Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of September 29, 2011
Fall colors are coming on fast in northern Wisconsin, with several areas reporting colors are approaching peak. The Department of Tourism Fall Color Report (exit DNR). has most of central and even much of southern Wisconsin at near 50 percent color, with peak still two to four weeks off.
The entire state received rain in the last week, with some areas reporting 2 to 3 inches. Strong winds are in the forecast this week, with wind advisories for possible gusts up to 40 miles per hour. The rain and winds could bring down a lot of leaves.
The waterfowl season opened last weekend in the northern and new Mississippi River zones and the duck season will open at 9 a.m. this Saturday in the southern zone. CORRECTION: Shooting hours do not begin until 9 a.m. only in the southern zone. The North and Mississippi River zones are already open and don't have the 9 a.m. restriction (they had it last week). Hunters are reporting conditions were good for the northern opener and they were seeing good wood duck and mallard numbers. Waterfowl are scattered due to good water levels, so ducks aren't nearly as concentrated as they have been in past years. Migrant Canada goose numbers are slowly building up, with some geese concentrated around Theresa Marsh, Horicon Marsh and other large wetland complexes, but most geese are spread out and hunters will need to do some scouting to figure out where the birds are feeding. Mississippi River water levels are below 8 feet in many areas resulting in large shoreline areas and mud flats. Waterfowl hunters in the new Mississippi zone commented on the large areas of "unforgiving mud" opening weekend. Wood ducks were prevalent with occasional flocks of blue winged teal and a few mallards.
Although the white-tailed deer rut, or mating season, is still about a month off, archery hunters are reporting they are already finding some scrapes made by bucks as they stake out territory. One registration station in central Wisconsin reported most bucks registered the first week were still in velvet, but that this week most bucks have polished antlers.
Cooler and windy weather along with hunting activity continued to suppress fishing activity, though some anglers continue to venture out. Bluegill action slowed some on the Mississippi River, but largemouth and small mouth bass fishing has been good to excellent in along with an occasional walleye being caught. Water temperatures are dropping and this transition is helping anglers catch walleyes and sturgeon on the Wisconsin River. Inland trout fishing has been good the last week of the season in both Coulee region streams and in central Wisconsin, where brown trout action has been strong. The inland season closes this Friday, Sept. 30.
Recent rains giving the trout and salmon some much needed help making their way up Lake Michigan tributaries. Chinook and brown trout were being reported up the Manitowoc, East and West Twin, Kewaunee and Sheboygan rivers, and fish were just beginning to move up the southeastern tributaries, with a few reported up Sauk Creek, and the Milwaukee and Root rivers. Strong winds have kept many trollers off the lake, but pier and shore anglers reported some good chinook and brown trout action at many harbors.
Now is the time to start looking for gypsy moth egg masses, which can help predict the pest?s population size and potential damage to trees next year. The yellowish egg masses can be found on tree trunks and the undersides of branches, but they can also be found on buildings, picnic tables, and other outdoor objects. People who find egg masses on their property can spray them with horticultural oil labeled for gypsy moth to help prevent them from hatching next spring.
Now is the time to start looking for gypsy moth egg masses. Caterpillars will hatch next April from egg masses that are visible now and eat the leaves off of nearby trees. The number of egg masses in an area this fall helps to predict the pest?s population size and potential damage to trees next year. Most egg masses will be found on tree trunks and the undersides of branches, but they can also be found on buildings, firewood, picnic tables, and other outdoor objects. If you find an egg mass on a state property, please tell park staff where you found it. If you find egg masses on your own property, you can spray them with horticultural oil labeled for gypsy moth. This will help prevent them from hatching next spring. Watch for tiny holes in the egg mass caused by a helpful, tiny, non-stinging wasp called Ooencyrtus. These wasps also help control gypsy moth populations before they hatch. If any wasps are visible, wait to oil the egg mass until they are done with their helpful work and gone. For more information, visit: gypsymoth.wi.gov (exit DNR).
NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The color show is on in the northland with a brilliant palette of color painting the trees. The colors are at or near peak across the area. It would be the perfect time to go for a hike, take a drive, do some outdoor photography, canoe/kayak, or plan one more camping trip before the temperatures get too cold. The Bois Brule River is flowing low and clear creating difficult fishing conditions for the anglers trying to fish for the lake run steelhead, brown trout and salmon. The stretch of the Bois Brule River from its headwaters to US Highway 2 will be closed to fishing after Sept.30. The rest of the River (US Highway 2 to Lake Superior) will remain open though Nov. 15. Also on this stretch fishing is prohibited from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15. The youth deer hunt will be taking place on Oct. 8 and 9.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Fall color is at 70 percent in the Mellen Area and expected to peak in the Park around Oct. 1. Very nice fall weather has kept the park quite busy this fall with people taking in the brilliant fall colors the park has to offer. Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit the park and enjoy the waterfalls with the backdrop of fall color. Water levels on the Bad River are average for this time of year but rain is expected in the next few days that will increase flow on the river. Camping will continue to be popular for the next month and reservations are recommended if an electric site is needed. This past weekend the campground was full both Friday and Saturday nights. All water systems/showers will remain open until Oct. 18.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Sawyer County - Fall colors are near peak in the Winter Area, especially between Winter and Phillips along CTH W. Elsewhere still a week away. Turkeys are very active in roadside ditches and deer and bear active under the bur oaks. Elk bugles have subsided, but bull-cow groups are still being maintained. Grouse hunters are hearing fair numbers of birds, but still plenty of leaves on trees and shrubs.
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
Governor Knowles State Forest - Colors are at or near peak conditions and the leaf drop will begin shortly. Thanks to many crews from throughout the state last week the hiking trails, snowmobile trails, Saint Croix Campground and equestrian trails are now all open. Many of the hiking and snowmobile trails and the Saint Croix Campground were closed in July due to significant wind damage throughout the state forest. Squirrel hunters last weekend reported a tough time seeing squirrels in the woods. Many bow hunters are out enjoying the weather and reporting moderate success. Bear hunters reported bears had stopped hitting the baits, making the hunt a little tougher.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
The Northern area waterfowl season opened last weekend and conditions were good for hunting. Hunters are reporting seeing good wood duck and mallard numbers. Waterfowl are scattered due to good water levels, so ducks aren't nearly as concentrated as they have been in past years. As fields open up from fall harvest and temperatures cool in the north waterfowl numbers should increase as the migration starts. Grouse hunters are experiencing success and are finding grouse in higher areas due to many of the swamps being flooded with the recent precipitation. Hunters should focus on young aspen stands, and recent cuttings. Archery hunters are doing well as the archery season is well underway, Wardens have heard of quality animals being harvested in portions of the Northwoods. Fall tree colors are starting in the Rhinelander and Park Falls area. Around the Antigo area, many places are reporting a significant leaf drop.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area - With the fall colors at peak this week, the Turtle-Flambeau offers spectacular viewing. The south end of the Flowage near Beaver Creek consists of more maple and provides some stunning viewing. The east end near Murray?s landing also shows quite a display of color. With the bit of moisture received in the past week and the cooler temperatures, various mushrooms have sprouted. Mushroom hunters should be able to find some fall edibles in woods. The Little Turtle Flowage provided some duck hunting opportunities this past opening weekend. Waterfowl hunters that ventured out met with some success. Goose numbers are still low since migrants have not yet arrived or stopped over. Fishing is slow with low numbers of anglers out and about. The water levels are about average for this time of year at 3.25 feet below full pool.
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Peshtigo River State Forest - Activities have slowed down for fall. The colors are starting to change, maples are turning red and there are a lot of oranges and yellows to be seen on the property. There are more hunters starting to travel the forest looking for a place to hunt in upcoming seasons. Rainy weather for several days this week has kept people off the water and trails.
Marinette County - Fall color was proceeding nicely with approximately 20 percent color around Crivitz, but the wind and rain over the weekend has sped up leaf drop leaving the color show a bit less impressive. Woodcock season opened last Saturday with a few hunters venturing into the alder. The understory is still heavily leafed making grouse and woodcock hunting an even bigger challenge. One local registration station reported that the first four days of bow season, every buck they registered was in velvet, hard antlered deer began coming into that station about a week ago. Turkey broods and gobbler groups are being seen on a regular basis feeding near roads and in open fields. Farmers have begun chopping corn and harvesting pumpkins. A few anglers have been seen fishing the rivers as they empty into Green Bay. Walking trails in the Peshtigo Harbor area have been mowed and are in very good condition for hiking/hunting.
Shawano County - Shawano County is seeing a good number of ducks in the area with duck hunters having good success. Wood ducks and mallards are the main targets. Bow hunters are seeing lots of deer and some nice bucks are being harvested. Trees are just starting to turn color. Water levels are high with recent heavy rains.
