishing on the channel’s edge away from the crowds are also catching fish. Shore fishing in Voyagers Park in De Pere has been producing slight results. Shore fishing the mouth of the Fox has been producing some rough fish. Water temperature is at 38 degrees. Fishing should improve as temperatures rise.
Manitowoc County - During this past week anglers fishing near Two Rivers had a fair week of fishing. Most anglers have been fishing inside the harbor for brown trout with spawn sacs or smelt. Other anglers who trolled on Lake Michigan for brown trout along the shoreline and off the pier heads had mixed success this past week. On the West Twin River, anglers had a good week of fishing for rainbow trout. Anglers fishing near sunrise using a spawn sac and bobber combination had the most success. On the East Twin River, anglers also had a fair week of fishing for steelhead. Angler pressure was relatively low over the past week with all the effort focused near the Mishicot dam. In Manitowoc, anglers had a nice week of fishing. Most anglers either fished the north pier stub or south pier. A couple of brown trout were picked up off the south pier Saturday fishing with smelt off the bottom. A few anglers who were still ice fishing farther inside the marina had limited success. On Silver Creek, anglers had a great week of trout fishing. On Saturday, one wading angler was able to fish a few slack current areas and picked up a few nice fish. One brown trout measured in at 7.25 pounds and 29.50 inches. On the Branch River, anglers were out in number this last week and they had some success in landing several nice rainbow trout. Angler pressure was concentrated near the North Union Road crossing.
DNR Southeast Region
Harrington Beach State Park - The trails have little to no snow. Depending on the day, one might find some icy or wet and muddy spots. The Bridal Trail as well as Meadowlark Trail are closed. For safety, visitors are asked to stay off these trails due to construction of the campground, which has started. Quarry Lake is still frozen, but it is NOT recommended to go out on, due to the weather this winter and the many springs throughout the lake.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - Nature and hiking trails contain snow covered or icy areas. The showers, flush toilets, and water fountains are scheduled to open Friday, April 18. Sandhill cranes and blackbirds have returned. A bald eagle has been sighted.
Sheboygan County - A wooly bear caterpillar was seen this week, and pussy willows catkins are open.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Southeast Wisconsin was hit hard by rainfall early this week, and stream flows are high on all local Lake Michigan tributaries. Conditions on smaller streams will improve first, so look for steelheading opportunities in the Pigeon River, Sauk Creek, the Menomonee River, Oak Creek, or the Pike River.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, the boat launches at Deland Park and 8th Street are open. Anglers on the Sheboygan and Pigeon Rivers have caught a few steelhead when the rivers had fishable flows. The temperature is 34 degrees in both the rivers and the harbor. Fishing off the Sheboygan piers has been slow.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers fishing near the power plant have been catching browns and steelhead on spawn sacs. Other areas in the harbor have also been producing decent numbers of brown trout on shiners.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, shore anglers fishing behind the Summerfest grounds and at Jones Island have been catching a few brown trout on spawn sacs fished off the bottom or on shiners under a slip bobber. The Bender Park boat launch is open, and when boaters have been able to get out on the lake, they have been catching good numbers of brown trout near the Oak Creek power plant.
Racine County - In Racine the Root River remains high and fishing is nearly impossible. Water temperatures in the river vary from 36 to 38 degrees. The Root River Steelhead Facility is running, but no processing days have been scheduled yet.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha shore anglers have been catching fair numbers of steelhead on spawn sacs in the small boat harbor. A few steelhead have also been taken from the Pike River near Hwy. A, and spawn has produced the most fish.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park - The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 8.5 this week. No fishing activity to report at Wyalusing. The boat landing is free of ice, but the backwaters leading to the main channel of the Mississippi River may still be iced in. North facing slopes and trails may still have patches of snow, but yesterday’s heavy rain did away with much of the remaining snow. Trails may still be wet and muddy in places. Sunshine and daytime temperatures in the upper 40s and low 50s are forecast for the next few days, including the weekend. Visitors can hike Sugar Maple Nature Trail to Pictured Rock Cave and view the frozen waterfall. Sugar Maple Nature Trail is open to Pictured Rock Cave. Park bird feeders have not been as active due to warmer temperatures and lack of snow. Sightings at the feeders and in the park include: red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, bluejays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, gold finches, mourning doves, tree sparrows, and crows. Returning migrants include: flickers, bluebirds, robins, meadowlarks, turkey vultures, red winged blackbirds, grackles, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, herring gulls, and kestrels. A flock of pelicans, numbering in the hundreds was sighted at the boat landing this past Sunday. Today, a small flock of about 20 remained. Other waterfowl at the landing include mallards, buffleheads, mergansers, and blue herons. Feathers of the male goldfinches are changing to the bright yellow plumage of spring and summer. Listen for woodpeckers drumming to announce their territory. Cardinals continue to “whistle” in the morning. Turkeys can be heard gobbling. Tom turkeys are in strut. This is a good time of year to scrub out birdbaths with white vinegar or a mild solution of bleach and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Mealworms are a great source of protein and a good way to attract birds that don’t typically eat seed, especially bluebirds. Mealworms can be purchased live or roasted, but birds definitely prefer live.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Horicon Marsh is still mostly ice-covered, restricting opportunities for the early migrants. However, many geese and ducks are present in the area, but limited to the few open water areas. Wildlife watching will improve quickly as water opens up around the more accessible areas of the marsh. At this time, the open water areas are mostly along the river channel and some areas of the marsh interior. Sandhill cranes are back on territory and calling and the first great blue herons have returned as well. As the ice retreats over the next week or so, much greater areas will be available to host these early migrant birds and future south winds and the progress of spring will welcome back many more birds and other wildlife.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - Walleye fishing on the Wisconsin River below the Dells dam has been good, with many fish being caught by boat and from shore. Boaters should double check boating and safety equipment while fishing because the water is very cold. Anglers should also remember there is the slot limit on the river below the Dells dam. The daily bag limit is five fish in total and fish may be kept from 15 to 20 inches and one fish may be kept over 28 inches. No fish may be kept in the slot size from 20 to 28 inches.
