Most of Wisconsin received some rain over the last week, but some areas less than a quarter of an inch. The rain lowered fire danger levels in the south, but fire danger levels remain at high to very high in parts of northern and west central Wisconsin. Burning permits are still suspended in some areas. Check the current fire danger levels on the DNR Web site before considering any outdoor burning. Firefighters responded to more than 175 wildfires in the last week.
Ice cover is now gone from all lakes in the Northwoods and water temperatures have warmed into the upper-40s to low 50-degree range. In the south water temperatures vary depending on the size and depth of the lake, but some of the smaller, shallower lakes have already warmed into the 50s and lower 60s.
Walleye spawning has peaked and runs are finishing up. This is leading up to a great potential for the general fishing season opener on May 5. The musky spawning period is now underway and paired-up fish will continue to be seen in the shallows over the next several weeks. Perch are in the middle of their annual spawning ritual.
Angling pressure on northern waters has been generally light. Panfish success has been fair, with some nice crappie and bluegill being found in shallow, warm-water bays. Some decent catches of redhorse and white suckers were coming from the deeper holes on the Flambeau and Chippewa rivers. Panfish, especially crappie and bluegill, have become very active on southern waters, and panfishing activity has been very high, especially with the beautiful weather last weekend.
Along Lake Michigan, anglers fishing brown trout both from boats and from shore had a very good week at many locations including trolling off of Algoma, Kewaunee, Two Rivers, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Port Washington. Shore anglers also reported good action at Kewaunee, Two Rivers and Sheboygan and Milwaukee. In Door County, nice catches of brown trout were taken off of Sister Bay, Egg Harbor and Baileys Harbor. There are still a few steelheads in most of the Lake Michigan tributary streams but a low flow of water seems to have cut down on the numbers of fish.
The 2007 sturgeon spawning season is nearing its end. DNR fisheries crews are anticipating an end sometime this week. As of Wednesday, some fish were still spawning in the Wolf River near Shawano.
Turkey hunters reported some very large gobblers taken during the second period last week. Many hunters reported that gobblers are not responding to calls very well due to being henned up.
The spring bird migration is now in full swing. Last weekend’s strong south winds brought many new species to the state including numerous neotropical migrants. There have been sightings of eastern towhee, waterthrush, and a wide variety of warblers, including pine, Tennessee, northern palm, black-and-white, and black-throated green, along with the first big push of white-throated sparrows. A few scattered hummingbirds have also been reported, along with the first whip-poor-wills of the year.
Trumpeter swans are returning to the north to re-establishing nesting sights. White pelicans have been migrating back into the La Crosse area. The locally nesting giant Canada geese are on the nest and young will start hatching during the last week of April and first week of May.
Pasque flowers, anemones and marsh marigolds are blooming and trilliums are emerging from the leaf litter. Maple trees are blossoming. The warmer water temperatures brought spring peepers and chorus and tree frogs back into song, and American toads and leopard frogs have also begun to sing. Some brown, or Dekay's, snakes were on the move during the warm weather. Tick season has arrived so be sure to do a tick check after venturing into the woods or fields as wood and deer ticks have been reported on people and pets.
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.
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Statewide birding report
Migration is now in full swing across the state. Last weekend brought strong south winds and many new species including numerous neotropical migrants into the state. Birders reported good activity in woodlands including house wren, eastern towhee, pine warbler, Tennessee warbler, ovenbird, northern waterthrush, palm warbler, black-and-white warbler, prothonotary warbler, black-throated green warbler, Louisiana waterthrush, and the first big push of white-throated sparrows. A few scattered hummingbird reports have come in and one oriole report as well. Shorebirds are beginning to show up including both yellowlegs, pectoral, spotted and solitary sandpiper, and Dunlin. Rarities include marbled godwit in Ashland, black-necked stilts in Eau Claire and Jefferson County and willets in Middleton. Grassland birders have reported the first Henslow's and grasshopper sparrows as well as an upland sandpiper or two. Nocturnal birders reported good levels of owl activity in the last week as well as many woodcock, frogs and the first whip-poor-wills of the year. In addition, birders are still seeing good numbers of short-eared owls at large grassland/wetland areas. Birders looking up last weekend also reported our first strong movement of broad-winged hawks as well as sharp-shinned hawks and other species. The upcoming warm front next weekend should bring another strong push of neotropical migrants. Birders may want to check migration stopover areas for warblers and other neotrops. Wetland areas should be productive with least bittern, yellow-headed blackbird, moorhen, marsh wren and other migrants moving in. As always, please report any and all sightings to [www.ebird.org/WI] (exit DNR) to help track Wisconsin's bird populations.