Navarino State Wildlife Area - The fall colors are progressing with the wetland's sedge meadows turning brown and the trees of the uplands turning yellow, red, and dark red. The flowages are attracting geese and migrating ducks, so wildlife watching is peaking again. The deer and turkey are feasting in alfalfa fields in the late afternoon. Every squirrel has a mouthful of nuts, actively filling winter storage hiding places.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fox River anglers have been trolling for musky with success the last few weeks; most have been trolling the river or the lower bay. Anglers have been trolling for musky with medium sized stick baits with lots of action for the best success. Trolling speeds have been varying from day to day but speeds from 3.0-4.2mph have been the best. Walleye and perch anglers were finding it to be on the slow side. At Bayshore Park, pier anglers are reporting catching a few nice perch. Most have been fishing with slip bobbers set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom. Anglers have been tipping the slip bobbers with a small jig and minnow. Anglers are also using bottom rigs but with less success because the gobies have been stealing their minnows or worms before perch can get there. Anglers perch fishing from boats have found fishing to be good when the wind allows for them to venture out onto the lake. Most days this week the waves have been in the 2 to 3 foot range. Walleye anglers are finding walleye fishing to be spotty. Most anglers have been trolling harnesses or crank baits.
Manitowoc County - Early week temperatures in the mid-60s dropped to the mid-50s by the weekend. Strong southwest winds at 15-20 mph continued up until Friday when the winds were light out of the northeast. Over the weekend, winds picked up at 15-20 mph from the east. Heavy rain occurred Monday (9/19) and Sunday (9/25) in the area, giving the trout and salmon some much needed help making their way up to the dams. Surface temperatures are now near 60 degrees offshore, with water temperatures ranging from 52-55 degrees around the pier heads. Strong winds all week created 3- to 4-foot waves for boaters. The piers this week, both Two Rivers and Manitowoc, have been relatively slow. It appears three or four salmon and an occasional brown trout were being caught per day from both piers combined in both cities. Anglers have had success using a mix of casting green/silver champs and using spawn on the bottom. Very few salmon have caught in both port harbors. The only exception is the Manitowoc marina, where anglers casting champs and using salmon spawn have been catching a mix of small rainbow trout, brown trout of 5-plus pounds, and several four year old salmon. Manitou Park on the Manitowoc River, the Shoto dam on the West Twin River, and downstream from the Mishicot dam on the East Twin River have all been successful up the tributaries for large chinook salmon and an occasional brown trout. Anglers have been using large sinkers/bell sinkers with spawn, ear plugs, cookie dough, yarn, etc. to legally hook into these salmon. Those casting spoons and champs into these areas rarely hook a fish legally. The strong winds all week resulted in a small number of boats out. Fishing remains relatively slow for those trolling the pier heads. These boats continue to average zero to four chinook salmon with an occasional small brown or rainbow trout. Fishing in 150-250 feet of water will continue to be good, but with strong winds lately, very few boats have gone out further than out front fishing the gaps. The boats out front have had success using green J-Plugs and spoons. Please remember these regulations this fall. Hook and line fishing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in the Lake Michigan tributaries starting Sept. 15. Also starting Sept. 15, you may not use hooks that have a gape size larger than one-half inch from point to shank in the tributaries. If you observe any violations, please call 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367).
Flocks of migrant Canada geese have been passing through and stopping in Manitowoc County. Goose hunters on the west side of the county have been having a lot of hunting success. The water level at Collins Marsh has continued to rise after the drawdown, and there are a lot of ducks on the marsh. There are also a LOT of sandhill cranes in the fields within several miles of Collins Marsh.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Little Sturgeon Bay anglers fishing for bass have found it slow with the fish being really lethargic. Bass anglers have been targeting fish in 10 or more feet of water. Most have been using subtle presentations. Perch fishing has been good with anglers catching good numbers of fish. Unfortunately, however, most have been small. Most anglers have been sorting through 50 or more fish to catch a meals worth. Perch fishing has been slow at Chaudoir?s Dock with anglers having to move multiple times to find fish. The anglers that are finding perch are running well to the north to find fish. The fish that are being caught, however, are large. Most have been averaging around 10 inches. The weather has been affecting the amount of anglers venturing out; only a few days have been fishable.