Devil’s Lake State Park - Snow still covered about 70 percent of the ground as of last weekend. Cross-country ski trails are closed for the season Trails are icy, snowy, slippery and wet. There has been record breaking snowfall this year, with more than two feet more snow than usual. Expect a combination of mud, ice, puddles and a glut of running surface water for the next few weeks as this year’s persistent winter reluctantly stomps away! Until the snow is melted, hiking trails are not officially open for use. Visitors hike at their own risk on the trails. The park neither recommends nor prohibits hiking under snow and ice conditions. Trails may be slippery and hazardous. The lake’s surface is still ice covered, but is slushy and wet with no snow remaining. The park does not monitor ice conditions, measure the ice thickness, nor do we vouch for the safety of the lake ice. The lake is now closed to all but panfishing until May 3. Turkey vultures, sandhill cranes, and Canada geese are back. Chickadees are singing their spring mating songs. Though hidden from view, owl chicks are already hatched and are maturing in their nests.
Mirror Lake State Park - Cross-country skiing is over for the season. Ski trails are in poor condition with scattered snow, ice and mud. Trails are closed to bicycles until May 1.
Jefferson County - Anglers are catching a few legal size walleye on the Rock River in Watertown at the wastewater treatment plant. Most of the fish are males with the majority being undersized. The fish are biting the best on a jig with a minnow. The ice on the area lakes is very poor with open water existing along the shorelines outward for approximately 10 feet. Anglers are now avoiding the ice completely. The Upper Rock and Crawfish rivers are completely free of ice and over flood stage in many locations. The rivers and streams in Jefferson County have an emergency slow-no-wake imposed on them due to the flooding.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park
- The park received new snow this week, but the melt started right away. The Willow River is running high and chocolate colored. Trout anglers should look to the Apple or Kinnickinnic watersheds for water that will be up but probably retains some clarity. There is still ice on the lake in the park. With stained water coming in and a warm up due, the ice fishing gear can probably be put away for the season. There was some good crappie and bluegill action over the weekend on the lake. Regarding panfish, the 2008-09 rules have changed and the daily bag limit in St. Croix County is 10, see page 46. Trails are still a mixed bag, with more mud in the mix than a week ago. The new snow should add some moisture where trails had been dry or not quite so muddy. Bring the waterproof footgear for trail hiking. The park road is free of snow and ice and it is an overlooked hiking opportunity on weekdays. Deer will still be visible from the road but there should be some dispersion as their food becomes more widely available. Beaver have been working on trees not normally associated with beavers, such as oak and even cherry trees. This is visible along the Trout Brook Trail. Bluebirds have been around for a month. The Robins are here year round. The campground remains closed to vehicles until the ground firms up. Campers may carry in a tent from the entrance road. The six RV sites by the beach are open for wheeled campers, no tents. Electric hookup (30 amp) is available at those sites. Water will be turned on and the dump station opened by the first weekend in May.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Recent rain may have triggered area bear(s) to leave winter den site and start moving around. Bears do not truly hibernate and may move during winter if disturbed. They may even move to new location during this time period of late November thru March. When bears first become active in spring, usually late March or April, they act very drowsy at first and may wander around for a few days before feeding. If you have an encounter with a bear do not run this could trigger a chase reaction. You should stand tall and slowly back away and give it room to move away. Bears typically move out of areas where there is human activity before people are aware of there presence. In the past bears were found in the northern portion of the state and just recently have been moving and settling in the southern part of the state where they find adequate habitat. Bears feed on a lot of different types of food sources and can become problem bears if they find an available food source. They are very fond of bird feeders and \or garbage that has food scrapes in it. People should remove bird feeders and secure garbage for a couple weeks if bears have been seen in an area. Typically the bear will move on and find move appropriate food sources and not cause problems.
