DNR Outdoor Report as of April 5, 2007
After a couple of weeks of spring-like temperatures and conditions, the past week has delivered significant rainfall across much of the state, some severe weather, strong winds, a foot or more of snow in locations in northern Wisconsin and temperatures more typical of February than April. Snow depths from the storm Tuesday range from a couple of inches in parts of west central Wisconsin to a foot or more near Lake Superior. Since Wednesday, cold temperatures, with highs in the twenties and low thirties and low in the tens and single digits, have slowed the trees and plants down and the weather is expected to remain cooler than normal through the early part of next week.
Lakes and rivers in the southern part of the state are open, but high water levels on many streams and rivers, and strong winds have made fishing difficult. Walleye and northern pike spawning in lakes and streams in the central and southern part of the state is nearly over. In northern lakes, some ice remains and this week’s snow and cold weather is keeping it in place, but the ice conditions are generally poor and unsafe. Where there is open water, cold temperatures and high winds have made for spotty fishing, at best.
Water levels in the Rock, Wisconsin and Kickapoo Rivers are high. Many boat landings are becoming difficult to use and most do not have piers out because of high water. Also, a fair amount of debris is floating downstream on all river systems and boaters are urged to use caution. The Mississippi River is currently at 13 feet and expected to reach 14 feet by early next week. Flood stage is at 16 feet, so those who have property in low lying areas near the river need to keep an eye on the forecast.
In Lake Michigan, the wind and waves have made fishing for steelhead and brown trout on the slow side, but in Two Rivers, catfish anglers reported good catches of large catfish in the harbor fishing off the bottom with liver and smelt. Anglers are also reporting a good run of northern pike in the Manitowoc River.
Robins, meadowlarks, grackles, blackbirds, killdeer and other early migrants are now present statewide. There have been observations of meadowlark, cowbirds, osprey, and other migratory fish eating birds. With the spring bird migration underway we have been seeing or hearing several species including loons, robins, Canada geese, juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great blue herons, green herons and belted kingfishers. There have also been observations of meadowlark, cowbirds, osprey, and other migratory fish eating birds. Grouse can be heard drumming and tom turkeys seen displaying in the Cable/Drummond areas. Many northern ducks can be seen on lakes where the ice is melting, you can view many hooded, common mergansers and common goldeneye on both Middle and Upper Eau Claire Lakes. Summer birds are arriving; most recent have been robins, eastern blue birds, sand hill cranes and American kestrel.
Bears have begun coming out of their dens, with complaints coming in regards to damaged bird feeders. With spring here and snow melting away, it may be a good time to put the feeders away for another season. . The spring wildflowers will soon be appearing and those of you who enjoy those hikes in the woods or along the roadsides will enjoy the annual floral displays that will begin to unfold. One of the early arrivals will be the Trailing Arbutus, the Wood Violets and the Marsh Marigolds. Please remember that you must not pick the wildflowers. Take a camera along with you on your hikes so that you can record and keep their beauty for your future enjoyment. As water temperatures in ponds, lakes, and marshes reach 50 degrees F during the next several weeks, frogs and toads will begin calling. Like male songbirds, male frogs and toads announce their presence to females by singing or calling. Also like birds, each species of frog and toad has a unique call. Unlike the 100s of songbird species which occur in Wisconsin, there are only 11 species of frogs and 1 species of toad in Wisconsin.
March 31 was the expiration date of 2006-07 hunting and fishing licenses. If you have not purchased your 2007-08 license, now is a good time to come into the license outlets and service centers to do so. A continuing reminder to those interested, April 16th is the date for the Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Conservation Congress Meetings. These meetings begin at 7 PM and are held in each county of the state.
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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:
Spring bird migration continues across the state, despite the snow in the north and chilly weather statewide this week. Robins, meadowlarks, grackles, blackbirds, killdeer and other early migrants are now present statewide. Migratory birds continue to stop over at birdfeeders on their journey northward. Waterfowl viewing along the bay shore continues to be exciting with many different species being observed. There have been observations of meadowlark, cowbirds, osprey, and other migratory fish eating birds. With the spring bird migration underway we have been seeing or hearing several species including loons, robins, Canada geese, juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great blue herons, green herons and belted kingfishers. There have also been observations of meadowlark, cowbirds, osprey, and other migratory fish eating birds. Grouse can be heard drumming and tom turkeys seen displaying in the Cable/Drummond areas. Many northern ducks can be seen on lakes where the ice is melting, you can view many Hooded, Common mergansers and common goldeneye on both Middle and Upper Eau Claire Lakes. Summer birds are arriving; most recent have been robins, eastern blue birds, sand hill cranes and American kestrel. Many birders are seeking out the young, wet shrubby habitat to watch the nuptial dance of the American woodcock. Birders are encouraged to monitor those birds for nesting and report their sightings to ebird (
www.ebird.org/wi) so that we can better track bird populations across the state.
