Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of May 10, 2007
The weather generally cooperated last weekend for the opening of the 2007 fishing season, except for a strong southeast wind that created some tough conditions for anglers on larger lakes and flowages. Angling pressure was only moderate on some of the larger Northwoods waters where walleye are usually the primary target, but good numbers of anglers were reported on southern waters as well as on trout streams across the state.
Portions of northern Wisconsin received nearly an inch of rain this week, but most of the rest of the state received only a trace of precipitation. As a result, despite trees now leafing out across the state, fire danger levels remain at high to very high in much of the state. Emergency burning restrictions remain in place in seven northern counties and burning permits are still suspended in many counties. Check the current fire danger levels on the DNR Web site for more information.
Despite the wind, some anglers reported good catches and an overall enjoyable weekend. Walleye spawning is complete and fish were in post spawn feeding patterns on most lakes. Crappies are beginning to stage for their spawning activity in southern Wisconsin and some anglers took advantage of that as well. Walleyes have been biting on the Lower Wisconsin River. Smallmouth bass fishing was reported as good to excellent on river systems and southern Wisconsin lakes. Some nice catches of smallmouth bass were also reported at Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon, with one pair of anglers reported catching and releasing 50 fish.
Inland trout angling was real popular opening weekend, with anglers reporting plenty of action for brook trout on northern streams and good numbers of brown trout reported on southern streams. With trout stocking levels back to normal, managed trout lakes saw moderate to heavy pressure and success was very good.
Brown trout anglers generally had a slower week on Lake Michigan, with wind also making fishing difficult. Anglers trolling out of Manitowoc, Kewaunee Sheboygan, and Port Washington reported some nice brown trout and lake trout catches early in the week. Coho salmon have made their way into Kenosha and Racine, with trollers reporting some limits. They should be moving into the Milwaukee area and farther north over the next couple of weeks.
The Mississippi River has dropped considerably and was down to 9 feet this week with an anticipated slow decrease through the week. Fishing action was only fair with the windy conditions hampering many anglers. Bluegill action has started to pick up in the backwaters and walleye fishing has been getting better.
The spring warbler migration is near peak, just in time for International Migratory Bird Day this Saturday. Bird watching events and tours are planned at a number of locations across Wisconsin this weekend and this month. Birders have been reporting strong numbers of warblers, flycatchers and other Neotropical migrants, with some birders reporting more than 20 species of warblers in a morning. Towhees, scarlet tanagers, Baltimore orioles, and indigo buntings have also been seen. Hummingbirds began arriving last week and the nighthawks should be seen soon.
Trailing arbutus, wood anemone, wild strawberry, hepatica, bloodroot, pasque flowers shooting stars and marsh marigolds are blooming in different areas. Trilliums are opening and are beginning to blanket the forest floor. Juneberry, chokecherry, pin cherry, and sugar maples, oak, and white birch are also flowering. Tamarack tree needles are starting their spring growth. Fern fiddle heads are starting to emerge from the forest floor. Morel mushrooms are just starting to pop out, but with the weather being so dry, some “shroomers” indicated it hasn't been a real good year for them yet.
A variety of butterflies and snakes are being seen in increasing numbers. Ticks are out in record numbers, black flies and the gnats are out, and mosquitoes really came out in the last week. Most campgrounds are now open at state parks, with the majority of shower facilities and dump stations reopened for the season.
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.
Wildfire Conditions as of May 2, 2007
Fire danger conditions were right for a Red Flag Warning to be declared for numerous counties in the northern and northeast Wisconsin this week. Temperatures in the 70s, gusty winds, and low humidity caused great concern for fire control officials. Personnel and equipment from the southern part of the state, which is “greener” this time of year, were moved north and northeast to be of assistance on wildfires that could potentially call for a greater number of resources. Check the DNR Web site for current fire danger and updated statewide fire occurrences and acres burned.
Firewise Tip: Create clear access. Make sure your driveway is at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet to allow for fire department vehicle access.