Strawberry Creek Spawning Facility ? The salmon are knocking on the door. Although the area has had little in the way of precipitation for much of the summer, some timely rains have been bringing some fish in lately so it won't be long. People interested in volunteering to help out on a harvest days, should contact the facility as soon as possible so we can get a rough idea of who will be available on what days. The first day targeted for harvest is next week Monday, October 3. As always, the fish will have the last say on when we harvest but it's a fairly good bet for a start date. From there on "typically" crews harvest on Mondays and Thursdays so we'd be looking at Oct. 3, 6, 10 and 13 for the first two weeks. But again, please keep in mind those dates are very subject to change depending on the run. How far we harvest beyond the second week will not be determined for some time but there is a chance we will have another 1 or 2 harvest days after the first two weeks. Those days are typically more spread out. Although we welcome volunteer help, there is only enough room and need for a limited number of volunteers at the weir on each date so please keep this in mind. Groups interested in a tour, please contact the facility soon to get a rough time scheduled. We've already got several groups scheduled at this time. As always, we welcome the visitors to the weir on harvest days and with the great "facelift" the facility got last year, the viewing is even better. For more information call Scott Hansen at (920) 746-2864.
Kewaunee County - A seasonal but windy Sunday greeted the week. Unfortunately, a low pressure system moved in bringing cloudy and intermittent rain throughout the latter part of the week. Despite the weather, fishing off the Algoma pier and river has improved. Some nice catches of chinook were seen off the north pier, with a few fish being caught at Olsen Park. Green and silver spoons were predominately used. Dead chinook were being seen at Forestville dam. As of September 21, low water levels slowed fishing in the Kewaunee River and Pier. Fewer chinook were seen/caught at Bruemmer park than last week. Imitation egg and pink yarn baits are lures of choice.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Waupaca and Waushara counties - Fall brown trout fishing has been good on the Waupaca River, especially in the downtown Waupaca area. The fish are hitting on wooly buggers and spinner type baits. Brown trout were biting great, but the torrential rains of the last few days have the creeks out of their banks and may put a premature end to the season which ends on Friday, Sept. 30. Very little hunting pressure was observed on opening weekend in the northern waterfowl zone. Water levels were good and the birds may be dispersed in the area. Lots of Canada geese were seen in the Iola area. Bowhunters have reported good success so far. Hunters have reported the recent cool weather has helped with deer movement and have also kept the bugs to a minimum. Maples starting to show some nice color. There was quite a bit of rainfall last weekend, keeping vegetation green and thick. Flickers are gathering, Robins have been seen migrating, geese too. Woodcock migration has not arrived yet. Fall colors are about 10 percent.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
It has been a great start to archery deer season in this part of Wisconsin. While most prefer to hunt from a tree stand, please remember to follow the following basic safety reminders so you can enjoy this great outdoor activity for years to come. Always use a ?fall restraint? of some kind. Always use a ?haul line? for to move your equipment to and from the stand. Maintain at least ?three points of contact? when climbing into or out of the elevated stand (2 hands 1 foot or 2 feet 1 hand).
Outagamie County - Goose hunting is really picking up around the northern end of Lake Winnebago. The echo of gun shots could be heard from many fields as farmers have finally started harvesting corn crops. With cooler weather moving in Thursday evening, conditions should be favorable for a comfortable southern duck opener. Anglers were catching some fall bluegills while fishing the piers at the High Cliff State Park harbor. Red and orange colors are popping up on the maple trees.
High Cliff State Park - All trails are open. The leaves are beginning to change colors. New England asters, narrowleaf aster, late compass plant, cup plant, and goldenrod are in bloom. The purple martins are gone and the park is now seeing migratory geese. The last of the monarch caterpillars are becoming butterflies in our Office Monarch House. Campers can still hear crickets, katydids and the occasional spring peeper at night.
SOUTHEAST REGION
Milwaukee DNR Service Center
Number of ducks have been seen flying the shores of Lake Michigan; most appear to be local birds as there has not been a big southern push of divers from the north. The fall fish run is in its early stages. With the recent rains in the south east a number of fish have started up the rivers and anglers are having moderate success. Again we would like to remind folks that the tributaries are now closed from a 1/2 hour after sunset until a 1/2 hour before sunrise. Brightly colored flies seem to be doing the trick; however anglers are using a variety of baits. Lake fishing activity has been low due to the recent weather and folks being unable to fish.