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Wildfire Conditions as of April 26, 2007
Rain this week dropped fire danger levels in southern Wisconsin, but fire danger levels remain high in some northern areas and very high in the west central part of the state. Burning permits are still suspended in some areas. People should check local burning restrictions as they vary from one place to the next. Fire fighters responded to more than 175 wildfires in the last week. Debris burning continues to be the leading cause of wildfires in the state. Firewise Tip: Remove the “ladder fuels.” Vegetation that serves as a link between grass and tree tops can carry fire from vegetation to your home. Keep trees pruned six to ten feet from the ground.
DNR Northern Region wildfire conditions
The fire danger is High across the region. In parts of Northern Region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 93 fires burned a total of 192 acres with 25 structures saved and five structures receiving damage this week. This week a 35 acre fire burned in grass and pine in Lincoln County, threatening to burn 12 buildings. The fire is currently under investigation. One fire fighter suffered smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene. Another fire in Lincoln County burned 50 acres and was also a result of debris burning. The U.S. Forest Service helicopter was brought in to drop water on the fire and proved very effective. There were four structures threatened on this fire and all were saved. Additional injuries occurred on fires in the region this week. A landowner in Washburn County received burns to the hands and a firefighter received a laceration to the finger in Oneida County. Dry weather is predicted in the Northern Region for this coming week. Burning is only allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight with no burning on Sundays or legal holidays. The prescribed burning season is in full gear with a total of 21 prescribed burns on 877 acres completed this week.
DNR South Central Region wildfire conditions
The fire danger rating has dropped from very high to low this week. However, burning permits are still required. In parts of the region where DNR has wildfire suppression responsibilities, 11 wildfires burned 246 acres this week. Most of the acreage burned was due to a 200-acre grass fire in Rock County at the Lima Marsh Wildlife Area Sunday. Several area fire departments assisted on that fire. An additional 108 prescribed burns were conducted on 3,659 acres this week bringing the year-to-date total up to 12,635 acres!
DNR West Central Region wildfire conditions
Fire danger levels remain extremely high in some areas. Burning permits are still suspended in the region. In parts of the region where DNR has wildfire responsibilities, 37 fires were reported, burning over 300 acres. DNR received several calls for assistance in suppressing wildfires in other parts of the region as well. Most of the fires occurred over the weekend when warm temperatures, high winds, and low humidity settled in over the area. The largest fire was 159 acres in Jackson County. Although several fires had the potential to become very large and threatened many homes, local fire departments and DNR worked hard to control and contain the fires and no homes were lost. Four prescribed burns were completed on 158 acres this week.
