Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report as of February 14, 2008
Winter outdoor recreation lovers are enjoying some of the best snow conditions in years in Wisconsin, with almost all of the state receiving additional snowfall in the last week and snow depths of more than a foot across much of the state and some areas reporting nearly 30 inches of snow. The City of Madison broke a historical record with more than 79 inches of snow so far this season, breaking the previous record of 76 inches during the winter of 1978-79. Cross-country ski trail and snowmobile trails are generally open statewide and conditions range from good to excellent on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism snow conditions report. Fresh snow was falling Thursday and many state park and forests indicated they planned to re-groom ski trails before the weekend and expected conditions to be excellent statewide.
The 2008 sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago System closed Tuesday after spearers hit a harvest trigger put in place to protect the species on the system. Spearers enjoyed the best ice conditions and water clarity in over a decade and DNR fisheries biologist say 2008 will be remembered as the season of the big fish, with the greatest run of large trophy-size fish in the harvest in more than 50 years. Out of the total harvest of 1,513 fish, 43 weighed 100 pounds or more. The largest was a 172-pound fish, which is the third largest on record behind a 180 pound fish taken in 1953 and a 188 pound fish taken in 2004. The Winnebago System has been intensively managed for more 100 years to assure the long term health of this unique, prehistoric species and holds the largest population of lake sturgeon in North America.
Ice conditions on inland lakes are generally excellent but the cold temperatures and snow falls of the last week have kept fishing pressure down. The mid-winter doldrums have continued for walleye in the north and action has been extremely erratic. Northern pike success has been fair, statewide with the clear and sunny days producing the best action. Panfish have continued to provide the most consistent action in the last few weeks and some nice perch and crappie and perch being caught. Anglers scattered around Lake Winnebago were reporting catching a few perch and white bass. Anglers have been catching walleyes and saugers below the Prairie du Sac dam on the Wisconsin River, and anglers have been catching a few trout in Devil's Lake.
Along Green Bay, ice conditions have improved and some people have been driving out on Sturgeon Bay. Most angers were targeting perch and pike. The perch action has been decent over the past week with some nice fish being caught. There has also been a few pike caught. There were reports of some anglers catching perch out of the Oconto harbor and anglers were fishing out of the Peshtigo river mouth for northern pike, but only a few fish reported. Ice anglers in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha harbors have been reporting a few brown trout.
Cottontail rabbit hunting season remains open through Feb. 29. With the current snow covered landscape, rabbit hunting conditions are ideal. Cottontail rabbit habitat includes sparse wooded areas with numerous brush thickets, grassy wetland edges, hayfields, weedy corn fields, and brushy fencerows.
Birds are consuming larger quantities of food this time of year. Help them out by keeping feeders clean and free of ice and snow. Midwinter is also a good time to check bluebird and wood duck nests.
Black bear cubs are beginning their entrance into the world. Owls are livening up the woods at night with their calls. The great horned owls are now nesting. And although it is still the middle of winter in the Northwoods, bald eagles are already beginning their return to claim territories and begin repair of their 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.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Brule area received about 5 inches of new snow Thursday and the Afterhours Ski trail will be re-groomed. Conditions have been very good to excellent. Brule River State Forest held its candle light ski last Saturday on the Afterhours Ski Trail. About 40 people braved the blustery conditions. By 9 p.m., the temperature dropped to minus 7 with a very strong west wind.