Areas of northern Wisconsin received from a trace to up to 3 inches of snow in the last week, but as of Thursday only northern Vilas County was reporting any significant snow cover, with up to a foot of snow still on the ground. Rivers and some lakes are opening up quickly, and the national weather service has cautioned that portions of southern Wisconsin are currently at a higher risk of flooding.
Fishing pressure in the Northwoods has been relatively light in the past week. The return to winter-like conditions seemed to put the early-spring panfish bite on hold, but the colder weather has kept ice in good condition on most Northwoods lakes. Most of the snow has melted down on the lakes and ice thickness varies between 16 and 20 inches. A fair number of panfish anglers have been moving around to different lakes and trying to find active fish. There have been a couple of reports of fair catches of crappie and bluegill, but success has been generally slow.
Ice conditions in the south are highly variable. Anglers reported 2 inches of ice in some areas and 15 inches in others. Most anglers are waiting for the ice to clear so they can fish for panfish from boats. Perch are being found throughout Lake Winnebago and on some southeastern Wisconsin lakes. Walleye fishing on Lake Poygan has been very good.
Inland rivers and streams are opening up with ice still bordering the banks of many. The Wolf River has opened up as far north as southern Shawano County. Inland trout streams are up to their banks at this time with some flowing over.
Along Lake Michigan, the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers have good flow, and some steelhead have been taken. Water levels on Sauk Creek are good, but only a few steelhead have been caught. Flows and water clarity on Oak Creek are relatively good, but only a few steelhead have been taken there. The Menomonee River is fishable and a few steelhead have been caught near Miller Park. Flows have dropped considerably on the Root River and a few steelhead and browns have been caught. The Root River Steelhead Facility is up and running. DNR crews will be processing steelhead at the facility in the coming weeks. Water levels on the Pike River are good, but fishing pressure has been low. Shore anglers in Port Washington and Milwaukee continue to catch fair numbers of brown trout in the harbors.
With rain and snow melt the Mississippi River rose more than 4 feet this week and was at 12 feet at Prairie du Chien Monday. The Main Channel is breaking up. Anglers had difficulty finding walleye due to muddy water conditions. A few ice anglers went out on what little ice is left in some backwater areas.
With lakes opening up, boat owners should be checking to make sure safety equipment including but not limited to personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, boat lights and batteries are all in order and that registrations are current. Owners of approximately 280,000, boats registered in Wisconsin should have recently received renewal notices reminding them that their three-year registrations expire March 31. However, anyone hoping to register a boat on line should note that due to maintenance of computer systems, online boating and recreational vehicle registration will not be functional from 5 p.m. Friday, March 23, through Sunday March 25. If you have difficulty, please try again on Monday, March 26 after 7 a.m.
Cold temperatures and north winds temporarily stalled bird migrations this week, but large numbers of migrating eagles were reported this week along the Mississippi River and the Lake Superior shoreline, including 11 golden eagles seen in Bayfield County. Some bald eagles are already reportedly sitting on eggs in nest in the north. Sizable numbers of waterfowl have arrived along the Mississippi. Canada geese, diving ducks, mergansers and mallards are most common, but wood ducks have started arriving as well. Some blue-winged teal are being seen in open marshes, ponds and sloughs in the south. American woodcock are peenting and displaying in breeding locations in southern Wisconsin and birders running the first round of owl surveys have reported saw-whet, long-eared, barred, screech and great-horned owls. And some of Wisconsin's now famous whooping cranes have returned to summer haunts in central and southern Wisconsin, including the pair that successfully raised a chick last year.
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
Cold temperatures and north winds have temporarily stalled bird migration this week. Birders along the Mississippi River and the Lake Superior shoreline reported large numbers of eagles migrating on Sunday with the south winds, including 11 golden eagles seen in just a few hours in northern Bayfield County. Birders in southern Wisconsin are finding most species of waterfowl, including some blue-winged teal in open marshes, ponds and sloughs. American woodcock are peenting and displaying in breeding locations in southern Wisconsin and birders running the first round of owl surveys have reported saw-whet, long-eared, barred, screech and great-horned owls. Of note, some of Wisconsin's now famous whooping cranes have returned to summer haunts in central and southern Wisconsin, including the pair that successfully raised a chick last year. The approaching warm temps and rain should bring in another strong push of waterfowl as well as winter wrens, fox sparrows, tree swallows, eastern phoebe, golden-crowned kinglet and other early migrants.
