Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of May 19, 2011
Some very cool, windy and wet weather has continued to put a damper on things and delay many spring activities in Wisconsin, but a slow warming trend is finally turning things around. Activities such as bird migration, fish spawning, tree leaf-out and spring wildflowers and mushrooms are at least a week or more behind normal.
In the north, cold water temperatures have kept most of the fish in deeper water. Both crappie and bluegill have been creeping back up into shallow water on warmer days. Water temperatures are starting to approach the 60-degree mark and that should spur on the first few observations of bass starting their nesting season. The weather has kept fishing pressure at a minimum, but diehard anglers have still been out and have had to work at catching fish. There really hasn't been any consistent walleye pattern to the early season bite, but some decent catches have been made. Northern pike action has been fair.
In the south, walleye fishing has been pretty good on lakes Monona and Mendota and musky success was good on the lakes Monona and Wingra and the Yahara River. Anglers have been catching some white bass on the Crawfish River. The Rock River is still very high and most of the river is slow no wake for boaters in Rock County.
The weather and very strong winds in the last week with gusts up to 40 miles-per-hour also kept Lake Michigan fishing at a minimum. Water temperatures at the landings are in the low 50s. Those who ventured out in the bay from the Peshtigo Harbor reported limits of walleye and walleye fishing was also good out of Oconto. Fox River anglers have been catching some walleye in the river but most have been targeting the bay. Prior to the bad weather anglers were doing well catching coho salmon out of Port Washington, Racine and Kenosha.
Water levels are continuing to recede on the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers with most areas noting the water was back in the banks and out of the parking lots. Most docks are not yet in place. Many landings are in the process of having flood related debris cleaned up. Fishing has been slow due to the flooding. Trout and bass fishing on inland streams has been improving as water temperatures climb for increased bass fishing.
The last turkey hunting period is this week through May 22 and things are looking good. The weather is forecast to be the nicest five days from all the previous periods, and gobblers remain active and on the prowl for hens.
Wild animals especially white-tailed does are giving birth to their young of the year and the people can help them out by leaving baby animals in the woods for their parents to care of them. Many of the survival instincts in young wild animals is to hide very still and wait for possible predators to pass them by unnoticed, that includes well intentioned humans.
American toads, leopard frogs, and gray tree frogs are calling, especially on warm evenings. Spring peepers and chorus frog calls are diminishing. The peak of the Neotropical bird migration has mostly passed, but the cold weather and delayed leaf out has been a boon for birdwatchers, with many warblers, vireos and other migrants still being seen. Morel mushrooms also seem to be in full swing with some of the rain and recent warm weather.
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 Wildfire Report
Wildfires continue to burn in the state, particularly where vegetation has not completely greened up. Twenty-one fires burned in DNR Protection Areas this week; threatening two structures. The main causes of wildfires were debris burning and equipment. The vegetation has a ways to go before it?s fully flushed out. Main fire concerns are in sand-pine areas, oak stands, and swamp grass. When jack pine and red pine produce pollen this time of year, the moisture levels in their needles drops several percentage points. This drop in ?live fuel moisture? is one of the factors that can facilitate crown fire conditions (i.e. fire burning in the tops of the trees) in pine-dominated landscapes of the state. People are urged to continue to use caution with all types of outdoor burning and equipment use. Remember that a free annual burning permit is required to burn small piles of debris and to burn in a burn barrel. You must check the daily burning restrictions every day you intend to burn by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) or by checking current fire danger on the DNR website because restrictions can change day to day as weather conditions change. Larger piles and daytime burning require a special permit from a DNR Ranger.
Firewise Tip: Are there any branches close to power lines on your property? Ask the power company to clear them.
Northern Region Wildfire Report - Spring has finally arrived in the Northwoods and things are beginning to green up. High pressure over Wisconsin has brought warmer and drier conditions to the Northern Forest. Brule and Cumberland Dispatch areas have been at High Fire Danger since Sunday. Brule Dispatch reports four new fires for the week for a total of .44 acres. Cumberland Dispatch reports five new fires for the week burning 0.72 acres. There were three prescribed fires conducted this week for 280 acres. In Woodruff and Parks Falls Dispatch Groups, six fires burned a total of 1 acre, with one structure saved this week. The fire danger is Moderate - High across the region. Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in the Park Falls-Woodruff area. Two prescribed fires on 31 acres occurred this week.