Washington and Ozaukee counties - Most of the area received at least 1 to 2 inches of rain during the past week, with some areas getting 3 inches or more in total. Local rivers, ponds and flowages have returned to normal or high water levels. Some good "jump shooting" opportunities will be available to waterfowl hunters on some of the small water-filled ponds and wetland restoration sites at Allenton Marsh, Jackson Marsh and other area public properties. Migrant Canada goose numbers continue to build up around the area. Some of the geese concentrate around Theresa Marsh, Horicon Marsh and other large wetland complexes, but most of the geese are spread out across all southeastern Wisconsin counties, and hunters typically need to do some scouting to figure out where the birds are feeding (usually in cut cornfields, or other agricultural fields) and seek permission from those landowners to set up decoys in the fields. Water levels on Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area are back to seasonal levels (near "full pool") following the recent rains. Canoe and walk-in access should be good for duck and goose hunters via the normal access points. Viewing opportunities for geese, ducks, shorebirds, marsh birds and other birds are excellent along State Highway 28 which passes through the north refuge area of the marsh just west of Hwy 41. Sandhill cranes continue to build up in the south refuge and can best be viewed from the overlook area along Mowhawk Road. Two highway bridge projects will affect normal highway access to Theresa Marsh. The section of County Highway D just west of Hwy 41 continues to be closed for the Rock River bridge replacement project, and is scheduled to remain closed until early November. Another road project to repair the bridge decking on the Rock River bridge on N. Pole Road the west side of Theresa Marsh is underway and should be completed by mid-October. Hunters can still reach the main Theresa Marsh parking lot and boat launch area from the south, by taking West Bend Road to N. Pole Road.
Havenwoods State Forest - After a week of heavy rains and storms, everything is soggy! There is standing water in low-lying areas, so wear your boots. Staff and visitors are reporting bluebird flocks in spite of the rain. And, it?s not too late to catch the purple, blue, yellow, and white explosions of asters and goldenrods in the grasslands. f the sun ever does come out, you can expect to see snakes sunning themselves on the trails and travelling toward their winter hibernating spots.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan most trollers have been concentrating in the harbor due to rough boating conditions. A few chinook have been caught, and spoons and crankbaits have been the most successful lures. Some chinook have been taken by shore anglers on the piers, and most have been hitting spawn fished off the bottom but a few have taken spoons. The water temperature off the piers was around 60 degrees. Fish have been spotted in the Sheboygan River as far up as the Kohler dam, although in relatively few numbers. The water level has increased with the recent rainfall, and the river is muddy. Anglers have been casting spoons, but flies have remained the most successful for catching chinook. Some brown trout have also been reported in the lower stretches of the river. The water temperature in the Sheboygan is 58 degrees. In the Pigeon River the water temperature was at 56 degrees, and the flows have risen. As of Sunday, fishing pressure has remained minimal, but that should change soon.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington trollers have had the most success fishing in 120 to 200 feet of water. Spoons have been the most productive lure, but no specific color has been best. Chinook have dominated the catch, but a few coho have also been taken. Shore fishing pressure has been high near the power plant and elsewhere in the harbor. Anglers have been catching mostly chinook along with a few browns and rainbows mixed in. Spawn has been the most productive, followed by crank baits. The harbor temperature has been between 54 and 58 degrees. Anglers fishing off the pier have been catching few smaller rainbows on spawn. Sauk Creek is about 56 degrees, and flows have been increasing. Salmon should be moving upstream now that there is enough water in the creek.
Milwaukee County - Trollers fishing off Milwaukee have been catching mature chinook and coho just outside the harbor. Fishing remains generally slow in the harbor, although shore anglers have taken a few chinook behind the Summerfest grounds on crank baits. A few brown trout have been seen swimming around McKinley pier, but fishing there has been relatively slow. Water levels have increased on the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers and Oak Creek. Fishing on Oak Creek and the Menomonee remains relatively slow, but some chinook have been caught from the Milwaukee River in Estabrook Park.
Racine County - Trolling near the harbor mouth in Racine has slowed, although fish can still be seen jumping near the boat launch. Shore anglers have been able to catch a few chinook on spawn and crank baits. When trollers have been able to get offshore, fishing has been good in 70 to 150 feet of water. Spoons and flashers and flies have been productive for coho and immature chinook. Blues, greens, and whites have been the best colors. Water levels on the Root River are starting to rise, and a few chinook have started to show up. Some have been taken near the Steelhead Facility and at other spots throughout the river. A variety of baits have been used. An Open House will be held at the Root River Steelhead Facility on Saturday, October 8 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Guided tours will be held with spawning demonstrations, and local fishing clubs will sponsor kids casting, knot tying, fly tying, fly fishing techniques, and more. Be sure to bring your family and friends to the facility on Saturday, October 8.
