WDNR Outdoor Report as of September 4, 2008
Wisconsin enjoyed some beautiful weather for the Labor Day Weekend, and people were out in force boating, fishing, tubing or just being near the water to escape the heat. Most state parks reported that campgrounds were filled for the traditional end of the summer holiday weekend. The very warm and dry weather over the weekend did cause wildfire fire danger levels to creep back up across the state, but cooler weather and rain that moved in midweek have moderated conditions, with most of the state either at moderate or low fire danger, but some counties in the north and east-central part of the state still at high. [http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire/fire_danger/Wis_Burn/StateCounties.asp]
The hot weather and south winds of the past week had slowed bird migrations, but the cold front that passed on Sept. 3 kicked off the major period of migration. In the next two weeks millions of warblers, vireos, hummingbirds, orioles, flycatchers, and thrushes will pass through Wisconsin's forests and shrub lands. Wetlands are very active with lots of local waterfowl, grebes, coot, and shorebirds where there are exposed mudflats. Good numbers of nighthawks have also been migrating south.
Musky fishing continues to be very good in the Northwoods. Fish have been active at nearly all times of the day and most all anglers are experiencing some sort of action. Largemouth bass action continues to be good, with fish being found in and around mid-depth woody structure. Walleye fishing has begun to show some signs of life and a few anglers have been reporting some increased success. Northern pike continue to be very active and panfish action has been improving, with some nice bluegill and crappie being found suspended just off the bottom in 15 to 20 feet of water.
Walleyes continue to bite in lower Green Bay and the yellow perch bite in the bay is picking up. Fishing on Lake Michigan has been fair. Salmon continued to be the species most caught, however, a lake trout or brown trout has showed up here and there. The fall salmon spawning run is close at hand and should increase fishing opportunities when the time comes.
Chipmunks have been busy harvesting and storing acorns, hickory nuts, black walnuts, and various other seeds. Chipmunks have fur-lined internal cheek pouches for carrying nuts and seeds which they cache in their underground burrow for use at a later time
There have been reports of eastern tiger salamanders migrating back to their aquatic environments to look for over-wintering spots on dry land.
Prairies are still blooming with asters, blazing star, coneflowers and sunflowers but the dry spell before this weeks rain caused many plants to start to die back. Some of the early turning maples are tinged with red at their tops and Virginia creeper and some staghorn sumac is beginning to show blazes of red. The Fall Color Report, now available on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Web site [http://www.travelwisconsin.com/fallcolor_report.aspx], reports that peak color is still three to five weeks off for the Northwoods.
And a reminder that leftover fall turkey permits will go on sale beginning at noon on Saturday, September 6 over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236); and at license sales locations. DNR service centers are closed Saturdays but permits may be purchased at DNR service centers during their regular business hours.
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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
The hot weather and south winds slowed migration for most of the past week. However; the recent cold front that passed on Sept. 3 kicked off the major period of migration for Neotropical migrants. In the next two weeks millions of warblers, vireos, hummingbirds, orioles, flycatchers, and thrushes will pass through Wisconsin's forests and shrub lands. Good spots to look for fall warblers include forest edges with lots of fruit and sunny edges that attract insects. Patches of shrubby woodland with lots of native fruits will be good for thrushes and some of the warblers that eat fruit in the fall. Wetlands are still very birdy at this time of the year with lots of local waterfowl, grebes, coot, and shorebirds when there are exposed mudflats. Birders this last week reported good numbers of common nighthawks migrating south as is typical for the last week of August. Backyard birders with hummingbird feeders should notice a big push of migrants in the next two weeks. As always, please report sightings to Wisconsin ebird (
www.ebird.org/WI) to help better track migrant bird populations.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Cool, fall like temperatures have settled into the northland. High temperatures through the middle of next week are forecasted to be in the 60s with low temperatures in the 40's. Although the Brule Ranger Station measured over an inch of rain last week the Bois Brule River flow is back down to 111 cfs (cubic feet per second). The 63 year average is 135 cfs. It is reported that the rain has spurred some lake run fish into the Brule but the numbers being caught are not consistent. Anglers are reminded that the inland trout season closes Sept. 30. The Bois Brule River trout season will close on this date from it's headwaters in Solon Springs to Highway 2 in Brule. The stretch of the Bois Brule River from Highway 2 to Lake Superior will remain open until Nov. 15. The middle of this week saw the first major movement of long-distance migrant birds, including lots of warblers, vireos, thrushes and probably the last big push of orioles, etc. The next two weeks will be peak.