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area –
Southern Bayfield County - Ice Fishing is over for another season due to poor/dangerous ice conditions. With warm weather and rain, it appears the ice fishing season has drawn to an end, seeing very poor ice conditions on most lakes in the southern half of Bayfield County. Though a few fishermen were seen out yesterday (3/28/07)on Middle Eau Claire and Lake Namekagon, for safety reasons most fisherman have called this the end of their ice fishing season and have begun to prepare their boats for the spring, so a reminder to check boats for registration and personal life jackets before hitting the waters. Grouse can be heard drumming and tom turkeys seen displaying in the Cable/Drummond areas. Many northern ducks can be seen on lakes where the ice is melting fast, you can view many Hooded, Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneye on both Middle and Upper Eau Claire Lakes. Trout have been biting during the early catch and release season on portions of the White River, tributaries to the Long Branch and on the Marengo River. Bears have begun coming out of their dens, with complaints coming in regards to damaged bird feeders. With spring here and snow melting away, it may be a good time to put the feeders away for another season.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area - Warm daytime temperatures and cold evenings combined to produce what most would expect to be some extremely high volume days for those tapping maple trees for producing syrup. However, current weather conditions are slowing syruping. Some of the smaller lakes are now ice free and the ice along the north shores of the larger lakes is deteriorating. Crappies continue to bite along weed edges and bluegill reports are improving. Sports shows are being held this time of year. This is a great time to get out with your kids and start thinking about preparing for annual fishing and boating traditions. March 31 was the expiration date of 2006-07 hunting and fishing licenses. If you have not purchased your 2007-08 license, now is a good time to come into the license outlets and service centers to do so. A continuing reminder to those interested, April 16th is the date for the Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Conservation Congress Meetings. These meetings begin at 7 PM and are held in each county of the state. If you are busy tending to your yard and dealing with after winter clean up chores; please remember that burning permits are required once snow cover is gone and are available at area service centers. Remember that careless outdoor/debris burning is the major cause behind wildfires. For lakeshore property owners who are spending the spring season working on projects such as repairing piers and construction of swim rafts, we remind you that information is available at DNR service centers related to the construction/placement of piers, swim rafts and water trampolines. There are specific guidelines and regulations involved in connection with the construction and placement of these objects on the waters. The spring wildflowers will soon be appearing and those of you who enjoy those hikes in the woods or along the roadsides will enjoy the annual floral displays that will begin to unfold. One of the early arrivals will be the Trailing Arbutus, the Wood Violets and the Marsh Marigolds. Please remember that you must not pick the wildflowers. Take a camera along with you on your hikes so that you can record and keep their beauty for your future enjoyment.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Aspen trees are preparing to leaf out although the cooler weather has slowed that process a bit. Maple syruping may pickup again with the cooler weather this week. Trout streams continue to flow high in northern Marinette County. A few snapping turtles have been seen moving across roads close to waterways. Migratory birds continue to stop over at birdfeeders on their journey northward. Fyke netting surveys on the Peshtigo flowages continue to show nice size panfish and bass. Fishermen are hitting the Menominee River for walleye below the Hattie Street Dam out to the mouth. The limit at this time is one of fifteen inch minimum. Fishing on the Menomonee River has seemed to pick up. Fishermen that launch from Boom Boat Landing reported good success jigging with minnows for walleyes. Every boat that spent at least 2 hours on the water limited out. Weather was overcast and cold on the water. Many fishermen spotted fishing the Hattie Street Bridge as well as Stephenson Island and reported good fishing for walleyes using minnows and Rapalas.
