Winter made an abrupt interruption to spring this week, with up to 8 inches of snow falling in portions of southern Wisconsin with much of the lower half of the state receiving between 3 to 7 inches. This storm missed northern Wisconsin, but a snowstorm last week dropped as much as 15 inches of snow in areas of the north. Snowmobilers are reminded that despite the recent snowfalls, county snowmobile trails are now closed, as the easements have ended for the season and that riding on closed trails can damage the soft ground and may jeopardize future trail easements with private property owners.
The recent cold temperatures and snow put a major damper on fishing this week. In the north, many of the lakes that had open water last week have formed ice once again. Lakes had opened as far north as Oneida County. Chequamegon Bay still has "thin" ice, but warmer temperatures and a good south wind will clear it out in no time. Lake Superior tributary fishing slowed with the snow and cold. Lake Superior is at near record lows as far as water depth. Large sand bars along the Lake Superior shore and back bays that are dried up are the norm. Smelt netters are getting ready and there may be some activity this weekend along the Ashland shoreline if the ice moves out.
Only the die-hard anglers were out battling the elements in the north. Walleye were being caught on the Menomonee, Peshtigo and Oconto rivers below dams. Suckers were also starting to move in as well making it tough fishing at times. The very cold and windy spring also made fishing difficult in the south, but nice catches of panfish were still being caught by anglers willing to brave the weather.
Anglers fishing for brown trout had a great week at the Manitowoc harbor and a fair week at Two Rivers and Sheboygan lakefronts. Boaters trolling out on Lake Michigan off the Oconto and Manitowoc had a good weekend for brown and lake trout. Steelhead anglers had success on the Branch, East Twin and Sheboygan rivers. Flows were still high on the Milwaukee River, but some steelhead were taken. On the Root River water temperatures dropped considerably and steelhead action slowed. The Root River Steelhead Facility has met egg taking goals, with approximately 660,000 eggs taken.
Water levels on the Rock and Crawfish Rivers are near or just above flood stage especially on the lower Rock River by Fort Atkinson. Jefferson County’s emergency slow-no-wake ordinance is still in effect on the rivers in the county due to high water levels. The walleye run on the Rock and Crawfish rivers has all but shut off due to falling water temperatures.
The Mississippi River dropped late last week but has started to come up and was at 13.8 feet on Monday. The forecast for the river is for a 2 foot drop in the next week. That will depend on precipitation in the upper reaches of the river basin. The high water was causing difficulties for fishing.
Good numbers of young hunters were reportedly out for last weekend’s first Wisconsin youth turkey hunt. The first of six periods for the regular spring turkey season opened this week. Turkey hunters will be out in the woods Wednesdays through Sundays through May 20.
The cold temperatures and snow have also thrown a wrench into the bird migrations. Robins, tree swallows, phoebes, yellow-rumped warblers, kinglets, meadowlarks and other birds are resorting to alternate foraging strategies as they deal with this temporary bought of winter. Large numbers of common loons, diving ducks and horned grebes are being seen on larger southern lakes as the migration has stalled out a Despite the snow and cold the first great-horned owl chicks are beginning to leave the nest and sandhill cranes are starting to build nests and sit on eggs.
Sharp-tailed grouse have begun congregating on their courtship sights called dancing grounds or leks in the north. Males do courtship displays by "dancing" in a small circle and vibrating their tail feathers to make a rattling sound.
Early spring woodland flowers are beginning to make their appearances. These early bloomers include hepatica, or liverleaf, bloodroot and Dutchman's breeches. Garlic mustard is really visible right now, making this a good time of year to fight this invasive species.
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.
