Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of February 17, 2011A major warm-up in the last week has caused snow conditions to deteriorate rapidly across the state, but especially in the south. Some areas of the state saw a change in temperatures of more than 40 degrees in one day. Temperatures have been in the 40s to low 50s this week, and snow cover has dropped from 18 to 24 inches last week across the state, to a foot to 18 inches in the north, down to 3 inches in some areas of the south.
Snowmobile trails are now closed in roughly the southern two-thirds of the state and in just fair condition in the northern counties that remain open. Some counties closed trails in hopes of retaining snow on trails so they could be re-opened if temperatures drop as forecast for this weekend. Snowmobilers should check the Department of Tourism snow conditions report for updates or call ahead to their destinations for the latest conditions. Cross-country ski trail conditions have also deteriorated, and some parks and forests are asking skiers to voluntarily refrain from using the trails, again with hopes of retaining what grooming and snow remains.
Big fish and challenging travel conditions were the story during the first five days of the Lake Winnebago System sturgeon spearing seasons. Through the end of spearing hours Wednesday, 1,105 fish had been harvested, with 67 of them weighing more than 100 pounds, including a 185-pound, 80.2-inch female sturgeon was taken Feb. 14,
The Upriver Lakes were still open on Thursday, but could close if the harvest trigger is hit, otherwise the upriver season will be open at least through Friday. The Lake Winnebago closure is not in sight. There were reports of lots of water and very rough going on the roads off Oshkosh. Nine more fish over a hundred pounds were registered Wednesday, largest percentage of trophy fish on any single day in the history of the fishery. On spearer registered one of the infamous "white" sturgeon come on Wednesday. Not a true albino as the eyes were not pink.
Ice fishing on inland lakes remained slow, and travel became very difficult because of the melting snow and build up of slush. Ice conditions can change very rapidly in these warm temperatures, especially near inlets, outlets or natural springs, so people should be using extreme caution venturing out on ice.
Anglers with ice shacks still on the ice should consider removing them now or risk a big hassle getting them off if they sink into the slush and then cold temperatures re-freeze the ice later. The first ice fishing shanty removal deadline is next Sunday, Feb. 20 for Iowa-Wisconsin boundary waters.
Along Green Bay, the Peshtigo Harbor area saw an influx of northern pike anglers pre fishing for a tournament next weekend. The Oconto breakwater saw a lot of activity this weekend, with some whitefish and a few perch caught along with some good numbers of smelt. Along Door County, Sturgeon Bay anglers had some success fishing perch but most have been small. Little Sturgeon Bay anglers were having success on whitefish.
After the warm weekend the ice conditions below the dams on the Mississippi River are becoming extremely dangerous. Run-off water is also entering many other rivers and the flowing water under the ice can rapidly deteriorate ice. Ice is also breaking up below dams on the Rock River and some decent walleye action was being reported.
Birds heard singing recently include tufted titmouse, house finch, cardinal, and white- breasted nuthatch. Waterfowl are getting more active with longer days triggering increased hormones, and bald eagles have been seen in the north carrying materials back to repair nests.
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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
Waterfowl are getting frisky with longer days triggering increased hormones. There has not been much reported yet in terms of spring migration birders should expect to see some influx of new birds with the warm weather and lack of snow. Sandhill cranes should start showing up soon. Birds heard singing recently include tufted titmouse, house finch, cardinal, white-breasted nuthatch, mallards, Canada goose, great-horned owl, common goldeneye, and common merganser.
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area
A flock of more than 50 Bohemian waxwings was seen along Hwy 13 on the south side of Washburn. The first Canada geese of the year were also seen, along with common goldeneyes, mallards, and American black ducks in the small area of open water at Long Bridge near Ashland. A bald eagle was seen carrying nesting material there. Pine grosbeaks continue to be seen in small to moderate numbers in scattered locations. Common redpolls are generally scarce but a flock of 100-plus was seen in Ashland a couple weeks ago, along with a hoary redpoll that was documented with photographs.
