DNR Outdoor Report as of December 20, 2007
Although Wisconsin only received minimal snowfall in the last week, colder temperatures and the wet, heavy condition of the snow that fell in the first snowstorm have allowed snow cover to hold up very well through this week. Unfortunately, freezing rain or drizzle is in the forecast for later this week, which could cause conditions to change dramatically. Snow is forecast to follow the rain, so conditions could improve. As always, before heading to a destination to ski or snowmobile over the holiday break, it is best to call ahead to the destination or check the snow conditions report on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Web site.
As of this late this week, most state park and forests are still reporting that cross-country ski trail ranging from good to excellent condition. Some parks in the southern portion of the state that received the most snowfall have been able to re-groom trails. Most parks and forests in the north are awaiting additional snowfall before re-grooming. Snowmobile conditions were being reported in fair to good condition, with a few counties reporting excellent conditions and several counties through the central portion of the state still having trails closed.
Ice depths on Northwoods lakes generally range from 7 to 11 inches, with about 6 inches soft powdery snow on top. This has caused some slush to form on the lakes, but the slush is spotty and only about an inch or two thick. Lake ice cover can be variable with a solid 10 inches in some areas and only 6 inches of ice only a few hundred yards away. Ice fishing success has been generally slow. Walleye action has been inconsistent, but beginning to pick up in some areas. The best success has come in the late afternoon just before dark, with shiners or suckers fished on tip-ups in the 6 to 12 foot depths. Panfish action has been erratic--though a few anglers have reported some fair catches of crappie and perch. Northern pike action could only be termed fair, as the cloudy and colder weather seems to have held their activity down.
In the south, anglers were finding some ice on lakes but, none of the lakes are considered entirely safe for even walking access. The deeper lakes are especially dangerous due to the fact that they get ice covered the latest. There are still areas of open water on some of the larger lakes. Anglers were catching northern pike and panfish action on frozen lakes and shallower bays of larger lakes. While some bays and harbors along Green Bay are iced over, much of the northern portion of the bay itself is still open water. On Lake Superior, the Madeline Island fairy line was still running as of this week.
Some deer have already been reported to be shedding their antlers. The shedding of antlers is usually genetically triggered or stress related.
Ruffed grouse are being observed along roadways in search of gravel. Bald eagles are being sighted daily along the Mississippi River, and many rough-legged hawks have been observed in the Coulee Region. These large hawks breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to and winter primarily in the lower 48 states. They feed mainly on small rodents and often hunt for them by hovering above a grassy field before diving down on the unsuspecting prey. Rough-legged hawks get their name from their furry-looking legs, which are feathered to the toes with soft feathers.
Due to state holidays, there will be no DNR Outdoor Report next week. The next DNR Outdoor Report will be January 3, 2008. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season in Wisconsin’s outdoors.
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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
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Afterhours Ski Trail is in good to very good condition for the amount of snow that is on the ground. As of Dec. 19 there was a 3-inch trail base and 9 inches in the woods. Reports of some deer shedding their antlers have been coming into the Brule DNR office. The shedding of antlers are usually genetically triggered or stress related. If people are not lucky enough to find these sheds, usually rodents such as mice, squirrels, and porcupines will gnaw on them to get the much needed calcium. Some days in the winter it seems to take a bit of effort to get motivated and bundled up to get out in the outdoors to view wildlife. Why not have the wildlife come to you? Bird feeders can bring a multitude of wildlife up close and personal to the warmth of your house. Not only birds use bird feeders, squirrels (although many times discouraged) can provide entertainment with their clever tactics to reach the feeders. Deer or beef tallow is another treat that can be offered to birds, giving high energy food to chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers. Don’t forget water. Put a bird bath out with a bird bath heater in it and it will provide birds ice free water throughout the winter. Remember to clean the feeders occasionally to prevent diseases from being passed from bird to bird. If multiple birds are observed dead or dying this should be reported to a DNR wildlife manager.