DNR Northern Region wildfire conditions
The fire danger is High across the region and burn permits have been cancelled in all areas. Emergency burning restrictions have been established in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, and Washburn Counties. For information on burning restrictions. Extreme fire danger occurred over the weekend with strong, gusty winds causing a number of powerline-related fires in the region. One powerline-caused fire in Vilas County burned 23 acres. In Rusk County a 12-acre fire, in steep terrain and bog, burned along the shore of a small lake. The cause appeared to be improper disposal of ashes from a charcoal grill at a remote campsite. Two structures were lost in a fire in Oneida County with an additional four structures saved. The cause of this fire is under investigation. In parts of the Northern Region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 41 fires burned a total of 64 acres with seven structures saved and two structures lost this week. Due to emergency burning restrictions, prescribed burning has been put on hold in the region.
DNR South Central Region wildfire conditions
Fire danger levels remain High across the region and burning permits are required. In parts of the region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, five wildfires burned this week. All fires were caught early and none burned more than a tenth of an acre. With predicted extreme fire behavior in the Northern and Northeast Regions, personnel and equipment from the South Central Region were moved to DNR Ranger Stations in Hayward, Spooner, Gordon, Wausaukee, Tomahawk, Woodruff, and Ashland. Prescribed burning continued in the region, with 32 prescribed fires burning 1,634 acres.
DNR West Central Region wildfire conditions
Over the past week the region has seen some much needed precipitation. Fire danger remains High in the Wisconsin Rapids Area but has been lowered to Moderate for Black River Falls due to the rain. Fifteen fires were reported burning 2 acres. Two structures were lost in Portage County in separate incidents. Only two prescribed burns were completed for a total of 33 acres. With the camping season in full swing the DNR wants to remind campers to make sure their campfires are fully extinguished before leaving their campsites
DNR Northeast Region wildfire conditions
Warm, dry, windy conditions resulted in a Red Flag Warning being issued for three days this past week. As a result of some recent precipitation, fire danger conditions are now High in the Waupaca area and Moderate in the Peshtigo area and Burning Permits are available again in the region. In parts of the region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 12 new fires burned a total of 15 acres. The largest of the fires was 5.81 acres and is still under investigation. Weather changes rapidly, remember to call for conditions, BEFORE you burn!
Statewide Birding Report
Migration is in full swing across the state with south winds and warm temperatures. Birders have been reporting strong numbers of warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, flycatchers and other Neotropical migrants. Early migrants like ruby-crowned kinglet and yellow-rumped warbler still persist in southern Wisconsin, but are quickly being replaced by more diverse flocks of warblers. Some birders have reported more than 20 species of warblers in a morning. This week brought the first reports of red-eyed vireo, olive-sided flycatcher and eastern wood-pewee. Other late migrants like mourning warbler, willow flycatcher, Connecticut warbler and others should not be far behind. Birders have been reporting good numbers of shorebirds at Nine Springs in Madison, the Highway 12 ponds in Eau Claire, Ashland, and other shallow mudflats. Both species of yellowlegs, and least, semipalmated, solitary, and spotted sandpipers, dunlin, and Wilson’s phalarope have all been reported. In addition, last week brought an influx of willets, American avocets, and marbled godwits as well. Birders at wetland areas are reporting marsh wren, yellow-headed blackbird, black terns, and the other typical wetlands species. In grassland areas bobolinks, Henslow's sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, upland sandpipers, and the other typical grassland species have all arrived on territory and have begun nesting. Nocturnal birders are also reporting whip-poor will and this upcoming week should bring our first nighthawk reports. Hummingbirds began arriving on May 4 but the main push doesn't seem to be in quite yet. Saturday is International Migratory Bird Day and there are a number of festivals and activities going on to celebrate our wonderful bird resources across the state. The following week should bring more migrants. Head to your favorite migration hotspot and enjoy! As always, please report sightings to eBird (
www.ebird.org/WI) to help track populations of these wonderful species.
NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Brule area has been experiencing some warmer than average (summer like weather) in the past few days. Temperatures are expected to turn more seasonable Friday with a cold front on its way. Small chances of thunderstorms are forecasted in the evenings through the weekend. The Bois Brule River was flowing at 154 cubic feet per second (cfs) as of May 10. The 62 year average is 210 cfs. A wave of warblers have made their way into the Brule area. Black-throated green, northern perula, yellow-rumped, pine, black-and-white, and Nashville warblers have been sighted or heard. Also back are the ovenbirds, grasshopper sparrows, brown thrashers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks. Spring flowers are starting to liven up the landscape now. Trailing arbutus, wood anemone, wild strawberry, purple violets, round-lobed hepatica, bloodroot, and marsh marigolds are blooming. Juneberry, chokecherry, pin cherry, and sugar maples, oak, and white birch are also flowering. Tamarack tree needles are starting their spring growth since the needles were shed last fall. Fern fiddle heads are starting to emerge from the forest floor. Toads and wood frogs have been very vocal on the warm nights…and so have the mosquitoes! With bears becoming more active, the spring calving season, and crops coming up the number of animal nuisance complaints are picking up. For wolf, bear, and migratory bird complaints call the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services at 1-800-228-1368 or 715-369-5221 for the northern half of Wisconsin. Make sure to leave a message with them, they are very good about calling back. There will be a Brule Archery Club meeting and work day on Saturday May 12. Bring some rakes and shovels and join in the fun. Meet at the Afterhours trail at 9 a.m. at the ski warming house. Saturday, May 12 is International Migratory Birding Day. The International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the return of millions of migratory birds from their warm winter habitat in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern U.S., to their North American homes where they nest and rear their young. The Friends of the Bird Sanctuary [www.fotbs.org] will be celebrating the day with a birding hike starting at the Clubhouse at 8 a.m. Steve La Valley, DNR Water Regulations and Zoning Specialist will conduct a hike focusing on migratory birds and the habitats that they need. Directions to the clubhouse: 3 miles south of Solon Springs on Hwy. 53 (or 3 miles north of Gordon on Hwy. 53), west on County Road M about 3/4 mile, then northwest on Bird Road 3/4 mile. The Clubhouse is on the right. More information on the International Migratory Birding Day can be found at: [http://www.birdday.org/press.php].
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
The weather cooperated for the opening weekend of the fishing season. Strong winds troubled some anglers but good catches were reported and overall it was an enjoyable weekend for anglers. Water temperatures are warming on area lakes and streams and the fishing should continue to improve. Some nice catches of walleye were reported and panfish provided some good action for anglers. Anglers were happy once again to be on the open water enjoying the sport and the time with friends. Painted turtles are beginning to visit exposed rocks and logs along water edges to bask in the warm sun. The eastern American toad’s call, a long uninterrupted trill, can be heard in the evening as they serenade a mate. The eastern gray tree frog can also be heard since the weather has warmed. The insect hatch also accelerated and black flies are becoming a bit of a nuisance when winds are calm and temperatures are warm. Tick numbers continue to increase so take preventive measures. Warmer weather will bring on the spray of color as wild flowers bloom. Currently wood violets, marsh marigolds and large-flowered bellwort can be found on the forest floor while the trilliums will be opening and should blanket the forest floor soon. Period E turkey season opens this Wednesday and hunters should find active birds. While out enjoying your favorite water sport, remember to wear a personal flotation device, it could save you life if you fall into the water.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Opening weekend angling pressure was generally moderate on waters in the Upper Chippewa Basin, with a strong southeast wind creating some tough conditions for anglers on the larger lakes and flowages. Walleye are usually the primary target for most anglers in the Northwoods and success was generally good. Anglers that were able to brave the windy conditions had the best luck and made some good catches of 14 to 18 inch walleye. The best action was in 12 to 20 feet of water and the early morning and late evening hours were the most productive. Jig and minnow combinations providing the best success, but stick baits cast along shore in the hour before dark also produced some decent action. Trout angling was also real popular on the opening weekend and the managed trout lakes saw some moderate to heavy pressure. With trout stocking levels back to normal, success was very good. Both lakes and spring ponds produced some excellent catches of brook and rainbow trout. Panfish received much less attention over the opening weekend and anglers experienced just mediocre success. Crappie, bluegill and pumpkinseed continue to increase in numbers in the shallow, warmer bays and have provided some fair success for anglers that have been able to find them.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