Oconto County – An ATV Safety Course will be held in Gillett at the Ambulance Garage April 14th and 15th. Please register for the course by calling the instructor at (920) 855-6046. Walleye fishing on the Oconto River has been excellent. A large number of walleyes have been caught below the Stiles Dam with minnows and crank baits producing the best results. A reminder to fishers in the area that the bag limit has changed and group bagging for fish is not allowed. See your current fishing regulations for details. Another reminder that perch fishing on the bay of Green Bay and its tributaries is currently closed. Perch fishing will open again on these waters May 20. Waterfowl viewing along the bayshore continues to be exciting with many different species being observed. Fishing on the Peshtigo below the dam has picked up as well. Fishermen had success using bright colored Rapalas for walleyes in the fast current. The Mouth of the Oconto had a few fishermen around but fishing was slow. The only other spot that had decent activity was the south side of the Stiles Dam site.
Shawano County - Fishing has been good with walleye being caught on the Wolf River although the cold weather will slow things down a bit. Turkeys are out in full force and starting to spread out. The cold weather today has slowed the progress of spring. There have been observations of meadowlark, cowbirds, great blue herons, osprey, and other migratory fish eating birds. Prescribed burning should start soon. The Sandhill Crane count for Shawano County will be April 14th, coordinated by Navarino Nature Center (715-758-6999). They will be having their Earth Day event on April 21st from 11am-3pm and Trail Run on April 28th. The Annual Meeting will be on May 1st at the nature center. The Learn to Turkey Hunt events in Clintonville and Marion were very successful last weekend, and this weekend will be the state's first Youth Turkey Hunt.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - This week in Manitowoc, anglers fishing off the north and south pier had to contend with some large waves that produced a slow week for brown trout. Boaters had a couple of good days trolling the Lake Michigan shoreline for trout early last week. In Two Rivers, angler pressure inside the harbor and off the piers for brown trout was low this past week. However, catfish anglers had a great week, with several anglers reporting good catches of some large catfish. Anglers reported having the most success fishing off the bottom with liver or smelt. The West Twin River was busy this week with a large number of steelhead anglers fishing near the Shoto Dam. Although fishing was a little slow, some anglers reported success using fresh spawn sacs and by wading into the river downstream from the dam at least one-hundred feet. Boaters fishing the East Twin River via the Shoto public launch had a slow week for catfish, but were able to catch some northern pike casting spoons and stick baits. On the East Twin River, rainbow trout anglers had a slow week of fishing at the Mishicot Dam and Village Park. Fishermen after suckers were able to catch many from the Hillcrest and Maplewood Road crossings. The Manitowoc River is having a good run of northern pike. Anglers that were having the most success were fishing at the Lower Cato Falls Park casting spoons and Rapalas. Steelhead anglers fishing the Branch River had a slow week with most anglers fishing near the Branch River Country Club.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area - Walleyes have been the fish of choice for anglers. Anglers have not had many problems getting their limits. Reports from Lake Winneconne & Lake Butte des Morts have been good. Fishing off of the Winneconne bridge in Winneconne has been producing walleyes ranging from 14-18 in. Walleyes are biting in the Fox & Wolf Rivers with sizes ranging from 14-18 in. Anglers are using a variety of baits. Perch and crappies have been hooked in the Stockbridge and High Cliff harbors.
DNR Southeast Region
Kenosha County -
Inland fisheries team report - Fishing is spotty. Bluegills are biting on ice jigs and waxies. Black crappies are biting on small jigs and minnows. This time of year, panfish are concentrated where the water is warmest. That means near where streams enter a lake and in shallow bays.
Waukesha County - Panfish are starting to bite on area lakes, concentrate on the darker bottom shallow area of the lakes where water temps are higher and fish are more active.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Fishing action is starting to pick up. Anglers were catching crappies and bluegills in very shallow bays last week in several locations. That fishery is highly dependent on fronts moving through as several days of warm and calm weather will result in panfish moving into the shallows whereas a cold front tends to move the fish back to deeper water. The area trout streams are in great shape for early season fishing. Anglers were not catching a lot of fish but, were out trying to entice a hit. Remember to use barbless hooks and artificial lures during the early catch and release season. Our surveys are indicating that the walleye and northern pike spawning action is already starting to slow down in area lakes. Walleye spawning generally peaked around the 8th of April in this area. Suckers should be spawning soon on inland rivers.