Northeast Region Wildfire Report - Two wildfires burned less than an acre in DNR Protection Areas this week; one in Marquette County, caused by equipment and one in Marinette County, caused by debris burning. Fire control staff assisted on prescribed burns at the Spread Eagle Barrens and Navarino and Greenwood Wildlife Areas.
West Central Region Wildfire Report - In the parts of the West Central Region where the DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, three fires burned less than a quarter acre in the last week. One fire was caused by debris burning, one by equipment and a small fire in Wood County is still under investigation. No structures were threatened.
South Central Region Wildfire Report - Green up and regular precipitation has minimized wildfire activity in the region. One fire burned this week in DNR protection areas ? a 0.1 acre fire in Sauk County, caused by debris burning.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Signs of spring continue to show up in the Northwoods. The plant life seems to be trying to catch up now that the weather has been warmer. People are out mowing their lawns, which are thick with grass, dandelions, and field pussytoes. Cherry trees, Juneberry, and sugar maples are blooming and tree leaves are becoming much more visible on the branches. Birds such as Nashville warbler, blue-headed vireo, common yellowthroat, indigo bunting and orioles have been sighted back in the area. Goose goslings have started hatching. The ticks are reported to be out in abundance and mosquitoes are making their appearance with the warmer weather. If you are looking to go on a hike and don't want to deal with the ticks the North Country Trail Brule Bog Boardwalk may be a good option. This boardwalk will bring you up close to large cedars and numerous bog plants. For more information on this trail see [http://www.northcountrytrail.org/htg/guides/BruleGuide.pdf]
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The windy, rainy and cold weather of the past weekend kept both fishing pressure and fish activity at a minimum. Many diehard anglers have still been out trying their luck and most have had to work at catching their fish. Panfish action could only be termed fair as the colder water temperatures have kept most of the fish in deeper water. Both crappie and bluegill have been creeping back up into shallow water on warmer days and this has provided some decent action when conditions were right. Look for this to greatly improve with any kind of warming trend. Walleye are the most sought after fish in the Northwoods in May and reports have indicated everything from poor to good success in the last week! There really hasn't been any consistent pattern yet to the early season bite and the successful walleye anglers have been having good success on both minnows and crank baits. Some decent catches have been made on jig-minnow combinations in 12 to 20 feet of water, while anglers casting stick baits along shore have been seeing good action in 4 to 8 feet of water. Most of the success has been concentrated in the early morning hours and in the two hours before dark. The majority of the walleye have been ?good eaters? in the 12 to 17-inch size, but a few fish in the 20 to 26-inch size have also been caught. Many of the anglers have also reported catching small to medium-size musky while jigging or casting for walleye (musky season is closed through May 28 in the northern zone and musky must be immediately released). Northern pike action has been fair with anglers catching medium-size fish along the newly developing weed beds. Largemouth and smallmouth bass activity has just started to pick up and there have been a few quality size fish being seen up in 3 to 6 feet of water. Water temperatures are starting to approach the 60-degree mark and that should spur on the first few observations of bass starting their spring nesting season. Anglers are reminded that the "Catch and Release" season is still in effect in the Northern Zone and all bass should be quickly returned to the water.
Flambeau River State Forest - Both the North and South Forks of the Flambeau River are at a normal flow, should make for good paddling. ATV trails are open. Definitely looking like spring with leaf out on most trees. Dandelions, blood root, spring beauties and trilliums are blooming. Humming birds are back. The ticks have been out for a couple of weeks already and gnats have made their appearance known as well. Lake of the Pines Campground is open and Connors Lake opens May 26 at noon.
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NORTHEAST REGION
New safety requirements are in effect for anglers fishing Wisconsin's Great Lakes waters. Boat operators trolling on the Great Lakes with downriggers must have wire cutters on board and have direct and immediate access to the tools. The cutters allow operators to free their boats should downriggers get snagged on underwater commercial fishing trap nets or other obstructions. DNR also advises that anglers fishing at night or in low-light conditions carry a powerful flashlight to help them look for nets, which are now required to be marked with reflective tape. Learn more on the Trap Net Safety on the Great Lakes page of the DNR website.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Fishing pressure was light to moderate this past week. High winds, swollen rivers, and cold temperatures has made fishing a bit more difficult. Those who did make it out onto the bay for walleye were justly rewarded. Water temperatures at the landings are in the low 50s and water clarity is poor.