Copper Falls State Park ? Cross-country ski trail conditions are marginal. The hilly terrain is making skiing difficult. These areas are hard packed and very icy making for tough skiing. With the warmer than usual weather crews have not been able to regroom the trails. They will regroom the trails as soon as the weather turns cold again.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - Snowmobile trail conditions range from good to fair. Wooded sections of the trail are in good condition, despite the warm weather. Some bare spots have been reported. Road routes, road crossings and open areas are becoming thin to bare.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Flambeau River State Forest - The week?s warm temperatures created a hard and icy trail surface on the Flambeau Hills Trail cross-country trail system. Grooming will be suspended until sufficient snow fall is received. Trail base is in very good condition and still will provide good skiing. Some rutting may be encountered which was caused by emergency rescue personnel and vehicles, who recently conducted a search for and located a lost skier. This may serve as a good reminder for skiers to properly prepare prior to using the trail. Be familiar with the trail system by reviewing maps or by contacting the Flambeau River State Forest for information regarding trail conditions and/or what to expect while using the trail and to always let someone know where you intend to ski and when to expect your return. Cell phones don?t work in this area and will not help you in the event an emergency occurs.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - With the warmer temperatures that are here and on the way crews will be suspending grooming of the cross-country trails until conditions improve. Escanaba trail was last groomed Feb. 11 and 13 and was in good condition. Raven and McNaughton trails were last groomed Feb. 10 and Madeline trail was groomed Feb. 8.
DNR Northeastern Region
The warmer weather this past weekend had winter enthusiasts out in large numbers, with anglers, snowmobilers, and 4 wheelers all participating.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The Peshtigo Harbor area saw an influx of northern pike anglers pre fishing for a tournament next weekend. The Menominee River is seeing it's share of anglers ply their trade for walleye. The best bite comes after dark or before sunrise, Jiggin Rap's and Moonglows tipped with minnows or minnow heads is what is being used most.
Oconto County - White fish, perch, and some smelt are being caught south of the Geano Beach entrance. Oconto Breakwater Park saw a lot of activity this weekend. Some white fish and a few perch are being caught around the mouth of the Oconto River Jiggin Rap's and Kastmasters have been working well. Oconto Parks anglers have been chasing the elusive pike with limited success. Some anglers report catching some good numbers of smelt while fishing for perch.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County ? Anglers at Voyageur Park are still targeting perch in shallow water and walleye farther out. With the radical change in temperatures extreme care should be taken when fishing in and below dam areas. Some perch and the occasional pike are being caught around the Sunset Beach area, the perch are running on the small size.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Sturgeon Bay anglers have been fishing perch from the state park with some success. But most perch that were being caught have been small in size. Anglers have also been fishing near Bullhead Point for perch with some success. Little Sturgeon Bay anglers were having success on whitefish from Lime Kiln road up to Sand Bay. Most anglers have been targeting around 30 feet of water for best success but whitefish are being caught as shallow as 10 feet and down to around 50 feet. Gold jigging spoons have been working the best. At Dykesville, anglers have been using the landings at Red River and Lipsky?s. The best fishing has been in 20-30 feet of water away from the larger groups of people. Whitefish have dominated the catches lately, but a few nice perch have been caught as well by anglers targeting the whitefish. Also truck travel has been good with anglers reporting 12-15 inches of ice. Fishing has been slow for perch at Chaudoir?s Dock, but anglers have been catching good numbers of whitefish. Most have been fishing in about 30 feet of water. Travel has also been good with a plowed road from the landing all the way out. Sugar Creek anglers were having some success fishing for perch. Most have been using jigging spoons tipped with a waxworm or minnow.
Potawatomi State Park - The snowmobile trails in the park and the entire county closed early this week. Ski trails are still in good shape today, but the forecast calls for above freezing temperatures and occasional rain until Friday night. If you hope to ski this coming weekend, call the park office for the most current trail conditions.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing Report ? Wednesday was a low day. The Upriver Lakes were still open on Thursday, but could close if the 100 percent trigger is hit. If the 100 percent trigger of 12 females is not hit Thursday the upriver season will be open at least through Friday. The season on Lake Winnebago is still open and the closure is not in sight. There were reports of lots of water and very rough going on the roads off Oshkosh on Lake Winnebago for the first quarter mile - water at bumper level on a truck. Nine more fish over a hundred pounds were registered Wedneseday (largest percentage of trophy fish on any single day in the history of the fishery). Indian Point had one of the infamous "white" sturgeon come in today. Not a true albino as the eyes were not pink. The overall harvest total for Wednesday was 87. The largest fish Wednesday was a 169.3 pound, 80.7 inch female from Lake Butte des Mort registered at the Critters Station in Winneconne by. Through the end of spearing hours Wednesday, 1,105 fish system-wide had been harvested, with 67 of them weighing more than 100 pounds.
