WDNR outdoor report 3.20.08
Spring officially begins today, and while signs of spring have been showing up in greater numbers across central and southern Wisconsin, winter was holding on in the north, with some areas receiving as much as 6 inches of new snow in the last week. Snow depths of up to two feet were still being reported in Vilas and Iron counties, and snowmobile trails were still being reported in fair to good conditions. Most state parks are reporting cross-country ski trails were now closed. The few trails that remain open in far northern Wisconsin have been soft in the day and icy in the early morning. Areas of central Wisconsin still had up to a foot of snow on the ground, and bare ground was being reported through most of southern Wisconsin.
Most lakes continue to be ice covered, but ice conditions on southern lakes are deteriorating in some areas. Open areas near inlets and outlets are increasing in size. Many southern river systems are running very high with snow melt.
Anglers are beginning to fish the open water of many river systems with good success for walleye and sauger being reported. Boat ramps along the Fox River in the Green Bay area are open; however, there are no docks in yet. There is ice along both sides of the river and some floating ice from DePere to the river mouth. Fishing has been good with walleyes in the 18- to 23-inch range reported and a few lake whitefish have also been caught. The Main Channel of the Mississippi has opened up. The river rose quickly this week going from 7.7 feet at Prairie du Chien last week to 9.1 feet early this week. The boat landings are open but again no piers are in place yet. Many anglers were limiting out on sauger with some decent walleye also showing up. Mississippi back water sloughs that have current flowing through them are dangerous with varying ice conditions. At least three ATVs and one snowmobile broke through the ice this week. The lower Wisconsin River is also open and there has been very good action for walleyes and saugers below the Prairie du Sac dam and some walleye biting near the bluff at Peck’s landing.
All Lake Michigan tributaries in southeastern Wisconsin have high stream flows and muddy water. Conditions on smaller streams will improve first, so look for steelheading opportunities in the Pigeon River, Sauk Creek, the Menomonee River, Oak Creek, or the Pike River.
Good numbers of migratory birds are showing up across the state. The first bluebird scouts are back looking for suitable places to nest and raise their young. Now is the time to clean out bluebird houses from last year if it hasn’t been done already. Good numbers of sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds and meadow larks are being reported. Small groups of robins are foraging along the edge of the retreating snow. Geese and ducks are arriving along the open waters of the Mississippi River in good numbers.
The sap is flowing in the sugar maples with collection buckets visible in many areas. Chipmunks have ended their hibernation and are scrambling for food supplies. Deer have moved out of the yard areas in the southern portion of the state. And now is the time for turkey hunters to get out and re-gain permission from landowners for the up coming turkey seasons.
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
Brule River State Forest - Don't let the snow on the ground fool you, spring is officially here as of March 20. The warmer temperatures, wind, and the strong sun is slowly eating away at the snow. As of March 20th Brule has 8-12 inches of snow on the ground. With this in mind, if anyone intends on burning brush piles now would be the time to get it done before the snow melts. Burning permits are not required as long the area to be burned is at 100 percent snow cover. Once the area is not snow covered a permit is required. An important thing to remember is to make sure the fire is entirely out...sometimes embers lay dormant under the ashes and can rekindle when the snow has melted. This can create a "holdover fire," which can quickly take off with a little wind and/or dry vegetation. March 29 is the opening day for fishing on the Bois Brule River from Highway 2 to Lake Superior. The rest if the river will open up for fishing on May 3 during the Wisconsin fishing opener. As of now there are sections of the river that are still frozen over but the ice conditions can change quickly with the warmer weather. Great horned owls and raven chicks should be hatching over the next month. Eagles should be nest building and incubating eggs. Five trumpeter swans were seen flying north over Brule last Wednesday morning. New bird arrivals should pick up in the next couple of weeks as the snow melts. Come visit us at the Douglas County Fish and Game League Sports Show. The annual event that draws thousands of visitors and many vendors to Superior, Wisconsin, will be held on March 28, 29, and 30, 2008 at Wessman Arena. The Douglas County Fish and Game League invites you to mark your calendar for this popular event. There is something fun for sportsmen, sportswomen and children of all ages. For more information on the show see [http://dcfgl.org/show.html].