Marinette County - With the prevailing winds this past week launching from the Peshtigo Harbor has been good. Those who ventured out in the bay reported limits of walleye in 3 to 7 feet of water using crawler\harness and trolling very small stick baits. Anglers in the river were catching some smallmouth, pike, and the occasional musky. The Menominee River walleye bite has slowed some and with the winds going out in the bay was not an option. Some nice musky were being caught in and around the area of Boom Landing by anglers casting big jerk baits and spinners.
Oconto County - Water flows at the Stiles Dam have begun to subside, as a result some smallmouth bass were being caught in the area of the Iron Bridge on spinners and crank baits. Bass fishing has been good on the Pensaukee River with plastics and spinners working well. Walleye anglers have been having some success using crawler/harness and bottom bouncers in 7 to 10 feet of water. Some pike and carp were being caught from the break wall at Oconto Breakwater Park, smelt fished on bottom for pike and a gob of crawler for carp. Oconto Park II walleye anglers have been having great success fishing 5 to 7 feet of water straight out from the landing. Shore anglers have been catching a variety of fish including some very nice bullheads, the occasional walleye, bass, and assorted panfish using slip bobbers with crawlers or minnows or fishing on bottom. Geano Beach anglers have been trolling the shallow waters for walleye and producing some good catches.
Governor Thompson State Park - It's starting to look like spring! There are buds on the trees, the serviceberry are in bloom, goslings have been seen on Woods Lake and the first wildflowers are being spotted in the woods. The boat landing and fishing piers on Caldron Falls are ready for fishing. The new visitor center is open for business. New for 2011 are 3 boat access campsites on Caldron Falls Flowage. Each site has a place to tie up or store your watercraft, a fire ring, bench, picnic table, and food storage locker. Visitors must register and pay camping fee for the sites at the park office before setting up camp.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fox River anglers have been catching some walleye in the river but most have been targeting the bay. The best luck has been coming in 5-10 feet of water trolling cranks. Anglers have also been catching good numbers of carp, catfish and drum in the river. Most have been using bottom rigs to target these fish.
Manitowoc County - Scattered rain and thunderstorms hit throughout the area last week followed by colder temperatures in the mid-40s and strong north to northeast winds at 15-25 mph over the weekend. Wind gusts reached as high as 40 mph Friday through Sunday. Water levels rose nearly 6 inches, but water flow and clarity remain good throughout the tributaries. Water temperatures dropped to 52 degrees throughout the tributaries and harbors, with near shore lake temperatures 45-47 degrees. Anglers continued to land a few steelheads in the 4-6 pound range on the West Twin River by Shoto and Silver Creek. The fish appear to be done spawning, but still remain up the tributaries. Anglers have had luck floating spawn or orange yarn balls. Several northern pike, 20-25 inches, continued to be caught upstream on the Manitowoc River near Cato Falls. Crank baits and spinners have worked best, but different colors work every time anglers go out. The West Twin River and both harbors continue to be the hot spots for catfish this week. Anglers continue to use sucker guts or creek chubs on the bottom. All the tributaries continue to show large amounts of suckers caught this week using night crawlers on the bottom. Pier anglers and boaters this week showed little activity with the heavy rain and wind.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Sturgeon Bay anglers have been finding good numbers of smallmouth bass. Most have been targeting 10 feet of water, using tube jigs or spinner baits. Walleye have been biting along the shallow rocky shorelines after dark. Most anglers have been trolling for them. Also some very large northern pike were being caught in the shallows as well. Little Sturgeon Bay anglers have been catching increased numbers of bass the last few days. Some fish were topping out over 20 inches. Anglers have been finding the bass in various depths. Northern pike were being caught as well with a few in the 40-inch category. Walleyes were being caught but strong winds have been keeping anglers from venturing too far out onto the bay.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
With the nice weather on Monday and Tuesday many warblers were passing through, especially along the Fox River in the Fox Cities. Bob-o-links in more numbers are arriving on their breeding grounds in Calumet County. Both ducks and geese are bringing off broods, which so far have been small due to the cold wet weather. Assume many were impacted by the last snow and its weather related impacts on cooling the eggs and the female trying to sustain warmth for herself. Cavity nesters such as purple martins have not done so well. A fair number of adults have died from starvation as seen from local colonies on the north end of Lake Winnebago. They are dependent on flying insects. Cool weather below 50 degrees has restricted their prey and delayed nest construction and nesting by as must as ten days.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
New safety requirements are in effect for anglers fishing Wisconsin's Great Lakes waters. Boat operators trolling on the Great Lakes with downriggers must have wire cutters on board and have direct and immediate access to the tools. The cutters allow operators to free their boats should downriggers get snagged on underwater commercial fishing trap nets or other obstructions. DNR also advises that anglers fishing at night or in low-light conditions carry a powerful flashlight to help them look for nets, which are now required to be marked with reflective tape. Learn more on the Trap Net Safety on the Great Lakes page of the DNR website.
