Portions of southern Wisconsin received up to 6 inches of snow late last week, and parts of northern Wisconsin, especially in the Lake Superior snow belt has received several inches of snow over the last week. Snow depths range from a low of less than half a foot in some southeast to south central areas, to more than 20 inches in the far north, with most of the state reporting a foot or more of snow.
Snowmobile conditions are generally good to excellent statewide, with some central and southern areas only reporting fair conditions, on the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Cross-country ski trails generally are in good to excellent condition statewide. Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid 30s through the weekend, so trail conditions may deteriorate some, but areas with good snow cover should remain in good condition.
Ice depths on northern lakes have reached the 12 to 14-inch range, and an increased number of anglers have been driving to fishing spots. Fishing success has remained very sporadic, with panfish providing the best action , with some success reported for crappie, bluegill and perch, with fish suspended a couple feet off the bottom in the deeper parts of the lake. Walleye action has been very erratic bite, with the most active bite reported just before dark. Northern pike fishing has also been erratic, with the best success on bright sunny days.
Ice conditions on Green Bay are starting to improve a bit, with anglers reporting 8 to 12 inches of ice in some areas. Angles were reporting fair catches of perch off the Dyckesville area at Little Sturgeon Bay and Sturgeon Bay. Also a few anglers have been targeting northern pike and whitefish with some success.
Open water anglers have been catching brown and the occasional rainbow trout near the power plant discharge Port Washington. The McKinley Marina in Milwaukee has approximately 5 top 7 inches of ice, with anglers catching an occasional brown trout on tip ups, and ice anglers in Kenosha have also been taking a few browns at the Southport Marina.
Governor Dodge State Park will hold a candlelight ski and hike and Rib Mountain State Park will hold a candlelight snowshoe hike this Saturday. Black River State Forest, and Peninsula and Willow River state parks all have cross-country ski instructional days on Saturday, and the Greenbush trail at the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest will be hosting cross-country ski races on Sunday. Check the current state park, forest and trail events page of the DNR Web site for details.
Eagles are congregating along open water sections of the lower Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers where they feed on fish in the open water below dams. Sauk City and Prairie du Sac on the Wisconsin River will hold the 23rd annual Bald Eagle Watching Days this Friday and Saturday Jan. 15-16. Events include guided eagle watching tours; an Eagles in Wisconsin program and a Birds of Prey Show, with live raptors A complete schedule of activities can be found on the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council Web site [www.ferrybluffeaglecouncil.org/eagledays/] (exit DNR). Information is also available by calling 1-800-683-2453.
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.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Pattison Falls State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in very good condition. They were last groomed Jan. 6 for classic skiing. The snow base in 9 inches, with 16 inches of snow in the woods.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail ? The trail is in excellent winter riding condition.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice depths have reached the 12 to 14-inch range on most area lakes, with about 2 to 5 inches of light snow on top. An increased number of anglers have been driving out to their favorite fishing spots and travel has been pretty good. Most of the slushy areas have since frozen and many of the rough spots have been filled in and smoothed over. More seasonal and consistent weather has made for increased angling activity on waters in the area, but success has remained very sporadic. The best action has been for panfish and anglers have been spreading out among many of the smaller lakes in the area. Some reported pretty good success on crappie, bluegill and perch, with the fish being suspended a couple feet off the bottom in the deeper parts of the lake. Small teardrop jigs tipped with waxworms have provided the best action. Most tip-up anglers have been targeting walleye and they've been focusing on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, Butternut Lake and the Phillips chain. Many of these anglers reported a very erratic bite - with the walleye being very picky in the type and size of minnow they'll take (small sucker minnows), and real tentative in biting as well. In addition, the active bite has been rather short and intense, and usually concentrated in a 20 to 30-minute period just before dark. Most of the walleye that have been caught have been in the 12- to 16-inch size, but some nicer fish in the low 20-inch size have also been reported. Northern pike fishing has also been erratic. The best success has come on the bright sunny days, with a large golden shiner fished near the edges of any green weed beds. Most fish have been in the 18- to 22-inch size, but a few in the 30-inch range have also being caught.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest ? Cross-country ski trails are in very good condition. McNaughton skate loop was leveled and groomed and all other loops leveled, cut and tracked on Jan. 11. Raven trail was cut and tracked Jan. 11. Escanaba trail was groomed and tracked Jan. 12.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Temperatures had been below normal with rather stiff winds at times making it feel quite cold prior to the recent warm-up. As a result fishing pressure has been light in most places. Ice conditions still vary greatly despite the cold weather and extreme caution should be used when venturing out.