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice conditions in the north have been excellent with most lakes having between 18 and 20 inches of ice. Travel has been good to most areas and fishermen have been accessing nearly all of their favorite spots on local waters. The snow and windy conditions of late Saturday and Sunday did push some snow around on the lakes and created some larger drifts that sportsmen should be cautious of. The changing weather and brisk conditions have kept fishing pressure down in the past week. But the stay-at-home anglers did not miss much as walleye success continued to be on the slow side. The mid-winter doldrums have continued for walleye and action has been extremely erratic. Some anglers have gone several trips in a row without catching a fish, and others have downsized to using fatheads and crappie minnows in an effort to get a few flags from perch and small walleye. A few walleye in the 14- to 20-inch size have been reported and the catches have come from 10' to 16' of water in the late afternoon hours. Northern pike success has been fair, with the clear and sunny days producing the best action. Large golden shiner or suckers have been the best bait and most of the pike that have been in the 22- to 28-inch size. Panfish have continued to provide the most consistent action in the last few weeks and some nice perch and crappie and perch have been caught on local waters. The perch are starting to utilize mayfly nymphs as food and anglers have been finding the fish just off the bottom in 12 to 20 feet of water.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Consistent snowfalls, with more in the forecast, will keep ski and snowmobile trails in great shape. Snowmobilers please be mindful of speeds at night as there is a 55 MPH limit. It is very easy to outrun your headlights. In other words, by the time your headlights illuminate a hazard you can't react and stop in time if you're traveling greater than 55 MPH. Walleyes and crappies are now found about 2 to 4 feet off the bottom with the walleyes preferring deeper water. Perch were beginning to move into the shallower weed edges with both small minnows and jigs producing action. Although the Lakeland area is in the middle of winter, bald eagles are already beginning their return to the Northwoods so that they can claim territories and begin repair of their nests. In addition, black bear cubs are beginning their entrance into the world. Birds are consuming larger quantities of food this time of year. Help them out by keeping your feeders free of ice and snow. In addition, did you know that the birds feed heavily before a storm? Owls are livening up the woods at night with their calls. The great horned owls are now nesting.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - The area hasn't received nearly the snowfall compared to the rest of the state, so vehicular travel on the ice continues to be excellent. Walleye fishing in the area is generally slow. The best action has been on larger deep-water lakes, setting up on deep rock humps and bars. Many anglers are fishing no shallower than 20 to 30 feet of water using tip-ups and medium golden shiners. Some northern pike action can be found around weedy bays using tip-ups and large shiners but action here has been spotty too. Panfish anglers have been the more popular folks on the ice with crappies and bluegills providing the most consistent action. Tip-downs have been the rig of choice, baited with small crappie minnows; while light action jig rods being used for bluegills. The bites are extremely light and anglers should be using no more than 2-pound test line and the smallest jigs they have. Spikes and small plastic worms are working best.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Cross-country ski trails were groomed Feb. 11 and in very good condition. An additional 3 to 4 inches of snow fell Wednesday and more snow was in the forecast. Trails will likely be re-groomed for the weekend.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - There has been some activity fishing for northern pike at the mouth of the Peshtigo River with minimal success and only a few fish being iced. Snowmobile trail conditions are great with more snow expected. Suet at the birdfeeders will deliver extra energy for birds during this cold trend. Ground feeding birds are happy with sunflower seeds or cracked corn. True to form northern cardinals began spring calling this past weekend in Marinette county amid the subzero temperatures! Now is the recommended time to check bluebird and wood duck nests. A Fisheree directed by the local sports club will be coming up for Lake Noquebay on Feb. 23. If the cold spell breaks it should be good fishing.
Oconto County - There still seem to be a few people going out of Oconto and the county parks. A few people were catching perch right out of the Oconto harbor. It is not too early to start thinking about signing up for a Hunter Safety Course. The Gillett Secondary School will be hosting a course beginning February 26th through April 8th, all for registration at (920) 855-6302.
Shawano County - Frigid temperatures and blowing snow have kept many fishermen off the lakes. There will be a candle light ski/ snowshoe/sledding event this Saturday, Feb. 16th, at the Navarino Nature Center located near Shiocton. A one mile section of trail will be lit by candles for skiing and snowshoeing, the activities will begin at 5pm until 7:30pm. If you would like more info please call the NNC at (715) 758-6999.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - With the good ice conditions as of late people are driving out on Sturgeon Bay. Most anglers going out were targeting perch and northern pike. The perch action has been decent over the past week with some nice fish being caught. There has also been a few pike caught. Most seem smaller in size.
