Colder temperatures are arriving and ice is starting to form again on some southern and central Wisconsin waters, but this early ice should not be considered safe and people should refrain from venturing out until at least several inches of ice has formed. In the north, ice conditions vary but should improve substantially as the colder temperatures settle in. Most ice on northern lakes is less than 1 foot thick.
A winter snow storm is in the forecast for later this weekend, but as of mid-week, only far north central Wisconsin was reporting enough snow for winter recreation (Snow Conditions Report - exit DNR), and only the Hurly area in Iron county was reporting conditions as good for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Conditions in Vilas and Oneida counties ranged from fair to poor. Snow depths in that region ranged from about 3 to 7 inches. The ski trails in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest have been cleared of branches and packed down, but there has not been enough snow yet to set tracks.
The generally mild weather last weekend brought out many panfish anglers across the north and success was reported as good, with many making some good catches of crappie, bluegill and perch. Tip-up fishing for walleye showed a little more consistency, with many anglers catching at least a walleye or two, with some anglers getting their limit of three fish ranging from 13 to 18 inches long. Northern pike fishing continued to be excellent on most northern waters.
Record breaking warm temperatures have kept southern and central lakes free of ice. Many area anglers have taken advantage of the warm weather to fish open waters. Boaters have again been fishing Green Bay, Lake Michigan and the Fox, Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Water skiers were reported out on Big Cedar Lake on Jan. 6! Fish have apparently not gone into typical winter patterns, and are more scattered, which makes them harder to target.
Along Lake Michigan and Green Bay, action continued to be good for rainbow and brown trout on tributary streams. Lake Michigan trollers have been active with good reports of chinooks and brown trout reported. Harbor anglers have been catching a few browns.
The Mississippi River was on the rise for most of last week and the river stage was at 7.9 feet at Prairie du Chien by the end of the week. Most of the Mississippi River’s backwater areas that froze over a couple weeks ago are now ice free. The Main Channel and East Channel are also ice free. Even Pool 9 is almost completely open water. There is no ice fishing action in the area due to no or poor ice. Some walleye and sauger anglers were out fishing below dams.
Large numbers of dead gizzard shad have been reported at various locations on Lake Winnebago since mid-October. Gizzard shad are on the northern edge of their range in this area, and they typically die in fairly large numbers in late fall and winter when water temperatures drop. This year was unusual in that there were huge numbers of larger shad in the system. This is a natural ecological event that goes on most winters under the ice so it is not as noticeable. Gulls, eagles, osprey, mink, raccoon, and other animals will feast on the dead shad.
There were a lot of eagles in the DeSoto Bay area earlier this week. Great horned owls are calling vigorously. Owls are territorial, and one of the primary reasons that owls call is to verbally defend their territories from other owls of their own kind. Great horned owls will continue calling well into February. Egg laying typically takes place from late January through mid-February, and owlets are born about a month later.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Temperatures so far this year have had highs that were 10 degrees above average while the overnight temperatures were 20 degrees above average. After the long stretch of above average temperatures the Brule area is expected to return to more seasonal temperatures. As of Jan. 11, the Afterhours ski trails are unsuitable for skiing. There is some snow left but it is very patchy. People are reminded that burning permits are needed until the ground is completely snow covered. Lack of adequate precipitation this winter has left the area in a continued drought situation. See the Palmer Drought Index for the year long progression.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Temperatures are forecast to be much colder toward the end of the week. Ice conditions vary across the area but should improve substantially as the colder temperatures settle in. Continued caution is advised for people venturing out on the ice with recreational vehicles for fishing or travel. Remember, most of the ice is less than 1 foot thick on area lakes. The snowmobile trails need snow, though there is no significant snow forecast along with the cold conditions for the next five days. Most snow related activities are on hold pending significant snowfall. Call the area you plan on visiting to get updated snowmobile trail and ski conditions. Fishing success has improved but still varies across the area. Walleye activity is better toward evening hours and some fish are being caught in water depths of 15 feet or less. Perch have also provided some action. Bluegill and crappie action has also been fair to good. Bow season ended and all indicators point toward a successful deer season with a healthy population remaining. Fur registration has been brisk in the area as trappers had good success with bobcat otter and fisher. Beaver trappers have had easy access to beaver ponds with little snow to hamper their efforts. Many local winter events are planned check the dates of these events and try an evening ski outing or an ice fishing contest. Get out and enjoy the numerous winter activities.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - More consistent and seasonal weather made for increased angling activity on waters in the Upper Chippewa Basin. The trend of a generally mild winter has continued and helped to bring out the panfish anglers this past weekend. Anglers seemed to spread out among many of the smaller lakes in the area and success was reported as good, with many making some good catches of crappie, bluegill and perch. The fish were suspended a couple feet off the bottom and small teardrop jigs tipped with waxworms or mousies provided the best action. In addition, action on several stocked trout lakes was excellent with Patterson, Twin and Spruce lakes being a few basin hotspots. Tip-up fishing for walleye showed a little more consistency during the past week, with many anglers targeting the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, the Phillips Chain, Butternut Lake and Cranberry Lake. Most anglers reported catching at least a walleye or two, with some anglers getting their limit of three fish ranging from 13 to 18 inches long. Medium sucker minnows were the most productive bait, as anglers were getting a lot of perch flags when using smaller-sized minnows. Deep weed edges, medium-depth mud flats and deep break lines at the 6 to 12-foot depth were the key areas and the hour before dark produced the best action. Northern pike fishing continued to be excellent on most area waters. Most fish have been in the 18 to 24 inch size and the best success has come on sunny days, with large golden shiners fished near shallow weed beds. Ice depths have reached a thickness of 8 to 10 inches on most area lakes and is still considered too thin for regular vehicle travel. There are still reports coming in of ATVs and even anglers falling through in areas of thin ice -- so anglers are still warned to be cautious when venturing out on unknown waters. The ice cover is generally flat and rather slick, with just a light coating of snow from earlier in the week.