Statewide Birding Report
Cold temperatures and snow have thrown a wrench into the typical bird migration patterns for this time of year. Short-distance migrants that made it to Wisconsin prior to the cold are having to deal with 3-plus inches of snow and cold temperatures. Many birders are reporting robins, tree swallows, phoebes, yellow-rumped warblers, kinglets, meadowlarks and other birds resorting to alternate foraging strategies as they deal with this temporary bought of winter. Birders checking large lakes are finding large numbers of common loons, diving ducks and horned grebes as migration has stalled out a bit. Birders discovered a beautiful adult male Eurasion wigeon in Shiocton along Van Patten road along with a nice mix of American wigeon, gadwall and other puddle ducks. Despite the snow and cold the first great-horned owl chicks are beginning to leave the nest and sandhill cranes are starting to build nests and sit on eggs. Next weeks return to normal temperatures should bring an influx of migrants including yellow-rumped warblers, pine warblers, brown thrasher, eastern towhee, American bittern, Virginia rail and possibly our first upland sandpipers and Henslow's sparrows of the year. Birders checking wet, muddy areas should be on the lookout for both yellowlegs, snipe and pectoral sandpipers. As always, please report your sightings to
www.ebird.org/WI to help track bird populations as they return for another nesting season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest – April temperatures have been on the cooler side so far. High temperatures have been 25 degrees below normal and minimum temperatures have been 10 degrees below normal. The extended forecast is calling for a warm up into the 50s next week…which should make the steelhead anglers happy. The Bois Brule River was flowing at 168 cubic feet per second (cfs) this week. The 62 year average is 255 cfs. It is reported that many of the steelhead that are being caught have completed spawning on the Bois Brule River. Springtime conditions are coming slowly in the Brule area. Snow was still on the ground as of April 12, and ice is still on many of the lakes but animals are starting their courtship behaviors (and some giving birth or hatching), and trees are budding. Sharp-tailed grouse are dancing, ruffed grouse are drumming, and tom turkeys are displaying and gobbling…is it spring time courtship or are they just trying to stay warm? Sharp-tailed grouse can be seen congregating at their courtship sights called dancing grounds or leks. The male will do their courtship displays by "dancing" in a small circle and vibrating his tail feathers to make a rattling sound. Golden-crowned kinglets have come back, male goldfinches have molted into their colorful yellow plumage and Canada geese have staked claim on their territories and should be laying eggs. Young hunters took to the woods last weekend (April 7-8) to try to harvest a gobbler. During the youth turkey hunt youth hunters ages 12-15 can gain valuable hunting experience with an adult nearby to advise and instruct. This is the second year where there has been an opportunity to hunt wild turkeys in this area since their introduction in 2004.
Pattison State Park – The park received 15 inches of snow late last week and was able to groom and reopen the cross-country ski trail. Conditions were fair.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Heavy snows mid week in the Lake Superior area made snowmobilers anxious to get some more trail time even though most of the trails were closed. Complaints of operating on the roadways were up and those should be the last of the season if the snow melts as expected. Lake Superior tributary fishing was slowed with the snow and cold conditions. Water levels and clarity were not the problem but cold water temperatures kept the fish from being active. The snow conditions made for some beautiful scenery along the trout streams. Warmer weather this week will cause the streams to rise but the forecast does not call for any major warm-up so maybe the streams will remain fishable. Lake Superior is at near record lows as far as water depth. Large sand bars along the Lake Superior shore and back bays that are dried up are the norm. Waterfowl are plentiful in the area and the lack of water makes viewing easier as most the viewing can be done near area roadways. Chequamegon Bay still has plenty of thin ice but warmer temperatures and a good south wind would clear it out in no time. Smelt netters are getting itchy to try their luck. This weekend should have some activity along the Ashland shoreline if the ice moves out. A number of fund raiser "smelt fries" are held in the area. A good number of turkeys can be seen in the fields around the Ashland area. The flocks in the four county area along Lake Superior seem to be on the increase.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Below normal temperatures persist in the Park Falls area though lakes are ice free except for ice formed during the recent cold temperatures. Spring walleye spawning runs should begin soon. Anglers report sucker runs are beginning in area streams. Frogs have taken a temporary nap as many of the small ephemeral pods iced over during the recent cold spell. Woodcock, flickers, bluebird, redwing blackbird, finches and other birds have all been spotted recently. If not done already, be sure to clean bird boxes as the returning birds will quickly begin nesting activity. The risk of fire is increasing in the area, be sure to obtain a burning permit before burning brush and yard waste. Forecasted snow and rain should decrease the fire danger. The first turkey period opens April 11 and turkey hunters are anxious to test their skills on calling in a big tom. Turkeys should become more active as warmer weather arrives later this week. The warm weather is a good time to bring out boats for spring inspection. Be sure to inspect all personal flotation devices for serviceability and replace those that are no longer useable. Inspect other safety equipment and replace as necessary so it will be ready for the fishing opener.