Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 10, 2011A late winter storm dropped from 2 to 6 inches of wet heavy snow across much of Wisconsin earlier this week, but warm temperatures arrived right after and are forecast to last through the weekend, so the new snow was melting rapidly. Snowmobile trails are now open in fewer than half of Wisconsin counties in the north and central part of the state, with only a handful reporting good conditions and the rest poor to fair conditions. A number of state parks and forest did re-groom cross-country ski trails this week, but most did not groom trails, due to the warm weather forecast for this week. Ski trails have been reported as icy in the early mornings and becoming soft and slushy by afternoon.
Northern lakes continue to have from 18 to 24 inches of ice, but ice on lakes in the south is deteriorating rapidly, with ice in many areas becoming honeycombed, with many heaves and cracks forming. With the ending of the game fish season this past Sunday, angling pressure has significantly dropped off on many waters. However, there are still a fair number of panfish anglers venturing out and they continue to have some generally good success. Some nice catches perch and bluegill have been reported.
River systems continue to open up and increasing numbers of boaters are venturing out for open water fishing, especially on waters that remain open to game fishing. The Peshtigo River saw a dramatic up swing in the northern pike action and anglers were taking some walleye on the Menominee River. The Mississippi River dropped some this week and the water has been running very clear. Now that more boat landings are ice free anglers have been fishing from boats for walleye and sauger, with action very good at times, especially early and late in the day.
Whitefish and perch fishing continues to be good on Green Bay, both along the Door County side and off Oconto on the west shore. Open water anglers have been catching brown trout and steelhead near the power Port Washington power plant. Water flows were up on Lake Michigan tributaries over the weekend with recent rainfall and snow melt. The spring steelhead runs is in the early stages and steelhead anglers have been fishing Oak Creek, the Menomonee River and the Root River, with some limited early success. Water temperatures are holding just above freezing at 33 degrees.
A few male wild turkeys have been seen strutting and displaying. While these behaviors are signs of the impending breeding season, there is still a ways to go before breeding actually begins. Raccoon, skunk, muskrat, mink, and opossum activity has increased as temperatures have increased. River otter sign along creeks and streams may be more evident this time of year as male otters increase their movements during the March through April breeding season.
Sandhill cranes, red-wing blackbirds, turkey vultures, bluebirds and flocks of robins, have arrived in Wisconsin. Resident Canada geese were seen paired up and defending their local frozen ponds from other geese. Eagle sightings have increased as the Mississippi River opens, and some of the resident eagles along the Mississippi have reportedly already laid their eggs and the incubation process has started. And a sure sign that spring is approaching, landowners have been seen preparing their local woodlots with sap bags to take advantage of the maple sap flow.
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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.
DNR Northern Region
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - Snowmobile trail conditions are poor. Many bare spots have been reported. Road routes, road crossings and open areas are bare. The Tuscobia Trail is open for winter ATV/UTV use in Sawyer and Washburn counties.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice conditions continue to be very good with most lakes having between 18 and 22 inches of ice. There is just an inch or 2 of snow on top of the ice and this has been steadily melting down with the mild temperatures of the last few days. Vehicle travel remains good on most lakes, though there are a few access areas that are developing deep ruts from heavy use and the salt washing off the vehicles. With the ending of the game fish ice fishing season this past Sunday, angling pressure has significantly dropped off on most waters across the Northwoods. However, there are still a fair number of panfish anglers venturing out and they continue to have some generally good success. Some nice catches perch and bluegill have been reported, but crappie have continued the winter-long trend of being tough to find. The perch are being found just off the bottom near the mud flats in 8 to 12 feet of water, and small minnows on a bare hook have produced the best results. For bluegill, anglers have been finding them suspended in the deeper water areas, with waxworms, spikes and wigglers getting pretty good results.
