Complete WDNR Outdoor report 2.11.11
Additional snowfall in the last week was pretty limited to areas of far northern Wisconsin and far southern Wisconsin, both of which received an addition 2 to 4 inches in some locations. However, the cold temperatures that have dominated the area in the last week have allowed what snow is on the ground to remain in good condition. That could change, with a warm-up in the forecast for this weekend.
In general, both snowmobile and cross-country ski conditions continued to range from good to excellent across the entire state, with a few areas reporting just fair conditions for snowmobiling on the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). The cold temperatures have kept ski trails very firm, and track has been holding up well for classical skiing. This weekend offers the last main opportunity of the winter to get out and enjoy a candlelight ski or hike (click on the tab for "All Candlelight Events") with a dozen events scheduled around the state.
The Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing seasons opens this Saturday, Feb. 12, with two conditions important for spearing success headed in different directions: water clarity had improved but last week's snowfall has made travel on the lakes more challenging. The increased water clarity will make it easier for spearers to see the sturgeon more quickly to throw their spears, but the deep snow and drifting will make travel more difficult. Fishing clubs have been out aggressively plowing the road and laterals off the roads for spearers to get to different places on the lake.
With cold temperatures, ice conditions generally remain excellent statewide, but heavy snow across the state is making travel difficult on lakes, and slush pockets are again being reported on some lakes, especially in the south, but also in the north. Cold temperatures kept fishing pressure and success down again this week. Panfish continue to provide the best action, but some good northern pike action also being reported. Perch fishing continued to drop off on Green Bay this week, but whitefish action remained fairly steady.
Along Lake Michigan, ice anglers have been working areas around the harbors and docks, but fishing has been generally slow. Brown trout and steelhead have both been caught on open water near the Port Washington power plant. A few hearty souls have also been pushing small boats off the ice shelf along the Mississippi River to fishing below the Lynxville dam. Action at times has been very good on sauger and fair on walleyes.
Bald eagles remain prominent around the Mississippi, Wisconsin, Kickapoo and Baraboo rivers. Numerous rough-legged hawks have been seen. Owls are continuing their calling as they are finish up mating and begin nesting. Coyotes are also mating so you may hear their calls as well while out in the evenings. Coyote, raccoon and red and gray fox gun and trapping seasons close next Tuesday Feb. 15.
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.
Back to Top
NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Afterhours cross-country ski trail skate track was groomed on Monday Feb. 7, and classic track was in very good to excellent condition. Plans are for resetting track on Friday, Feb. 11. There is a free candlelight ski on Afterhours Trail this Saturday Feb. 12. Hot chocolate, cider, and bonfire will be provided. The area received about 2 inches of new snow with about 12 inches of snow now in the woods.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice conditions across the Northwoods continue to be good with most lakes now having about 16 to 18 inches of solid ice. However, there is about 7 to 10 inches of heavy, grainy snow cover on top of the ice and this has made travel difficult for all but the 4WD vehicles. In addition, the strong winds of late have blown snow onto many of the packed trails and plowed roads and made access a risky proposition for many vehicles. There are also some small areas of slush that have been showing up on several waters, but these have been just an inch or two deep and limited in size. The constantly changing weather of the past week has also kept the fishing action in an erratic pattern. Walleye fishing continues to be very inconsistent and the fish still appear to be in a mid-winter period of inactivity. Most of the regular walleye ice anglers have had generally slow action, with many going a trip or two without even catching a fish. Some days have produced some fair action on 11- to 14-inch fish but the bite has been short and sporadic. Many anglers have started to move ice shacks around in search of active fish, with the old standby habitats such as rock bars, gravel drop-offs, weed bed edges, and muck/sand flats all having fairly low activity. Panfish action has been a bit more consistent and perch continue to provide the best catches. The perch are still being found in relatively shallow water and seem to be utilizing mayfly nymphs on the mud flats in 4' to 8 feet of water. Crappie have been especially tough to find and just a few lakes have been experiencing any sort of consistent success. Northern pike action has been fair with a few fish in the 26- to 30-inch size being caught in the last week. The pike seem to be in a little deeper water than normal but have still been found adjacent to any old weed beds. Large golden shiners or suckers fished 1 to 2 feet off the bottom have produced the best catches.