Kettle Moraine State Forest- Northern Unit - Warblers and other birds making their final journeys through the Northern Unit on their way north. Canada goose goslings are being seen on the shores of the local lakes and ponds. Trilliums are in full bloom, as are spring beauties, marsh marigolds, wood anemone, and bellwort. Toads, tree frogs, leopard and pickerel frogs are still singing, though the spring peepers and chorus frogs are winding down. The fishing pier at Mauthe Lake is ready to go, and the Long Lake pier will be installed before Memorial Day. All campgrounds are open.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Bad weather and even worse near-shore marine forecasts for most of last week and into the weekend kept fishing pressure on Lake Michigan extremely low. Some better weather, both on and off of the lake this weekend should improve fishing conditions.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington anglers prior to the bad weather last week, were doing well catching coho east and south of town on a mix of spoons and dodgers and flies fished off of boards or downriggers.
Racine County - In Racine coho were being caught in 50-75 feet of water on dodgers and flies fished off of planer boards, some calmer more stable weather will be needed to improve fishing conditions.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha anglers were getting a few coho in 20-50 feet of water, dodgers and flies were the best, a few fish were also taken on bright spoons as well fished with lead core off of planer boards and downriggers.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - Water levels are continuing to recede on the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers with most areas noting the water was back in the banks and out of the parking lots. Schleichers landing and Bagley Bottoms landing still have water on certain areas. Most docks are not yet in place. Many landings are in the process of cleaning up flood related debris. Potosi Point boat landing road is now passable. Fishing has been slow due to the flooding. Yellow perch fishing remains fair in O Leary Lake below lock and Dam 11. Trout and bass fishing on inland streams has been improving as water temperatures climb for increased bass fishing. Turkey hunters reported that with the last segment of 85+ degree weather the woods vegetation has come on strong. The walnut trees are finally beginning to leaf out.
Lafayette County - Opening weekend of the fishing season in Lafayette County was very rewarding for trout anglers in North East Lafayette County. Many anglers were successful and some even caught fish over 15 inches in length. One angler managed to pull in a brown trout over 20 inches. In addition to quality fishing opportunities, the ATV season is starting to heat up. Every ATV trail in Lafayette County is open except the Fayette branch. Be sure to take a trip down before the trails become too congested. Don?t forget to look for a delicious morel mushroom or two while you enjoy the warmer weather.
Wyalusing State Park - The Mississippi River remains higher than normal, but canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the concession stand. After cresting at 21.4 feet on April 15, the Mississippi River remains higher than normal at approximately 14 feet with a drop of 1 foot by Saturday. Birds at the feeders include rose-breasted grosbeaks, orioles, gold finches, cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees. The hummingbirds returned on Friday, April 29. At times there are as many as 30 or 40 feeding on the park office feeders. Orioles are also taking advantage of the humming bird feeders as well as the oranges across the road at the bird feeders. There are only a few hummingbirds at this time. Recent migrant bird sightings as of Thursday, May 19 include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor-will, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, all woodpeckers, eastern wood pee-wee, Acadian flycatcher, least flycatcher, eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, eastern kingbird, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, eastern bluebird, gray-cheeked thrush, wood thrush, Swainson?s thrush, northern mockingbird, brown thrasher, solitary vireo, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, Philadelphia vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, golden-winged warbler, Tennessee warbler, orange-crowned warbler, Nashville warbler, northern parula warbler, yellow warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, magnolia warbler, Cape May warbler, black-throated blue warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, blackburnian warbler, yellow-throated warbler, pine warbler, palm warbler, bay-breasted warbler, blackpoll warbler, cerulean warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, northern waterthrush, Louisiana waterthrush, Kentucky warbler, Connecticut warbler, mourning warbler, common yellowthroat, Canada warbler, yellow-breasted chat, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, eastern towhee, Henslow?s sparrow, white-throated sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, bobolink, Baltimore oriole in addition to the more common regulars. All reservable campsites sites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground have been reserved for this weekend. There are still a number of sites open on a first come first serve basis for tomorrow night in Homestead Campground as well as a few bluff sites in Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Shower and flush building are open.