Flambeau River State Forest - It snowed about 3 inches Monday and 2 inches Wednesday but temps are in the mid-30s and the snow is melting. Cross-country Ski conditions had gone down hill earlier this week. Tuesdays melt created icy conditions, skate base is still very good, but classic is not so good, very icy with some bare spots visible. Next anticipated grooming will be Thursday March 10.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest ? All cross-country ski trail trails have thin spots which may have more debris in the tracks. Conditions were fair to good, but rock skis are recommended. Please keep in mind with the warming weather that conditions on the trails can change rapidly due to weather and amount of use. Changes occur hourly throughout the day, icy in the morning - softening as the day goes on. A hill or area which had snow on it yesterday may be bare today. Take time to read the comments and leave a few on the changing conditions and hazards that may pop up. The area received 2-3 inches of light snow Monday. .Escanaba was groomed March 8 and 10. Raven was groomed March 10. An attempt was made to groom Madeline but temperatures warming up quickly made the snow too sticky. Crews may attempt grooming Friday if snow conditions are better.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Signs of spring are all around. The dogwoods are turning a bright red and the willows are turning a most magnificent yellow. Landings are starting to erode along with the ice thickness especially around river mouths and creeks.
Marinette County - North of the mouth of the Peshtigo River has seen a dramatic up swing in the northern pike bite in the last week or so. Anglers are plying their trade in 4 to 12 feet of water using both large shiners and smelt when available. The Menominee River is still seeing anglers taking some perch and walleye off the Sixth Street slip. Anglers are walking to their destinations due to ice conditions. Hattie Street anglers are using stick baits fished from the bridge in open water for walleye and brown with some success.
Oconto County - Perch fishing at the mouth of the Oconto Breakwater has picked up some in the last week. Some nice perch along with a few whitefish were being caught in 9 to 12 feet of water using jigs and minnows. The northern pike bite has also started to show signs of life; large shiners and dead smelt have work well. Most people are fishing in areas where some current from run off is available.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Sturgeon Bay anglers who have been fishing off of Stone Quarry targeting whitefish have been using gold Swedish Pimples tipped with a waxworm. Also some perch were being caught as well with the perch coming on the same rig. Anglers have also been targeting perch out from the state park. A few anglers have been fishing for northern pike at the yacht club. Sand Bay anglers have been targeting walleyes and perch on Larson?s Reef. The whitefish were being caught in 30-50 feet of water. The walleyes were coming much shallower. Little Sturgeon Bay anglers have been finding some perch fishing inside the weed beds. Also anglers have been finding good numbers of whitefish in 20-30 feet of water. Staying away from the crowds has been the best bet. Sugar Creek has been very popular the last few weeks with the perch anglers. Good numbers were being caught in 50 feet of water. Anglers have been finding some perch here and there off Chaudoir?s Dock; most have been small in size. Anglers have also been doing well on whitefish with most being caught in 30 feet of water. Red River anglers have been fishing whitefish in 15-30 feet of water. Most anglers have been using the standard double hook rig. This rig has a jigging spoon on the bottom and a small jig or hook tied a foot to 18 inches up the line. Volks Reef has been slow, with little fishing pressure as a result.
Potawatomi State Park - After 4 inches of heavy, wet snowfall this week, cross-country ski trails are once again in good shape. Trails were last groomed on March 9. The weekend forecast calls for a chance of rain and/or snow. Call the park office at 920-746-2890 for the most up to date trail conditions.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Calumet County - Some sandhill cranes and red-wing blackbirds have arrived in northeastern Wisconsin. Several resident Canada geese were seen paired up late morning today defending their local frozen ponds from other geese. Landowners have been seen preparing their local woodlots with sap bags to take advantage of the maple sap flow.