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Recent cold temperatures and snow put the arrival of spring into recession. Much of the open water last week has taken on a solid state once again. Ice travel is not recommended anywhere in the area. Predicted cooler temperatures and more snow will put many spring activities in a holding pattern for a while. A blanket of snow now covers most of the Northwoods. Wherever open water can be found there are migrating waterfowl. Now is a good time to get out and observe many species as they pass through on their way to breeding areas. Numerous wild turkey sightings have been reported. March 31 was the expiration date of 2006-07 hunting and fishing licenses. 2007-08 licenses are on sale at license outlets and service centers. With the recent weather, maple sap gathering for syrup has come to a standstill and maybe over for the year.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Trails are wet and muddy in spots. Turkeys, deer, pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles, nuthatches, cardinals, squirrels, buffleheads, mallards, goldeneyes, various other duck species are being seen. The boat dock will be back in by opening fishing weekend of May 5. All campsites remain closed until May 1 when they open on a first-come-first-serve basis until Memorial Day weekend. Wisconsin River’s Lake Alexander is partially ice-covered adjacent to the park.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Weather has been cold and extremely windy! Only the die-hard anglers were out battling the elements. They all reported that it was almost unbearable on the water but some fish were still being caught. Boom Landing had the most success for the second week in a row, with walleyes being caught on jigs with minnows and bright color stick baits. Some brown trout were also caught. The Peshtigo River below the dam was still busy with anglers and they were having good success fishing for walleyes on stick baits. Some good eating sizes were being taken, 17-19 inches. The weather was cold but not nearly as windy making it more bearable than those fishing on the Menomonee River.
Oconto County - Weather was in the mid to high 30s but by the water it felt much colder. Iron Bridge Ramp and the north and south side of the dam were busy with anglers and walleye were still being taken. The pier on the Oconto River was the only other spot that had some anglers but the fishing was slow and the wind was nasty. All other fishing locations were quiet but once the weather improves activity at those locations will improve. Walleyes continued to be the catch of the day in the Oconto River at the Stiles Dam. Crank baits were still the hot bait. Suckers were starting to move in as well making it tough fishing at times. Some anglers were starting to troll for brown trout and northern pike off of Oconto on Green Bay. Some nice northerns were taken. Action should pick up with warmer weather. The youth turkey hunt this past weekend appeared to be a success with a lot of smiles and some good stories for the future.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - Anglers fishing for brown trout inside the Manitowoc harbor had a great week. The most successful anglers used spoons and spinners off the north pier stub and the lake side of the south pier throughout the day. Boaters trolling out on Lake Michigan off the Manitowoc shoreline had a good weekend for brown and lake trout. Branch River anglers had a good weekend for rainbow trout. While enduring freezing mornings, anglers had the most action fishing with light tackle drifting small spinners or bobbers with wax worms across the deeper holes for rainbows that dropped back due to the cold water. Angler pressure for rainbow trout on the Manitowoc River was low this past week. Anglers fishing the East Twin River had a fair week for rainbow trout. The best catches of rainbow trout were made near the dam in the Mishicot Village Park. Bobbers and spawn sacs were the preferred choice for most anglers, but casting out spoons into the fast water picked up a few northern pike. The West Twin River, near the Shoto dam was slow this past week for rainbow trout anglers. In Two Rivers, brown trout anglers had a fair week. Anglers reported the most success casting spinners and spoons off the lake side of the north pier.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Kewaunee County – Weather conditions have made fishing difficult. The wind has stirred up the lake and current air temperatures have kept the lake cold. Anglers hardy enough to be out on the lake have stayed near shore. Anglers willing to put up with these harsh conditions have been rewarded with moderate success catching brown trout. Browns have been caught by anglers trolling off of Algoma and Kewaunee primarily using stick baits in a variety of colors. The Kewaunee River has steelhead running but weather conditions have kept the water cold and made fishing a little slow. Stoney Creek also has some steelhead running, but low water conditions mean that not many fresh fish are entering the creek at this time.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
A couple of hundred waterfowl were congregating on Lake Emily in Green Lake County, from County Highway AW, on Easter Sunday - the species ranged from canvasbacks to blue-winged Teal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST REGION
Havenwoods State Forest - Long-eared owls, American coot, yellow-bellied sapsucker, turkeys, wood ducks, woodcock, sandhill cranes, hermit thrush, and golden and ruby-crowned kinglets have been seen or heard. The Butler's garter snake population is active.