Flambeau River State Forest ? The Flambeau Hills cross-country ski trail was groomed and tracked Feb. 7 and was in excellent condition.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Cross-country ski trails are in very good condition. Escanaba Trail yellow and green loops were groomed Feb. 6. Red loop was still in good shape. All Raven Trail loops were groomed Feb. 7. All Madeline and McNaughton trail loops were groomed Feb. 8.
Back to Top
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Fishing pressure has been light this past week with cold temperatures and breezy conditions.
Marinette County - Most of the activity has been centered on the Menominee River with moderate activity for walleye at the Hattie Street Dam early mornings and evenings. Sixth Street Slip anglers are still having some success with perch, walleye and the occasional whitefish in 18 feet of water. Home Town Marina has had a small but steady group of panfishers jigging with mouseys and wax worms near the docks.
Oconto County - Oconto Breakwater Park anglers have been hunting the elusive perch with some success in 8 to 12 feet of water. Vehicles are driving out to the Sucker Hole in search of whitefish and perch. Pike anglers have been using the Oconto Parks access to get onto the bay. Smelt in the round and large shiner minnow are the baits of choice.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fishing activity was slow at all venues in the Brown County area. Snow drifts had the access point at Sunset Beach blocked off. There were a few anglers working the Voyageur Park region for perch and walleye, using jigs and minnows. Geano Beach anglers have been catching a few whitefish south of the access point jigging with minnow heads.
Point Beach State Forest ? The forest received 7 inches of snow on Feb. 1 and the cross-country ski trails were groomed and in fair condition. The last snow storm had plenty of wind resulting in a fair amount of debris on the trails.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Sturgeon Bay anglers fishing from the state park have found it slow going. The perch fishing has slowed down over the last week. A few anglers have been targeting walleyes with limited success. Anglers have been reporting finding large schools of walleye but most having lock jaw. Sand Bay anglers have been finding good numbers of whitefish in deeper water. Most have been using a gold Kastmater or Swedish Pimple tip with a minnow head or wax worm. The angling pressure at Little Sturgeon Bay was very high over the last week or so. Thus causing the bite to slow a bit. There still were very good catches of whitefish in 30 feet of water. Also the occasional perch are being caught. Fishing was good over the last week for whitefish, at Chaudoir?s Dock with the best fishing being in 25 feet of water. Fishing has been hit or miss over the last week at Dykesville, with some anglers coming up big and others fishless. The best action has been with whitefish, most anglers targeting them with a jigging spoon at the bottom of the rig with a small jig tied 20 inches or so above tipped with a wax worm. Also anglers have been finding some perch as well with most being of good size. Fishing has been slow at Volk?s landing, but anglers are still finding some perch and whitefish.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
The Lake Winnebago system sturgeon spearing season gets underway this Saturday, Feb. 12. As of Saturday Feb. 5, the water clarity has generally improved somewhat across the lake since the last water clarity report two weeks ago, from 12 to nearly 13 feet on average. The best water appears to be in the south and along the east shore, although there may be some other local areas of exceptionally clear water, and some areas where the water is somewhat turbid. The biggest change in the last couple of weeks is the increase in snow on the ice. Clubs have been busy trying to keep their lake roads clear for spearers to have access to their spearing areas and shacks. People who are not a member of one of these clubs, and use these roads, may want to consider joining a club or making a donation to their cause. Club members put a lot of time, effort, and expense into keeping these roads open for safe travel on the ice including plowing, maintaining ice bridges, and operating their club vehicles, plows and facilities. These are dedicated people that deserve a hearty word of thanks and strong support from anyone who goes out on the ice for sturgeon spearing or ice fishing. All sturgeon registrations stations are in place. Cutting in starts this Thursday.