DNR Southeast Region
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Lapham Peak Unit -The cross-country ski skate lane on the lighted loop was groomed Wednesday night. Everything is pretty well snow covered. The upper trails will be groomed Thursday morning. Lights remain on until 10 p.m., except Sundays.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit - The cross country ski trail skating lane was groomed and classical track was set March 10 and was in very good condition. Trails have about a 3 inch snow base with some icy spots under the fresh snow. The ski trails are 100 percent covered and have a wet and heavy like snow covering. Call 262-670-3400 for the most current trail conditions. The multi-use trails have about 4 inches of snow on them and have been getting packed down by hikers and snowshoers. When trails are snow covered hikers, snowshoers, and dogs are not allowed on trails east of Powder Hill Road (groomed ski trails).
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit - Greenbush cross-country ski trails were groomed last weekend, and skate lanes were reported fair to good, but fast. Zillmer ski conditions are nearing the end, and grooming operations have been suspended for the time being.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
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 also open water under the Hoan Bridge near Jones Island. Steelhead anglers have been fishing Oak Creek and the Menomonee River near Miller Park, but success has been limited.
Racine County - On the Root River in Racine, the spring run for steelhead is still in the early stages. Angler effort has been split with anglers fishing near the Horlick dam and downstream through Quarry Lake Park, or with anglers fishing Lincoln Park and downstream through Island Park. Water depth on the Root was up over the weekend with recent rainfall and snow melt. Water temperatures are holding just above freezing at 33 degrees. Most anglers have been drifting small spawn sacs with a bobber set about 3 feet down. Fishing at the Horlick dam over the weekend had low but steady fishing pressure. Anglers fishing near the dam were able to land a pair of nice steelhead on a small orange stonefly.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Lafayette County - Spring is here; at least that is what the birds are telling us. Sandhill cranes, bluebirds, robins, turkey vultures, and black birds have all returned and been observed in the area. The ice on Yellowstone Lake is beginning to melt away. The top is soft as is the bottom with about 12 to 16 inches of ice between. There are some areas of open water along shore. Over the weekend, ice anglers walked out and did manage to catch some bluegill and crappie. Area rivers are open for shore fishing opportunities, but check the regulations, as game fish season is now closed in most areas. All area snowmobile, skiing, and ATV Trails are closed.
Blue Mound State Park ? The cross-country ski trail was groomed and tracked for classic skiing after 6 to 8 inches of new snow on top of strong base.
Wyalusing State Park - Wyalusing received about 3 inches of heavy, wet snow overnight Wednesday, giving the park a fresh winter look. Ski trails will not be groomed any more this year. All trails are now snow covered and an additional 1-3 inches of snow is expected before the snow ends today. The ?cardinal bush? is beautiful with the fresh snow clinging to the branches filled with cardinals. With the warmer weather, squirrel and raccoon activity has increased. No damage to the feeders yet. Birds taking advantage of the bird feeders include: cardinals, blue jays, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, purple finches, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, mourning doves, tree sparrow, and gold finches. Large flocks of robins are seen daily. The main channels of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers are open. Eagle sightings have increased as the Mississippi River opens. Eagles have now laid their eggs and the incubation process has started. The Friends of Wyalusing will meet Monday, March 14 in the park office at 6 p.m.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Jefferson County - Anglers are catching some bluegill by jigging with waxworms on Rock Lake on both the north and south ends. Many of the fish are small in size. On Hope Lake a few bluegill were biting on waxworms but again most are small. A few anglers have been trying for walleye below the dams in Watertown with no success yet. Large carp were being caught and are thick below the lower dam. Ice conditions are good on the Jefferson County Lakes with ice thickness ranging from 12-15 inches. Some shorelines are heaved but vehicles are still accessing Rock Lake at all the boat landings. Robins and sandhill cranes have been showing up in Jefferson County, a sure sign spring is near. The cranes are paired up and hanging around the wetlands.