The Lakeland area is finally seeing green grass and budding trees. Opening weekend of fishing season on May 5 saw anglers hitting the waters on area lakes. Fishing action was reported as slow with the flowages producing the fastest action. Anglers had to work hard but were just happy to be back out on the waters. Crappies are reported to be moving in to the shallower warm water. Walleye spawning is, for the most part, completed. Most lakes should be in post spawn feeding patterns at this time. Be sure to get the Ceded Territories Walleye bag limit insert that covers the lakes in the northern portion of the state. Bass are still catch and release only until June 16. Trout anglers found plenty of action on area streams with brook trout the most common fish in the bag. A reminder to anglers to make sure that you have a current fishing license and that the license is on your person when you are out on the water. Musky season begins on May 26 in the north. Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3, 2007. Although fishing licenses are not required during those two days, fishing regulations still apply. Also, please remember that you must have the appropriate and correct number of personal flotation devices in your boat. Boater safety courses are currently being given and/or scheduled to begin. A Boating Safety Internet course is available on line. However, the course is not recommended for children under the age of 14 years. The black flies and the gnats are out now. Head netting may be the headgear of choice when working outside on the lawn or in the garden, or even if persons are camping or boating in our area.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - The opening weekend of game fish season was certainly a good one in most areas. The weather cooperated although the high winds made things tough to deal with on larger bodies of water. Good walleye action was reported on many lakes with a good bite in water of 7 to 9 feet deep where weeds are beginning to come up. Jig and minnow was the bait of choice most everywhere. Crappies are beginning to stage for their spawning activity and some anglers took advantage of that as well. Small jigs, such as tube jigs, beetle spins, and minnows fished below a small bobber are key. Look for emerging reeds or bulrushes, as these are likely places crappie will spawn in. These patterns should hold up for the next couple weeks, then walleye will begin hitting best on night crawlers and leeches. Bass fishing will continue to improve and water temperatures warm and they begin searching for nesting areas. Reminder: bass fishing in the Northern Zone is "catch and release only" until June 16.
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Catches of walleye on the Lower Menominee River was excellent on opening weekend with many anglers having full bag limits. Fish were caught on jig and minnow or leech. Crawler harnesses were also effective. Good activity and catches of inland trout on area rivers and streams in Oconto and Marinette counties. The Pemebonwon saw moderate fishing pressure on the opener as did several other trout streams at road crossings. Lake Noquebay was very quiet Sunday due to strong winds. Lilacs will be opening soon with a little added rain. Morel mushrooms have been spotted in northern Marinette County. Violets, trillium, hepatica and bloodroot are in bloom. Several Hunter Safety Courses will be available in the Peshtigo area check with your local DNR Service Center.
Oconto County - The fish opener was slow due to the high winds. Most inland lakes in the southern half of Oconto County had very little activity. There were some reports of bass being caught and some small northerns. Trout fishing on the opener also came with mixed reviews. Some reports of trout limits were reported in the Oconto River south of Suring and north of the County Highway BB bridge at Gillett. Smallmouth bass fishing was reported as excellent on the Oconto and Pensaukee rivers with several smallmouth around 20 inches taken. Spinner baits were doing well. Out of Oconto, reports of walleyes being taken on night crawlers. Most are in the 15 to 20 inch range. Munger and John lakes produced good numbers of crappies. As the weather warms, success will increase. Crappies and bluegill are still in pre-spawn status. Walleye, northern pike and muskellunge are done with the spawn. Spring wild flowers are in full bloom and most trees are leafing out. Bears are hitting feeders and taking free meals where they can. One sow was seen with four cubs. One subject had a cub stuck in a tree because her dog was tied to the base of it.
