Varying weather patterns brought some rainfall and cooler than normal temperatures to areas of the state this week. This helped lower wildfire conditions to low to moderate in most areas, but they remain high in the northwestern part of the state. Emergency fire restrictions are scheduled to be lifted in Sawyer, Ashland, Iron, and Bayfield counties as of Friday, May 18, but they remain in place in Burnett, Douglas, and Washburn counties. Check the current fire danger page of the DNR Web site for conditions. Wisconsin fire control personnel are now assisting with suppression of the Ham Lake Fire that has burned more than 75,000 acres in Minnesota and Canada.
The unstable weather has fishing activity also somewhat unstable and has kept anglers watching the skies for incoming storms. There has been some very good walleye action reported on inland Northwoods lakes and was reported as excellent this week on the Menominee River in Marinette, with many boat catching bag limits and one 30-inch walleye reported. Northern pike action has also been fair on Northwoods lakes. There have been the first observations of largemouth starting to make their nests in shallow water. Increasing numbers of crappie and bluegill have been moving up into shallow water on warmer days in northern lakes, and bluegills and crappies are near spawning in southern waters, where crappies have been hitting fairly well.
The Manitowoc and West Twin rivers were busy this past week with an increase of fishing pressure for smallmouth bass. Green Bay has provided some good smallmouth action. Brown trout anglers had another good week fishing Lake Michigan out of Manitowoc and Two Rivers when the weather allowed anglers to get on the water. Trollers out of Sheboygan, Port Washington and Milwaukee were catching a few brown trout and, trollers working out of the Racine and Kenosha harbors have been catching good numbers of coho.
The Mississippi River was at the 8.3 foot early this week. The Wisconsin and Kickapoo rivers were also starting to settle to normal levels. Fishing action was pretty good, with bluegill action starting to pick up in the backwaters and walleye fishing getting better with anglers trolling sloughs and targeting wing dams with moderate success.
The first fawns of the year have been reported. Remember does will leave fawns unattended for extended periods of time as a way of protecting them. If you see a fawn in the wild, leave it alone. Its mother is nearby and will tend to it. Also, a lot of yearling deer have been pushed away from their mothers in preparation of giving birth. Many of these deer are now crossing roads, so be extra caution when driving. There have been many reports of bear sightings this week, including three bears wandering into municipalities. Take down bird feeders and remove any other food sources that might attract bears. The last of the spring turkeys hunting periods opened this week and goes through Sunday. Hunters report that activity is slowing but that some gobblers remain active and receptive to calling.
Blossoms are present on dogwood, service berry, thorn apple, and wild plum apple. Spring wildflowers are nearing their peak with a wide variety blooming including trailing arbutus, marsh marigold, wood violet, hepatica, wood anemone, and trilliums. In Door County the dwarf lake iris and yellow lady slippers are starting to blossom.
The warbler migration is also near its peak, with sightings of birds continuing at a frantic pace. About three dozen species of warblers either reside in or migrate through Wisconsin. Sandhill cranes are actively nesting, and the first broods of Canada geese and mallard ducks are showing up.
American toads, leopard frogs, and gray tree frogs are calling. Morel mushroom hunters are reporting that the dry conditions have this year’s crop not as good as last year, but that recent rain helped more mushrooms pop out.
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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Wildfire Conditions as of May 17, 2007
Wildfire conditions vary between Low and High around the state. Check current fire danger for conditions and updated statewide fire occurrences and acres burned. A total of 698 wildfires have burned 3,778 acres so far this year in parts of the state where DNR has suppression responsibilities. This week 63 fires burned 95 acres, including the loss of seven buildings. Fire control personnel and equipment have been moved around the state and into Canada to assist with wildfire suppression where conditions are most severe. As of Wednesday, May 16, the Ham Lake Fire has burned over 75,000 acres in Minnesota and Canada and is only 25% contained. So far, 133 buildings have been lost. Wisconsin DNR fire suppression forces are assisting on that fire.
Firewise Tip: Clear a 10 foot space around propane tanks. Keep the grass mowed short or fill in the area with rocks or gravel. Propane tanks should be located at least 30 feet from all buildings.