DNR South Central Region
DNR West Central Region
Willow River State Park - We’ve had everything for weather this week. Wednesday morning we had snow on the ground and 16 degrees. Trails will have a mixture of wet, soft spots, dry, and scattered mud. A woodcock was heard calling along the White-tail Trail last week at sundown. Little Falls Lake is entirely open water. A boat and a thermometer can be a big help for finding fish during the early days of open water fishing. Fishing success is generally slow or less in the present water condition. An otter was observed at the dam. The white suckers should begin their spawning run in the river up above the lake in coming weeks. There will be an update when this begins. The fish may be observed from the bridge below the falls. Wood frogs were calling Monday in Hidden Ponds. Calls could be heard from the road around 7:00pm. There are scattered places in the park that hold wood frogs. Hidden Ponds is the easiest location to reach. The calls would have been easy to hear from the trail side of the pond by the road. The call is kind of a chuckle that might not trigger the image of a frog if you have never heard it. The wood frog’s calling season lasts a matter of days only. With the cold that blew in, it could be a while before any frog calling starts again. Cedar waxwings were coming through the park this week. Campers can expect the family campground to be open to vehicles by the third weekend in April.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area - As water temperatures in ponds, lakes, and marshes reach 50 degrees F during the next several weeks, frogs and toads will begin calling. Like male songbirds, male frogs and toads announce their presence to females by singing or calling. Also like birds, each species of frog and toad has a unique call. Unlike the 100s of songbird species which occur in Wisconsin, there are only 11 species of frogs and 1 species of toad in Wisconsin. Because frogs and toads are amphibians, they require water for breeding and have specific breeding habitat preferences, just as birds have preferred breeding habitats. Some breed in woodland pools, some in spring seeps, and others in cattail marshes. Frog and toad eggs, which are laid in water, hatch into tadpoles and metamorphose into adult frogs or toads. Wood frogs are the first frog to call in the spring, from late March to mid-April. Their squawking duck-like call is soon followed by that of spring peepers and chorus frogs. Toads usually begin calling or trilling in late April or early May.
Crawford County - Recent heavy rains have caused problems on area waters. The Mississippi River is on the rise as is the Wisconsin and Kickapoo Rivers. The Mississippi River stage is at 13 feet right now. The forecast is for it to continue to rise and reach the 14 foot level by early next week. Flood stage is at 16 feet, so those who have property or live in low lying area need to keep an eye on the weather forecast. As previously mentioned both the Wisconsin and Kickapoo River are also full of water. Many boat landings are becoming difficult to use because of the high water and most do not have piers out because of the high water. A fair amount of debris is floating downstream on all the river systems. Boaters are urged to use caution. Barge traffic is starting to show up on the Mississippi River. Bald eagles can still be seen throughout the county, but many have returned to nest along the Mississippi River. Eagles can be observed tending nests along the river at various sites. Waterfowl enthusiasts can view a wide variety of ducks on Pool 9 near Lynxville/Ferryville. Robins, red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes and a variety of other song birds have returned. The large flocks of turkeys are starting to break up a bit. Some of the gobblers have been seen displaying. Some gobbling is starting to be heard in the mornings. Rooster pheasants are actively cackling throughout the day. Unfortunately garlic mustard is really visible right now. It’s a good time of year to fight this invasive species. Fishing action was either poor or spotty. The high water is causing some difficulties fishing right now. Most of the river systems are dirty and have floating debris. Strong current hampered panfish action. The dirty and increasing water levels made walleye/sauger fishing difficult. Most of the traditional bluegill/crappie/perch areas in the county have slowed due to the higher water. Few panfishers are out because of the water conditions. Bluegill and crappie action at Cold Spring was slow this week because of the high water and dirty conditions. Anglers fishing at Cold Spring are reminded that these waters are considered inland Wisconsin waters, NOT boundary waters. License and bag limit regulations are different at Cold Spring than out on the Mississippi River. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was spotty. Walleye and sauger action was very spotty. Some walleyes are being caught; however, their movements are hard to track with the high water. Most of the action was by the Lynxville dam near the long wall and dead lock. Some anglers have been targeting the MacDonald Slough area. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is open, however the water in slowly creeping into the parking area. If the water reaches 14 feet, the Gordon’s Bay boat landing will be difficult to use, if not closed entirely. Most DNR licenses as well as many boat registrations expired on March 31, 2007. Shed hunters are having some very good luck now that the snow is gone and the grass hasn’t grown very tall. Turkey hunters are actively scouting area in preparation for the upcoming seasons. Local turkey populations look strong with a good number of adult toms being observed. Any one interested in DNR sponsored safety courses should visit the DNR Website at
www.dnr.state.wi.us. The website will allow visitors to browse for ATV, boat, snowmobile, and hunter education courses available statewide. Many hunter education classes and boat safety classes are starting up this time of year.