Shawano County - The ticks are out in record numbers. It is very dry so use caution with fire. Trout opener was good with some nice fish caught. Turkey season is going well. There are a lot of baby animals around, please leave them alone. The mosquitoes are now hatching--big ones! The wildflowers are beautiful, the goslings have hatched, turkeys are still plentiful. Take birdfeeders down so they are not destroyed by bears, and leave young wildlife alone.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - In Manitowoc, brown trout anglers fishing inside the harbor had a slow week. Anglers that had the most success were fishing the lake side of the north end of the breakwater casting stick baits and J-plugs. Anglers also reported picking up a few small rainbow trout outside of the harbor as well. Anglers trolling on Lake Michigan via the Manitowoc harbor had a fair week of fishing with some nice brown trout and lake trout catches early in the week. The most successful boats trolled in 12 feet of water following the mud line off the shore. Anglers fishing the Manitowoc River had a good week fishing, with northern pike and smallmouth bass being caught at Lower Cato Falls Park, the Manitou Park and at County Highway S. Successful anglers were using bobbers and night crawlers, twister tails, and spinners. Rainbow trout fishing was very slow on the Branch River this past week. Anglers fishing the East Twin River had a slow weekend for rainbow trout with most of the pressure concentrated near the Mishicot dam. Anglers on the West Twin River, near the Shoto dam also had a slow weekend for rainbow trout, but smallmouth bass anglers had a successful week of fishing. Smallmouth bass ranged in size from 10 to 15 inches. In Two Rivers, brown trout anglers had a fair week fishing in the central area of the harbor across from the boat landing. Catfish anglers also had a good weekend reporting some large catfish being caught with liver and shrimp off the bottom. Boaters trolling the Two Rivers shoreline despite rough fishing conditions were able to land some nice brown trout. Anglers had the most action trolling in 8 to 14 feet of water, with most brown trout harvested ranging in size from 3 to 4 pounds.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The weather was great this week: mostly sunny skies and seasonably warm temperatures made for a great week to be outdoors. Opening day on Saturday brought reports of nice catches of smallmouth bass being taken by anglers fishing Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon. One pair of anglers reported catching and releasing 50 smallies. Almost all of the anglers fishing for smallmouth reported that they were releasing all of the fish they caught. Northern pike continue to be hitting consistently in Sturgeon Bay. Nice catches of panfish were coming off the causeway over the north end of Kangaroo Lake, mostly on minnows fished under a slip bobber. Some nice brown trout were still being caught throughout the county. There was little or no angling pressure on the Lake Michigan tributary streams.
Peninsula State Park - Trails are ready for summer use, but some bike trail sections are wet or under water. Spring wildflowers including trillium, hepatica, and wood anemone are nearing their peak. Peninsula's warbler migrations were incredible on Tuesday. Sightings of birds continue at a frantic pace. Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. As of May 1 the Tennison Bay campground is open. Selected shower/toilets buildings are operative as is the trailer dumping station. Peninsula State Park golf course is now open. Visit the Golf Course website at [www.peninsulagolf.org] or call 920-854-5791. Tours of this 1868 lighthouse will resume May 19-20 for the Annual Door County Lighthouse Walk. Visit their website at [
www.EagleBluffLighthouse.org ].
Kewaunee County – Weather conditions over the last week have made fishing difficult out on the lake. A steady wind out of the northeast has slowed fishing down over the course of the week. The wind started to shift more out of the east over the weekend, but the winds remained strong. Those anglers that were out on the lake did catch a few brown trout. Anglers fishing off of the pier in Kewaunee are still doing very well catching browns on spoons. They are also catching a few rainbows and salmon. Fishing in the tributaries is still slow, but there are a few steelheads that are still present.
SOUTHEAST REGION
Havenwoods State Forest - Towhees, scarlet tanagers, Baltimore orioles, indigo buntings, and a great egret have been seen in the forest.
Harrington Beach State Park - All trails are dry and open for use, with the exception of the Whitetail Trail, which is wet and has standing water in places. Quarry Lake has been stocked with rainbow trout. An inland trout stamp is required as well as a valid fishing license to fish for them and Urban Fishing Regulations apply. They can be found on page 18 of the Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations. Fishing has been spotty on Quarry Lake. Some trout were being caught. Please remember that swimming and boating are not permitted in Quarry Lake. Several resident and migratory birds species are being seen in the park, including sandhill cranes, mallards, blue-winged teal, wood ducks, hooded mergansers, ruby-crowned kinglets, bluebirds, eastern meadowlarks, and northern harriers. Other observations are: the goldfinches have turned to their summer colors; chorus frogs and spring peepers are calling; spring flowers such as the wild leek, skunk cabbage and may apples have emerged and the marsh marigolds are in bloom. Planning for the new 75-site campground for Harrington Beach is nearly complete. The campground will consist of two yurt sites, five walk-in sites, 29 electrical sites, 33 non-electrical sites, and a host site. The campground will also have a group site area, a flush toilet-shower building and a trailer dump station. Hiking trails will be established that will join the campground to the beach and other areas of the park. The construction portion of the campground should begin sometime in July.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Coho have made their way into Kenosha and Racine. They should be moving into the Milwaukee area and farther north over the next couple of weeks.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, anglers fishing off the north and south pier have been catching a few browns on spoons, minnows, and spawn. The morning bite has been better than the afternoon hours. Trollers off Sheboygan have been catching browns and a few chinooks near shore in 10 to 20 feet of water. Spoons and crankbaits have been effective.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore fishing has been relatively slow, but boaters out of Port Washington have been catching browns, lake trout, and occasional chinooks on a variety of spoons fished in 20 to 40 feet of water.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, a few browns have been taken on minnows behind the Summerfest grounds. Boaters out of Milwaukee have been catching browns north of the harbor and around the gaps, as well as off the Oak Creek Power Plant. A few lake trout have also been caught north of the harbor in 50 to 60 feet of water.