Flambeau River State Forest -
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Unseasonably warm temperatures and a lack of new snow have left recreational trails in poor condition. Both snowmobile and ski trails are showing signs of fatigue. However the wooded ski trails are fairing better that the snowmobile trails. This week predicted colder temperatures will aid in ice development but lack of snow is greatly hampering those activities. Lack of snow on the ice has left ice travel very treacherous so be sure to use some type of “ice creeper” for foot travel. Ice depths vary greatly with the maximums reported at only about 10 inches. Fish action is reported to be good throughout the area. The best action is in relation to weed beds.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - All ski trails have been cleared of trees and packed but we are still waiting on snow to set track.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The colder temperatures are making ice on area waters. Snow cover is lacking throughout the county allowing for good hiking access to state lands. An observer reported a large flock of turkeys in the Crivitz area along an agricultural field numbering approximately 35. Turkey numbers look promising for the spring turkey hunt. Inland fishing on smaller lakes has produced some panfish and northerns for anglers.
Oconto County – Anglers at the Oconto Harbor for several days were catching many 7-inch yellow perch and a few catches contained a couple of 10-plus- inch fish. However, on Sunday it took more effort to catch fish compared to the other days during the week.
Shawano County - Ice conditions are very poor with large open spots on most area waters. Little to no snow in the area keeps snowmobilers at bay. Extreme caution is advised as ice conditions are unpredictable at this time.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - The Fox River has continued to attract walleye anglers.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Most of the access areas to Green Bay have open water but a few on the east shore 'iced' in with broken up ice. These access points are Dykesville, Sugar Creek, Chaudoir's Dock, and the access point by Rite's Cove on Wilcox Road. A few anglers in boats have been looking for northern pike near Potawatomi State Park as well near the Hwy. 42 Bridge in Sturgeon Bay. The anglers along the shore at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club faired better, catching a few limits of yellow perch ranging from 7 to 10 inches. This success dropped on Saturday when the temperatures dropped.
Peninsula State Park - As of Jan. 9, the unseasonably warm weather has made hiking the activity of choice. No winter trails are open. The sledding hill remains closed until at least four inches of snow falls. Ski and snowmobile trails remain closed. Call (920) 854-5976 for information about winter programming.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Upper Fox-Wolf basin fisheries report - Not much fishing activity due to the lack of ice. Some open water fishing has been reported in the Fox River by Eureka. Anglers were catching walleyes by shore and boat; however, the walleyes were running small and anglers have had to spend some time to get their five keepers. Large numbers of dead gizzard shad have been reported at various locations on Lake Winnebago since mid-October. Gizzard shad are on the northern edge of their range in this area, and they typically die in fairly large numbers in late fall and winter when water temperatures drop. This is especially true when water temperatures drop abruptly, as happened in mid-October. Usually, it is common to see thousands of small ones (2 to 4 inches long) frozen in the ice in channels, bays and inlets. They are seeking any warmer water that they can find. This year was unusual in that there were huge numbers of 9- to 12-inch shad in the system from the large 2005 year class. These fish were very numerous in various spots around the lake during DNR fall fish sampling. Usually, the lake is covered with ice and snow, hiding the dead shad from view. In addition to them seeking warmer water in channels and inlets, with the large amount of open water out on the lake, the dead shad are free to drift and accumulate on shorelines and in channels in large numbers. During the first major die off in early November fisheries crews investigated and found the fish to be exclusively gizzard shad, with no other species observed. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about them. It is a natural ecological event that goes on most winters, and is part of the natural processes of the lake system. This year it is problematic in that they are concentrating on windward shorelines and creating an unsavory situation. Gulls, eagles, osprey, mink, raccoon, etc. will feast on them, or they will simply decompose, especially when the temperatures warm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST REGION
Record breaking warm temperatures have kept local lakes free of ice. Many area anglers have taken advantage of the warm weather to fish the open waters of Lake Michigan and its tributary streams for rainbows and browns. Fishing has been generally good depending on wind direction. Water temperatures in the Milwaukee harbor are still in the mid 40s. Fish will move into the inner harbor as water temps approach the mid 30s.