DNR Northeast Region wildfire conditions
Currently, the fire danger across the region is high. Burning permits were cancelled Friday as wildfire conditions were on the rise, peaking at Extreme and a Red Flag Warning on Sunday. While burning permits are available once again in the Peshtigo Dispatch Group, they are still cancelled for the Waupaca Dispatch Group. In parts of the region where DNR has wildfire suppression responsibilities, 38 fires burned 158 acres. On Saturday, a 42-acre fire burned in Oconto County, caused by debris burning and an intentionally set fire burned 29 acres in Shawano County. A 52-acre fire burned in Marinette County on Sunday, threatening one structure. The cause of that fire is still under investigation. Sunday evening concluded with a barn fire in Forest County. Although some of the fires are still under investigation, debris burning still tends to be the leading cause. This week, 19 prescribed burns were completed on 1,042 acres.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Bois Brule River is flowing at 215 cubic feet per second (cfs). The 62 year average is 275 cfs. It is reported that smelt were running in Ashland last weekend. Normally the smelt run in the Bois Brule River is about two weeks behind Ashland. More birds are making their way north now that the snow has left the area. The tiny Winter wrens are serenading the woods with their incredibly energetic song. More information on this bird and a sound bite of their song can be found at [http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Winter_Wren.html#sound]. The Phoebes, White-throated sparrows, Northern flickers, and Mourning doves are also being seen and heard. Pasque flowers are blooming and dandelions are blooming alongside the warm sides of buildings. If you look closely at the red maples right now you will see that they are blossoming. Up close they have a very colorful and fragrant blossom. With last weekend's inch of rain vegetation is beginning to green up. Even with the precipitation the area remains dry. Fine fuels such as dead grasses can dry in an hour and become fuel for wild fires. This is especially an issue in the barrens where conditions are normally drier than the surrounding areas. Due to the high fire danger regular burning permits and annual burning barrel permits are cancelled until further notice in Douglas and Bayfield Counties. Fire danger and burning permit status information is available on the DNR web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/Fire/Fire_Danger/WDNR-fire_report.asp].
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Warm weather is expected to continue this week and into the weekend. Walleye spawning runs continue in many of the area streams and lakes. Sunny days are quickly increasing water temperatures and panfish are becoming more active. Frogs continue to awaken and the leopard frog and American toad can also be heard if one listens closely in the evening near a wetland. Tick season has arrived so be sure to do a tick check after venturing into the woods or fields as wood and deer ticks have been reported on people and pets. Green plants are starting to emerge on the forest floor and the buds are beginning to open on the woody vegetation. The number and variety of birds visiting area bird feeders continues to increase as the migrants find their way back to their summer range. The risk of forest fires currently is high in the Park Falls area. Please be sure to check if burning permits are being issued in your area before considering burning brush piles. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts are beginning to visit the Flambeau River and area waterways. Caution is advised when venturing out on the water in the spring when air temperatures are warm but the water is slowly warming and temperatures remain cold. Hypothermia can be a real danger if a person is exposed to the water without proper gear. Always wear a personal flotation device while enjoying paddle sports on the water and be sure to inform others of your trip plans and return time. Inspect your boat before placing it in the water this spring. Be sure the registration is up to date and all safety equipment is on board so you’re ready in the event of an emergency.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) -Ice cover is now gone from all lakes in the Northwoods and water temperatures have warmed into the upper-40s to low 50-degree range. DNR fishery crews have been busy surveying fish populations on many local waters and are just finishing up the walleye run on the larger waters. The musky spawning period is now underway and paired-up fish will continue to be seen in the shallows over the next several weeks. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have begun to show up in the shallows, but their spawning seasons are still several weeks away yet. As the water warms into the mid-50s, panfish will also start to move up shallow in greater numbers. Some nice crappie, perch and bluegill have been observed in shallower, dark-bottomed bays that get a lot of sun. Perch are now in the middle of their annual spawning ritual, with crappie beginning theirs as the water warms to the low 60s and bluegill when the water hits the mid to upper 60s. Angling pressure on area waters has been generally light, with just a few sucker and panfish anglers out trying their luck. Panfish success has been fair, with some nice crappie and bluegill being found in 3 to 5 feet of water in shallow, warm-water bays. Sucker fishing has also been fair with some decent catches of redhorse and white sucker coming from the deeper holes on the Flambeau and Chippewa rivers.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Due to the warm temperatures experienced in the Northwoods recently, walleye spawning activity is peaking and musky spawning has begun. This is leading up to a great potential for the general fishing season opener on May 5. Due to the wide range of lake ecosystems in this area a little scouting around should put a person into some active fish somewhere in the area. Opening day of fishing season is just over a week away, so make sure fishing licenses and boat registrations are current. Anglers statewide will be able to catch trout, walleye, sauger and northern pike on inland waters. In this area, catch and release bass season also begins on May 5 and runs through June 15 with the opener for keeping them June 16. In the ceded territory on waters where tribal spear fishing activity takes place, special bag limits may be in place so be sure to check the limit regulations on the body of water you intend to fish. Musky season does not begin until May 26 in the north. Remember to pick up the new fishing regulations, which are available at license outlets and area service centers. Spring rains have raised water levels on many lakes, rivers, and streams so exercise caution around any of these types of bodies of water. Don’t forget to wear your PFD when out on the water. For those people who enjoy bird watching in the area, bluebirds are back. Trumpeter swans are returning to the area so be on the lookout as these swans are on the endangered species list. Anyone who spots a trumpeter swan, especially with a plastic neck collar, should call the local service center. For identification purposes, tundra swans have a 6-7 foot wing span and are about 3 feet in height. Trumpeter swans have a wingspan of about 7 feet and are about 4 feet in height. It is best to view these swans from a distance and to use binoculars. The only hummingbird to breed east of the Mississippi River is the ruby-throated hummingbird. They should be returning to our area between May 1 through May 15. If one spots a yellow-bellied sapsucker, the ruby-throated hummingbird should not be too far behind as they follow the migration of these sapsuckers. The yellow-bellied sapsucker opens up sap wells that are an important food source for this particular hummingbird when floral nectar is not available. Although the area has received rain, fire season has arrived and fire danger in the area is very high. Burning permits are now required. People who burn are reminded to pay special attention to control fires. Many lake property owners will probably notice strange, brightly lit and monstrous looking boats at nighttime at this time of year. Fisheries staff has begun annual electro fishing operations on area lakes in order to survey fish populations. Fyke netting is primarily conducted during the daylight hours and is also used for determining the health of the fishery. April and May are the busiest times of year in this regard and fisheries staff can be seen on the water on an almost daily basis until spawning season has ended. In addition, DNR water quality biologists are collecting water samples to test for nutrient levels in approximately 50 area lakes. Many lakes exhibit increasing nutrient levels, sometimes as a result of increases in area development. The results will be used to monitor changes in lakes locally and statewide.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Water temperatures on the Peshtigo River have risen from around 46 degrees a week ago to 58 degrees, prompting a spawning run of lake sturgeon which can be viewed below the dam. The walleye spawn is mainly over, and the majority of fish caught below the dam are suckers in peak spawn. Anglers have been having the best catches by trolling or jigging minnows in deeper water. Yellow perch action has been slow on the pier at the mouth of the Menominee. Anglers reported numerous rock bass being caught while perch fishing. Fire danger continues to be high with several fires over the weekend. Annual burn permits are required for brush piles and burn barrels in the county. New regulation requires calling the toll free number, 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) or visit dnr.wi.gov/foretry/fire and click on "View Burning Permit Restriction" the day you plan to burn. A Hunter Safety Course will be offered at the Peshtigo DNR Service Center starting May 21 through 24. For Pre registration information call 715-582-3681. A few boats are reporting success on walleye near the mouth of the Menominee River after fishing for several hours.