Racine County - In Racine, trollers working south of the harbor in 30 to 40 feet of water have been catching good numbers of coho on flies.
Kenosha County - Limits of coho have been caught by Kenosha trollers fishing orange flashers with blue and silver flies in 30 to 40 feet of water. Shore fishing in Kenosha has been slow.
Inland fisheries team report
The 2007 general fishing season opened on May 5. Although windy conditions made fishing difficult, most anglers enjoyed success. Crappies should be spawning and bluegills will be right behind. Finding warmer water is still the key.
Walworth and inland Racine and Kenosha counties - Windy conditions on opening weekend of the inland game fishing season may have affected anglers but fish were still caught. Water temperatures ranged from 45 to 60 degrees depending on the depth of the lake. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing was very good with fish being caught on plastics, jerk baits, countdowns, and rattletraps. Walleyes were a bit more finicky but were biting on plastic worms and stick baits. Anglers using suckers on slip bobbers caught northern pike in 10 to 28 feet of water. Bluegills and rock bass were biting on waxworms, and river anglers were catching catfish.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Crappie fishing was generally good on opening weekend as was bass fishing. Crappies are not yet spawning as their preferred spawning range is 65-68 degrees F. Largemouth bass are beginning to nest with males reportedly guarding nests on some lakes. A few walleye were also being reported at Pike Lake near Hartford and Random Lake (Sheboygan County). Trout streams are running clear and are very fishable. The clear water may make it a little tough to take wild brown trout.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park - Trails are in good hiking condition. The Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien May 10 was 8.9, down 0.1 from Wednesday. Morel mushrooms are in season. A number of “shroomers” were having considerable success. Warblers have been returning, and with the forecast of warm weather, this weekend should be great for birding. Humming birds returned on Sunday, April 29. There are only a few at the park office feeders, but hopefully the normal “flock” will be back soon. Bird sightings in the park include: great blue heron, Canada goose, wood duck, mallard, blue-winged teal, turkey vulture, bald eagle, sharp-shinned hawk, red-shouldered hawk, red tailed hawk, Swainson’s hawk, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, sandhill crane, ring billed dove, mourning dove, ruby-throated hummingbird, belted kingfisher, red headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, pileated woodpecker, least flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, tree swallow, north rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, blue jay, crow, chickadee, tufted titmouse, white breasted nuthatch, gold finches, house wren, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, bluebirds, veery, wood thrush, robin, grey catbird, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, golden-winged warbler, Tennessee warbler, Cape May warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, cerulean warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, ovenbird, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinals, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, song sparrow, white-throated sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, red winged blackbird, grackle, cowbird, oriole. As of May 1, there were 12 nests in all 12 bluebird boxes. At that time, six of the nests had a total of 25 eggs. Wild flowers in bloom include: bellwort, nodding trillium, spring beauty, rue anemone, false rue anemone, wood anemone, hepatica, Dutchman breeches, bloodroot, pasque flower, violets, Jack in the pulpit, kidney leaf buttercup, common buttercup, May apple, amethyst shooting star. The areas near the lookouts are blanketed with the beautiful amethyst shooting stars. Butterflies seen include cabbage white, Milbert’s tortoise shell, red admiral, tiger swallowtail, comma, painted lady, hackberry. Black rat, fox, bull, Eastern hognose, and prairie ring neck snakes are out. Both the Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead Campgrounds are open for camping. The shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open. The dumping station is open. The park concession stand will be open this weekend. Canoe and kayak rental is available in addition to firewood, sweatshirts, and camping supplies. Concession stand will be open on weekends in May and everyday starting with Memorial Day.