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Anglers are beginning to fish the Menominee River below the first dam for walleye. Fishing is slow with some ice still along the shores and a few small boats observed in the area. Waters are opening up slowly with ice thinning near the outlet dam on Lake Noquebay also. With the spring closure of perch season on the bay anglers are focusing on walleye and northerns. Snow levels are receding slowly and sap buckets are starting to fill. Several migratory birds have appeared such as sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds and meadow larks. Chipmunks have ended their hibernation and are scrambling for food supplies. Deer have moved out of the yard areas in the southern portion of the county. Northern reaches should see deer moving about soon with the spring warm up.
Oconto County - The Oconto River below the Stiles Dam is still slow for anglers as snow levels continue to recede along the banks. The sap is flowing in the sugar maples with collection buckets visible in several areas throughout the county. Migratory birds are returning with reports of our first robin last weekend near Oconto Falls. Just a reminder to clean out your bird feeders and the ground area below the feeders. Bluebird nest boxes should already be in place.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - The open water creel survey season started on March 15. With the yellow perch season closed, and minimal effort for walleye and northern pike on Green Bay, this survey focuses on the Fox River in Green Bay. As of March 14, both the Fox Point boat ramps in DePere, and the Green Bay metro ramps at the river mouth were open. However, there are no docks in yet. The fairground ramps in DePere were iced up as of March 16. There is ice along both sides of the river and some floating ice from DePere to the river mouth. Boaters should use caution. Fishing has been good for boat anglers vertical jigging in the deeper channel off of Voyageur Park in DePere with minnows or plastics. This has been producing walleyes mostly in the 18- to 23-inch range. Catches from 20 to 40 fish were common. A few lake whitefish have also been caught. Shore fishing has been slow off the Voyageur Park shoreline.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County
Peninsula State Park – As of March 18, snow cover was approximately 6 inches. All sections of the park's 16 mile cross-country ski trail system were in marginal condition. Conditions are not likely to improve as normal March temperatures persist. Snowmobile trails and the sledding hill are closed. Green Bay still has extensive ice, but is unsafe in many areas.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park – Cross-country ski trails are in poor condition, icy and slick in many places. It was raining and sleeting on March 18. Please use caution on the trails as there may be some branches, pine needles and possibly other debris hanging down on the trails (esp. in the pines area) due to snow melting off the trees & breaking branches. Snow base is approximately 18 inches.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
All Lake Michigan tributaries in Southeast Wisconsin currently have high stream flows and muddy water. Conditions on smaller streams will improve first, so look for steelheading opportunities in the Pigeon River, Sauk Creek, the Menomonee River, Oak Creek, or the Pike River.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, the marina still has ice in most areas, and the boat launch is not usable. Ice on the Sheboygan River is breaking up, and faster moving stretches of river are open
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, despite muddy harbor water, shore anglers fishing near the power plant have been catching browns and a few steelhead on spawn sacs. The north slip still has some skim ice, but the west slip is open.
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. The Menomonee River and Oak Creek are open, and ice is starting to break up in the upper stretches of the Milwaukee River. The Bender Park boat launch is open, and boaters have been catching good numbers of brown trout near the Oak Creek power plant.
Racine County - In Racine the Root River is high, but flows are dropping. Prior to the high water levels, most brown trout and steelhead had been caught in Lincoln and Colonial Parks. Drifting spawn sacs or skein through the deep holes produced the most fish. The Root River Steelhead Facility is running, but no processing days have been scheduled yet.
Kenosha County - The Pike River in Kenosha is open in stretches. At lower flows, steelhead have been spotted in the Petrifying Springs Park area. In the harbor, open water can be found near the Holiday Inn, and anglers have been catching fair numbers of steelhead and browns. Spawn sacs or tube jigs tipped with wax worms generally work well in the harbor.
