Wisconsin Outdoor Report

[mudbrook]

Wisconsin Outdoor Report

June 7, 2018

The past week brought some rain and cooler temperatures, but the coming week looks a bit warmer. With the recent rain many river systems especially in the north are running above average. The lower Wisconsin River is running about normal and many sandbars have finally returned. Campgrounds are getting busier, and canoers and kayakers are active on rivers.

Fewer anglers were out across the state this past week in part due to the cooler air temperatures, rain and high winds. White bass on the Wolf River did not make a significant run this year and anglers were having a difficult time catching them with any consistency.



Ruffed grouse have been heard drumming in the north. - Photo credit: Kevin Feind

Some anglers were catching crappie, northern pike, rock bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and walleye on the Menominee and Oconto rivers. On Green Bay anglers saw consistent success at the start of the week with many walleyes harvested out of Geano Beach, the Green Bay Metro launch and Bayshore Park.

Along Door County the Sawyer Harbor ramp was crowded over the weekend with near shore water temperatures reaching up to 70 degrees. Bass fishing has been increasingly getting better. Many anglers were catching fish at Little Sturgeon Bay and Stone Quarry. The warm weather last weekend had the male smallmouth up in the shallows and making beds but the cold front that hit mid-week cooled the water and caused those fish to move back out.

Lake Michigan fishing was mixed. A few parties came back to Algoma with chinook and lake trout. The chinook action picked up at Two Rivers with multiple fish being caught over 25 pounds this week. Anglers fishing out of Sheboygan and Port Washington were having luck catching chinook and coho salmon along with the occasional lake and rainbow trout. Cooler temperatures and 15-20 mph winds limited some boaters from going too far on Lake Michigan out of Milwaukee. When weather calmed down, anglers targeting coho and chinook salmon continue to reach their limits landing fish.

Grouse are drumming in the Northwoods. Black bear sows with up to three cubs are being spotted with cubs starting to go through growing spurts. Elk cows have been making calf scouting moves, looking for a safe and quiet area to have their calves. Many have calved already and many deer fawns are being seen. Remember fawns are left alone for long periods but are not abandoned. If you see one back away and leave it be.

In the forest wetlands, the spring peepers have quieted down somewhat, but now the toads, tree frogs, green frogs and bullfrogs contribute to the nighttime symphony. Turtles nesting season is in full swing. If you see a turtle trying to cross a road, feel free to assist it on its journey, if you can do so safely.

Bird migration is beginning to slow down. Summer residents have settled in for the nesting season, and we are beginning to see young hatching. Families of Canadian geese are being seen all over. Pairs of sandhill cranes with colts are also being seen. Loon chicks are hatching. A number of both glossy and white-faced ibis have been seen on Horicon Marsh, along with black-necked stilt, godwit, white-rumped sandpipers and other shorebirds.

Some of the spring woodland wildflowers are still in bloom but fading fast. Trillium and yellow bellwort still color the forest floor but are now joined by wood phlox, wild geranium, spiderwort, jack-in-the-pulpit, and wild columbine. Raspberries and blackberries are almost ready to bloom, but aren’t there quite yet. Another plant has also made an appearance so watch out for poison ivy!


https://dnr.wi.gov/news/OR/?id=593