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - The Madeline Island Ferry Line is currently running ferry service from Bayfield to the town of La Pointe on Madeline Island. Check with Madeline Island Ferry Line, (715) 747-2051, for updated service, scheduled times and prices. The park has snowshoe and groomed classical style cross-country ski trails for winter fun. The snowshoe trail is currently open with an average base of 10 inches. Two of the five traditional cross-country ski trails are groomed and open for skiing. Big Bay State Park offers the public beautiful winter picture taking opportunities and solitude from everyday life. For winter enthusiasts there are five winter camping sites with electric hookups. The shower building is currently closed for the season and will reopen in the spring.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice depths generally range from 7 to 11 inches on lakes in the Upper Chippewa Basin, with about 6 inches soft powdery snow on top. This has caused some slush to form on the lakes, but the slush is spotty and only about an inch or two thick. Some anglers have begun to drive out on a few local lakes, but extreme caution is still urged. Lake ice cover can be variable with a solid 10 inches in some areas and only 6 inches of ice only a few hundred yards away. In addition, slush conditions add a lot of weight to the top of the ice and even softens the ice underneath the slush. This results in a weaker ice cover and less weight-holding capability. Ice fishing success has been generally slow in the Upper Chippewa Basin. Walleye continue to be the main species of interest and action has been real inconsistent. The best success has come in the late afternoon just before dark, with shiners or suckers fished on tip-ups in the 6 to 12 foot depths. No specific areas have been better than others - as a few fish are being taken on the shallow mud flats, some near green-weed edges and some on the deep edge of gravel/rock drop-offs. Most of the walleye have been in the 10 to 15 inch size, but fish up to 22 inches have been caught. Panfish action has been erratic--though a few anglers have reported some fair catches of crappie and perch. Northern pike action could only be termed fair, as the cloudy and colder weather seems to have held their activity down.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Area fishing guides and Conservation Wardens report that the walleye bite is just beginning with northern receiving top billing in the Lakeland area. Exercise care when venturing out onto the lakes as heavy snow hit prior to good ice conditions forming; there are many lakes that have slush as a result. Warmer temperatures and no recent snowfall has degraded local snowmobile trail systems. There have been some reported signs of a second rut this past week. So for you archery hunters willing to take on the colder temperatures, bucks appear to be on the move once again. Keep in mind that antlers begin to drop this time of year. There was one report of a hunter shooting an antlered deer only to find the antlers had fallen off by the time he tracked it down. He was unable to locate the antlers.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Cross-country ski trails are not groomed. Please be aware that the ski trail is no longer on the road. Maps of the new ski trails will be placed at the contact station when the trails are groomed. The campground is closed for the season. A pair of Trumpeter Swans were spotted on the river below the dam.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Snow is expected this weekend, which is needed for the snowmobile trails to be maintained. Warmer weather and sunshine brought out more ice anglers on local waters. Please be aware of new VHS, fish virus, rules for using live bait when ice fishing. Ruffed grouse are being observed along roadways in search of gravel. The cross-country ski trails are open on Miscauno Island in Pembine/ Beecher area.
Oconto County - Fishing has been fair on most inland lakes. Wax worms and spikes are the most common baits. Ice anglers have been catching walleyes on White Potato, Wheeler, Maiden, and Horn lakes. Panfish action has been good on Chute Pond, Pickerel Lake and Townsend Flowage. Perch fishing on the Oconto River in Oconto has been a bright spot with limits of fish being taken but there are lots of small fish being caught. Minnows are the best bait. A reminder to fishers that any minnows taken onto the ice must be drained when brought back to shore. Ice conditions are still spotty. Some folk are driving vehicles, but that is not recommended as there are many thin spots. Please contact your local sport shops for ice conditions. The antlerless deer hunt was slow going for hunters due to cold frigid weather and little deer movement.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County
Peninsula State Park – As of December 18, snow cover was 7 inches. Most sections of the park's 16 mile cross-country ski trail system are groomed and were in good condition. Snowmobile trails remain closed. The sledding hill is open. The road through the Park is plowed and open. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is not accessible to motor vehicles. Eagle Tower is open and accessible. Waterfowl sightings are abundant along the shore of Peninsula State Park. The Bay remains basically ice-free.