Oconto County - The bite is slow for walleye and brown trout near the mouth of the Oconto River, but a few northern pike and yellow perch are being caught. Warm temperatures over the weekend resulted in a movement of lake sturgeon below the Stiles Dam. Walleyes were being caught in the lower Oconto River in the city of Oconto. Zip lures are working along with crank baits and a jig and a minnow. Some nice northern pike were also being taken on Green Bay and off the Oconto Breakwall. Dead smelt are the best bet off the breakwall. There are a large number of perch in the area as well and folks are reminded that perch season is closed until May 20. Many reports of large gobblers taken during the second period last week. Many hunters complaining though that they are seeing birds but they are not responding to calls very well due to being henned up.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - In Manitowoc, the past week has been stellar for brown trout anglers. Boaters trolling Lake Michigan along the Manitowoc shoreline had many large catches throughout the week of brown trout, lake trout, and even a few large catfish. Lake trout were large and varied between 7-10 pounds. Anglers had the most success trolling in 12-16 feet of water with bright colored stick baits. Brown trout anglers that were fishing from shore also had a great week with the most activity half-way down the south pier and on the northern end of the breakwater. On the Manitowoc River, anglers that launched boats at Manitou Park had a good week picking up smallmouth bass, northern pike, and suckers. Steelhead fishing on the Branch River was slow this past week. In Two Rivers, brown trout anglers had a great week fishing inside the harbor. Anglers reported having the most action using jointed stick baits with some orange or red. South pier anglers had slower fishing this week. Boats trolling out of Two Rivers along the shoreline also had a good week. Anglers that trolled the shoreline came back with brown trout ranging in size from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds. On the East Twin River, rainbow trout anglers had a fair week. Angler preference was spawn sacs and bobbers or small sized spoons with the most angler pressure concentrated near the Mishicot dam. Fishing seemed best in early morning and mid afternoon with a few large Chambers Creek strain rainbow being caught that ranged in weight from 7 to 8 pounds. On the West Twin River, rainbow trout fishing was slow. Anglers that waded into the river in the late evenings have been able to land a few nice rainbows. At the Shoto Public Launch anglers fishing with worms were able to catch bullheads throughout the week.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County – It was a decent week weather-wise in Door County, with mostly sunny days, and temperatures on the mild to warm side. The only exception was on Wednesday, which was on the cool side with a few scattered showers. There are still a few steelheads in most of the Lake Michigan tributary streams but a low flow of water seems to have cut down on the numbers of fish. Nice catches of brown trout were taken off of Sister Bay and Egg Harbor and from the shore at Baileys Harbor. Perch continue to be taken off the causeway over the north end of Kangaroo Lake, mostly on minnows fished under a slip bobber. Some browns and a lot of northern pike continued to be taken out of Sturgeon Bay.
Peninsula State Park - Trails are ready for summer use, but some bike trail sections are wet or under water. Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. The Tennison Bay campground is open year-round. Only vault toilets and a central water supply are available until May 1. Peninsula State Park golf course opens April 28.
Kewaunee County - Weather conditions over the past few days have been excellent for fishing. With the mild temperatures and calmer winds many an angler has been out. Anglers have been reporting that some brown trout have been caught by trolling off of Algoma and Kewaunee. Browns have been caught by anglers trolling primarily using stick baits of various colors. Anglers fishing off of the south pier in Kewaunee have been doing very well this past week. A number of fish over 6 pounds have been taken. Most of the steelhead run has ended in the tributaries located in the county.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Upper Fox-Wolf basin fisheries report - The 2007 sturgeon spawning season is nearing its end. DNR fisheries crews are anticipating an end sometime this week. The fish began spawning last Thursday, April 19. As if Wednesday, fish were spawning in the Wolf River near Shawano. The best place for viewing this spectacular, annual event was below the Shawano dam. However, the time for viewing is closing fast. For more information on sturgeon spawning call (920) 303-5444 for up to the date information.