Sheboygan County – In Sheboygan, flows on the Sheboygan River are good, and a few steelhead can be found in upstream stretches. When Sheboygan trollers have been able to get out on the lake, they have been catching good numbers of chinooks south of the harbor in 30 to 40 feet of water. Browns have also been caught near the power plant.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - There is no snow in the area. The area has been receiving rain, so hiking trails may be wet or icy. There will be a Candlelight Hike this Saturday, Jan. 13, from 6-9 p.m. Join us for a hike on the 2-mile torch-lit trail. Warm up and enjoy refreshments at the park shelter building. No pets allowed. A vehicle park sticker is required.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore anglers have been catching a few browns on spawn and spoons. The discharge at the power plant remains turned off.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, water levels are good on the Milwaukee River, and some steelhead can be found at Kletzsch Park. Shore fishing at the Milwaukee lakefront has been spotty for browns and steelhead both by the Summerfest grounds and at Jones Island. Boaters out of Milwaukee have been finding good numbers of browns in the harbor.
Havenwoods State Forest - Two great horned owls, tree sparrows, male and female cardinals, red-bellied woodpeckers, numerous bluebirds, opossums, and lots of deer have been seen or heard recently.
Racine County - In Racine, flows on the Root River are ideal. Browns and steelhead remain in the upper end of Colonial Park as well as Quarry Park. Bright egg pattern flies or black wooley buggers and egg sucking leeches have proven effective for the browns. Spawn sacs have worked well for catching steelhead.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, most action has been in the small boat harbor, where browns and a few steelhead have been taken on spoons and spawn.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Open water is the word. Believe it or not, water skiers were out on Big Cedar Lake on January 6th. Some open water fishing was reported at Pike Lake near Hartford with anglers having some success on walleyes. No other reports have been coming in. Shore fishing should be good at Sheboygan Marsh near the county park. Cold weather is projected for next week so we can hope that some hard-water fishing is ahead of us.
Waukesha County - With no ice on area lakes, fishing pressure has been extremely light. A few folks have brought their boats out and are open water fishing. Most report that fishing is slow. Fish have apparently not gone into typical winter patterns, and are more scattered, which makes them harder to target. Some northern pike have been caught on Big Muskego Lake. The Nemahbins have produced some crappies. Okauchee Lake reports some panfish action, but most fish have been small.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
No reports.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - As of Jan. 8, trail conditions were variable from dry to icy. Ski poles with sharp tips are very helpful for hikers on slippery areas at present. Hikers have taken advantage of the delayed ski season. When the park receives adequate snow, ski trails will be limited to skiing, which will limit hikers to fewer trails. Meanwhile, hike those one way ski trails that are normally not available to hikers. Ask for a Winter Trails map. Anglers are going out on the lake again. The water had become milk chocolate colored with runoff in the Willow River system into last weekend. It might be clear by mid week if the weather stays below freezing. The power auger is okay on the lake. Trumpeter Swans are among the waterfowl visible at the upper end of the lake. Winter Fest is on for this Saturday, Jan. 13, in spite of no measurable snow as of Tuesday. Unless there is a radical change in weather now, the planned “on snow” activities are off. There will be an ice skating area, an ice fishing lesson, ski waxing instruction, ski training instruction in the classroom and on the trails (bring ski poles and good trail shoes,) a scavenger hunt for kids, and a guided nature hike. Loaner discs for the disc golf course will be available. Door prizes (donation required) are available as are refreshments (fee.) The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A park sticker is required for vehicles. The scheduled adult cross country ski lesson is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20. If there is still no skiable snow, possible activities would include dry land training, ski waxing, and video instruction. This scribe reports that the benefits of regular “dry land” training are worth the effort once on snow. A park sticker is required on vehicles along with a small fee for those not members of the park’s Friends group. The Wednesday evening sessions may move to a place that has snowmaking. Call the park office if you plan to attend the Saturday session or any of the Wednesday evening training sessions. (715)386-5931. A Candlelight Ski and Hike, which will run with or without snow is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m.. With enough snow, there will be a ski and hike; otherwise it will be a hike only. A park sticker is required on all vehicles.