Crawford County - All week the Mississippi River remained fairly steady in the 8.5 foot range. Presently the river is at 8.4 feet but rain is expected early in the week, which may cause the river to rise. The Wisconsin River rose slightly this week but is well below flood stage. The Kickapoo River has been fairly steady but keep an eye on it if heavy rains fall this week. Most of the ice has melted off area waters and what ice remains is unsafe. The Main Channel of the Mississippi is now completely open and some barge traffic has begun. The Mississippi River’s back water sloughs have also opened up and there is only a small amount of ice left in the backwaters. Both the Wisconsin and Kickapoo are ice free, for the most part. Ice fishing on area waters is over for the year. Bluegill, perch, and crappie action was spotty this week mainly due to the lack of ice. However there was some pretty good action to find locally. Fishing from the shore at Cold Spring continued to produce bluegills. At times action was slow and other time the “gills” were running small. However some days anglers left with a decent catch. Crappie were also biting at Cold Spring. Ice conditions at Cold Spring are extremely dangerous and no one is venturing onto the ice. Anglers fishing at Cold Spring are using small jigs tipped with wax worms or garden worms for bluegills and small red, pink, or white jigs tipped with plastic for crappie. The Ambro Slough complex did not see much fishing activity this week. Access is a problem because most of the area is now open water. Spring Lake is starting to open up also. Ice fishing on Sturgeon Slough was pretty good early this week, but ice conditions there are now very poor. The lower bottoms outside Prairie du Chien have not seen much fishing activity due to access problems. Fishing below the Lynxville dam for sauger and walleye was pretty good this week. Some days were better than others. Strong south winds hampered fishing a couple days last week. Some very nice catches of walleye and sauger were taken. It appears the best time to fish was very early in the morning. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is open; however, no piers are in place yet. Some shore anglers have been fishing on the long wall at the dam. Anglers can park in the lot at Lock and Dam #9 and walk down to the wall. Perch, northern, and a few walleyes were taken last week. Perch were biting on garden worms. Bald eagles can be seen along the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers near open water areas. A huge number of waterfowl can now be seen on Pool 9 in the Lynxville/Ferryville area. Canvasback, bluebill, bufflehead, red head, mallard, wood duck, teal, shoveler and many other species of ducks are here. Pelicans, geese, and some swans are also present. There are some great viewing areas along State Highway 35 between Lynxville and Ferryville. Deer and turkeys are feeding aggressively in areas where the snow has melted. Sandhill cranes, robins, blue birds and other song birds have returned. Turkeys are already starting their mating ritual. Rooster pheasants are crowing also. Now that most of the snow has melted it is a great time to start removing garlic mustard from your land. It is already “greening” up and easy to find. Now is the time to have blue bird and wood duck houses cleaned out.
Vernon County
Wildcat Mountain State Park - North facing slopes and trails are still snow covered. All other trails that are not snow covered are wet and muddy. The horse trails are closed and will not open until May 1. The lower picnic area and canoe landing are still closed. Returning birds that have been sited include turkey vultures, sand hill cranes, blue herons, and blue birds. The family camp is open on a first come first serve basis. Showers, flush toilets, and dump station are shut down. Water may be obtained at the park office. The Group camp and Horse camp are closed until May 1.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
A kestrel was seen in the Eau Claire area last weekend.
Brunet Island State Park – The park received 6 inches of very heavy snow on Monday followed by warm temperatures. Cross-country ski trails were in poor skiing condition with a solid base. They have not been groomed. The ice on Cornell Flowage has begun to open and has become discolored in the side channels. Panfishing pressure has been very light at Perch Lake with mixed results. Late day fishing on the North campground lagoon has been productive. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: sandhill cranes, robins, mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Spring is around the corner! Trails are icy and may be melting in spots. Some roads are still closed to vehicles due to snow. The lake has started to open up below and to the north and south of the Buckhorn Bridge and some people have launched smaller boats from Launch C. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees. Sandhill cranes have been heard in the area and some robins seen. The group camp opening is dependant on the weather and snow melting. Check out new and revised exhibits in the office interpretive room. There are still dates available for the accessible cabin in May, Sept, and Oct. Applications are available for the November Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt. Contact the park office at 608-565-2789 for questions or to get an application. The 2008 application is also available on the park website through the DNR internet site.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Snow is starting to melt on the trails. The main entrance is closed at this time. The main entrance opening is dependant on weather and snow melting. Park stickers are required - please self-register in the Czech Ave/winter parking lot. The stairs are not maintained for winter use. Early spring is a great time to get out and take photos for the annual photo contest.