High Cliff State Park - Horse/bike trails are open for the season. Hiking trails are in excellent condition. Lake Winnebago water temperatures are still cool. Spring/Summer fishing season has begun. The warbler migration has begun. Wildflowers are beginning to bloom. All water is turned on for the season in the park and campgrounds. Family campground shower building will open the first weekend in May. Advance reservations are recommended for weekends to assure availability-High Cliff is 100 percent reservable status. Non electric sites are usually available mid-week without an advance reservation.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Anemones and marsh marigolds are blooming. Toads are calling, song sparrows and field sparrows are calling, and bluebirds are being seen.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All nature and hiking trails are open. All campsites are open. The trailer dump station, showers, flush toilets, and water fountains are open for the season. There will be a Spring Volunteer Potluck on Friday, April 27, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. New and existing volunteers are welcome. Please bring a dish to share. Beverages and flatware will be provided. The event will include a welcome and message from Jim Mohr, Friends of Kohler-Andrae president; a park project update by Jim Buchholz, park manager; and Volunteer of the Year award ceremony.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, flows have dropped on the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers, and steelhead fishing has been difficult. At the Sheboygan lakefront, anglers have been catching decent numbers of browns and a few steelhead on minnows, spoons and a variety of crankbaits off the south pier. The morning bite has been better than the afternoon hours.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers fishing the outside of the pier continue to catch some browns and even a few lake trout. Most fish have been hitting minnows and spoons. Shore fishing has been relatively slow near the power plant, but boaters out of Port Washington have been catching good numbers of browns and a few lake trout on spoons in 15 to 40 feet of water.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, good numbers of browns have been taken on minnows, spawn or spoons near the Summerfest grounds. A few browns have also been caught on spawn fished off the pier in Grant Park. After some rain on Monday, water levels on Oak Creek have come up, and a few steelhead have been taken on yarn flies or other egg imitations. Boaters out of Milwaukee have been catching browns north of the harbor and around the gaps, as well as off the Oak Creek Power Plant. A few lake trout have also been caught north of the harbor.
Racine County - On the Root River in Racine flows have been dropping, and water clarity is improving. Steelhead action on the Root has been relatively slow, but there are still fish spread throughout the river. A few steelhead have been hitting black wooley buggers or egg sucking leeches, as well as chartreuse yarn flies. The Root River Steelhead Facility was shut down on Monday, April 16. DNR crews processed 428 steelhead at the facility this season. Egg taking goals have been met, and approximately 370,000 Chambers Creek strain and 290,000 Ganaraska strain eggs have been taken. At the Racine lakefront, a number of browns have been taken off the piers on spoons and shallow diving crankbaits.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha fishing in the harbor has been slow. Trollers off Kenosha should start to see good numbers of coho in the next couple of weeks, but brown trout have been providing action in the meantime.
Inland fisheries team report
The waters in Southeastern Wisconsin are starting to warm up. Panfish, especially crappie and bluegill become more active seeking warmer water prior to spawning. Panfishing is very popular with area anglers. Sunny days are usually the best.
Walworth and inland Racine and Kenosha counties - Water temperatures vary depending on the size and depth of the lake. Larger, deeper lakes are still in the 40s, and smaller, shallower lakes are in the 50s and 60s. Shallow bays and lagoons are the warmest and that is where the best fishing has been. Anglers were catching bluegills on jigs and waxworms, leaf worms, and minnows. Anglers were catching white bass, crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, rock bass, walleye, and northern pike on the Fox River between Rochester and Burlington.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Some anglers reported excellent crappie fishing in area lakes last week. However, DNR fisheries crews saw few panfish in shallow water during electro fishing surveys during that week. The fish will come into the shallows during warm days and head back to deeper water as the water cools. Trout streams have been in great shape so far. The stocked trout may be a bit on the small side this spring and it is recommended that anglers carry a ruler with them to avoid any legal problems.