Whitefish Dunes State Park – Cross-country ski trails are open and ready for skiers. With the warmer weather the snow is soft. The trails were last groomed on Dec. 13 and were in good condition. Over the holidays the park shelter building is open to both hikers and skiers to warm themselves by the fire. Hikers and snowshoers are to use the beach and the Black Trail. No hiking is allowed on the sides of the ski trails. For updates contact the park office at (920) 823-2400.
DNR Southeast Region
Walworth County
Big Foot Beach State Park – The park has 5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. Conditions were very good to excellent, with more fresh snow cover expected this weekend. Trail grooming is done by members of the parks Friends Group after snowfalls of at least 4 inches. Park users with pets are reminded to keep their pets off of the groomed area of the trails, have them leashed at all times, and to please pick up waste and dispose of it properly.
Inland fisheries team report
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Anglers are finding at least some ice on all area waters BUT, none of the lakes are considered entirely safe for even walking access. The deeper lakes are especially dangerous due to the fact that they get ice covered the latest. It simply takes longer for the greater volume of water in deep lakes to cool sufficiently to form ice. The other dangers are spring areas and those areas that were kept open by roosting geese. Lakes and rivers are never 100 percent safe for ice travel. No good fishing reports have come in but, anglers are out trying. There are still areas of open water on Elkhart Lake.
Waukesha County - On Big Muskego anglers were catching northern pike and largemouth bass using live bait anywhere you can find deeper water. Reports of some panfish action off the beach on Lac LaBelle using spikes or waxies. Okauchee Lake was producing some small northern pike on tip-ups and golden shiners. Some walleye action has been reported off of east end of Pewaukee Lake. Try to combine live bait and jigging techniques in adjacent holes to entice finicky walleyes. Ice reports throughout Waukesha County are highly variable so venture out using much caution.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park – The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was 7.8 feet as of Dec. 20. Both cross country ski trails have been groomed and are in good condition. Cross country skiers and other winter enthusiasts have been taking advantage of the snowfall. Temperatures in mid 30s, and the possibility of rain, freezing rain, and snow Thursday night through Saturday will affect ski trail conditions. The walkway to Point Lookout is clear of snow. Park bird feeders are a flurry of activity. Sightings at or near the feeders include:, red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, bluejays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, ring-necked pheasant rooster, gold finches, mourning doves, cedar waxwings and crows. Bald eagles are sighted daily in the park and surrounding area.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County – There has been a temporary snowmobile trail closure on the snowmobile trail section west of Brownsville and north of Leroy from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 to avoid conflicts with wind tower construction and testing. Specifically the closure is expected to affect the trail near Hwy 49 from Hwy YY to Dairy Road and the spur from this section south to Leroy. Watch for signs and barricades and do not try to pass through these closed areas due to potentially hazardous conditions. Although additional intermittent closures are possible throughout the season in this area, it is hoped this will be the last closure for several weeks.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park - Cross country ski trails were groomed Sunday, Dec. 16 and are in good condition.
Jefferson County - Anglers were catching some keeper bluegill on the marsh on Rock Lake using spikes and plastic. The ice on the marsh is around 7 inches thick with a couple inches of frozen slush on the top. A few northern pike have also been caught on the marsh on tip ups. On Mud Lake south of Lake Mills, anglers were also catching a few bluegill and crappie. The ice is around 3 to 4 inches thick on Mud Lake with even less on the south end. On Hope Lake some bluegill and crappie were also being caught. Most are small but there are some keepers being caught. The snowmobile trails are being heavily used in Dodge and Jefferson counties. Some of the trails have become rough due to all the traffic but are being groomed regularly. The ATV trail on the Wild Goose trail in Dodge County is open for ATV use.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State park - Bluegill fishing action continues to be reported as good on the lake. Tip ups are turning up a few fish, mostly bass. As of Dec. 19, despite heavy use and lack of new snow, the cross-country ski trails remain in very good condition overall. There was no reported icing at the road crossings in spite of fog and very humid air on Wednesday. The track is good in most places and the skate lane remains flat. Classic skiers may want to consider rock skis for due to the track wearing thin and tree litter scattered around the system. Classic skiers should wait for new snow to bring out the good skis. Skaters are still good to go on the good skis. Updates are posted from skiers on