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Musky fishing continues to be very good in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Fish have been active at nearly all times of the day and most all anglers are experiencing some sort of action -- follows, 'porpoising', short hits, and quite a bit of catching. The most productive baits have been jerk baits and bulldawg-type lures, with some anglers just beginning to use live bait. Most of the musky are being found along the weed edges and around scattered weed patches. Largemouth bass action continues to be good on most local waters, with fish still preferring the thicker cover in 3 to 6 feet of water. A good number of largemouth were being found in and around mid-depth woody structure and soft plastics have been the most productive baits. Quite a few largemouth were still being found in the thick weeds and lily pad beds, with top-water baits and rubber frogs being the best lures. Fishing for smallmouth bass has begun to get erratic as the fish appear to be changing into more of a fall pattern. The river smallmouth seem to be dropping downstream, with the lake and flowage fish start to move toward deeper water structure. Small finesse plastics have been the most successful baits for these finicky fish. Walleye fishing has begun to show some signs of life and a few anglers have been reporting some increased success. The best action has been found on the local rivers, with crawlers and leeches being the favored baits. Northern pike continue to be very active and spinner baits along the weed lines have been very successful. Panfish action has been improving a little bit with some nice bluegill and crappie being found suspended just off the bottom in 15 to 20 feet of water. With the generally warm weather of the past couple weeks, the aquatic weeds haven't yet begun to die back and most lakes remain with generally low to moderate densities.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
People were out in force this holiday weekend boating, fishing, tubing or just being near the water to escape the heat. Water temperatures at the boat landings were in the upper 70s with good water clarity. It was sunny and hot but the Bay provided a cool breeze and people took advantage of it in droves.
Marinette County - The perch fishing was slow for most anglers with the occasional boat reporting a good catch of fish. It has been difficult to pattern the perch bite this year, so move around until you find the bite, minnows are still the bait of choice. Salmon fishing has also slowed a bit with most anglers reporting 2 to 4 fish for their efforts. Seagull Bar and the Green Can are producing fish in the 60 to 65 foot range fishing close to bottom. Some nice limits of walleye were being caught around Green Island fishing crawler/harness in 12 to 20 feet of water. Shore anglers are reporting seeing salmon coming into the river mouths and are starting to use spawn sacks with no success as of yet. There is scheduled dam maintenance in progress at the Grand Rapids Dam on the Upper Menominee River. There will be a drawdown of the flowage in order to complete the work.
Oconto County - Walleye are the big story out of the Breakwater Harbor in Oconto. Anglers are keying on the rock bars and trolling in 12 to 30 feet with crawler/harness. Their success rates have been impressive with fish in the 18 to 26 inch range being caught. The perch bite has been difficult for most with only a few boats reporting limits. The Stiles Dam and the bluegill bite continue to give anglers a good bang for their buck.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fish activity has been minimal on the Fox River in Green Bay. In the lower Green Bay, the walleye bite has been good. From the Suamico area past the Geano area on the west shore has been doing well. The Bayshore area and south are showing good results on the east shore. The walleye bite in the Chaudoir’s area has picked up. North Reef seems to be doing particularly well. The yellow perch bite in the bay is very spotty but seems to be picking up. The 2-mile reef area, just south of Bayshore, Sugar Creek area of Chaudoir’s seem to be better locations for finding fish. Minnows and worms were working, but worms seem to have an advantage. Many anglers were finding perch feeding on the bottom in 20 to 25 feet of water versus on a reef. Perch were also being found in areas away from the crowds. The key for both walleye and perch is to find them; once found, the bite is good. No musky or northern activity to report at this time. Bay water temperature is in the mid-70s.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - In the Little Sturgeon Bay/Sawyer Harbor area, smallmouth bass have been showing a fair bite in the flats. The walleye bite is fair with Larson’s reef being a popular location. Many small perch and a few larger perch were being caught in the shallower water of the bays near vegetation. The musky and northern bites have been good. Many trophy-sized fish exist in these waters. Along the shore and near shallow vegetation seem to be the best locations to find these fish.