Plymouth DNR Service Center
It appears that the recent cold snap has short stopped some early migrants with more than the usual number and variety of waterfowl roosting on area lakes, marshes and temporary wetlands in farm fields around southern Wisconsin. This is usually a good time of the year to see waterfowl in their bright mating plumage as they are heading back to the breeding grounds but it seems that more than the usual number and variety are available for viewing in southern Wisconsin. Even if it is too cold for you to enjoy a canoe or kayak trip to see them - in many cases, you can see them from the comfort of your vehicles.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, flows on the Sheboygan River have dropped considerably in the past week, and anglers have been finding some steelhead from just downstream of the Highway TA wayside up to the River Wildlife area. Flies have taken the most fish on the river. At the Sheboygan lakefront, anglers have been catching a few browns on spoons off the south pier.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers continue to catch browns and steelhead in the harbor. Spawn has been effective near the power plant, and spoons have taken fish in the north slip. Water levels on Sauk Creek are low, but anglers have been catching a few steelhead just upstream of the mouth.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, flows are still somewhat high on the Milwaukee River, but some steelhead have been taken out of Oak Creek as well as the Menomonee River at Miller Park. Flies have been productive in both places, and a few steelhead have also hit spawn on Oak Creek. At the lakefront, browns have been taken on minnows at Jones Island and near the Summerfest grounds.
Racine County - On the Root River in Racine flows are at fishable levels, but water temperatures have dropped considerably. With the temperature around 38 degrees, steelhead action has slowed. Fish were processed at the Root River Steelhead Facility on Monday, April 2. Egg taking goals have been met, and approximately 370,000 Chambers Creek strain and 290,000 Ganaraska strain eggs have been taken. DNR crews will process fish again the morning of Thursday, April 12, and then the facility will most likely be shut down.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha a few steelhead and browns have been caught by anglers fishing the harbor. Water levels on the Pike River are good, but fishing has been slow.
Inland fisheries team report
The very cold and windy spring continues to make fishing difficult in the Southeast region. Kid's Fishing Clinics are scheduled for Saturday April 14 at 14 park ponds and lagoons in the region. For more information call the Urban Fishing Hotline at (414) 263-8494.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Very little fishing action has taken place over the past week due to cold and windy conditions. Fishing should improve with the expected warming trend.
Waukesha County - High winds and cold weather have kept anglers off the water but nice catches of panfish are still being caught by anglers willing to brave the weather. Concentrate your efforts on dark bottom bays with vegetative cover and inlets from creeks. Limits of nice bluegills were being caught on Pewaukee, Pine, and Okauchee lakes on small ice jigs with waxies and red worms. Some crappie action was reported on Okauchee, Golden, and North lakes and small shiners and rosy reds below slip bobber rigs fished over existing weed flats.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - There has been a pair of common loons off of the UW-Madison Memorial Union Terrace in Madison since last week.
Jefferson County - Water levels on the Rock and Crawfish rivers are near or just above flood stage especially on the lower Rock River by Fort Atkinson. Jefferson County’s emergency slow-no-wake ordinance is still in effect on the rivers in the county due to high water levels. Signs are posted at the public boat landings. The water levels are now beginning to recede slowly. Colder weather over the past week has slowed fishing success drastically. The walleye run on the Rock and Crawfish rivers has all but shut off due to falling water temperatures. Warmer weather should get things hopping again. Carp and buffalo were packed in below the dams in Watertown. Walleye anglers were catching them one after another. Dip netters were having fair success off the bridges catching decent sized buffalo for smoking. Canada geese are now nesting along the waterways. Other birds have also been observed collecting materials to build their nests. A pair of bald eagles has been seen building a new nest in southern Dodge County. The location is not being divulged to prevent disturbance to the birds.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - It’s the second week of April and trails have been frozen solid in many places. The cold and dry have combined to bring the Willow River back to normal flow and clarity. Snow was falling as of April 11. Trout anglers should have excellent water conditions when warmth returns. More than just a few tried trout fishing in sub freezing weather on the past weekend. Various birds have been checking out the bluebird house by the park office. Bluebirds and black capped chickadees looked it over this week but nothing has moved in yet. Large flocks of robins have been seen around the park this week. The flocks are easily over 100 birds. A few cross country skiing trainers have been out on the trails. Dry land training can preserve the gains made during the ski season.