Marinette County - The dam below Peshtigo was still producing trout, both rainbow and brown. Remember a Great Lakes Trout stamp is required with a limit of five fish over 10 inches. The Menominee River has been producing some walleye around the Hattie Street dam on jigging raps, number 5/7 in a variety of colors, with blue/silver working well.
Oconto County - A few pike anglers were plying their trade in the Geano Beach area. Perch and pike anglers continue to fish the Oconto Breakwater and Oconto Park II staying away from the bay proper. People were venturing out to fish pike at Oconto Park in the shallows, no catch information was available.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Angles fishing off the Dyckesville area have been getting some fair catches of perch, most have been targeting the perch in 20 feet of water or deeper. The best baits seem to be waxworms and minnows tipped on a jigging spoon. Also anglers that have been targeting whitefish have been doing well if they can find them. Most of the whitefish catches have been coming in around 15 feet of water. The ice conditions are starting to improve a bit, a few trucks have been venturing out onto the ice. Anglers have reported 8-12 inches of ice. Anglers have been accessing the ice from Bayshore and Red River as well. Perch fishing in Little Sturgeon Bay was fair over the last week with some decent catches; most of the perch have been on the smaller side. The pike action has started on the bay with some very nice fish being caught. Also anglers that are targeting white fish have been doing well. Most of the whitefish action has been between Henderson point and Limekiln road. Anglers have been targeting the white fish in 10-30 feet of water. Anglers have been using a variety of baits including minnows, waxworms, and spawn. Sturgeon Bay anglers that have been fishing perch have found fair success with a few being caught by the state park. Also a few anglers have been targeting northern pike by the yacht club with some success.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park - The woods have about 6 inches of snow cover. Cross-country ski trails are in fair condition. Most but not all sections are groomed and tracked. Some sections are icy. The 1 inch of new snow on Jan. 11 helped a little bit. Snowmobile trails are open and in fair condition except the golf course section of trail. Peninsula has three snowshoe routes. Most trails are packed. The sledding hill is closed due to bare spots and icy conditions.
Potawatomi State Park ? Cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are freshly groomed and in very good condition as of January 13. Ice fishers report not much action in Sawyer Harbor for perch or any other type of fish.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Harrington Beach State Park - Trails are in good to excellent cross-country skiing condition. There are 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. For the walkers out there, you are not forgotten ? The Shuttle Trail is plowed for walking. Campgrounds are closed for the season. 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. No reports of anyone catching anything. There are some icy patches on the park roads. Please use caution when driving in the Park.
Havenwoods State Forest - Trails have about 6 inches of snow with occasional icy spots. Deer, turkey, hawks and owls are being seen.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Lapham Peak Unit ? The cross-country ski skating lane was groomed on the entire trail system Jan. 12. New track were set on the lighted loops. Trails are in very good condition.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Northern Unit - The cross-country ski trails are all groomed and tracked and in excellent shape as of Jan 13. Classical lanes were still in good shape. Minor debris and litter on parts of the brown and yellow loops. Overall, excellent trail conditions. The Greenbush Nordic Challenge Ski race will be held Sunday, Jan. 17.
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - The cross country ski trails' skating lane was groomed on Sunday, January 10 and was in excellent condition. The existing track was left in place and is in very good condition. Call (262) 670-3400 for the most current trail conditions. Each skier age 16 and older must have a state trail pass. The only groomed trail that hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers are allowed on is the red trail to the south of the beach/picnic area. Only skiers are allowed on all other groomed trails: The campground is closed for the season.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Southern Unit - All cross-country ski trails at the Southern Unit were groomed on Jan 10. Scuppernong is for classical skiing only and is in excellent condition. The Nordic classical track remains in very good condition and the skating lanes were groomed Saturday night and are in excellent condition. The McMiller classical track is generally in good condition but a little worn. The skating lanes were regroomed Saturday night and are in very good condition.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The cross-country ski trail is in good condition. It was groomed Friday, January 8. The ski trail snow depth is about 6 inches. 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. Campsites 1-41 are open. Showers, flush toilets, water fountains and the trailer dump station are for the season.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - ? In Sheboygan eight 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 browns 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 5-7 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.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Blue Mound State Park - Cross-country ski conditions are very good for classical skiing. All trails were groomed and tracked Jan 11. Probably best conditions of the season.