Kewaunee County - Fishing conditions are similar to the past couple weeks on Lake Michigan. Most anglers were still trolling between 60-100 feet. Salmon continued to be the species most caught, however, a lake trout or brown trout has showed up here and there. Salmon were being caught at least half way down in the water column, depending on how deep and far out a boat is. Pier fishing has been some what spotty in Algoma and Kewaunee as of a few days ago. Early mornings and late evenings were by far the best time for any success from the piers, and salmon as well as rainbow trout have been caught or observed around the piers. The salmon spawning run is close at hand and should increase fishing opportunities when the time comes.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
New England aster is blooming in Winnebago County. Ruby throated humming birds should soon begin their migration south. Area anglers seem to be pulling in quite a few bluegills and perch. Smallmouth bass were coming up on slip bobbers. Mid morning and early evening were the best times to be fishing. Left over fall turkey permits will go on sale at noon on Sept. 6.
Lakeshore team wildlife report -
DNR Southeast Region
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All nature and hiking trails are open. Beach sampling ended Tuesday, September 2. The Wisconsin Great Lakes Beach testing conditions can be viewed at [http://www.wibeaches.us/traverse/f?p=BEACH:HOME:17041187235832071976]. The campground construction project is currently taking place. Please be aware of heavy equipment traveling on the campground roadways between the hours of 8 AM-7 PM. Please stay away from the equipment and be sure to travel the correct way on the campground roads.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan chinooks have moved closer to shore. Anglers fishing off the piers have been catching fair numbers of chinooks on spoons. Trollers have been also been fishing close to the Sheboygan harbor, and chinooks have been caught in 35 to 50 feet of water.
Ozaukee County -
In Port Washington, shore fishing has been slow overall, but a few chinooks have been caught off the pier on spoons. Trollers in Port Washington have had the most success fishing 50 to 70 feet down in 80 to 140 feet of water. Chinooks, coho, and a few brown trout have been taken on J-plugs and flasher and fly combinations.
Milwaukee County - Shore fishing in Milwaukee has been slow, but trollers have been catching chinooks and a few coho in 40 to 60 feet of water. Flasher and fly combinations and glow spoons have been most productive in the early morning hours.
Racine County - In Racine shore fishing has been slow overall, but a few chinooks have been caught in the harbor near the mouth of the Root River. Glow in the dark spoons fished early in the day have provided the only action. Racine trollers have been catching a few chinooks and lake trout in 90 to 120 feet of water.
Kenosha County - For shore anglers in Kenosha, brown trout fishing in the harbor has been slow, but a few chinooks have been caught off the beach near the mouth of the Pike River. Kenosha trollers have been catching chinooks and a few lake trout, but fishing has been inconsistent. Most fish have been caught from more than 100 feet of water, but some chinooks have also been caught off the mouth of the Pike River.
DNR South Central Region
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - The fall migration is underway for numerous kinds of birds. In fact, some birds, such as the purple martin and yellow warbler, have long departed from Wisconsin while late migrants such as tundra swans won't be coming through Wisconsin until November. This is a time of year when things are in constant change, so those interested in watching the progression of the fall season need to get outside nearly every week over the next two months to witness the many season changes. Many kinds of songbirds are on the move in late August and throughout September. However, they are more difficult to observe than in spring due to the dense leaves among the trees and the fact that these birds are commonly lacking the brilliant breeding plumage and do not sing much at this time of year. Therefore, close observation is required to see the fall migration of the smaller songbirds, many of which are heading for wintering grounds in Central and South America. This is also the time of year when many other birds may not yet be migrating, but are beginning to flock and move about the land as they seek food for their eventual departure. Sandhill cranes, local nesting Canada geese and ducks, herons, egrets and others will be heading south within the next month or so, but their flocking habit and concentrations at Horicon Marsh and on other area marshes make them much more visible than they have been for most of the summer. This is also the time of year when many insects are at their peak and early fall evenings are ringing with the songs of crickets and grasshoppers, creating wonderful background music for this time of year. Salamanders have been moving back to their aquatic winter homes making them a bit easier to find and many other animals are busy fattening up now that they are done rearing their young and move about the land in preparation for the winter to come.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil's Lake State Park - The beaches are under water but visitors are still allowed to swim in the lake. A few cases of swimmers’ itch were reported in July, but none since then. Water quality has been checked for both bacteria and hazardous algae and has been approved for safe swimming. Mountain bike trails are now open to bicycles. There are still some trails and facilities closed because of the flooding and storm damage as a result of heavy rains in June. The south shore boat landing is now open. At the north shore landing, only small boats may be launched by hand, but barricades may not be moved and vehicles and trailers may not by-pass the barricades. The road along the south shore of the lake is now open to vehicles and pedestrians. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., possibly later on upcoming Friday nights and fall weekends. Parfrey's Glen is closed and will remain closed until repairs can be done. Barricades are posted at the entrance. No admittance is allowed, including walking in on foot. The Devil’s Challenge Triathlon will be held Sunday morning, September 14. With 700 participants, family, friends, and spectators, this event will inundate the north shore picnic area for a few hours that morning, but all will be done by noon. The annual Badger Trails youth camping weekend (more than 3000 Scouts and youth campers) is October 3-5 this year. That weekend, only Quartzite Campground is open for public camping.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - White-tail deer and wild turkeys have been commonly seen along the road. Wild snakeroot is in full bloom on the Oak Ridge trail at the lower end. The forest floor is a carpet of white flowers about waist high. There is a small stand of rough blazing star along the road near the office. Goldenrod is in bloom in many areas. Peak color usually occurs around the first and second weekends of October. Labor Day weekend the campground was full and day use was busy. With school back in session, weekdays will be un-crowded and quiet at the park. If it is a cloudy day, those are especially good for wildlife viewing. Campers take notice; only four weekends remain with full services in the campground. Water gets turned off in all campground and day use areas the week of Sept. 29. Flush toilets and showers will be closed from then until May 2009. Electric sites for those weekends could already be reserved. There should be a good choice of non electric sites left. Leaf color is spotty right now but growing daily.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Chipmunks are busy harvesting and storing acorns, hickory nuts, black walnuts, and various other seeds. Chipmunks have fur-lined internal cheek pouches for carrying nuts and seeds which they cache in their underground burrow for use at a later time. Instead of relying upon stored body fat to sustain them during hibernation, chipmunks awaken about every two weeks throughout the winter and early spring to feed on their cache of nuts, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, and sometimes green vegetation and insects. The fur lining in a chipmunk's cheek pouches prevents saliva from contacting food being carried in the pouches. Contact with saliva enzymes could cause stored food to spoil before consumption. The chipmunk's genus name, Tamias, is Latin for "storer," an appropriate name since they store vast quantities of food.
Perrot State Park - All the trails are in good condition. Fishing has been slow and the water level is normal to low. Birds continue to stage for migrations and some of the early warblers are moving through. Bird activity is very high right now and the full migrations are very soon! Some of the early turning maples are tinged with red at their tops now and Virginia creeper is beginning to blaze. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Headquarters and Trempealeau Bay is a terrific place to explore. The Winona Bridge connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota is now open to all vehicle traffic. Pedestrians and bicycles are restricted from using the bridge until further repairs to the walkway are completed.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. Enjoy the unique character of remnant prairie habitat along the old railway beds as the prairie grasses steal the show. Cardinal flower, coneflowers, and sunflowers are blooming along the trail so get on your bikes and enjoy.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - Trails are in wonderful condition and with the recent decline in insect populations, are proving a great time to hike. Fishing on many of the smaller kettle lakes within the Reserve has awarded anglers with good luck in catching panfish and bass. Some reports of large northern pike have been received. Most of the smaller lakes within the Reserve are wild lakes with no development along the shore, making for a quiet and serene experience. The prairie adjoining the interpretive center is blooming with meadow blazing star, wild quinine, purple and yellow coneflowers and many more. The rain garden is growing robustly and is an eye-catching stop as one walks along the sidewalk into the building. Already, many varieties of butterflies have been seen feeding off of the native plants. If you’re interested in building your own rain garden, please talk to one of the staff for information and ideas. Berry picking has not been good this year, with berries drying up before ripening. Although many of the visitor center’s ruby-throated hummingbirds left on August 30, other recent bird sightings include common loons, eastern bluebirds, and red-headed woodpeckers. Black bears have been seen frequently within the Reserve boundary and surrounding area. On Oct. 4, the 50th Anniversary Parade of Colors hike will be held at the Interpretive Center. Please join us from 9 – 11 and to support and enjoy the Ice Age National Scientific Trail segment that traverses through the Chippewa Moraine. If working outdoors on trails interests you, please mark October 11th on your calendar. Meet at the Interpretive Center at 9:30 a.m. to join others as we head out to do a small section of trail improvement. For details on these and for other Ice Age Trail news please log onto;
www.iatchippewa.org .