Inland fisheries team report
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Panfish action has been fair on area lakes. Some crappies are being caught at dusk. A few of the boat ramps are getting pretty beat up by the traffic on warm days. Be careful of weak areas on all lakes. Area trout streams are high at this time due to the snow melt. It may take some time yet to get rid of the snow in Sheboygan County
Waukesha County - Panfish were biting on Lower Nemahbin on waxies and spikes. Slow presentation of yellow rat finkies and rocker jigs has been working well. Use caution when venturing out on the ice. Recent spring weather has softened ice near shore and in areas with flowing water. Waukesha County trout streams are still open for the early catch and release season. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used while fishing for any species of fish on trout streams during this early season.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Iowa County - Bird watchers have reported that some bluebird scouts are back already looking for suitable places to nest and raise their young. Now is the time to clean out those bluebird houses from last year if you haven’t done so already. The ground is very saturated and any assistance from the public in watching for possible flooding or manure spills with the high melt-water is appreciated at this time of year. Some walleye have been biting near the bluff at Peck’s landing. Sandhill cranes have been spotted in Iowa County near the Wisconsin River already as well.
Lafayette County
Yellowstone Lake State Park – Cross-country ski trails are now closed. Recent rains and warm weather has melted most of the snow leaving only patches along the trails. Visitors who want to get in some early spring hiking, we ask that you be careful because the trails are muddy and slippery during the warmer daylight hours. Canada geese have returned and are nesting along the Wildlife Loop Trail. Sandhill cranes have been seen passes through. The first bluebird for 2008 was seen Monday, March 17. A sure sign that spring is just around the corner. The rain and warm weather has taken a toll on the ice conditions. No one should be venturing out onto the ice. If you must, extreme caution should be taken. Reminder, Yellowstone Lake has special regulations regarding fishing. Be sure to check the fishing regulations before going out. For more information regarding Yellowstone Lake State Park contact the Park Office at 608-523-4427.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County – There has been very good action for walleyes and saugers below the Prairie du Sac dam on the Wisconsin River. DNR Conservation Warden John Buss observed numerous boats with limits of Saugers. The walleyes and saugers were biting on jigs and minnows. Anglers are reminded to be safe on the Wisconsin River. Warden Buss advises to check over boats to make sure that all the safety equipment is in proper working condition. Warden Buss also advises boaters to be careful of rock bars on the Wisconsin River. Several anglers hit rock bars this past weekend doing prop and lower unit damage this past weekend. If you have bluebird houses, the houses should be cleaned out and disinfected. Bluebirds are starting to show up in the Sauk County area. Turkey hunters are reminded that they should get out to their hunting areas and re-gain permission from landowners for the up coming turkey seasons.
Mirror Lake State Park – Cross-country ski trails are in poor condition with scattered bare spots, but there have still a few people out on the trails skiing on the snow cover that is hanging on.
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park - All trails at are now open to hiking. The trails are snow covered and icy, so use caution. Many spring birds are arriving including robins, red-winged blackbirds and sandhill cranes. Come out and enjoy the park as spring arrives! Updated conditions are available by calling (608) 873-9695.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Warmer temperatures have opened several La Crosse area boat landings including the Seventh Street landing in La Crosse, Goose Island West and Genoa landings are open. This new opened water allows boaters to access some late winter fishing areas not accessible to many people when frozen. Often this early open water can be some of the better fishing of the year. Boaters are cautioned to check their boats and safety equipment are ready to go before launching their boat into the cold water. People who feed birds should keep a sharp eye on the birds frequenting feeders during the coming weeks. Purple finches are a common early spring migrant in southern Wisconsin. Often confused with the resident, exotic house finch, with which it may associate at feeders, a male purple finch is more uniformly colored than house finches. Also note the purple finch's broad dark jaw stripe, dark ear patch, light stripe behind the eye, and large bill. Purple finch numbers typically peak in late April and the birds rapidly advance to their breeding areas in northern Wisconsin by early May.
Mississippi River - Geese, some ducks, sandhill cranes and a few bald eagles have just arrived in the La Crosse area. Small groups of robins are foraging along the edge of the retreating snow. Spring may be approaching.