DNR Northern Region wildfire conditions
The fire danger ranges from High to Low across the region due to some parts of the North receiving rain. Burning permits are cancelled in the Park Falls, Brule and Cumberland dispatch areas. Emergency burning restrictions are in effect for Burnett, Douglas, and Washburn Counties. As of Friday, May 18, emergency fire restrictions will be lifted in Sawyer, Ashland, Iron, and Bayfield Counties. Please check your local burning restrictions before you burn. In parts of the Northern Region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 35 fires burned a total of 76 acres with six structures saved and no structures lost this week. A fire in Iron County burned 50 acres near Mellen. The U.S. Forest Service helicopter was brought in to help contain the blaze and proved very effective. There has been no significant prescribed burning activity this week. Comments are sought on the burn permit trial taking place in Forest, Florence, Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, Oneida and Vilas counties. Please take an online survey. Tell us what you think!
DNR South Central Region wildfire conditions
Current fire danger is Moderate across the region and burning permits are required. In parts of the region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, four wildfires burned a total of 1.6 acres this week. One of the wildfires was started from a garage fire that threw sparks into some nearby jack pine. Fortunately, quick action by local fire departments and the DNR resulted in only two buildings and 0.2 acres being burned in the fires. Three more buildings were threatened and windy conditions could have resulted in more acreage being burned. Prescribed burning continued in the region with seven controlled burns being completed on 1,692 acres.
DNR West Central Region wildfire conditions
Current wildfire conditions across the region are set at Moderate. Burning permits are required. A total of 14 wildfires burned 13 acres across the region this week. Five structures were threatened during these fires and two structures were lost last Friday in Eau Claire County. Prescribed burning continued this week in the Black River Falls area with four burns completed on 53 acres. The Lake Camelot Property Owners Association in Adams County has fulfilled the requirements to become a recognized Firewise Community and will be officially presented with recognition materials at an upcoming meeting.
DNR Northeast Region wildfire conditions
Wildfire conditions remained High across the region over the weekend resulting in the cancellation of burning permits for three days. Currently, cooler temperatures and some precipitation have helped reduce the risk of wildfires to a Moderate level. Areas in Florence County received nearly an inch of rain where as other counties had little measurable amounts to none at all. Although conditions maybe down, keep your guard up! There were a total of nine fires reported in parts of the region where the DNR is responsible for the wildfire suppression, burning 5 acres. A Waushara County man suffered a fatal heart attack while burning brush. The fire subsequently escaped and burned 3 acres and three buildings. Prescribed burning activity continued in the region this week. A total of 44 controlled burns were conducted on 484 acres, including 116 acres that were burned Monday on Seagull Bar.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Bois Brule River is flowing at 157 cubic feet per second (cfs). The 62 year historical average is 195 cfs. Birds are creating quite a melody as a full compliment of species are back. Some birds that have been sighted or heard are red start, eastern towhee, red-eyed vireo, bobolink, hermit thrush, chestnut-sided and golden-winged warblers, and common yellowthroat. Many wildflowers are up and blooming such as fringed polygala, wild oats, birds foot violet, sarsaparilla, nodding trillium, blueberry, and bearberry. Dandelions are blanketing yards in gold...time to break out the dandelion recipes again…one good way to remove them from the yard. For some dandelion recipes see [http://www.mountain-breeze.com/kitchen/dandelions/] (exit DNR). Monday May 14 the Brule DNR station recorded 87 degrees for a high temperature. A brief storm came through leaving behind temperatures 30 degrees less than they were before the storm and inch sized hail (some reported to be golf ball size in the area and even baseball size reported in Duluth). Although some rain has finally fallen in the Brule area, it has only briefly helped to alleviate the high fire conditions. The area is still in a precipitation deficit, any moisture helps but until there is a greater amount of rain the fire danger will remain an issue. As of May 1, 12:01 a.m. the emergency burning restrictions for Ashland, Bayfield, Iron and Sawyer counties will be rescinded. However, regular burning permits and burn barrel permits will still remain canceled. Emergency burning restrictions are still in place for the DNR organized protection areas encompassed in Douglas, Burnett, and Washburn counties. Don’t forget the bug spray… mosquitoes and ticks are out and looking for a meal. Good ways to avoid ticks are to avoid brushing up against vegetation (at least try to), wear light colored clothing so ticks show up easier, and tuck pant legs into socks.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