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NORTHERN REGION
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Fishing pressure in the area has been relatively light in the past week. A fair number of panfish anglers have been moving around to different lakes and trying to find active fish. There have been a couple of reports of fair catches of crappie and bluegill - but success has been generally slow. A return to more winter-like conditions this week seemed to have put the early-spring panfish bite on hold, but the colder weather has kept ice in good condition on most Northwoods lakes. Most of the snow has melted down on the lakes and ice thickness varies between 16 and 20 inches. The predicted warming trend of the coming week may cause ice conditions to change quickly and anglers are warned to be more careful with the mild weather, especially around access sites and any inflow areas.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Cooler temperatures and some fresh snow have extended winter sports activities such as snowmobiling and skiing. Both ski and snowmobile trails still have minimal snow depth for some limited activity. Trails exposed to heavy traffic and sunshine are in very poor shape right now. The forecast is for warmer temperatures this week, which will no doubt add to the deterioration of what base remains. Consequently, ski and snowmobile trails will soon become hiking trails. Lake travel with 4 wheel drive vehicles continued across the area this week; however, caution is advised as conditions change rapidly this time of year. Fishing activity was starting to pick up with crappies along the weed edges and perch moving into the shallower water. With the pending departure of the snow, burning permits will be required. A reminder to hunters and anglers that 2006 licenses expire on March 31. The 2007-08 licenses are now on sale. Remaining spring turkey permits go on sale March 23. Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings are scheduled throughout the state on Monday, April 16 at 7 p.m. For people considering improvements to lakefront property, now is the time to consider whether or not a project may entail the type of construction that will require a permit. It is a good idea to check not only with local DNR staff, but also with your county zoning administrator and/or the US Army Corp of Engineers in the event that a permit is needed from any of these agencies. Because spring is just around the corner, it’s time to plan for yard activities and begin the after winter clean up chores. This is a good time to begin cleaning out the birdhouses and feeders, as well as getting out those rakes and tending to the lawns. The warm temperatures will soon bring bears out from hibernation. Since bird seed is an easy meal this time of year it is recommended that bird feeders either be placed in such a manner so the bear can not get to it or bring them in nightly. This will reduce the risk of attracting the bear and the resultant damage they can cause. Maple sap should begin running with the predicted weather this coming week. Numerous eagles have returned to the area. It is not uncommon to see several birds together soaring high in the air currents.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County – Inland rivers and streams are opening up with ice still bordering the banks of many. There is still snow cover in the northern part of the county at least until we receive the forecasted rain. Inland trout streams are up to their banks at this time with some flowing over. Stocking of trout and salmon continues for the Peshtigo and Menominee Rivers. A Hunter Safety Course is being offered at the Amberg Community Center beginning May 1 through 12; register by calling (715) 759-5920.
Oconto County – Expected rainfall should open up the waterways by week’s end. The Lakewood-Townsend Ambulance Building will be hosting a Hunter Safety Course beginning April 2 through 7. Call to register at (715) 276-6066.