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - The cool spring weather has delayed the progress of the spring migration and things are about one week behind normal schedule this year. The good news is that the songbird migration is currently at the peak of the season and the cool weather has also delayed the normal leaf-out of the trees so the smallest songbirds are actually quite easy to see among the treetops. The Horicon Marsh Bird Festival was held on May 6 through 9 with 155 species of birds sighted in the area during that weekend. Most of the migrant birds are still here and will provide great birding opportunities for the next week or so. The peak of the songbird migration is marked by the appearance of the warblers among many birders. This is a family of some 35 different species that may be seen in Wisconsin at this time of year. Along with the great variety of warblers are also the migrant thrushes, vireos, flycatchers and numerous other songbirds. Nearly all of these birds are tropical migrants that have just completed an annual journey that has taken them from Central and South America to Wisconsin. Horicon Marsh is also a hotspot for waterfowl, wading birds and other wetland-dependant bird life. This is the time of year to get out and take a close look at the wide range of migrant birds as many of them will soon depart for more northerly nesting grounds. Those resident species that remain here for the nesting season will soon settle down and become much more difficult to detect as the foliage opens fully hiding many of them from sight. This time of year is also the peak of the spring blooming woodland wildflowers and among the woods you can find trilliums, violets, Solomon's seal, meadow rue, bellwort and many other spring flowers. This is also a time of year prior to the first major mosquito hatch, so now is the time to get into the woods and enjoy the many sights and sounds of spring and do it in comfort.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - Fishing has been pretty good. Some nice catches of panfish (both bluegills and crappies) have been appearing on lakes Monona and Mendota. Walleyes seem to be biting pretty well and still seem to be in some shallower water and were also being caught in parts of the Yahara River. Musky season is in full swing and many people have been targeting muskies with success on the lakes Monona and Wingra and parts of the Yahara River. The last turkey period is this week (May 18 - 22) and things are looking good. The weather is forecasted to be the nicest five days from all the previous seasons and the turkeys still seem to be active. Morel mushrooms also seem to be in full swing with some of the rain and recent warm weather. The sunny and warm weather this week should also help as well.
Jefferson County - Anglers have been catching some white bass on the Crawfish River north of Hubbleton. The best success has been on twister-tails or small lures. Some walleye were being caught below the upper dam in Watertown on a jig and a minnow. On Rock Lake, bass were being caught on an assortment of baits including spinner baits and leeches. Bluegill beds are appearing in the shallows of area lakes. In Watertown an albino crow was found that had apparently fallen out of nest during the recent windy days. It was taken to a rehabilitator. A few morel mushrooms have been found but success has been slow. Warmer temperatures are needed.
Columbia County - Fishing is starting to pick up on Lake Wisconsin. The cool weather has slowed the bite most recently. Anglers are anxiously awaiting warmer weather. Many of the spring Neotropical birds are back and back and birders can be found out in the woods with pen, papers, and binoculars. Moral mushroom hunters are out in full swing in the Baraboo Hills.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - Wild animals are already giving birth to their young of the year and the general public can help them out by leaving baby animals in the woods for their parents to properly care for them. Many of the survival instincts in young wild animals is to hide very still and wait for possible predators to pass them by unnoticed, that includes well intentioned humans. The Rock River is also still very high and most of the river is slow no wake for boaters. Anglers are also starting to come out in force now that it appears the weather has rounded the corner to spring.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Bird sightings as of May 17 include: common yellowthroat , northern parula, cape may warbler, black throated green warbler, Canada warbler, Tennessee warbler, orange crowned warbler, wood thrush, yellow -throated vireo, clay-colored sparrow, swamp sparrow, blackpoll warbler, bay-breasted warbler, pine warbler, Blackburnian warbler, scarlet tanager A complete list of this year?s bird sightings is posted at the office inside and outside. The canoes and kayaks will be available starting Memorial Day weekend. All camp sites are reserved for Memorial Day weekend. Please use the office parking lot for short term parking such as sticker purchase, camping registration, restroom, etc, not as a trail head. The office lot space is needed for arriving campers including those with trailers and motor homes which require more than one parking space. There are two new parking areas available for day visitors; one at the office and one across from the group camp. These two lots will have a gravel surface for 2011. These lots need minor grading work along the edges but its okay to park on them now. Parking in the campground areas is limited to registered campers and their guests only. All such areas are signed. New parking areas will be coming to the north side in time for deer hunting season. Construction work continues on the firewood shed at the office. Firewood should be available at the office in early June. The park Camp Host will have wood available in the 300 loop from 7 to 8 p.m. daily starting May 22. There will be a volunteer for the weekend of May 20-21 at the 300 wood shed at those same hours. A by-pass lane almost completed at the office. There is some minor work and signage to do yet. Those vehicles carrying annual or daily stickers will be able to use the lane when it opens. Until then, we will do the best we can to manage traffic flow through the single lane.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
American toads, leopard frogs, and gray tree frogs are calling, especially on warm evenings. Green frogs and bull frogs should begin calling toward the end of May as water temperatures approach 65-70 degrees. Turkey hunters participating in the fifth hunting period seemed to fare pretty well. Gobblers remain active and on the prowl for hens.