There was some rainfall in the Park Falls area slightly alleviating dry conditions. Warmer temperatures and some sunshine are forecast this week. Blossoms are present on dogwood, service berry, thorn apple, wild plum apple and various other trees and the greening of the forest is accelerating with some warm sunny days. Water temperatures should also warm and bring fish into shallower water. Anglers have been very active and have been having good success. Live minnows suspended by a slip bobber have been very effective. The weekend promises pleasant conditions that will please anglers anxious to return to the water. More turtles will be seen along with numerous other aquatic species around area wetlands. The trilliums are increasing in number and creating a beautiful scene on the forest floor. Ferns are also beginning to open in the forest. There have been many reports of bear sightings and bears visiting bird feeders in the area. Mosquitoes and black flies are hatching and beginning to be a nuisance during outdoor activities. Be sure to take preventive measures against ticks as they are appearing in large numbers in some areas. If you haven’t already done so, inspect your boat, safety devices and all equipment before launching your boat so you’ll be well prepared while on the water.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The variable weather of the past week has kept anglers watching the skies for incoming storms -- while most have been pretty busy catching fish. Walleye are the most sought after fish in the Northwoods in May and reports have indicated some excellent success. The best action has come in 8 to 15 feet of water, with both minnows and leeches providing some good catches. Casting stick baits along shorelines near dark has also produced some real good action. Most of the walleye have been in the 11- to 15-inch size, but a few fish in the 18- to 24-inch size have been caught. In addition, many of the anglers have reported catching small to medium-size musky while jigging or casting for walleye. Musky season opens on May 26 and conditions are looking good for an excellent opener. Northern pike action has been fair with anglers catching medium-size fish along the newly developing weed beds. Bass activity is just starting to pick up and there have been the first few observations of largemouth starting to make their nests in shallow water. Anglers are reminded that the "catch and release" season is still in effect in the Northern Zone and all bass should be quickly returned to the water. Panfish action has also been good as increasing numbers of crappie and bluegill have been moving up into shallow water on warmer days. This has provided some decent action when conditions are right. Look for this to greatly improve with the next warming trend.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Varying weather patterns have brought rainfall and cooler than normal temperatures to the area this past week. This unstable weather has fish cooperation just about as unstable. Although the lake temperatures increased a bit, cold evenings changed that around quickly. Count on fish activity picking up with some stable weather and warmer temperatures. Area fishing guides report that walleyes were moving into shallow dark bottomed bays to feed but many were holding back in the deep clear lakes where the waters remain very cold. Anglers, boaters, canoe and kayak enthusiasts should exercise caution on any waters in the northern region this time of year. Please remember to wear PFDs (personal flotation devices) when out on the waters. In addition, fishing guides reported that crappies and bass have been caught in shallow waters around submerged logs. Anglers need to remember to bring their fishing licenses with them when they are on the waters. Also please check to make sure that your fishing license is current. Now is a good time to review the 2007-08 fishing regulations. Pamphlets are available at area service centers and license outlets. Area Conservation Wardens report a major problem at the beginning of this fishing season with anglers exceeding their catch limit. Please remember to check the bag limits for the particular lake upon which you are fishing in order to avoid incurring a substantial fine. The early spring wildflowers are making an appearance. Among those flowers that are sprouting or blooming are the trailing arbutus, the marsh marigold, the wood violet, hepatica, wood anemone, barren strawberry, and the trillium. Although the area recently received some rain, this is the time of year in our area when fire conditions remain high. Please remember to obtain burning permits and to exercise caution when dealing with fire. The woods are very dry, despite recent rains. Please remember that people are responsible for the cost of fire suppression and damage if burning gets out of control. When venturing out for your walks, be aware that tick activity is extremely high right now. Be sure to check yourselves as well as your pets after the walk.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Bass and bluegill have begun cruising the shorelines, looking for suitable places to build nests. On some small, shallow lakes, bass have already constructed nests and are actively spawning. Water temperatures currently average around 62 to 65 degrees on area lakes. Walleye have been caught consistently near weed edges with either jigs and minnows, or slip bobber rigs tipped with a leech. The best times have been just before dark, although on some of the "stained" water lakes, walleye action has been good during the day if the wind is producing a chop. A reminder that bass season is currently "catch and release only" in the Northern Zone, but opens for harvest opportunity June 16. Musky fishing remains closed until May 26. See the 2007-2008 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for further information.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - - Fishing has been excellent for walleye in the past week. Many boat catches are near 25 or higher all being of legal length. The anglers with the most success were jigging with crawlers and leeches. One boat from Boom Landing caught a nice 30-inch walleye trolling with a bright colored stick bait. Best places are to fish on the Menominee River, according to anglers are by the big ship and right by Marinette Marine. A few northern pike were being reported as well as rock bass. The Peshtigo River has produced a few small brown and rainbows trout, but anglers have been scarce. A mosquito hatch has occurred and large in size. The wood ticks are out in good numbers be prepared when venturing to the fields and woods for hiking. Water temperatures are on the rise for inland waters triggering good catch rates for panfish anglers. Lake Noquebay has been producing nice-sized pumpkinseed and bluegill in the shallows. Occasional bass are being caught of good size anglers be cautioned as bass season is only catch-and-release at this time. No fawns have been reported as of yet. There has been a slight increase of car killed deer along the roadways.