Shawano County - - Ice conditions are quickly deteriorating and anglers should be extremely cautious. Several small lakes have been producing good catches of panfish. Catch and release trout angling on the early season streams should provide good action during warmer/sunnier days. The Wolf River is still frozen at Hwy. 156 but open upstream at the Hwy. CCC bridge. The Embarrass and Shioc ivers are open. A steady influx of migratory birds have been observed. Killdeer, robins, woodcock, hooded mergansers, Canada geese, and tundra swans have been added to sightings.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County
Peninsula State Park – As of March 22, snow cover is rapidly melting, though scattered patches of deep snow remain in wooded areas. All trails are wet and/or covered with snow and ice. All trails are closed to bicycling until trails dry out. The snowmobile trails and sledding hill are closed. Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. The Bay is still partially frozen. Conditions are hazardous. Peninsula State Park golf course is closed until April 28. Reservations may be made anytime after March 1. Visit the Golf Course
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Robins have been sighted. Sandhill cranes have been heard overhead. Spring must be here. And with the warmer temperatures ski and snowshoe trails have deteriorated. Those who want to get in one more cross-country ski outing better do it soon. Shoreline ice and the snow on the beach has disappeared making a walk along the lake a refreshing possibility. The more adventurous can hike Black Trail to Cave Point - always worth a photo or two. The Nature Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. A mounted gray wolf will be in residence through the end of March.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Upper Fox-Wolf basin fisheries report - Walleye fishing on Lake Poygan has been very good on variable baits. There remains 14 inches of ice in some areas, but it is getting difficult with the weather warming up. Extreme caution is advised if going out on the ice. The Wolf River has opened up in some areas with fishing in those open areas being slow. There has been some walleye activity off of the Winneconne bridge. Perch are being found throughout Lake Winnebago. They are coming through in schools about every 15 minutes. Walleyes are still biting on the west shore of the lake in Oshkosh. Evening appears to be the target time to hook them.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Goldfinches are chatting up a storm. A sharp-shinned hawk was spotted by Port Washington.
Sheboygan County
Kohler-Andrae State Park - Most of the snow in the area has melted. Hiking trails are mostly clear of ice and snow. Red-winged blackbirds and sandhill cranes have returned to the area. A male rufous-sided towhee has spent the winter feeding at the park office bird feeder.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County – In Sheboygan, the Sheboygan River has good flow, and some steelhead have been taken. The Pigeon River is producing some steelhead as well. Flies have been effective downstream near the wayside, and spawn has worked well near Evergreen Park.
Ozaukee County – In Port Washington, shore anglers continue to catch fair numbers of 2-3 pound browns in the harbor and near the power plant. Spoons and spawn sacs have been effective. Water levels on Sauk Creek are good, but only a few steelhead have been caught.
Milwaukee County – In Milwaukee, some browns have been caught on minnows and spawn by shore anglers fishing at Jones Island. The Milwaukee River is still very high, but water levels are dropping. Flows and water clarity on Oak Creek are relatively good, but only a few steelhead have been taken there. The Menomonee River is fishable and a few steelhead have been caught near Miller Park as well as a few browns by the MMSD offices. Boaters launching at Bender Park have been catching good numbers of browns at the Oak Creek Power Plant, and shore anglers fishing at Bender with spawn have been taking a good number of browns as well.
Racine County – In Racine flows have dropped considerably on the Root River. A few steelhead and browns have been caught in Island Park on tube jigs tipped with wax worms, but the most hook ups have been just below the Horlick dam. Large brightly colored flies and yarn have been producing the most fish. The Root River Steelhead Facility is up and running. DNR crews will be processing steelhead at the facility in the coming weeks. Monday and Thursday mornings are usual processing times. At the Racine lakefront, a few browns have been caught on spawn sacs in the harbor near Pugh Marina.
Kenosha County – In the Kenosha harbor a handful of browns have been taken. Water levels on the Pike River are good, but fishing pressure has been low.