Back to Top
SOUTHEAST REGION
Havenwoods State Forest - Trails have 5 to 6 inches of snow on them. Deer, squirrels, raccoon, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, Cooper?s hawk, owls, mourning doves, nuthatch, juncos, chickadees, and downy and hairy woodpeckers are being seen.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Lapham Peak Unit - All of the skating cross-country ski lanes on rails were groomed Tuesday night, Feb. 8, and were in very good condition, somewhat hard with the cold temps. A new classical track was set on the lighted trails and is in very good condition. The classical track on the other trails is also in good condition. Lighted trails are open until 10 p.m. on Monday through Saturday nights. Ski rentals available Tuesday and Wednesday nights as well as the weekends. Free ski lessons on Tuesday nights beginning at 7 p.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Northern Unit - The Feb 1 and 2 weather fronts left the forest with 12 to 16 inches of new snow. Cross-country ski trails were groomed and in very good to excellent conditions. All loops at Zillmer were groomed for classical and skate skiing on Tuesday during the day. Conditions are very good. Base is firm.
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - The cross country ski trails' skating lane was groomed on Monday, Feb. 7 and is in very good condition. The classical track set on Friday, Feb. 4 is in good to very good condition. The ski trails have a snow base averaging approximately 8 inches. Call 262-670-3400 for the most current trail conditions. Trail passes are not required for cross country skiers at Pike Lake this winter. The multi-use trails have at least a foot of snow covering them in most places with much more than that in drifted areas. They have been somewhat packed by hikers and snowshoers. When trails are snow covered hikers, snowshoers, and dogs are not allowed on groomed ski trails. The campground and all campground facilities are closed for the season. There will be a candlelight ski/hike on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Start from the south shelter at the beach area and ski or hike the two three-quarter mile candlelit trail loops. Skiers and hikers will share the trails. Warmth and refreshments in the shelter, bonfire outside. Supported by Friends of Pike Lake, Inc.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Southern Unit - All three cross-country ski trail systems, Scuppernong (classic skiing only), Nordic and McMiller are in very good to excellent skiing condition as of Feb. 7. Nordic and McMiller experienced a surprising 6 inch snow fall on Sunday morning. Scuppernong received quite a bit less than that. After packing the trails for skiers on Sunday all trail systems were completely groomed, including skating lanes and new classical tracks being set on Monday.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The cross-country ski trail was groomed Wednesday, Feb. 2. The area has about 10 inches of snow on the ground. The trail is in excellent condition. The hiking and nature trails are snow covered. Hikers, snowshoe users, and dog walkers are reminded to not walk on the groomed ski trail. Please use other use areas.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, much of the marina around the Deland boat launch is iced over. Ice anglers have been working the areas around the docks, but fishing has been generally slow. Please use extra caution out on the ice as conditions can change rapidly.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, the area near the power plant discharge provides good winter open water fishing opportunities. Brown trout and steelhead have both been caught near the power plant on spawn fished on a three-way rig.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee open water can be found in the lower stretches of the Menomonee River and canals, and there is some limited open water under the Hoan Bridge near Jones Island. The Milwaukee River mouth and harbor are covered in broken up ice floes. The lagoon behind Lakeshore State Park and McKinley Marina are iced over, but fishing in both of those locations has been relatively slow.
Racine County - In Racine, much of the Root River is iced over. There has been evidence of anglers ice fishing downstream near the Sixth Street and Marquette Street bridges, as well as in the Racine harbor. Use extra caution, as conditions can change quickly. Fishing has been relatively slow in the harbor, but some steelhead have been caught further upriver on spawn set close to the bottom.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha anglers in Simmons Island Marina have been catching occasional brown trout on spawn. Anglers have been fishing through the ice near the docks, as well as in the open water near the railing on shore.
Back to Top
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
The approximately 12 inches of snow that fell in the area last week meant snowmobile trails were both open and very busy. As a safety reminder, snowmobilers are reminded to slow to 10 mph when passing any person not on a snowmobile. Ice fishing in the Iowa County area remains slow. Anglers reported catching a few crappies and bluegills on Long Lake jigging with wax worms and crappie minnows.
Blue Mound State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed Feb. 7 for classic skiing with a solid and deep classic track set and were in excellent condition.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - Moderate temperatures, fresh snow and a clear night all came to gather to make for some of the best snowmobile trail conditions Dodge and Columbia counties have seen in long time. Snowmobilers took advantage of these conditions Saturday and into Saturday night. Groomers worked hard throughout the weekend keeping the trails in great condition. Sunday, before the BIG game of course, activity on the trails was slow. Ice fishing on Beaver Dam Lake has become increasingly difficult. Without a snowmobile activity is limited to the plowed path that runs from Spring Tavern to Spring Road. Those using the plowed road are urged to use caution coming on and off at Spring Road as there is a lot of water on the ice road and it is unknown if there is good ice underneath. Fishing activity on Beaver Dam and Lazy Lake was minimal.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Governor Nelson State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed Feb. 6-9 and are in excellent condition. New firmer corduroy was in place for skate skiing. Tracks were re-set for classic skiing. The majority of the snow drifts have been knocked down.