DNR Southeast Region
Kettle Moraine State Forest -Northern Unit - The warm weather has made the cross-country ski trails very soft. To preserve conditions, we recommend voluntarily restricting skiing to early morning hours, after the trails have had a chance to reset overnight. If enough snow remains, grooming will resume at Zillmer after this warm spell passes. All snowmobile trails in the forest are closed.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit ? Cross-country ski trails were still snow covered but in very poor conditions. Bare spots are developing. Snowmobile Trails are closed. Call the trail information line, (262) 594-6202, for current conditions and trail availability.
Kohler-Andrea State Park ? The cross-country ski trail was groomed Sunday, Feb. 13. The area has about 5-8 inches of snow on the ground. The trail is in fair to good condition. Warm temperatures have caused lots of melting. The ground is visible in some areas. The trail will not be groomed again until more snow is received. Visitors are enjoying the ice formations formed by Lake Michigan wave action.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - Snowmobile trail conditions were good during this past weekend and many snowmobilers were taking advantage of what many said was possibly the last snowmobiling weekend for the year. Due to the very warm temperatures and sunshine on Sunday, many areas, especially open fields and near roadways, have deteriorated rapidly. Cooler temperatures were predicted for this weekend. Check the Dept of Tourism website for the latest trail condition updates. Ice fishing remains slow through out the county with some yellow perch and bluegills being caught on Sunfish lake north of Lock and Dam #11. Sauger fishing remains spotty for those early season folks venturing into the tail waters of lock and Dam #11 by launching off the Northwest O'Leary Lake boat landing.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - Effective Feb. 14 all zones of the Dodge County snowmobile trail and the ATV trail along the Wild Goose Trail closed due to deteriorated trail conditions.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - The snowmobile trails are closed in Sauk County due to the warm weather. A few northern pike were being caught on Devil's Lake. The pan fishfishing has been slow in area lakes. It is time to clean out bluebird houses. Many bluebirds were being seen in the past week.
Devil?s Lake State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in poor shape and may be impassable. Warm weather and rain are forecasted for the week of Feb. 14, and will deteriorate conditions further. Hiking trails are snow-covered and icy. Hikers, pets and snowshoers are not allowed to travel on the cross-country ski trails.
Mirror Lake State Park - With recent warm temperatures cross country ski trail conditions are deteriorating, so we are seeing spring like conditions. Currently trails remain snow covered, but are soft and slow. Conditions will change daily with temperatures ranging from soft and slow when temperatures are above freezing to hard, icy and fast when temperatures drop below freezing. Remember, pets and hiking on groomed ski trails is prohibited. Trails open for snowshoeing and hiking include Echo Rock, Lake View, Sandstone and Wild Rice. A guided snowshoe hike will be held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19. To reserve your spot on the hike or for more information call the park office at 608-254-2333. Campsites in the Sandstone Campground remain open for winter camping.