Peninsula State Park - As of Feb. 12, snow cover was approximately 10 inches. The park received around 4 inches of lake effect "fluff" on Tuesday. Cross-country ski trails were re-groomed, and most sections of the park's 16 mile cross-country ski trail system was in very good condition. There remain some thin spots beneath evergreen trees. Snowmobile trails are open and in good condition . The sledding hill is open. The road through the Park is plowed and open. Waterfowl sightings are abundant along the shore of Peninsula State Park. The Bay has extensive ice, but is unsafe in many areas. Use extreme caution if you choose to venture onto any ice.
Potawatomi State Park - There is plenty of snow at Potawatomi. Snowmobile and ski trails are open. Snowshoers are blazing new trails. Anglers have had some good catch days for perch and northern pike. With predictions for snow followed by strong winds this week, some anglers have pulled their shanties off the ice until the weather pattern stabilizes.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Ice conditions on Lake Winnebago continue to be good; however, travel off the plowed ice roads is limited because of snow drifts and additional snow falling Thursday. Those venturing out should carry a shovel or tow rope to assist if they were to get stuck. Anglers scattered around Lake Winnebago are reporting catching a few perch and white bass. A reminder that all ice shanties south of Hwy 64 must be removed by Sunday March 2 - a task that is easier while there are still good ice conditions.
DNR Southeast Region
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit - As of Feb. 14, trails were in very good condition, with a fairly firm surface and a good classic track. More light snow (1 to 3 inches) is forecast for today starting around 3 p.m. Crews will re-groom the trails on Friday morning and again Friday night. The area has an abundance of snow and conditions this weekend should be excellent.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - The area received 4-plus inches of new snow on Tuesday. The Nordic trails was groomed Wednesday and is in excellent condition. The Scuppernong trail had fresh double tracks set Wednesday for classic skiing and is in excellent condition. The McMiller trail was also groomed for classic and skate skiing and is in excellent condition. Snowmobile trails are open but in poor condition.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, open water can be found in the inner harbor. Shore anglers fishing at the MMSD office building have been catching a few browns on shiners and spoons. Ice anglers in McKinley Marina have also been reporting a few brown trout. At the harbor, the river is iced, and Riverfront Ramp is not usable at this time. Bender Park ramp is iced up as well.
Racine County - In the Racine harbor anglers have been catching some browns, rainbows, and northerns through the ice. Skein, shiners, and jigging rapalas have all been productive. Approximately 8-9 inches of ice have been reported recently, but use caution since some areas have considerably less ice.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha ice anglers have been catching a few brown trout in the small boat harbor.
Inland fisheries team report
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Relatively few angler reports have been coming in lately. The heavy snow and cold weather has slowed fishing effort to some degree. A few walleyes have been reported lately on Big Cedar Lake and Elkhart Lake. Small perch have been biting on Big Cedar, though a few anglers have stumbled upon schools of larger perch. Northern pike action has been fair.
Waukesha County - Slushy ice conditions have made travel for ice anglers difficult. Recent cold weather should alleviate poor ice travel. Fishing reports have been slow for game fish. Changing conditions result in the necessity for new locations and presentations. Slow down live bait presentations, use light tackle, and look for suspended fish. Anglers should expect to move frequently in order to locate active schools. Big Muskego has produced a few keeper bluegills and small, but frequent northern pike bites. Lower Nemahbin has been producing nice crappies in 12-18 feet of water near aquatic plants. Keep in mind that anglers only have a few weeks left before the March 2 season closure on walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.
Plymouth DNR Service Center area
There is a good base of snow in Sheboygan County, and another 5 inches is forecast for Thursday. All snowmobile and ski trails are open. There have been some complaints of snowmobilers riding off the trail -- please be courteous and stay on marked trails, or risk the closure of some areas.
DNR South Central Region
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - Snowmobile trails in Sauk County are in good condition. If conditions get warm, please check with the Sauk County Parks to make sure the trails stay open. There have been no fatal snowmobile accidents in Sauk County this season. DNR Conservation Warden John Buss asks that snowmobile riders drive carefully and be careful with alcohol consumption. Anglers have been catching walleyes and saugers below the Prairie du Sac dam. Anglers have been fishing through the ice below the dam. Warden Buss cautions anglers to be safe on the ice shelf below the dam. Anglers have been catching a few trout in Devil's Lake.