Wyalusing State Park - All trails are snow covered. Forecast for the upcoming weekend is sunny and seasonable, with no precipitation expected. Highs are expected to reach the mid 30 degree range. As of today, both the Whitetail Meadows and Turkey Hollow Cross Country Ski Trail are in good condition. The warmer temperatures may have minimal effect on the ski trails, as temperatures will be below freezing overnight. Skiers are welcome to call the park office at 608-996-2261 for updated weekend conditions. With the recent cold temperatures, ice fishing activity had dropped substantially. The warming trend forecast for this weekend is expected to entice the anglers once again. Park office bird feeders remain a popular spot for winter residents. Dozens of cardinals brighten the wintery landscape, providing an excellent photo opportunity. Approximately 6-8 red-bellied woodpeckers can be sighted at a time, preferring to feed on the suet blocks. Recent bird sightings this week include: gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, red breasted nuthatch, white breasted nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. A resident Cooper?s or Sharp-shinned hawk has been frequenting the area by the bird feeders, taking advantage of the song birds and making the feeders a bird feeder in the true sense of the word. Eagles can be found in the area, especially anywhere there is open water. A good spot to look for bald eagles this time of year is between Prairie du Chien and La Crosse on Highway 35, south of Wyalusing State Park, near Cassville and Nelson Dewey State Park. Another popular spot for bald eagles is north of Prairie du Chien on Highway 27 where it intersects with County Highway N to the west. The next meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing will be Thursday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m. at the park office
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Mirror Lake State Park - As of January 13 all cross country ski trails are groomed, tracked and in very good condition with an 8 to 10 inch base. Trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing. Last grooming was done on January 12 and trails will be re-groomed for the up coming weekend. Campsites 58 through 76 in Sandstone Campground remain open for winter camping. The Mirror Lake Fisheree sponsored by the Lake Delton Sportsman Club is scheduled for January 17.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Wildcat Mountain State Park ? Cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked Monday Jan. 11 for both skate skiing and classical. There is have plenty of snow with a 12 to 14 inch base making for excellent conditions.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest ? Cross Country ski trail were groomed Jan. 11 and were in good to very good condition. Trails will be groomed again on Friday for the weekend. Saturday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Black River Forest Trail Foundation will be sponsoring a ski instructional day at the Smrekar trail head. Instructors will go over the basics of classical/diagonal skiing, equipment, clothing, and ski waxing. You may come at any time during this four-hour period and receive instruction. A great event for the family. You must provide your own skis. For more information call (715) 284-4103. All snowmobile and ATV trails were groomed Jan. 11 and should be in good condition for the week. They will be groomed again on the weekend.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - With the recent snows, Brunet Island?s cross country ski trails are in good condition. Skiing speeds are moderate with occasional fast stretches. Panfish action has been fair with more small fish moving in to the bays. Northern pike were 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.
Lake Wissota State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Friday, Jan. 8 and are in good condition.
Red Cedar State Trail ? Cross-country ski trails groomed on Friday, Jan. 8 and are in good condition.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - Cross-country ski trails groomed on Monday, Jan. 11 and are in good condition.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Cross-country ski trails were packed and tracked on Friday, Jan 8 and were in excellent condition for skiing . Hikers and snowshoers must stay off the groomed trails and can walk on the sides of those trails or on ungroomed trails. Even with cooler temperatures, park visitors were out ice fishing, we had one camper on the weekend, and a couple skiers. The park is now taking applications for the accessible cabin for May 1st through October 15.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate and campground are closed for the season. This is a seasonal park so the winter parking lot will not be maintained this winter and ski trails will not be groomed.