Dane County - Panfishing seems to be picking up in a few places such as Upper Mud Lake and parts of Lake Waubesa. Game fishing remains slow but now is the time to get out and give it a try as there is only three weeks of game fishing left before the season closes on March 6. Also with melting snow conditions ice anglers who have placed ice shanty's on the lake may want to pay close attention to conditions so they can easily remove them by the southern closure date of March 6. Anglers are always reminded to watch ice conditions however it is especially important around this time of the year when conditions start to warm. Finally as of 6 a.m. on February 14 all Dane County snowmobile trails closed.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - Snowmobile trails are closed after the warm weather melted much of the snow. Trails are closed when temperatures rise above 34 degrees and are now deteriorated enough that they will remain closed until we get additional snow. Conditions on the lakes have also taken a turn for the worse with over a foot of slush on the ice in many locations. Ice thickness is still up to 12 inches on some lakes, but the water and slush are making it very difficult to fish comfortably. Anglers with ice shacks still on the ice should remove them now or risk a big hassle getting them off later. Fishing should pick up at the dams on the Rock River with more people not able to get on the ice. The Beloit and Monterey Dams have been producing some decent walleye, but most are under the 15 inch size limit. Anglers are reminded that game fish season closes at midnight on March 6th on inland waters. The Rock River and Lake Koshkonong are the only exceptions to this rule in Rock County. Refer to the fishing regulations for the listing of game fish that are included in this statewide closure.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park ? It was 41 degrees with sun on Feb. 13 and a thaw is in progress. This is bad news for ski trails since they will become quite soft during the day and freeze up at night. Skiing at this temperature tends to be either really fast or it?s like skiing in sand. Warm weather skiing has its quirks and what you know for normal temperatures may not work in soft, compactable snow. Remember, the grooming team has only so much ability to grind out ruts and re-set track, or smooth over a worn hiking trail.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Wildcat Mountain State Park - The recent warm weather has softened up the ski trails making for poor to fair conditions. There is still plenty of snow cover but conditions are changing daily. Recent wildlife spotted include bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, coyotes, deer, turkeys, and king fishers.
Crawford County - After this weekend?s warm temperatures and a forecast of continued warm weather all the snowmobile trails in the county are closed. For current snowmobile trail conditions please check TravelWisconsin.com or call the Land Conservation Department at 608-326-0270. The Mississippi River held steady for the most part this week. After rising a couple tenths of an inch it dropped back down to a level similar to this time last week. As of Feb. 15, the river was at 9.4 feet and falling. The Wisconsin River has had minor fluctuations this again this week but is on the rise. The Wisconsin River stage at Muscoda was 4.45 and rising. The Kickapoo River is pretty much at normal winter time flow. The river stage in Stueben was 7.62 feet and steady. A warming trend entered the scene late in the week. Outdoor users will have to monitor the snow and ice conditions as the weather warms up. Ice conditions, for the most part, remain pretty good even though caution must be used when traveling on the ice due to the unusually high water levels for this time of year. Now that warm temperatures have arrived warm run-off water is entering local rivers. Flowing water under the ice can rapidly deteriorate ice conditions. Ice thickness averages around 14 to 26 inches in the backwaters of the Mississippi River and Wisconsin River. Access to most ice fishing locations started to get a little sloppy with the warm weather. Ice conditions below the Lynxville dam changed rapidly from Saturday to Sunday. The ice there is breaking up and has become very dangerous for ice fishing. Ice fishing this week has slowed down a bit. In the Prairie du Chien area Gremore Lake?s bluegill action was slow again this week. Crappie and perch action on Gremore has been spotty. Anglers continue to venture across the Ambro and Black Sloughs to Tilmont Lake. Tilmont Lake is still receiving a small amount of flow on the west side. Action there has slowed down. There was some decent bluegill action in Fish Lake at times last week but generally it was slow. Little Missouri continues to be slow. Extreme caution is advised at the upper Ambro Slough Complex due to open water and unsafe ice conditions created by Mill Coulee Creek entering there. This area will rapidly change once the weather warms up this coming weekend. Spring Lake was very slow again this week. The Fennimore Cut has been very slow because current is flowing through there also. Sturgeon Slough has been very slow primarily due to the high water. Action on Horseshoe Lake has been spotty. Reports of bluegill and a few perch and crappie have been reported. Cold Spring has been slow again this week. Open water shore fishing at the boat landing has been very slow even though the gizzard shad are now in the channel. Largemouth bass action continued to be slow. After the warm weekend the ice conditions below the dam are extremely dangerous. After only a few days of warm weather the ice pack has broken up or become to dangerous to stand on. Ice fishing conditions below the dam are very unstable. A few hearty souls have pushed small boats off the ice shelf to fishing below the dam. Action at times has been very good on sauger and fair on walleyes. Northern pike action has been spotty. Northern pike are already heading to spawning areas as anglers with underwater cameras report sightings of northern roaming around the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Rabbit hunters are finding improving conditions now that the snow has started to melt. Even so, some deep drifts exist along wood lines. Coyote hunters are finding hunting conditions pretty good now that there has been some clear nights and the moon is getting fuller. Coyotes are currently in their breeding season. Bald eagles can still be seen along the Mississippi, Kickapoo and Wisconsin Rivers. Look for open water areas and you might find an eagle perched nearby. Some of the traditional eagle nests are starting to see activity. Several nests are being spruced up for the nesting season. With severe weather moving in make sure bird feeders and baths are clean and full of food/water.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest- Effective Feb. 14, the trails are closed to all ATV and snowmobile traffic. Temperatures were in the upper 50s on Sunday and warm temperatures are expected every day this week. This week?s warm-up was not kind to the cross-country ski trails and we would rate them as being in poor shape. Until daytime temperatures stay below freezing it is not possible to groom them again.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park ? The cross country ski trail system still had a nice base on the trails as of Feb. 14. The track will be sticky or icy this week with the varying temperatures. We will re-groom as soon as the temperatures become more seasonable. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated and red headed woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas.