Waukesha County - Anglers have been having good luck on crappies and bluegills on Upper Nemahbin, Beaver and North lakes, concentrating efforts on dark bottom bays as well as any green weeds that have emerged. The baits of choice have been minnows and small jigs.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area -The rapid warm up has encouraged many woodland wildflowers to emerge and the early ones to come into bloom. Warmer water temperatures has brought not only the spring peepers, and chorus frogs into song, but the first tree frogs and American toads have begun to sing. The cool temperatures that followed have slowed progress down a bit, but the next warm front will advance the season even further. Each year, the migrant Canada geese depart east-central Wisconsin between about April 17 to 21. The southerly winds of April 20 and 21 provided ideal conditions for migration and over this past weekend visitors saw the departure of literally hundreds of thousands of geese as they headed for their nesting grounds in the Hudson Bay area of central Ontario. The geese that remain are the local nesting giant Canada geese, which presently are on the nest and expected hatching of young will occur during the last week of April and first week of May. Those same south winds also brought migrant birds into the area, with the arrival of the first white-throated sparrow, blue-gray gnatcatcher, large numbers of yellow-rumped warblers and other songbirds and marsh birds. Wildlife viewing opportunities are increasing with the arrival of spring birds with the best chance to see and learn about our migrant birds being available during the Horicon Marsh Bird Festival, conducted on May 11 through 14. A complete schedule of events can be found at
www.marshmelodies.com.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil's Lake State Park - The lake flies are out in force in their usual spring hatching. They’re here in the millions for about two weeks in April and can be a harmless nuisance. They don’t sting or bite. They’ll probably be gone by the end of April, and visitors won’t find them more than 200 feet from the lake shore. Hikers have reported finishing their lakeside walks with a squashed bug layer of green slime on their feet. All hiking trails are open, but as usual, are quite muddy and wet in many places. Mountain bike trails will likely remain closed most of the time from now through May. Trails are easily damaged during wet conditions. All campsites are open, but not all water facilities are turned on yet. The park hopes to have water taps, showers, running water restrooms, and RV dump/fill stations open by April 27. Call the park and listen to the recorded phone message for the most up-to-date information. The Friends of Devil's Lake State Park will be having a volunteer work day Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Meet at the north shore Rock Elm Shelter. Please come dressed for outdoor work, including gloves and work clothes. Pre-registration is requested so enough food will be available. Call the park, (608) 356-8301 ext. 3106, for more information.
Dane County - Panfish anglers had some luck sporadically on bays and rivers entering the Madison Lakes. Bluegills and crappies were biting on channels on the north end of Lake Mendota, Monona Bay, Lake Farm Park on Lake Waubesa, and Fish and Crystal lakes. Anglers using light lines and small jigs and flies tipped with spikes and waxworms had the best luck. Walleyes are completing their spawning. Fish watchers are enjoying watching the muskies jumping on to the spillway at Vilas Park. Lots of big fish are in the area. Second period turkey hunters had some success and hunting pressure seemed to be very light. Some hunters reported gobblers in groups of birds with jakes and hens. They weren’t gobbling much. The birds seemed to evaporate from fields during the week and were spending more time in the woods. Softwoods have leafed out and oak trees are just beginning to leaf out. The woods are still quite brown but will be greening up rapidly. Farmers got out in the fields plowing over the weekend as things dried up, but a Sunday night rainstorm made fields muddy again. Bluebirds, robins, and house finches are nesting. Purple martins appeared last weekend and barn swallows should be back soon. Rose breasted grosbeaks and indigo buntings have been reported.