VHS fish disease update for April 3
Revised rules to prevent the spread of VHS go into effect April 4. The rules will allow anglers statewide to keep leftover minnows purchased from a Wisconsin bait dealer and use them again under certain conditions.
The press release is available on the DNR Web site under Regional and Breaking News.
Also, a Q and A [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/vhs/vhs_qaanglers.html] to answer angler questions about the revised rules is available online and other VHS web pages have been updated to reflect the revised rules.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT STATE PARKS, FORESTS, AND TRAILS
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Check with the park or forest of your choice for additional activities and special events not listed. Most events are free of charge; park admission sticker required unless otherwise noted. Events and times subject to change.
Friday, April 4, 2008
• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Woodcock Watch. Discover the American Woodcock and its aerial mating flight. Meet at the park office for an introduction to its habits and habitat followed by a hike to witness this phenomenon. Dress to be outdoors and in tall marsh grass. Bring flashlights and rubber boots! Meet at the park office. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Pink-Toed 'Possums. What has pink toes, a hairless tail and a pouch? An opossum, of course! Discover other interesting facts about the only North American mammal with a pouch. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Family Program: Squirrels—Nuts of the Forest. Squirrels are some of nature’s clever creatures. We’ll do some activities inside and then go outside to look for their homes, signs, and hopefully see a squirrel or two! Environmental Awareness Center. 10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or e-mail - Volunteer Work Day. Help build some technical, challenging and environmentally sustainable mountain bike trails in the Kettle Moraine. Work gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirts and bottled water are recommended. We will supply tools, expertise and guaranteed fun! If the weather looks questionable, check the Trail Information Line (262) 594-6202 on Friday to make sure the work day is not canceled. Meet at the John Muir parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and work from 9 a.m. - noon.
• MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8110 - Maple Syrup Festival. Guided tours of the sugarbush and maple syruping process, horse-drawn wagon rides (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.), wildlife exhibit and museums (until 2 p.m.), all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast sponsored by Poynette Optimist Club (Resident Center Lodge, 8 a.m. - noon), demonstrations of home-made ice cream churned by an antique engine and how to make maple syrup in your own backyard, live music, raffle drawing (1 p.m.) The Friends of MacKenzie will be offering refreshments and selling maple sundaes and souvenirs. Sponsored by Friends of MacKenzie, Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. No admission sticker required.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: What’s Hatching Out of That Egg? Eggs come in a wonderful variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. Find out about the tiny lives growing inside them. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Creating a Five-star Bird Attraction in Your Yard. Author Mariette Nowak will show how to increase the number and variety of birds in your yard by growing native plants offering natural habitat and a year-long smorgasbord of berries, nuts, seeds and insects for the birds. She also will discuss the importance of native plants versus cultivated plants for birds and problems with invasive non-native plant species. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over age 10. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or e-mail - Geocaching— Learn About It!—Experience It! Learn the basics of geocaching with hands-on experience at Harrington Beach. Pre-registration [exit DNR] is required by Thursday, April 10. Sponsored by the Friends of Harrington Beach. Meet at the Alliance Bible Church. Informal presentation 4-5 p.m., hands-on experience 5-6:30 p.m., social 6-8 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Discovery Saturday: Play in the Mud. Now that the snow has melted, there is lots of mud to play with! Use microscopes to observe tiny living creatures in the mud, and take a close-up look at some worms. Drop in anytime 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: All Tied Up In Knots. There is a knot for every kind of job. Learn how to tie some basic knots and how to do some simple lashing. To practice your new skills, you will lash together a special project. Please call by April 10 to register. This program is best for participants age 8 and older. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or e-mail - Volunteer Work Day. Help build some technical, challenging and environmentally sustainable mountain bike trails in the Kettle Moraine. Work gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirts and bottled water are recommended. We will supply tools, expertise and guaranteed fun! If the weather looks questionable, check the Trail Information Line (262) 594-6202 on Friday to make sure the work day is not canceled. Meet at the John Muir parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and work from 9 a.m. - noon.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5606 or e-mail - Kiwanis Accessible Cabin Dedication. The public is invited to the dedication ceremony for the new Westosha Kiwanis Cabin [exit DNR] for disabled campers. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the amplitheater with tours of the cabin available afterward. Admission to the park is free for people attending the cabin dedication. Food, beverages, and entertainment will be provided by Westosha Kiwanis at Shelter #3. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Kayak Connections. Tom Koeppen and friends fro the Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers will introduce you to the sport of kayaking. They will cover what gear and skills are needed, where to go kayaking and how to connect with classes and kayaking groups. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over 10 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 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/