Iowa County - Brown trout have been biting on Love and Trout creeks on worms and spinners. Trout anglers on the Gordon Creek near Hollnadale were having a great weekend opener catching and releasing some nice brown and brook trout. Walleyes have been biting at Peck’s Landing, with anglers using minnows suspended just off the bottom. The bass have still been biting at Bakken’s Pond with purple rubber worms. Crappies have been biting at Birch Lake on minnows. The recent turkey season found some dead gobblers, but hunters this year have found fewer turkeys that have been tougher to call in and more “henned up.”
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park - All hiking trails are open, but as usual for this time of year, can be quite muddy and wet in many places. Mountain bike trails are now open. All campgrounds are open, and nearly all water facilities are operating. The Nature Center is still closed most days, but will be open on Saturdays until Memorial Day weekend when it will be open seven days a week throughout the summer. The north shore Chateau (including canoe and rowboat rental, food, souvenirs, snacks, and some camping supplies) is now open. The south shore concessions and Ice Age store will be open beginning Memorial Day weekend. Two people recently experienced a very unique sighting of shrews in the park. A small area of just a few square yards was seen to be teeming with at least 50 shrews – possibly as many as 100 or more. They were boldly leaping, racing, somersaulting, rolling around and generally having a “wild rumpus” of a time on a fallen ash log in a blackberry brier patch. They were not mating, feeding, or fighting. One 11-year old observer even had a shrew run up one pant leg…and then down the other. And the next day the shrews were gone. The description, size, and behavior fit that of the very rare (in Wisconsin) little short-tailed shrew (Cryptotis parva harlani), but without a captured specimen or photo, that may never be substantiated. Volunteers have been hitting the trails and pulling garlic mustard. This invasive species is flowering now, easy to identify, and important to remove before it begins producing seeds. All volunteers are welcome – Scout troops, youth groups, retirees, school groups, individuals – all are invited to join the battle! On April 28, the Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park sponsored a work project day during which 70 picnic tables were painted, almost 700 bags of firewood were bagged for sale, and other projects were completed.
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - A mixture of howling wind and scattered rain greeted anglers for the opening of the general fishing season the weekend of May 5. Anglers were fishing in the park but no reports came in to the office. The controlled burn areas of the park are greening up well. Campfires in fire rings are allowed in the campground. Cooking fires in grilles are allowed in the picnic areas. The Nature Center will be open on weekends depending on volunteer availability. The camp host has firewood for sale from 7 to 8 p.m. daily. Sales support the park’s friends group, the Willow River OWLs.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Unsettled weather has contributed to uneventful turkey hunting during the first four turkey hunting time periods. The breeding and nesting cycle appears to have been disrupted by a major snowstorm in early April. Most hens should now be on their nests, incubating their clutch of eggs. Incubation takes about 28 days. Most incubating hens leave their nest one time each day, although it is common for some to skip a day. Upon leaving the nest, hens typically find a drink of water, feed, and return to the nest after about an hour's absence. Morel mushrooms are just starting to pop in the area. Many animals, including humans use different fungus or mushrooms as shelter and/or food sources. Just be careful and properly identify mushrooms before eating them.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River is considerably lower than the last outdoor report. A few weeks ago the river was up around the 12 foot mark. The river was down to 9 feet this week with an anticipated slow decrease through the week. The Wisconsin and Kickapoo rivers are also starting to settle to normal levels. All the boat landing are open and most have piers in place. Fishing action was fair this week. Windy conditions really hampered many anglers, however. Bluegill action has started to pick up in the backwaters where the water temperatures are rising into the upper 60s. Crappie action was spotty but some found decent catches in snags using crappie minnows. Cold Spring was spotty week but a few reports of some bluegill action were reported. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was spotty. Walleye fishing is getting much better. Many anglers were trolling the sloughs around the Prairie du Chien area with fair success. Some were targeting wing dams with moderate success. Some have been targeting the MacDonald Slough area. Bass fishing on the Mississippi River is pretty good also. Many anglers were catching decent fish using plastics and spinner baits. Catfish and bullheads are beginning to bite also. Trout anglers reported a pretty good opening weekend. Many of the local trout streams produced decent brook and brown trout. The fourth turkey season opened last Wednesday. Turkey hunters were met with decent hunting conditions. Gobbling activity really picked up as did hunter success. Many hunters report fair to good gobbling in the morning. Bald Eagles can be seen tending nests along the river at various sites. Waterfowl enthusiasts can view a wide variety of ducks on Pool 9 near Lynxville/Ferryville. A large number of pelicans can still be seen on Pool 9. Numerous Canada Geese goslings can be seen in the area. Robins, red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes and a variety of other song birds are actively nesting. Turkey vultures have been very active recently. Tom turkeys and rooster pheasants are still actively seeking mates. Ruffed grouse can be heard drumming. Unfortunately garlic mustard is really growing tall now. Morel mushroom hunters are finding a pretty good crop this year. Most mushroom hunters are advising that this year’s crop is not as good as last year.