www.skinnyski.com. Snow is predicted for the weekend. There will not be any grooming needed if there is less than two inches of new snow. The park’s recorder will have the latest (715) 386-5931 option 4. Tuesday and Wednesday evening ski training with the Willow River Nordic skiers will be more hit or miss during the holiday season. Call the park office to find out if there is a session. The next adult ski lesson with Willow River Nordic is Saturday, Jan. 5. Call the office to register in advance. You must provide your own gear (rentals in Stillwater, MN.) There is no Full Moon Hike for this month; the next one is Saturday, Jan. 19. Full moon skiing is an under utilized opportunity at the park. The moonrise comes an hour later each night. Once the moon is up, headlamps can be turned off. Those nights are coming in a week or so.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Many rough-legged hawks have been observed in the Coulee Region. These large buteos breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to and winter primarily in the lower 48 states. They feed mainly on small rodents and often hunt for them by hovering above a grassy field before diving down on the unsuspecting prey. Deep snow cover tends to push the birds farther south. Rough-legged hawks get their name from their furry-looking legs, which are feathered to the toes with soft feathers. Identification characteristics include a small bill and feet, long, rounded wings, much white on the underwing flight feathers, and a white tail with a wide dark band or bands near the tip. Most rough-legged hawks have a dark belly and dark patch at the underwing "wrist." There are two color phases, light and dark, with light phases outnumbering dark phases. Many small mammals are less vulnerable to aerial predators, like hawks, due to the fairly deep and crusted snow present in many areas. They can move about under the snow without surfacing very often. The persistent snow has also kept ice depths from becoming excessive. Muskrats in shallow water may be able to survive better as a result. Fewer "runner rats" will be seen in late winter if the present conditions continue.
Wildcat Mountain State Park – Cross-country ski trails were still in good condition for both the classical and skate skiing as of Dec. 18. Trails were last groomed Dec. 11.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The cross-country ski trails are groomed. The trails are quite firm, providing moderate to fast conditions. There are a few spots in the flat stretches with a thin base. Panfish action has been good in the north campground bays. Anglers were reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell Flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. An area to the north and east of the main office, including part of the Nordic Trail system, is open to a limited antlerless archery season, with special access permit only through Jan. 6.. The park’s islands are not open to hunting. Birds seen or heard include: ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Cross-country ski trails have been groomed, and are in average condition. The stairway up the Roche-A-Cri Mound is open, but not maintained for winter use. The campground and facilities are currently closed for the season, but the park remains open for day use. Roche-A-Cri is accessible through the winter parking lot on Czech Avenue, the southern border of the park. 2008 photo contest is now underway. Take advantage of winter photo opportunities! The Roche-A-Cri Woods state natural area east of state highway 13 is open for hunting and trapping. 2008 park stickers are in stock, and make fantastic holiday gifts.
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VHS fish disease update for December 20, 2007
E-mails and calls have come in to DNR offices at a steady clip from anglers wanting to learn more about how VHS fish disease rules affect them and in some cases, expressing concerns with the rules. Read what Fisheries Director Mike Staggs has to say. [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/documents/mikestaggsletter.pdf]
Outreach and information
Listen to the 30-second radio advertisements about VHS and the prevention steps that started airing statewide Dec. 17.
http://media2.wi.gov/DNR/Viewer/Viewers/ViewerAudioOnlyNoSlides.aspx?mode=Default&peid=0773d943-59a2-4f88-9dc7-e2137b484b66&pid=7bd78bad-2980-496c-b50b-a819622a2e5f&playerType=WM7Find answers to some of the most common questions anglers have about using live bait fish and/or dead bait fish in the VHS era.
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/documents/vhs_fishasbait.pdf If you’ve got a question that isn’t answered in that brochure, view the Frequently Asked Questions about VHS on DNR’s web pages.
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/pages/vhs_questions.htmlOr call toll-free to our Call Center from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, 1-888-WDNR INFo (1-888-936-7463) with your questions. Learn more about online chats and other enhancements to the DNR’s call center to better serve you.
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/rbnews/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=689Wisconsin 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/