Merrick State Park - The Mississippi River is still about 3 feet above normal. The boat dock will be put in when the water level returns to normal. Fishing has been slow and spotty. The most success has been with walleye and bass. The following flowers have been seen around the park: sage, pussy foot, rock crest, wood violet, columbine, false Solomon's seal, wild geranium and yellow violet. The trail in the south campground is closed due to flooding. The remaining trails are open and in good condition. The north campground is open along with the shower/flush toilet building. Water is available at the dump station and at all fountains. Portions of the south campground will be open for Memorial Day weekend. No reservations will be taken for these sites. The sites being opened will be determined by how fast they dry out. We do not anticipate having the five island sites open until June.
Perrot State Park - The Trempealeau River is falling slowly, but is still very high. Canoeing is enjoyable in the higher water; the water is fairly slow moving. The carp are spawning and can be found backed up by the electric fish gate along the dike. The eagles are hunting the spawning carp by the fish gate on the dike and they will fly overhead as you paddle about. Fishing is slow. Hiking trails are open and in overall good condition. Riverview Trail is a fabulous way to see the power of the flood waters. Bird sightings in the park have been incredible, including: scarlet tanagers, eagles, osprey, yellow warbler, orioles, palm warbler, herons, egrets, woodpeckers, ovenbird, chestnut-sided warbler, Blackburnian warbler, black and white warbler, blackpoll, bay-breasted warbler, prothonotary warbler, indigo buntings, magnolia warbler, red-eyed vireo, northern parula, phoebes, goslings, and sandhill cranes. And for those good with their ears, the list goes on, but unfortunately, I am really a birder-by-eye!. Warblers can still be seen for those with sharp eyes and ears! Now blooming in the park are: hoary puccoon, anemones, bellwort, wild ginger, rock cress, jack-in-the-pulpit, violets, pussytoes, prairie smoke, shooting star, wild oats, columbine, wild geranium, yellow star grass, fringed puccoon, wild strawberry, wood phlox, false Solomon?s seal, trillium, blue cohosh, wild sarsaparilla, baneberry, swamp buttercup, harebell, bird's foot violet, lupine, and Dutchman?s breeches. All campground facilities are open and we hope to have all shower facilities open by May 20. All campsites are open; and the Uppper Loop shower building should be open for the weekend; the Bay Shower building is open. The boat dock at the boat landing is not yet installed.
Great River State Trail - The trail is in good condition and wildflowers are lining the trails. Turtles and snakes are awakening and enjoying the warmth of the trail surface, so keep your eyes open as you ride. Lots of warblers are moving through the area. Anemones, columbines, and strawberries are blooming. Baby turtles are emerging from their nests and making their way to waterways.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Spring migration is making for great birding and the weather is great for hiking and fishing! The final spring turkey hunting period is going on in the area this week. Hunters with permits for zone 1 can hunt in the Yellow River Wildlife Area (the park is closed for turkey hunting). Boat boarding piers and the accessible fishing pier are in and people have been out fishing. Canoes, single and double kayaks are available for renting. An adapted kayak for individuals with mobility impairments is also available for use in the park. All campsites are open for camping
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is open for day use and the first loop of the campground is open. The stairway up the bluff remains closed due to deteriorating lumber.