Inland fisheries team report
Local anglers are waiting for the last remaining ice to clear of the lakes so they can fish for panfish. As the lake start to clear, the best fishing will be found on black bottomed bays with a southern exposure as fish seek out the warmer water.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties – Ice conditions are highly variable across the area. Anglers reported 2 inches of ice in some areas and 15 inches in others. Anglers who choose to venture out need to take extra precautions. Perch were biting well on Big Cedar Lake. Crappies tend to become more active during late ice and when the lakes open up. DNR spring netting surveys will start as soon as ice conditions allow boats to get on the water. The Plymouth Fisheries Crew plans on netting Silver and Friess lakes in Washington County this spring. They will look for northern pike right after ice-out and then move into areas where they expect to catch walleyes. Remember that it is illegal to tamper with the survey nets. For more information on the above surveys, call John Nelson at (920) 892-8756, ext. 3049.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Lafayette County
Yellowstone Lake State Park - Visitors are being asked to excuse the mess while work crews do some hazardous tree and brush removal in the campgrounds. Presently some areas may not look as nice as usual. Rest assured that over time these areas will green up and return to a more pleasing appearance. All trails are open. Due to the warmer weather some trail maybe muddy and slippery. Please use caution when you are out hiking. Proper footwear is always important. As of this week, ice still covered the lake. Park staff do not monitor ice thickness for safety. During better ice conditions, crappies and bluegills had been biting very well. Fishing below the dam has become popular. Success is unknown at this time. Yellowstone Lake and River have very specific regulations regarding fishing. Prior to fishing in the lake, be sure to know all the rules and regulations. These regulations can be found in the 2006 - 2007 fishing regulations booklet. Many birds and waterfowl are migrating north after enjoying the warmer southern climate. Robins and bluebirds are looking for nesting sites. There are opportunities to see eagles sitting in trees on the edge of open water on the lake and below the dam. Sandhill cranes have been spotted and many species of waterfowl are finding the open water where the Yellowstone River enters the west end of the lake.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Mirror Lake State Park - Ski trails are now closed and hiking trails are open. Bike trails are closed until May 1. Wild turkey hunting will be open in a portion of the park starting: April 11-15, April 18 -22, and April 25-29. A hunting and park permit is required to hunt turkeys in the park. The Sandstone Campground will open April 1. The water and dump station will approximately open May 1, depending on weather conditions.
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - The Willow River level has stabilized since the end of the overnight thaws. There’s still some snow on north facing slopes to run off yet. It will take a relatively dry week for the river to clear up. Rain is in the predictions for mid-week. Trout anglers should consider rivers other than the Willow for a while. Lake anglers should consider the ice fishing season to be over with at the park. In early April, the sun will shine right up the Willow Falls “bowl” late in the day. The late afternoon and into evening will be one of two short opportunities for photos with minimal shadows at the falls area. The other is in late July and early August. Hiking trails have a mix of all conditions that are scattered throughout the system. Expect to find anything from dry to ice, puddles and mud. Wear waterproof footwear with good traction on the soles. Ski poles or trekking poles add to the exercise of hiking and they can be a useful aid during a transition time such as now. The White-tail Trail and the Orange Trail have almost entirely grass surfaces. When all the snow melts, these trails will still be wet and soft in places, but mud should be minimal. A feature along the White-tail is the scattering of huge oak trees. The one way return trails and auxiliary loops for skiing do not get mowed till autumn. Skiers can maintain their gains from winter with regular pole walking, hill bounding, and a variety of other drills. Roller skis and roller blades are allowed on all paved surfaces except the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. Ski season is over but the Willow River Nordic Ski Association will remain somewhat active in the off season. Pick up their flyer at the park office. The next Full Moon Hike and bird lecture will be Saturday, March 31 at the Nature Center beginning at 7 p.m. The birds will be bluebirds and kingfishers. The event is free but a park sticker is required on the vehicle. Please self-register for vehicle admission if you do not have a sticker and the office is closed. Dress appropriately for a hike. Be a responsible pet owner by leashing the dog at all times and cleaning up behind it. A frequent complaint from visitors is a dog off the leash.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Large numbers of migrating waterfowl and numerous eagles can be seen from overlooks and while driving along the Mississippi river in the La Crosse area. The spring thaw has exposed forage in fields around the coulee region. Those driving coulee region back roads in the morning and evenings have been treated with viewing lots of deer out browsing in fields along with turkeys starting to show off to perspective hens and eagles feeding on winters toll. Anglers on the Mississippi river had difficulty finding walleye due to muddy water conditions from last weeks snow melt. Some walleye were taken in La Crosse around NSP bay and shore anglers on the La Crosse river below the Lake Neshonic dam were having good success. Fishing licenses expire the end of March. A few ice angles went out on what little ice is left in some areas. La Crosse area ice is very dangerous at this time. Old ice often fractures vertically and the person or animal drops through a small hole. People walking pets near ice covered areas are cautioned to keep control of their pets so as not to allow them to go out onto the ice. Boaters thinking about getting their boats out for the first time should take time to check the boats registration and numbers are displayed in good condition and check all the safety equipment including but not limited to personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, boat lights and batteries. Remember accidents can happen quickly, so wear your life jacket. Water temperatures in La Crosse on March 18 were about 34 degrees. People who feed birds should keep a sharp eye on the birds frequenting feeders during the coming weeks. Purple finches are a common early spring migrant in southern Wisconsin. Often confused with the resident, exotic house finch, with which it may associate at feeders, a male purple finch is more uniformly colored than house finches. Also note the purple finch's broad dark jaw stripe, dark ear patch, light stripe behind the eye, and large bill. Purple finch numbers typically peak in late April and the birds rapidly advance to their breeding areas in northern Wisconsin by early May. Sizable numbers of waterfowl have arrived along the Mississippi. Canada geese, diving ducks, mergansers and mallards are most common, but wood ducks have started arriving as well. Spring is an excellent time to view waterfowl, since they are in their colorful breeding, or nuptial plumage.