Mirror Lake State Park - All 19 miles of cross-country ski trails are open with an 8- to 12-inch base. Conditions are good to very good. The area is expected to receive 3 to 7 inches of new on Feb. 14 and all trails will be groomed and tracked for the weekend. Winter camping is available at sandstone ridge campground.
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park - The cross-country ski trails are in excellent condition and were last groomed and tracked on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Due to some heavy drifting, there may be some uneven terrain on the prairie trails. Please use caution.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - The park has had a variety of the winter experiences this week, with perfect skiing weather to bitter cold to fresh snow. The area received 3 inches of snow Wednesday night. Trails were rolled and tracked. Expect soft conditions in the early afternoon. A cold snap coming in should harden things up to provide much better conditions than recent weeks. The south loop of the Orange trail was blown clean down to the ice on Saturday so it could be a bit thin out in the open parts. Check the park's recorder for later information or read it on skinnyski.com. The groomers usually post what they have done on skinnyski. Other updates will be posted on the WI State Parks website in the Current Conditions reports. The Willow River Nordic Skiing Association continues their schedule of adult ski lessons. Cross-country ski lessons will be given on Saturday, Feb. 16. Lessons run from 9 a.m. to noon. Both skiing styles will be offered; the traditional diagonal stride (classic) and skating. Students must provide their own equipment. Register in advance for these lessons. Youth may participate in these lessons. This is the final lesson for the season. Call the park office to register in advance (715) 386-5931. Ice fishing action has been limited with few anglers venturing out. An angler reported catching and releasing a trout. It is possible with trout water above the lake. A red shouldered hawk has been observed from the office in the last couple of weeks along with the usual assortment of crows, canada geese, bald eagles, chickadees, and cardinals. The hawk and trumpeter swans were observed from the Purple trail Wednesday.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Cottontail rabbit hunting season remains open through Feb. 29. With the current snow covered landscape, rabbit hunting conditions are ideal. Rabbits remain numerous throughout the area, and the daily bag limit is three rabbits. Cottontail rabbit habitat includes sparse wooded areas with numerous brush thickets, grassy wetland edges, hayfields, weedy corn fields, and brushy fencerows. Although you may see snapping turtles moving under the ice, they are seldom active in winter. They are only looking for a better place to rest for the winter. They do not feed and have actually regurgitated their stomach contents last fall before starting winter dormancy.
Vernon County
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Cross country ski trails were groomed Tuesday. The conditions were excellent Wednesday for both classical and skating. More snow is expected Thursday. All the ski trails will be re-groomed Friday in time for the weekend. The ski trails at Wildcat are beginner intermediate trails on a ridge top with many spectacular overlooks.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed Feb. 8 and were in excellent condition. Snowshoeing in other areas of the park is much improved with the new snow covering the older crusted layer. Panfish and game fish action has been fair on Perch Lake and in the north campground bays. 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. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: hairy and downy flickers, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in good condition. With snow falling on Tuesday and snow predicted for Thursday, the trails will be groomed again before the weekend. Hiking is not allowed on the groomed trails. Some roads are now closed to vehicles due to snow and the snowmobile trail. Many people have been out ice fishing on the lake. Remember - we do not monitor ice conditions - be safe out on the lake! We are now taking applications for the accessible cabin. 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.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The park received a few more inches of snow Thursday morning, and cross-country ski trails have been packed and tracked and are in good to excellent condition. Hikers are reminded to stay off of ski routes when trails are snow-covered and skiable. Campground facilities are closed for the season, but the park remains open for day use. Roche-A-Cri is accessible through the winter parking lot on Czech Avenue, the southern border of the park. The stairway up the Roche-A-Cri Mound is open, but not maintained for winter use.