Devil?s Lake State Park ? The park received approximately 3 inches of wet heavy snow on Wednesday, March 9. Ski trails have not been groomed because of poor snow depth and expected warm temperatures the remainder of this week and weekend. Ski trails are snow covered and in poor condition. Spring is thinking about tipping its hand. The icy breezes are not so cutting, there is a hint of tepid warmth, and the ice and snow melts a little during each day?s foray above freezing. The ground is snow-covered all over, but some of it is covered by just a few inches of snow. Hiking trails are icy, snowy, slushy, or even muddy in spots.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park ? Wet sloppy snowball snow was falling March 9.. All cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked Monday. Skiing at above freezing temperatures on Tuesday was slow at best. Skiing was better in the lower elevations. There was no glazing. Slush was beginning to form at the bottom of the hill where the Yellow runs through the pines toward the group camp. Other potential slush pockets will form on the Orange and Yellow. Look for a gray color and be aware of what that is. The worse problem is when these slush pockets freeze. It?s that transitional time of year. Trails are icy in the morning and turn soft in the afternoon with the thaw. The frozen condition in the morning does not imply other uses such as hiking are allowed since most skiers will not attempt to ski early. Until the signs come down indicating hiking and pets are allowed, please do not hike on the ski trails. Ice fishing continues for panfish only. The Willow River has become discolored. It may be up a little in level. The river is opening a channel in the ice in the stretch along River Road and upriver but there is a lot of shelf ice. There was a chorus of bird songs as park staff walked in to observe the river from the River Road parking lot. Wild turkeys are starting to strut and display. A large flock was observed off park property and several males were in action. The Willow Falls Hill was in good condition for hiking. Trout anglers are reminded that they are hikers, and as such are not allowed on ski trails since we still have skiing in progress. That means you need to walk off the trail to access the river below the dam from inside the park, or go in on skis.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
A few male wild turkeys have been seen strutting and displaying. While these behaviors are signs of the impending breeding season, there is still a ways to go before breeding actually begins. Fox and gray squirrels are taking advantage of warming weather and lengthening days by feeding furiously on nuts and seeds that have remained buried all winter under the snow. Raccoon, skunk, muskrat, mink, and opossum activity has increased as temperatures have increased. River otter sign along creeks and streams may be more evident this time of year as male otters increase their movements during the March through April breeding season. Keep an eye open for these curious, energetic, entertaining animals.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Wildlife spotted in the park include blue birds, robins and a river otter.
Crawford County - All the snowmobile trails in Crawford County are closed. For current snowmobile trail conditions please check TravelWisconsin.com or call the Land Conservation Department at 608-326-0270. Last week the Mississippi River was on the rise and reached the 11.44 foot stage. As has been the pattern this winter the river started falling. The water level was at 10.68 feet Tuesday. The Wisconsin River has been up and down this week and the Kickapoo River slowly fell all week. Outdoor users will have to monitor the ice conditions as the river currents increase and the weather warms up. Ice conditions continue to deteriorate in most areas, especially those areas with current. Moderate temperatures, run off and sustained high water levels have caused many popular fishing area?s ice conditions to become dangerous. Even though the water levels have dropped and access to some areas has improved, many other backwater areas are opening up. Caution still is warranted along the shore lines as melted or unstable ice conditions exist in most places. Flowing water under the ice is rapidly deteriorating conditions. Even so, ice thickness averages around 12 to 24 inches in most of the backwaters of the Mississippi River and Wisconsin River. Again, access to most ice fishing locations started to get dangerous. Below the dam in Lynxville the ice has moved out several hundred yards below the dam and it is open down to and past McDonald?s Slough on the Iowa side. The boat landing at Gordon?s Bay is ice free and many anglers are taking advantage. Ice fishing improved this week, however travel on the ice is becoming dangerous in some areas. In the Prairie du Chien area Gremore Lake?s bluegill picked up again. The north and south ends of Gremore Lake saw some pretty decent action. Ice conditions on Gremore Lake are still very good but access is a bit tricky and the top several inches of ice are becoming honey-combed. One area of caution is by the