Kenosha County - Shore fishing in Kenosha has been fair, with chinook, browns, and rainbows taken in the harbor. Most fish were caught on fresh skein. The mouth of the Pike River is open, but fishing has been slow and flows are now fairly high. Salmon fishing in the Pike should improve as the water levels begin to drop.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway - Fall color is starting to creep into the Wisconsin River valley. Now is an excellent time to enjoy the season change. All trails in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway are open and in good condition. Enjoy the autumn weather from horseback on trails in the Blackhawk Unit outside Sauk City, or on the Millville Bridle Trail to the south of Prairie du Chien. Hiking opportunities also abound with over 20 miles of trail open along the 92 mile river corridor. River levels continue to remain low, and are unlikely to rise significantly. Navigation will be a little tricky for canoes and very difficult for any type of motor boat. People can still paddle the river to observe wildlife and the beautiful foliage, or just to relax in a rustic and semi-wild landscape. Water levels can vary on a daily basis. Before canoeing or boating please call 1-800-242-1077 for current river flow at the Prairie du Sac Dam. If flow rates are below 8,000 cubic feet per second the river is very shallow and navigation can become tricky. If rates are above 14,000 cfs sandbars begin to disappear, and camping location are difficult to find. Conditions look good for the opening weekend of duck hunting in the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. There are lots of acorns dropping from oak trees in the river bottoms, and plenty of wood ducks gobbling them up. A few mallards, teal and ring necks are also hanging around. Despite the recent rains, water levels are much lower this year than they were last fall, so the ducks should be more concentrated. However, there are still lots of leaves on the trees, especially oaks, and that may limit sight distances. Be aware of other hunters that may be in the same area.
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - Bluegill fishing has slowed, but anglers continue to catch hand sized bluegills just about anywhere in Mississippi River pools 10 and 11. The 9-inch bluegills are few and far between. Largemouth and small mouth bass fishing has been good to excellent in pools 10 and 11 finding both concentrated in structure and rip rap along the railroad right of way. An occasional walleye has been caught in the same areas. Anglers fishing the wing dams continue to catch many small sauger, with very few walleyes, commenting that the walleyes seem to be scattered through out the Mississippi Pools. The water levels are below 8 feet in many areas, with resulting large shoreline areas and mud flats. Waterfowl hunters this past weekend commented on the large area of "unforgiving mud" while hunting this past opening weekend of the new Mississippi duck season. Wood ducks were prevalent in all areas with occasional flocks of blue winged teal and a few mallards. The geese continue to concentrate in the middle of Pool 11 near Rosebrook Island, up river from Potosi Point.
Richland County - Trout fishing has been good during the last week of the season. Larger rivers like the Pine and Willow are up slightly and a little murky since the rain earlier this week. The smaller streams are running pretty clear and only a little higher than they were last week.
Lafayette County - Archery season is in full swing in. Lots of deer are available. Turkeys are being sighted and the outlook for fall turkey is good. Fall color is just getting underway. A bobcat was captured on a trail camera in Lafayette County in early September, and another bobcat sighting was reported in NE Grant County last week.
Iowa and Sauk counties - Bakkens Pond had a breach in the dike this past July. Repairs have been made and water should be back to full pool for the duck opener. Sandhill cranes are flocking together in fields. Woolly bear caterpillars are being seen in high numbers. Folklore states that the wider the middle section is, the milder the winter will be and early reports are that people are seeing wider middle bands.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - Water levels on the Horicon and Theresa Marsh have risen with the recent rains, providing additional opportunities for the duck opener at 9 a.m. on Saturday October 1. Good numbers of wood ducks were seen on the Rock River in Dodge County. Migratory goose numbers in the Horicon Marsh are low but will increase in the upcoming weeks.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Columbia County - The water temperatures in area lakes are dropping. This fall transition is helping anglers catch walleyes and sturgeon on the Wisconsin River. Fishing on Lake Wisconsin and up the Wisconsin River to Portage has been slow, with only reports of undersize sauger and small stripped bass being caught. Unconnected wetland ponds have very low or no water which will concentrate ducks on the larger water bodies/marsh areas unless there is some major rain between now and this coming weekend. There is an ongoing fish kill of trout downstream of the Poynette Sewer treatment plant on Rowan Creek. Steps are being taken to correct the situation; however, trout anglers may want to avoid the area until the plant is back online. Non-migrate woodcock can be found in good numbers in the low alder and aspen thickets of Columbia County; however, with the current leaf cover they are difficult to find. Area duck numbers continue to improve making prospects for this weekend's duck opener look good. Large flocks of sandhill cranes are beginning to mass in the wetlands. Local bow hunters are reporting deer movements in the morning and evening making some excellent hunting times. Archer hunters are reminded to use tree stand safety techniques when climbing in and out of their stands. Trees are beginning to change color, particularly the reds and oranges of sumac and maples along with some yellows of aspen.
Sauk County - With the cooler temperatures and shorter days, maple trees are showing some nice colors. Now is the time to get out and bike or walk the 400 State Trail or take an evening ride through the countryside. Bowhunters are seeing some nice bucks. Anglers are continuing to catch some nice bass and crappies on Lake Redstone.