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Early spring woodland flowers are beginning to make their appearances. These early bloomers flower before trees leaf-out and shade the forest floor. Hepatica or liverleaf, a member of the buttercup family, is one such early bloomer. This low-growing plant has pinkish, lavender, or white flowers and 2- to 2.5 inch-wide, basal three-lobed leaves. These leaves bear a resemblance to a liver, and early herbalists assumed the plant to be effective in treating liver ailments. Other woodland flowers currently in bloom are bloodroot and Dutchman's breeches. There has been an increase in deer movement, especially with does feeding. As the fetuses are developing into later stages of development and as they get closer to fawning, does need higher food intake to meet these new energy demands of birthing and lactation for new fawns. Does are carrying extra weights of the fetuses and sometimes they may get caught on fencing or post as they try to jump over these obstacles. Bucks also will be looking for extra high protein foods with antler development starting.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River dropped late last week but has again started to come up. The Wisconsin also rose this week; however, the Kickapoo River started to drop. The Mississippi River stage was at 13.8 feet Monday. The forecast for the Mississippi River is to crest Monday and start to drop all next week. The forecast for the river is for a 2 foot drop in the next week. That will depend on precipitation in the upper reaches of the river basin. Many boat landings are becoming difficult to use because of the high water. Most do not have piers out because of the high water. Access to the Gordon’s Bay (Falling Rock) boat landing is closed due to high water. A fair amount of debris is floating downstream on all the river systems. Barge traffic is starting to show up on the Mississippi River. Fishing action was either poor or spotty. The high water is causing some difficulties fishing right now. Strong current hampered panfish action. The dirty and increasing water levels made walleye and sauger fishing difficult. Most of the traditional bluegill/crappie/perch areas in the county have slowed due to the higher water. Few panfish anglers were out because of the water conditions. Bluegill and crappie action at Cold Spring was slow this week because of the high water. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was spotty. Walleye and sauger was very spotty. Some walleyes were being caught however their movements were hard to track with the high water. Most of the action was up by the Lynxville dam near the long wall and dead lock. Some have been targeting the MacDonald Slough area. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is closed. Angler shed hunters have been having some very good luck now that the snow is gone and the grass hasn’t grown very tall. Turkey hunters are actively scouting area in preparation for the upcoming seasons. Local turkey populations look strong with a good number of adult Toms being observed. The large flocks of turkeys are starting to break up a bit. Some of the gobblers have been seen displaying. Some gobbling is starting to be heard in the mornings. Rooster pheasants are actively cackling throughout the day. Bald Eagles can still be seen throughout the county, but many have returned to nest along the Mississippi River. Eagles can be observed tending nests along the river at various sites. Waterfowl enthusiasts can view a wide variety of ducks on Pool 9 near Lynxville/Ferryville. A large number of pelicans can be seen on Pool 9 and in the Prairie du Chien area. Gremore Lake is holding a lot of pelicans. Robins, red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes and a variety of other song birds have returned to the county. Unfortunately garlic mustard is really visible right now. It’s a good time of year to fight this invasive species.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
It's a great time to be out-of-doors in West Central Wisconsin. During evening hours deer are evident along country fields, eagles are commonly visible along the Chippewa River and sandhill cranes can be seen in some open areas. Geese and ducks have returned to the area, robins are in abundance and despite recent cold, spring is here. Be careful with fire as we are entering into the spring fire season -- tinder that has been lying on the ground during winter is now dry and will burn rapidly. Greenup in the woods is some weeks away.
Brunet Island State Park - With the spring bird migration underway, rose-breasted grosbeaks, loons, robins, Canada geese, juncos, pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, green herons and belted kingfishers have been seen or heard. Area open water panfishing action has been light. 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 late spring.
Chippewa River State Trail - The trail is in good condition overall. There are lots migrating waterfowl in the area. Eagles can be seen along the river.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - Trails are still a little wet but passable. The frogs have started their singing. Springtime courtship flights of the American Woodcock have started too. Migrating waterfowl are active. Sandhill cranes can seen and heard in the area.
Red Cedar State Trail – The trail is still a little soft and there are some minor washouts. It will need to dry up before we can get out to clean it up, drag and roll. Lots of migrating waterfowl and eagles are in the area. Osprey should be passing through soon. The Depot Visitor Center is still closed for the season.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Bird watching has been picking up with the onset of spring. Deer and Turkeys are easily spotted throughout 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. 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. Spring prairie cleaning will take place on Sunday April 15. Bring a saw or lopper and meet at the prairie/winter parking lot at noon.
Last Revised: Thursday April 12 2007
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/#top