Mirror Lake State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in excellent condition with a 7 to 14 inch base, with most locations measuring more than 10 inches. Total amounts for snow on the ground range from 17 to 27 inches, with most locations measuring over 20 inches. All trails except the 1 mile Newport trail are groomed as combination trails for skate and classical skiing. Newport trail is groomed for classical only. Remember, pets and hiking on groomed ski trails is prohibited. Trails open for snowshoeing and hiking include Echo Rock, Lake View, Sandstone and Wild Rice. A guided snowshoe hike will be held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19. To reserve your spot on the hike or for more information call the park office at 608-254-2333. Campsites in the Sandstone Campground remain open for winter camping.
Lake Kegonsa State Park - The cross country ski trails are in good condition and were last groomed and tracked on Monday, Feb. 7. Hiking, snowshoeing and pets are prohibited on all cross country ski trails. This Saturday, Feb. 12 is the park's candlelight ski from 6-9 p.m.
Sauk County - Snowmobile trails across the county are in excellent shape. Riders are reminded of the 55 mile per hour nighttime speed limits as well as the 15 mile per hour speed limits along the 400 State Trail. Cross-country ski trails in the state parks are in excellent conditions as well. Fishing on area lakes has been slow. Deep snow has slowed vehicle traffic on area lakes. People venturing out onto area lakes need to be aware of multiple slush pockets on the lakes under the snow due to the pressure on the ice. Always check ice conditions before venturing out. Bald eagles remain prominent around the county feeding near the rivers and fields. Numerous rough-legged hawks have been seen residing in the area for the winter. Great-horned owls are currently mating and nesting. Listen in the evening on still nights to locate their calls. Coyotes are also mating so you may hear their calls as well while out in the evenings.
Back to Top
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - The skate deck on the cross-country ski trails was groomed Feb. 8 and it should hold up through the Candlelight Ski and Hike event on Saturday night. Skiers on Saturday afternoon need to be aware that volunteers will be out setting up candles in cups beginning at 3 p.m. Expect to find a team of slow moving skiers with a sled on the Purple trail main stem, the Green up to the boat launch, and possibly the Green through the campground, depending on how many volunteers we get. Candlelight Ski and Hike runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday starting at the Nature Center. Do not bring your pet and you do not need snowhoes for the hiking areas. With good snow we anticipate a lot of participation on the skiing side. We have plowed out another half of a parking lot. There is limited parking at the boat launch lot. Bonfires will be in two locations, behind the Nature Center and at the boat launch. Art Doyle will be serving up the goodies as he always has. For this event only, you may hike the ski trail between the boat launch and the Nature Center. Vehicle admission, daily or annual, is required to attend the event. Some oak leaves are starting to come down. There will be a lot of leaves coming down soon so classic skiers should be thinking of using the no wax skis as February progresses. A leaf will grab less on a no wax ski. Skaters have more options to avoid leaves. The Purple trail skied normal to slightly fast on Saturday late afternoon. A great horned owl was calling. Mallard ducks were feeding in the river. The frost in the trees hung on for most of the day.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Wildcat Mountain State Park ? Cross-country si trails are in excellent condition with a 8 inch to 12 inch base. The overlooks are also groomed and tracked. The Old Settlers Trail is in excellent condition for snow shoeing - The trail is intermediate with a steep section.