Crawford County - Snowmobile trails in the county are closed. What a difference a week makes on the Mississippi River. Last week the river stage was at 7.4 feet. After the rain and snow melt the river rose over 4 feet. As of Monday the river was at 12 feet. This week the river is projected to slowly drop. Both the Wisconsin and Kickapoo rivers were also full of water. Ice conditions in the Prairie du Chien area and throughout the county are now extremely dangerous. The main cause of the deteriorating ice is the rising water and warm run off water. Ice thickness ranges from about 1 to 10 inches; however, access to most of the ice in the area is extremely difficult. The high water has exposed shorelines or melted the ice along the shoreline which makes access difficult. The Ambro Slough is starting to break up a little by the USFWS boat landing. Access to Mud Slough, the Upper and Lower Doubles, Big and Little Missouri is very difficult. The Black Slough is also starting to break up, making access to Tilmont Lake difficult. Ice is covering Gremore Lake but again access if difficult. Sturgeon Slough has considerable flow going through it now and access is difficult. Spring Lake is being accessed off Highway 35 but the high water is making access there nearly impossible. The Main Channel and East Channels on the Mississippi River are breaking up. Cold Spring north of Lynxville has a lot of open water near the boat landing and on the north end of the south pond. Access has been difficult and the ice is rapidly deteriorating. Most of the backwater areas along the Wisconsin River have ice but increasing water levels, run-off, and warm temperatures are causing some problems. Ice fishing action really slowed by mid week due to increasing water levels. Most of the traditional bluegill/crappie/perch areas in the county have slowed. Few people are out on the ice because of access problems. Some with air boats and hover crafts have ventured out with fair success. Sturgeon Slough was dead because of swift current in that area. Few anglers have ventured into McGregor Lake (also known as Horseshoe or Sturgeon Lake) and found spotty action. Garnet Lake was poor again because of the water level and poor ice. Mud Slough, and the Ambro were both slow. Tilmont Lake saw some action but access there was made by airboat or hover craft. Gremore Lake continues to be slow. Spring Lake was also slow. Bluegill action at Cold Spring was fair with some decent catches were being taken from shore (open water fishing). Action through the ice at Cold Spring was spotty. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was spotty. Walleye and suager action was good earlier this week before the gates were opened. That caused a lot of water and ice to flow downstream. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is open. Bald Eagles can still be seen throughout the county, but many are starting to return to the river systems. Robins, red-winged blackbirds and a variety of other song birds and waterfowl have returned to the county. Turkeys are still being seen in large flocks but they are slowly starting to break up because they are able to find food easier now that the snow has melted. A variety of song birds are still visiting bird feeders.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - With the recent warm weather, the Brunet Island State Park cross-country ski trail system has lost most of its base and is no longer skiable. Hikers have many other 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. Panfishing action in the area has been reported as light.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Ice on the Castle Rock Flowage has deteriorated due to recent warm temperatures. Cross-country ski trails are no longer snow covered. Deer are becoming more active, and bird watching has been picking up with the warmer temperatures. Cranes and gulls have migrated back to the area. 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. Cross-country ski trails are no longer snow covered. Bird watching has been picking up with the warmer weather. The 2007 photo contest has started - remember your camera to take winter pictures for the contest.
Last Revised: Thursday March 22 2007
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