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, September 5, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Ladybugs Everywhere!. Ladybugs are friendly beetles that are a help to gardeners and farmers. Find out what these tiny insects do that is of such importance to all of us. 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, September 6, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Program: Art in Nature. The fall leaves, a spider web, and even a ladybug can be an inspiration for an art projects. We will paint with watercolors and do some natural weaving. Join us for a morning of artistic creation as we use nature as inspiration. 10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Eight Legs and Silk. Spiders are found in almost every environment on earth. Unravel some cool facts about these eight-legged silk spinners. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920)451-4080 - Hiking the Appalachian Trail. In January of 2007 Tom Brown started on a through hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Join him for an evening of fun as he talks about the experience of long distance hiking. He will show slides and display equipment needed for his journey. Best for those age 8 and up. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m. Universe in the Park. The Astronomy Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison presents a 20- to 30-minute slide talk covering a broad overview of astronomy or recent astronomical news. At the end of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will go outdoors to set up telescopes and let park visitors view whatever astronomical objects are available. Question-and- answer period takes place around the telescope. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 8:30 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Monarch Migration. Discover why monarch butterflies migrate and how they unlocked the secrets of that migration. Dress to be outside because you will try to capture and tag the park’s monarchs! Visitor Center. 10 a.m. - noon
• Sandhill Wildlife Area, Babcock, (715) 884-6335 - Wild Plants for Food, Medicine, and Survival. Join survivalist expert Jason Faunce on a hunt for common plants and their not-so-common uses. After a short classroom session, you'll spend much of the day in the field learning first hand about the everyday plants beneath our feet. Bring your own lunch and refreshments. Dress appropriately for outdoor activity and be ready for walking and the weather. Registration is limited to 15 people, first-come, first-served . Mail $20 per person fee (check payable to DNR-Skills Center) to DNR Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center, Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413,. by August 28. Outdoor Skills Center. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• State Game Farm, Poynette, (608) 635-8120 - Pheasant Field Day A free “Pheasant Field Day” to celebrate pheasant hunting in Wisconsin, including topics related to ring-neck hunting and grassland habitat management. Wildlife professionals will discuss the day-old chick and stocking program, Farm Bill programs for landowners, habitat management and the fall hunting season forecast. There will also be guided tours of the State Game Farm pheasant production facility, BB gun and archery ranges, a dog training seminar and more. Cosponsored by Mazomanie Grounds Association, Pheasants Forever, and the Friends of Mackenzie Center. From Hwy 51 in Poynette, take County Hwy CS east for about .7 mile, turn right on Bohling Rd. for 1e mile, turn left onto Stebbins Rd. and end at the State Game Farm campus. Registration is at 8 a.m.
Sunday-Tuesday, September 7-9, 2008
• Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers, (608) 266-7617 - Volunteer Jamboree. All Wisconsin State Park System volunteers are invited.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: In Search of Dragonflies. You won’t believe what a baby dragonfly looks like! Join us to find out how an ugly baby becomes a beautiful adult! Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Adopt a Highway. Join us to clean up the highway in front of park. All equipment provided. You must be at least 12 years old to participate. Visitor Center. 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-High Naturalist. Bring your 3-5 year old to this fun and involving nature program. A new topic every month! Dress to be outside. Space is limited; please call to pre-register. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association
www.bongnaturalistassociation.org. Visitor Center. 10:-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Get Outdoors! There are lots of ways to Explore the Outdoors! Join us in activities, hikes, and demonstrations that feature a variety of outdoor interests: wildlife watching, camping, fishing, bird hikes, nature exploration hikes, outdoor cooking, monarch tagging, hunt dog demonstrations, compass course, outdoor games, learning the night sky, live animals (reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey). 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Meet the Resource Managers of the Kettle Moraine. Learn what's in the works for the coming year and beyond for the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Resource managers will provide insights into the issues surrounding the multitude of recreational uses in the forest and the management of its fish and wildlife populations. They will also give updates on future development projects and proposed timber sales. Ice Age Visitor Center. Open house 6:30 p.m., program 7 p.m., questions and comments until 9 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/