Crawford County - All snowmobile trails in the county are now closed. The Mississippi River rose quickly at the end of the week. Previously the river was holding fairly steady in the area of 7.7 feet. Since last Friday the river rose over a foot and is now at 9.1 feet. The Wisconsin River and the Kickapoo River both rose this week also. All the river systems are expected to continue to rise. Ice conditions are very dangerous. Warmer temperatures and snow run off is causing river systems to rise. The ice on local river systems is melting from underneath and on top. Travel upon the ice is not recommended in may areas. Since last Friday a total of three ATVs and one snowmobile have broken through the ice in the Ambro Slough complex. Ice thickness varies greatly. The Main Channel of the Mississippi has opened up. Back water sloughs that have current flowing through them can be dangerous and ice conditions vary there. This past weekend’s warm temperatures made for sloppy travel on the ice. Many of the other back water sloughs are in good shape, however access to the “good” ice is going to be difficult as the water rises. Those unfamiliar with ice fishing in the Crawford County area should not venture out alone or travel in areas where others have not been. Bluegill, perch, and crappie action this past week was very good. Cold Spring continues to be spotty. Shoreline fishing was at Cold Spring was pretty good especially this weekend. A lot of smaller bluegills were being caught, however some decent sized ones were taken. Fishing through the ice have had limited success using a variety of jig colors. Some have been catching crappie and bluegill by the railroad track. Ice conditions deteriorated this weekend however. The Ambro Slough complex saw some very good action this week, even though ice conditions are getting worse. Crappie action really picked up this week in many areas of the Ambro Slough complex. Bluegills have been active also. Anglers are using a variety of baits and on some days need to change colors frequently to find what is working best. Some anglers have ventured up to Fish Lake and the Lower Doubles where bluegill fishing was also spotty. Action further up at Little and Big Missouri and the Upper Doubles was pretty good. The Fennimore Cut produced some decent crappie this week. Ice conditions on the Ambro Slough upstream from the USFWS landing are in terrible shape. Open water exists along with very thin ice. Ice fishing on Sturgeon Slough was pretty good early and late in the day. Crappie and bluegill were biting. Ice conditions there are not bad, but again access is going to become difficult. Some anglers ventured out to McGregor Lake where the action was spotty. The lower bottoms outside Prairie du Chien have not seen much fishing activity due to access problems. Airboats or hover craft is the best and safest way to access this area. Fishing below the Lynxville dam for sauger was pretty good. The boat landings are open however no piers are in place yet. Many anglers were limiting out on sauger. Some decent walleyes were showing up also. Bald eagles can be seen along the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers near open water areas. Many reports of eagles being sighted further inland searching for food. Eagles have been seen feeding in farm fields. Deer and turkeys are feeding aggressively in areas where the snow has melted. Pelicans, Sandhill cranes, robins, blue birds and a variety of waterfowl have arrived in the county.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park – Even with the recent warm temperatures cross-country ski trails were still in fair condition with a solid base. The recent heavy snow has made for slower conditions. The ice on Cornell Flowage has not opened yet, but has become discolored in the main channels. Panfishing pressure has been very light at Perch Lake with mixed results. Late day fishing on the North campground lagoon has been productive. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Birds seen or heard include: mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Sandhill cranes have been heard in the area and some robins seen. Spring is around the corner! are icy and may be melting in spots. Some roads are still 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! Work is being done at launch A and C during the drawdown to extend the launches. Campsites 8, 9, 16 are open year-round, sites are 1st come/1st served, and drinking water is available at the park office. Site 8 is plowed and has electric! The park had two winter campers again this past weekend. Trails Check out new and revised exhibits in the office interpretive room. Dates are still available for the accessible cabin in May, Sept, and Oct. Applications are available for the November Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt. Contact the park office at 608-565-2789 for questions or to get an application.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The trails are very icy and may be melting in spots. The main entrance is closed at this time. Visitors should use the Czech Ave/winter parking lot; park stickers are required. If you register for an annual sticker it will be mailed to you. The stairs are not maintained for winter use. Early spring is a great time to get out and take photos for the annual photo contest.