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 15, 2008
" 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 16, 2008
" Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, New Auburn, (715) 967-2800 - Moonlight Snowshoe Hike. Join naturalist Rod Gont on a one-hour or two-hour snowshoe hike by moonlight. All ages are invited. More than 40 pairs of snowshoes for all ages are available for those without them. Please call ahead to reserve--no charge, but donations accepted. The Visitor Center will be open and we'll have a fire going in the fireplace. Cocoa and hot water will be available (but bring your own tea, soup, cups, etc.). Two outside fires for sitting by, roasting hot dogs (bring your own), making s'mores, etc. A program about snowshoes will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Hike will be held regardless of weather. Start at the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Visitor Center. 7 p.m.
" Douglas County Wildlife Area, Solon Springs, (715) 378-2923 - Outdoor February Fun. Everyone welcome, especially if you have cabin fever. Dogsled (9:30 - noon), winter wildlife program (tracking and scavenger hunt, 10 a.m.), sleigh rides (noon - 1 p.m.), outdoor survival class (theories and shelter building, 11 a.m.), sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing (bring your own, some snowshoes will be available). Roast hot dogs and marshmallows at an outdoor fire. Hot drinks and cookies in the clubhouse. Sponsored by Friends of the Bird Sanctuary. Bird Sanctuary Clubhouse. 9:30 a.m.
" Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Winter NatureFest: Winter Pastimes. If you were alive 100 years ago, what would you have done to pass the time during winter? Join us for some down-to-earth fun from the past, both indoors and out. Do nature activities, make crafts and toys, play games, and more! This event is for people of all ages. Environmental Awareness Center. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. No admission sticker required.
" 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.
" Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, (715) 382-4574 - Candlelight Night Ski & Snowshoe. Ski a 1 or 2 mile trail through a winter wonderland illuminated by glowing candles. If you don't ski, a .75-mile lighted trail is available for hiking and snowshoeing. Snowshoes will be available for rent at the Park. Call the park if you need to reserve a pair. Refreshments sponsored by the Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Weather permitting. Sponsored by Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Ski trailhead (boat landing parking lot). 5-8 p.m.
" Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Return to Romance. Warm someone's heart this Valentine's Day with a visit to the park. Enjoy a candlelit walk, a bonfire, music, fine desserts and warm drinks with your special someone(s). Please pre-register and pre-pay by calling (262) 878-5600. Fee is $5/adult and $1/child (10 and under) Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Visitor Center. 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
" Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, New Auburn, (715) 967-2800 - Moonlight Snowshoe Hike. Join naturalist Rod Gont on a one-hour (two-hour option available) night time snowshoe hike by moonlight. All ages are invited. More than 40 pairs of snowshoes for all ages are available for those without them. Please call ahead to reserve--no charge, but donations accepted. The Visitor Center will be open and we'll have a fire going in the fireplace .Cocoa and hot water will be available (but bring your own tea, soup, cups, etc.). Two outside fires for roasting hot dogs (bring your own), making s'mores, etc. A program about snowshoes will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Hike will be held regardless of weather. Start at the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Visitor Center. 7 p.m.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
" Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Night Hike. Step into the night and experience what nocturnal wildlife is around us. Discover what adaptations animals use to explore the world while we sleep. Dress to be outside and bring a flashlight. Meet at the park office. 6-8 p.m.
" Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a nature-related story and activity with preschoolers and their parents. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. We'll spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Ice Age Center. 10 a.m.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
" Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Paper luminaries will light the night trails. One-mile trail groomed for both skiers and hikers. Hot chocolate and warming fire provided. Woods Lake Picnic Area, Paust Lane. 6-9 p.m.
" Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Adult Program: Willow Planter Workshop. Make a willow planter for some of your potted plants. This is a fun and easy project involving dried willow for the structure and flexible fresh-cut willow for design features. Havenwoods will supply hammers, nails, and cut willow. You'll need to bring a drill and a 1/16-inch bit. Class size is limited. Please register and pay the $10 fee by February 15. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. No admission sticker required.
" Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Winter Birding Hike. Put on your boots and bring your binoculars to hike in search of overwintering birds and maybe a few migrants. Meet at the Visitor Center and be prepared to drive. Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
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/