Jefferson County - Water levels on the Rock and Crawfish rivers have slowly been going down. Jefferson County’s emergency slow-no-wake ordinance is still in effect on the rivers and streams in the county due to the high water levels. Anglers have been catching a few walleye on the Rock River in Watertown. Most of the females are spawned out. Over the past weekend some white bass were being caught on the Crawfish River by Hubbleton. The white bass were biting on both night crawlers and twistertails. Anglers have also been catching some catfish on night crawlers on both the Rock and Crawfish rivers. Most of the catfish that have been caught are under a pound though. Due to the warm weather over the past weekend, trees have really begun to leaf out. The woods are now showing a green tint. The warm weather over the past weekend also brought boaters out in force. Canoeists and personal watercraft operators took advantage of the high 70 degree days. Turkey hunters are having good success bagging birds. During the second time period many hunters reported the birds were vocal in the morning but came in quiet the rest of the day.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - As of April 25, there was not much rain over the past weekend so river level and clarity were holding at a good level for trout anglers. Trout fishing catch and release season ends Sunday. Panfish action has been slow on the lake. Among the regular wildlife sightings like white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, reports came in of a large snapping turtle in the Willow Falls area and a barred owl was at the Hidden Ponds area. Fox snakes were reported in the falls area. The campground flush toilets, showers, and the dump station will be open by the weekend. Camping reservations also begin this weekend. There were a few electrical sites and many non electric sites open for the weekend as of Tuesday. For reservations call (888) 947-2757. The next full moon hike and bird lecture will be Saturday, May 5. The event is at the Nature Center beginning at 7 p.m. with the lecture. The lecture topic is warblers and buntings. The lecture\hike is free with a Wisconsin State Parks vehicle admission sticker.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Weather conditions in the La Crosse Area over the past weekend included strong south winds, which made fishing the Mississippi River challenging. Walleye anglers were having very limited success below Dresbach Dam with some having better action on wing dams. Anglers were having some action on perch, crappie and bluegill in area backwaters. Bass fishers reported spotty action with some reporting action on few but large smallmouth and largemouth bass along woody structure in backwater channels. Turkey hunters reported good action over the weekend. Rufous-sided towhees, yellow-rumped warblers, white-crowned sparrows, field sparrows, and savanna sparrows have moved into the area. Some brown or Dekay's snakes were on the move during the warm weather. These snakes exhibit a major migration from their winter hibernacula in late April. These small, docile snakes feed on worms, slugs, and snails and are preyed upon by shrews, weasels, cats, other snakes, and some birds. White pelicans have been migrating back into the La Crosse area. Although most of them will continue migration to western Minnesota or North Dakota, some will remain along the Mississippi.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
The fire danger level is high. Several fires in the Black River Falls Area over the weekend kept fire control crews busy with fire suppression activities. Fire danger can change from high to very high and extreme levels day to day depending on temperatures, wind and humidity. Burning restrictions remain in effect with in the Black River Falls DNR fire protection area.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - With the spring bird migration underway visitors have been seeing or hearing several species including: rose-breasted grosbeaks, loons, robins, red polls, wrens, phoebes, Canada geese, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, and belted kingfishers. The great blue herons, green herons, osprey and bald eagles are working on their nests. The maples have begun to leaf out. Marsh marigolds and hepaticas have begun to bloom. Trilliums are emerging from the leaf litter. Area open water panfish action has been moderate to fast at times in the sheltered bays and lagoons. Hikers have many great opportunities within the park. Whether it’s using the island’s trail system, exploring the wilder areas of the park, or a brisk walk on the park road, you’re sure to enjoy these beautiful woodlands. The Brunet Island State Park North campground is open with pit toilets and hand water pumps available. The South campground is open year round with electric sites, hand water pump, and pit toilets available. The campground showers and dump station will reopen in mid May. The park dump station is open and fully operational at this time.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Many people have been fishing for walleyes along the Buckhorn bridge each day. The boat boarding piers and fishing pier are in. Sites 8, 9, 16, group camp sites (A1-A8 and B1-B3), 20-22, 23-24, and 26-29 are open for camping. 10-12 and 25 will be open this weekend. More sites will be opening in the next couple weeks. Some boundaries between park and wildlife area B have changed. Check with the park office for information. Spring turkey hunting: park is 15C. Wildlife Area B is area 15. Spring is a great time for taking wildlife photos for the annual photo contest. 2007 youth deer hunt applications are now available. Deadline is July 15. There are still openings for the accessible cabin.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The first loop of the campground is currently open. The trailer dumping station is also open for the season. Water is available near the park office. Enjoy a great spring hike up the stairway to the top of the Roche-A-Cri Mound. Deer and Turkeys are easily spotted throughout the park. Hepatica blooms have been spotted in the park. The Roche-A-Cri Woods State Natural Area, East of state highway 13, is open for spring turkey hunting as part of zone 18. The 2007 photo contest is well underway - remember your camera to catch great springtime photos for the contest.
Last Revised: Thursday April 26 2007
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