DNR boat landing. The culvert that crosses under Ambro Road has been receiving a large quantity of water which flows into Gremore Lake. The ?dredge? area closest to the boat landing on the Gremore Lake side is dangerous. Both the Ambro and Black Sloughs are opening up and to dangerous to cross on ATV or foot. Therefore Tilmont Lake is only accessible by air boat or hovercraft. Action there has been spotty. Mud Slough has more current flowing through it so fishing there is poor. The upper stretches of the Ambro Slough Complex are only accessible by air boat. The Ambro Slough is completely open at the USFWS boat landing. Areas like the Big/Little Missouri, Upper and Lower Doubles and Fish Lake have seen little fishing pressure because of the poor ice conditions. Some anglers have tried Spring Lake and the Fennimore Cut, but current has disrupted fishing at those locations. Sturgeon Slough continues to be poor. Moderate current is flowing through this area. With the high water it has been difficult to get onto Horseshoe Lake. Cold Spring action picked up a bit this week. A fair number of bluegills were biting and anglers were able to find some decent fish to take home. The best access to Cold Spring is from the handicapped parking area on the south end. The boat landing access has open water and shore fishing there has been spotty. Now that the boat landing at Gordon?s Bay is ice free anglers have been fishing from boats for walleye and sauger. Action at times has been very good on sauger and fair on walleyes. The water is very clear and some of the best action has been early and late in the day. Perch action in the slack water along the long wall has slowed. 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. Now that the snow is starting to leave ?shed hunters? are out in force. Conditions are pretty good for finding shed deer antlers. Please be courteous and ask permission before entering private land.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest- Snowmobile and All-terrain Vehicle trails are closed due to poor conditions. Temperatures were above freezing last weekend. Trails will likely stay closed for winter recreation through the remainder of the year. The trails will re-open on May 15. The state forest is considering participation in the UTV pilot starting May 15, 2011. In order to participate, the property has to seek a variance in our master plan. Warm daytime temperatures followed by nights below freezing have resulted in icy cross-country ski trail conditions. Forest staff do not recommend skiing at this time. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 30s to low 40's every day for the next week. Another skiing season is likely over. Hiking and biking season will be upon us soon.
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.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Drop in on Raccoons. Raccoons are everywhere -- in the woods, near our houses, and even in our garbage cans. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to learn how raccoons walk, make a raccoon mask, and much more. Then take a handout and head outside to discover how raccoons live at Havenwoods. No admission sticker required.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Winds of Spring Exploring Nature Program. Have you ever wondered why the wind blows and from where it comes? Join us as we answer these questions and uncover the power of the wind. We will make several wind powered objects. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Luck o' the Irish Day: Nature Center open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Get ready for St. Pat's day with stories and crafts. Make a Leprechaun Trap, try Potato Printing, and sample a Pot o' Gold. Learn about Peninsula's own Irish legend, A.E. Doolittle, too. Donations appreciated. Crafts, 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Can Colleen break the spell that keeps her brothers swans by day but boys by night? Find out in the Irish folk tale, The Wild Swans (11-11:30 a.m.). Irish Campfire (12 Noon, weather permitting) Sample a Pot o? Gold and make Colcannon in a pie iron. Food, cooking equipment provided for a suggested donation of $1/person.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Gourd Birdhouses. Turn a dried gourd into a beautiful birdhouse. Learn the process of cleaning, decorating and maintaining these natural homes. All materials will be supplied. Please pre-register and pre-pay by calling (262) 878-5600. Fee is $20. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Visitor Center. 9 a.m. ? Noon.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Rowdy Red-wings. Look! The red-winged blackbirds are back! Spring must not be too far away. Celebrate the return of the red-wings to the Kettle Moraine. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 years olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Looking for Leprechauns Woods Walk: 1 - 2 p.m. Meet at Weborg Shelter. We may not find any Irish fairies but we're sure to see at least a little green as winter passes into spring. Bring binoculars if you have them. About 0.5 mile.
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/