Dane County - Sport fishing activity and action in south and western Dane County continued to remain generally slow from the recent cold and wet weather conditions in recent days. Several fishers contacted experienced mild to moderate activity on panfish and bass on Lake Waubesa and several fishers reported having limited musky and bass action on Lakes Waubesa and Monona. Several trout fishers reported having good action on western Dane County streams. Several archery hunters reported getting nice game camera pictures of large bucks and multiple antlerless deer on private properties in southern Dane County. Puddle duck numbers have appeared generally good throughout the area; however, many hunters scouting spots in southern and western Dane County reported seeing no to very few teal and wood ducks and suspected that the cool weather had already pushed those species south. Large numbers of local geese have been observed actively feeding in recently harvested agricultural fields throughout the area. Large numbers of sandhill cranes have also been seen feeding in agricultural fields in the area. Wildlife staff were busy earlier this month signing landowners up in the Voluntary Public Access program. This program provides financial incentives to private landowners who open their property to public access for hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife observation. Not only does this program help provide more opportunities for public recreation, it also creates additional access points for State Wildlife Areas. Click the link above to find locations of private lands open for public recreation.
Jefferson County - Water levels have improved on the rivers and wetlands in Jefferson/Dodge counties with the recent rain. Water levels were so low in many areas that even surface drive boats were having difficulty getting around scouting for the upcoming waterfowl opener. The current water conditions should help spread the birds out more so they don?t get pushed out of the area. The acorn crop looks good this year providing plenty of food for deer and other wildlife. Several youth deer hunters have been out scouting for the upcoming youth deer season in a week. Even though it seems early a few deer scrapes have already appeared. Cooler temperatures seem to have increased movement of wildlife at night. Skunks, raccoons and opossum are seen hit on the highways in increasing numbers. Two car kill badgers were recently found on the highways in northern Jefferson County. Passing motorists called quickly to obtain a tag for mounting.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - Walleye, white bass, and northern pike continue to bite below the dams, but success has slowed over the last couple weeks. Minnows have been the popular bait lately, but leeches are still a good bet to catch a keeper walleye. Boaters are reminded to wear a personal floatation device whenever on the water, but especially when water temperatures are falling. In addition to drowning, hypothermia is an added threat this time of year if you find yourself in the water unexpectedly. Duck season will be opening this coming Saturday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. and the duck forecast has been good statewide. Water levels are extremely low around Rock County, however, so hunters may have to do some extra scouting to locate areas with sufficient water for hunting. Duck bag limits are similar to 2010, with six being the maximum total ducks a hunter can harvest in a day. Hunters should refer to the Migratory Bird Regulations for specifics on bag limits of different duck species. The duck season opened last weekend in northern Wisconsin, so some birds may be getting pushed south for the upcoming southern Wisconsin opener. Goose hunting is already open in Rock County and hunters have been doing well in harvested fields around the city of Janesville. Goose hunters are reminded that the opening time on Oct. 1 coincides with the 9 a.m. duck opener. There is also a split in the waterfowl seasons this year in Rock County, so the season will be closed from Oct. 10-14. This will allow the season to be open through Dec. 4 for the later migration we see here. Cool weather is causing whitetails to become more active. Bucks are starting to make scrapes in the woods although the typical rut time is still about a month away. Archery hunters are also becoming more common in the woods and this combination of deer and human activity can push deer across roadways and into traffic. Drivers need to be more careful on roads near and after dark because this is the time of year that vehicle/deer collisions become more common. Along with the added deer activity comes deer shining. Shining deer is a popular sport and a good way to locate deer concentrations and trophy animals, but there are some rules that go along with it. Shining is illegal from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. from Sept. 15 through Dec. 31 and it is illegal to possess a firearm, bow, or crossbow while shining. There are exceptions to the shining rules if someone is using a light to shine at the point of kill for fox, raccoon, coyote, or unprotected species or if someone is using a light to find their way.
Big Foot Beach State Park - Wet weather this past week means our trail conditions have changed. Hikers should wear shoes that provide good grip in wet/muddy conditions. Fall color is increasing, with peak colors expected near the second week in October. Warm temperatures are expected to return early next week, which will help trail conditions return to "excellent" quickly.