Brunet Island State Park - With the spring bird migration underway we have been seeing or hearing several species including loons, robins, Canada geese, juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great blue herons, green herons and belted kingfishers.
Hikers have many great opportunities within the park. Whether it’s using the island’s trail system, exploring the wilder areas of the park, or a brisk walk on the park road, you’re sure to enjoy these beautiful woodlands. Area open water panfishing action has been light. The Brunet Island State Park south campground is open year round with electric sites, hand water pump, and pit toilets available. The campground showers and dump station will reopen in late spring. North campground sites 59 through 69 are open with pit toilets and hand water pump available. If the Brunet Island State Park office is closed when you arrive, please self-register for vehicle admission and camping fees as needed. A vehicle admission sticker is required to park on state park property. Complete information on using the self registration system is posted on the bulletin boards next to the yellow fee deposit posts. If you purchase an annual sticker using a self registration envelope, please print your name and address clearly. Your new sticker will be mailed to you promptly.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - Now is a good time to hike. Trails are drying off and the hiker can get wonderful views of our unique glacial topography. The woods are beginning to show signs of spring, critters are waking up and migrating birds are arriving, temperatures are still cool making for a perfect long hike. The center is open every day, year round. We are in full swing, as we host school groups almost every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If you are a school teacher or group leader interested in scheduling a field trip for 2007 or 2008, please call for information. If you prefer camping away from the crowds there are three outpost campsites within the reserve. Two are located fairly close to the Interpretive Center and are within easy access of a parking area. One is located farther out in the reserve and is easily accessible in by foot or watercraft. Amenities at the sites include a fire ring and open pit toilet. All are located near water. Camping fees are $10.00 per night. Register at the center for campsites. Anglers are not reporting much luck with catching pan fish and walleyes in and around the reserve lakes, but stop at the Interpretive Center for a free lakes book detailing access, type, and lake information. A vehicle sticker is required at the North and South Shattuck boat landings, as well as the parking area west of the interpretive center on Hwy M. Recent animal and bird sightings on the reserve include white-tail deer, red fox, woodchucks, porcupines and the mix of winter birds; red-bellied, downy, hairy and pileated woodpeckers, dark-eyed juncos, black capped chickadees, and the colorful bluejays and northern cardinals. Summer birds are arriving; most recent have been robins, eastern bluebirds, sandhill cranes and American kestrel. Please call the Interpretive Center at 715-967-2800 for more information.
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, April 6, 2007
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: April Showers. Drip, drop, pitter-pat. April showers fall to the ground. We'll discover just how these rains help awaken the spring flowers. 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, April 7, 2007
• MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, - Maple Syrup Festival: Tours, Demonstrations, and Exhibits. Watch maple trees being tapped for their sap and the sap being made into maple syrup. See wildlife and other exhibits. Buy maple products and souvenirs, and refreshments. Sponsored by Friends of MacKenzie, DNR and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. An all-you-can eat pancake breakfast with live music by Dark of the Moon Contra Band. Sponsored by Poynette Optimist Club. Resident Center Lodge. 8 a.m. - noon. Horse-drawn Wagon Rides. Rides available for a fee. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Raffle. Sponsored by Friends of MacKenzie. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Camouflage Egg Hunt 1 – 2 p.m. Nature Center. See a turkey, woodpecker and robin egg up-close and learn about these birds’ nests. Then join a different kind of egg hunt to see if you can spot a candy-filled egg along the trail. Suggested donation: $1/child. Nature Center open 12 – 2 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Early Bird Bird Hike. Bring your binoculars, if you have them and we will try to spot newly-arrived birds. Trails will be wet, dress for hiking. Meet at the Visitor Center. 7-9 a.m. Oh Deer! Become a deer for a day! Check out deer adaptations, search for deer sign and discover how a deer survives by playing a game. Meet at the Visitor Center. 1-2 p.m.
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/