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Winter activities in La Crosse are slow, as with most of the state, there is no snow and no ice. A few anglers have been going out with boats and catching some nice perch and a few sauger below the dams at Trempealeau and La Crosse. But for the most part, anglers reported fishing to be slow. Rabbit hunters, despite the lack of snow, are still finding plenty of rabbits for fun hunting. Squirrel hunters were also enjoying successful hunts along with the mild temperatures. The archery season closed quietly with few people taking advantage of the late season. The La Crosse Metro deer management Unit 59M remains opened for archery hunting until Jan. 31. Grouse hunters continue to find it difficult to locate grouse as most of the forests in the Coulee Region have matured into pole stage timber and poor habitat for grouse. With all the opened water and no snow bald eagles can be seen from just about anywhere along the Mississippi River. Great horned owls are calling vigorously. Owls are territorial, and one of the primary reasons that owls call is to verbally defend their territories from other owls of their own kind. Great horned owls will continue calling well into February. On still nights, listen for the deep WHOO, WHOO-WHOO, WHOO-WHOO, WHOO call of the male. Often the female mate will reply in a higher pitched WHOO, WHOO-WHOO-WHOO, WHOO-OO, WHOO-OO. The great horned owl is probably the most widely distributed breeding bird in North America, and it also occurs through Central America into South America. These owls rarely build their own nests. Instead they usually occupy nests formerly constructed by crows, Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, or squirrels. Egg laying typically takes place from late January through mid-February, and owlets are born about a month later.
Mississippi River - More waterfowl than usual are present on the Mississippi as a result of our very mild winter. A couple thousand tundra swans are still present. Although well below the peak of over 50,000, it is likely the most ever seen in January. Ice fishing is non-existent, so more people have resorted to fishing from shore or boats.
Crawford County - There is no snow on the ground anywhere in the county, therefore all snowmobile trails are closed. The Mississippi River was on the rise for most of last week. By the end of the week the river stage was at 7.9 feet. Most of the Mississippi River’s backwater areas that froze over a couple weeks ago are now ice free. Even Pool 9 is almost completely open water. Areas like Cold Spring, Spring Lake and the Ambro Slough Complex are now mostly open water. Sturgeon Slough near Prairie du Chien still has some ice; however, it is difficult to access and the ice is starting to weaken. The Main Channel and East Channel are also ice free. Most of the backwater areas along the Wisconsin River are also ice free or have very little ice. What little ice there is should be considered extremely dangerous. Even though colder night time temperatures are starting to show up, it will take some long periods of cold weather to make safe ice conditions. There is no ice fishing action in the area due to no or poor ice. Some limited ice fishing is happening on Sturgeon Slough. Access to the ice, which should be considered dangerous, can only be made by wearing hip boots or using a plank of wood. Action there has been pretty good; however, the local Conservation Warden warns anglers that the ice in that location is deterioration due to rising water. Bluegill action at Cold Spring was spotty. The only fishing going on at Cold Spring has been from shore. The south end of the south pond has some ice, but it too is very thin and dangerous. Bluegill action in the Ferryville/Lansing area was slow due to the ice conditions. Walleye and sauger fishing wasn’t bad this week. Some anglers were out because of the moderate weather. Fishing below the dam at Lynxville produced a few walleyes and sauger this week. The boat ramp at Gordon’s Bay is open. Anglers were finding some active fish below the dam at near/in McDonald’s slough. The deep hole outside of Prairie du Chien in the East Channel had been very good. Some really nice limits of sauger had been taken, however as the week ended the activity there slowed. Bald Eagles are finding their way further inland. Eagles can be seen throughout the county along stream beds and along open fields. There were a lot of eagles in the DeSoto Bay area earlier this week.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Monroe County -
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The recent warm weather has deteriorated ice conditions on the Castle Rock Flowage. There is open water on much of the Castle Rock Flowage. Small game hunting and trapping are allowed in wildlife areas A and B. Pick up hunting rules and maps at the park office. Campsites 8, 9, and 16 are open for camping and are non-reservable. All other campsites are closed. Water is available at the park office. The 2007 photo contest has started - remember your camera to take winter pictures for the contest.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Campsites and facilities are closed for the season, but the park remains open for day use. Parking is available at the winter parking lot on Czech Avenue. The stairway to the top of the Roche-A-Cri Mound is not maintained for winter use. Hunting is allowed in the Roche-A-Cri Natural Area EAST of Hwy. 13 only. The 2007 photo contest has started - remember your camera to take winter pictures for the contest.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/#top