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Some color has started with leaves turning a different shade of green on various hardwood trees. Some of the popple and ash have turned yellow. The occasional maple has started turning color. Fall color is generally uneven here and we do not seem to get the full palate of color all at once. ?Peak? color will usually occur around the third week of October, but a lot of leaves are also down by then. It?s colorful but there can be a lot of bare trees when the peak hits. There is still a limited choice of electric sites available for the weekend as of Wednesday morning. There is a good selection of non electric sites for the weekend. This is the last weekend for running water in showers, toilets, the dump station, and water fountains. Water turn off will start October 3 in the campgrounds. Vault toilets will be opened. We do not know a schedule yet, but that big encroaching hole-washout on the Trout Brook trail is slated to be fixed sometime this autumn. The trail will probably have to be closed when the work starts. Work will be done on weekdays, not on weekends.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Vernon County ? Large flocks of migrating bluebirds, robins, and catbirds are winging through the area. These migrating birds make many multi-day stops, fuel up on readily available foods, and continue their leisurely, southward migration. Small, fleshy fruits are especially attractive foods for these hungry birds - elderberries, dogwood berries, Virginia creeper berries, grapes, crabapples. Wild turkeys have also been very active recently, feeding heavily on grasshoppers, crickets, acorns, and other seeds. Waterfowl hunters reported lots of wood ducks in the Vernon County portion of the Mississippi River Zone during the opening weekend of hunting.
Merrick State Park - All trails are open and in good condition. Fishing has been slow. The dock will be removed sometime mid October. The Mississippi River zone for Migratory Birds opened September 24. Hunters reported some success. The Southern Zone opens October 1 at 9 a.m. Water lettuce and water hyacinth (both invasive plants) have been found in Pool 5. Please check your boats and trailers if you are in this pool. Signs have been posted at boat landings with more information on what to do if these plants are found.
Perrot State Park - Hiking trails are open and in overall good condition. Blazing reds, brilliant yellows, and brazen browns fill the woods and bay. Fall is full swing here and our colors are spectacular. It is still a week or two from peak, depending on the weather. This perfectly timed rain is only going to enhance the brilliance of the park. The water levels in the bay are much more normal now. Paddling is a bit of a challenge, thanks to the shifting sands that the flood waters brought all summer. Fishing is mostly slow, with a few banger days here and there. All campsites are open and in good condition. The Upper Loop shower building is only open from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon. The Bay shower building is open every day and is available for all campers. Warblers, cormorants, pelicans, osprey and vultures have been sighted in large groups. Eagles are a daily treat.
Great River State Trail - The trail and bridges are in good condition. Repairs are being made on bridges as staffing and weather permits, but bicyclists will have no trouble crossing. Grasses, sumac and Virginia creeper are the standouts on the bike trail this time of year. Wild grapes are plentiful for the snacking. Thrushes, blue jays and catbirds are frequent sights.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Maples are in full color with reds, oranges, and yellows all in display. North Settlement Road, which is a rustic road, and Cemetery Road offer great colors at this time. Cold weather has taken care of most mosquitoes so it is an excellent time to hike the trails. For the best fall view of the area, the scenic overlook at Castle Mound's nature trail is recommended. A short hike leads to a an old fire observation post on top of a rock outcrop that produces a view for many miles. All ATV trails were groomed two weeks ago and are in good condition for riding. The area received a bit of rain this week which will help keep the dust conditions down. Trails will close after October 16.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park ? Fall colors appear to be at about 50 percent in our area. The maples and ash have all begun to turn; the oaks are still mostly green. Wintergreen, common mullein, white snakeroot, the pale and spotted jewelweed, rabbits foot clover, and some of the aster varieties are flowering. The hummingbird migration appears to be over in this area.
Chippewa River State Trail ? Work begins Monday, Oct. 3, to reconstruct a portion of the Chippewa River Trail, just southwest of Eau Claire, that was washed out by floods this past spring. The section between Porterville and Jopke roads has been closed since April, but trail users have been crossing the washed out section by foot. With construction getting underway, however, the possibility of dangerous encounters with heavy equipment exists, and the DNR is asking people not to enter the closed section during October. Trail coordinator Cameron Bump said construction should be complete by month's end.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Campsites have started closing for the season. We still have some open as non-reservable first come campsites. Archery deer season has started in the park and wildlife areas. Small game, waterfowl and trapping are allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and Buckhorn Wildlife Area. Fall turkey is only allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area. Hunting maps are available online or at the park office. Deer can be registered at the park office during open office hours.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate will be closed started Monday, October 10th. Parking will available in the winter lot on Czech Ave, park stickers required to park there. The stairway up the bluff is still closed Work on the removal and reconstruction of the stairway is starting and will be going on this fall. The stairway will remain closed during the construction.