Crawford County - All the snowmobile trails in Crawford County are open. Trails have been groomed, but watch for drifting on the trails especially on the open ridge tops. Also use caution crossing roads as some locations snow plows have ?bladed-back? the snow which creates a blind spot and very tall snow banks. Snowmobilers are reminded to stay on marked trails and continue to check the status of the trails before heading out. For current snowmobile trail conditions please check TravelWisconsin.com or call the Land Conservation Department at 608-326-0270. This week the Mississippi River began to slowly drop. Last week the river inched up to the 9.9 mark. As of Feb. 8 the river was down to 9.4 feet. The Wisconsin River has had minor fluctuations this again this week. The Kickapoo River is pretty much at normal winter time flow. The next couple days will be frigid, however there is a predicted warm up coming by the weekend. Outdoor users will have to monitor the snow and ice conditions as the weather warms up. Ice thickness averages around 14 to 26 inches in the backwaters of the Mississippi River and Wisconsin River. Access to most ice fishing locations started to get a little sloppy with water on top of the ice and under the snow pack. The next couple days cold weather is forecasted which should freeze the ?sloppy? spots and thin ice locations. However, if the weather predictions are correct, warmer temperatures are on the way which most likely will change ice conditions for the worse. Ice fishing this week has slowed down a bit. In the Prairie du Chien area Gremore Lake?s bluegill action has slowed down. There was some decent bluegill action in Fish Lake at times last week but generally it was slow. Little Missouri has been hit or miss recently. A few nice perch and bluegills have been caught there. Farther up in the Upper Doubles and Big Missouri action has been spotty. Bluegill, perch and a few crappie have been caught. Spring Lake has been very slow this week. Not many anglers have ventured out there. Anglers will need to fish along the edges of Spring Lake away from the current. The Fennimore Cut has been very slow because current is flowing through there also. Sturgeon Slough has been very slow primarily due to the high water. Cold Spring has been slow again this week. Open water shore fishing at the boat landing has been very slow even though the gizzard shad are now in the channel. Most successful anglers fishing for bluegill, crappie or perch are finding live bait has worked better than plain artificial baits. Try tipping ice fishing jigs or other lures with a wax worm or spike. Red, moon-glow, yellow or a combination of those colors have been good. Some of the best action has been reported early and late in the day. Largemouth bass action continued to be slow. Open water exists below the Lynxville dam due to the high water. A few hearty souls have pushed small boats off the ice shelf to fishing below the dam. Some are fishing though the cracks in the ice, which goes without say is very dangerous. Action at times has been very good on sauger and fair on walleyes. Ice conditions below the dam are extremely unstable. It is not advised to venture out onto the ice. In the slack water along the long wall some perch are being caught. Crappie minnows have been the best bait. Northern pike action has been spotty. Northern pike are already heading to spawning areas as anglers with underwater cameras report sightings of northerns roaming around the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Squirrel season is now closed. Rabbit hunters are finding tough hunting now that new snow has arrived and it is drifting. Coyote hunters are finding hunting conditions pretty good with the exception of cloudy conditions. Bald eagles can still be seen along the Mississippi, Kickapoo and Wisconsin Rivers. Look for open water areas and you might find an eagle perched nearby. Some of the traditional eagle nests are starting to see activity. Several nests are being spruced up for the nesting season. With severe weather moving in make sure bird feeders and baths are clean and full of food/water.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Effective Saturday Feb. 12 the snowmobile trails are closed to ATV traffic. This is due to the warm-up expected to start on Saturday and last through next week. This is to protect the integrity of the trail base. The trails were groomed on Feb. 7-8, and are currently in good condition. There is a solid base of about 8 inches of well-packed snow. Trails will close no later than March 15 and potentially sooner if temperatures get too warm. Cross-country ski trails were groomed Monday, Feb. 7 and should be in excellent shape. Skiers will notice that there has been a fair amount of timber cutting activity along the trails this year. On Sunday, Feb. 13 the Friends of the Black River will hold their third annual snowshoe hike on the Black River East Bank Trail. Meet at the Ho-Chunk Waste Water Treatment Plant (same place as last year). For more information please call (714) 284-4117. The hike will be along the Black River, the Friends recommend hikers bring water and snacks. Snowshoers are welcome to enjoy their sport on any ungroomed trail in the state forest. A few select sites are plowed at Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek campgrounds this winter; all these sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park ? The cross country ski trails were groomed on Friday, Feb 4 and are in excellent condition. Snowshoers must stay off to the side of trails and not on the groomed trails. The park will host a March hunter safety class. Call the park office at 608-565-2789 for more information.