Lake Wissota State Park - The cross-country ski trails are going through a period of freeze-thaw conditions and consequently are in poor condition.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Saturday, Feb. 12 and were in good condition until the warm temperatures arrive and conditions will deteriorated with the melting snow this week. Snowshoers must stay off to the side of trails and not on the groomed/tracked portion of trails. Many people enjoyed snowshoeing over the weekend.
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, February 18, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Scampering Squirrels. Squirrels of all kinds scamper their ways through our forests and backyards. Learn how these energetic creatures are adapted to life in the trees. 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, February 19, 2011
? Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, (262) 348-2420 - Snowshoeing. Join the staff from Clearwater Outdoors for some winter fun at the park! The group will explore the park on snowshoes for about 2 hours. Snowshoes can be rented from Clearwater Outdoors if needed. Meet at the picnic shelter near the playground. 8-10 a.m.
? Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, Browntown, (608) 558-2289 - Snowshoe Walk and Wine Tasting. Sample the best wines from Brennan?s Country Farm Market, enjoy the beautiful wooded hills of the state recreation area, and get some winter exercise. There will be snacks and a campfire at the end. The registration fee is $20 per person, with kids 15 and under free. Proceeds from the day will be used to help buy new playground equipment for the park. Snow shoes are optional. If there is no snow we will have a winter hike instead. Sponsored by Friends Of Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area. Noon.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Winter NatureFest. Have you ever wondered what happens outside on a cold winter night? Explore with us during the daytime to find out! Join us for nature activities, games, crafts, food, and lots of fun indoors and out. This event is for people of all ages. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. No vehicle admission sticker rquired.
? Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, (608) 254-2333 - Guided Snowshoe Hike. A guided snowshoe hike will begin at 6 p.m. To reserve your spot on the hike or for more information call the park office at (608) 254-2333.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Furry Tails. 11 - 11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Discover facts about common Peninsula mammals then take a short walk to "read" their stories in the snow (tracks and signs).
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Pines and Needles. Pines and other evergreens are a bit of color in the winter world. Discover why and how they stay green and why they are so important. Dress for hiking, we?ll go outside to identify some local evergreens. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Visitor Center. 9-10 a.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Making Tracks. Discover what the Door County animals? footprints look like. You can pretend animals walked all over you by creating wearable work of art. Bring a 100 percent cotton item or purchase some here to print. Drop in between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to participate in this great hands-on nature event. Printing cost $5 and shirt/bag additional $5. Free track booklet available. Held in the nature center auditorium; offered by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
? Copper Falls State Park, Mellen, (715) 274-5123 - First-Time Ski Skating Lessons. The Friends of Copper Falls State Park will be hosting first-time ski skating lessons at the park from 1 - 4 p.m. If one does not own skate skis, skis are available for rent for $10 for the session. Registration is required and class size is limited. Please call Ben Bergey at Copper Falls State Park, (715) 274-5123 for more information.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Preschool Storytime: Fox Tales. What would you do if you had pointed ears, a long nose, and a furry tail? Find out how a fox uses these things to help it survive. 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 vehicle admission sticker required.
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/