Vernon County - Many, many trout anglers were out on the fishing opener in Vernon County. Success was very high. The weather was warm and windy. There were also several turkey hunters out, but with less success. Turkey hunting has been more difficult this year overall, with the birds not calling or responding to calls and decoys as well as other years. A few Canada Goose broods were seen over the weekend. There are a few morel mushrooms popping out, but with the weather being so dry, it hasn't been a very good year for them yet.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Area open water panfishing action has been fast with warm temperatures or very quiet during cooler days in the sheltered bays and lagoons. With the spring bird migration underway many birds are being seen at the park, including: rose-breasted grosbeaks, loons, robins, red polls, a variety of wrens, phoebes, Canada geese, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, and belted kingfishers. The great blue herons, green herons, osprey and bald eagles are on their nests. The maples have begun to leaf out. Marsh marigolds, hepaticas, bellwort, and the false rue anemones are in bloom. Trilliums are emerging from the leaf litter. The north campground is now open with pit toilets and hand water pumps available. The campground showers and dump station will reopen in mid May. The park dump station is open and fully operational at this time.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - - Spring has arrived at the Chippewa Moraine. A recent visitor at the Interpretive Center commented on how surprised she was to see that there were so many different shades of green, as just this week the trees seemed to burst with newly emerging leaves. Chokecherry trees and wild plums trees are awash in pink and white blooms and the air smells wonderful with the lilacs of long ago homesteads that are scattered around the Reserve. 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. Sites may not be quiet though, as the sound of frogs, common loons, and nesting great-blue herons, generally provide an evening chorus. One of these sites is located farther out in the Reserve and is easily accessible by canoe or boat. Amenities include a fire ring and open pit toilet. All are located near water. Camping fees are $10 per night. Register at the Center for campsites. Fishing has been spotty, depending on the weather and storm action. Even if anglers aren’t catching fish, it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, and basking painted turtles and shorebirds will keep you company. Newly arriving summer birds have included orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, song sparrows, chipping sparrows, tree swallows, and red-headed woodpeckers. The ruby-throated hummingbirds arrived May 5 this year which is earlier than most other years. Many of the pairs of Canadian geese have hatched out their young already, and protective parents can be seen herded their goslings to safe shores. White-tailed deer fawns should be arriving shortly. Birds aren’t the only color in the Reserve as marsh marigolds and round lobed hepatica vie for attention. Bring your camera for some wonderful photo opportunities.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - People have been enjoying the nice weather fishing around the park. A lot of ticks are out with the warmer weather - check after hiking. Some mosquitoes have been spotted flying around the park. Little brown bats have been returning to the bulletin board by the park office. All campsites will be open as of the weekend of May 10. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting. Some boundaries between park and wildlife area B have changed. Check with the park office for information. Spring turkey hunting: park is 15C. Wildlife Area B is area 15. Spring is a great time for taking wildlife photos for the annual photo contest. 2007 youth deer hunt applications are now available. Deadline is July 15th. There are still openings for the accessible cabin.May dates are 15-18 and 30-31.