Oconto County - Weather was beautiful over the weekend and the anglers were out. Boats reported catch numbers near 50 on the Oconto River. Oconto Park 2 had the most anglers over the weekend and almost all were limiting out on walleye. No big fish reported all between 17-23 inches or good eating size as the anglers would say. Most success fishing for walleye were on crawlers harnesses with bright colored beads behind the boat about 35 feet. A few northern pike were being caught, most by anglers trolling for walleye. Fishing was slow Monday; only a few battled the heat and only a few fish were reported. Yellow perch season does not open until this Sunday, May 20, on Green Bay. Fishing continues to improve, with reports of good sized (10 inch-plus) yellow perch being caught on the edge of the river leading into the bay, so the perch opener on the bay and tributaries should produce some nice perch. There have been reports of panfish starting to make beds already on the inland lakes. Try a popper and a fly rod for some great fun. Good catches of inland trout were reported on McCauslin Creek, and on the South Branch, North Branch and First South Branch of the Oconto River. Many local geese are having their young and reports of other young critters are increasing. A reminder to the public is do not remove young animals from the wild. If you feel the animals are orphaned please contact your local DNR Office before removing the animals. The mother maybe close by and will not approach with you there. Most hen turkeys are now sitting and this should make for some great hunting for gobblers this last time period that starts Wednesday and ends this Sunday. For northern Oconto county, no fawns have been seen yet, panfishing is good everywhere- walleye are biting good on Wheeler Lake. Needed rain brought spring flowers into full bloom. ATV trails have been open and are being used heavily.
Shawano County - A lot of yearling deer, which are being pushed away from their mothers are getting hit on the roads. Keep your bird feeders down as bear roam the area looking for food. New birds that have arrived are bobolinks and rufous-sided towhees, along with many warblers. Mosquitoes have hatched! Fishing is picking up with panfish moving into shallows. Turkeys are slowing down but success can still be had for the final hunting period.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - The Bay has provided some good smallmouth action with some large fish being caught. On Friday May 11, the water temp was around 56-58 with high winds. Anglers reported seeing a few smallmouth in the shallows acting pre-spawn alongside numerous carp. Anglers saw action on jigs with soft plastics and also crank baits. Local bass tournaments should be in good shape if the weather and wind cooperates. A few walleye were also being caught offshore. The Fox River including the mouth have provided some good action with the warming temps. Anglers have reported some nice northern pike and walleyes being caught on shore along with a steady bite of sheephead, suckers, and the occasional catfish. Some mature muskies have also been seen in numbers performing spawning behavior along shore near Voyager Park.
Manitowoc County - This week in Manitowoc, brown trout anglers had a good week when the weather allowed anglers to get on the water. This past week anglers trolling Lake Michigan faced early morning dense fog followed by high seas, but still had success fishing in 12 to 20 feet of water. Following Sunday's rain, a few anglers on the south pier had a great afternoon landing some nice Seeforellen brown trout and Arlee rainbow trout. The brown trout ranged in size from 3 to 7.5 pounds and the rainbow was 2.5 pounds. Anglers have reported landing a couple other rainbow trout being caught from the north side of the breakwater. The Manitowoc River was busy this past week with an increase of fishing pressure for bass and some rough fish. Anglers concentrated near Clarks Mills dam, Lower Cato Falls, or at County highway S and caught a mixed bag of smallmouth bass, carp, bullheads, and a few northern pike. The Branch River was slow for anglers, but canoeists had a good week. In Two Rivers, brown trout anglers had a fair week of fishing. Anglers trolling along the shoreline were in low numbers, but had success trolling at lower speeds in around 20 feet of water with stick baits or spoons. Anglers fishing from the pier had a slow week, but anglers fishing the inside the harbor had good week catching bullheads and some channel catfish. On the West Twin River, anglers had a great week for bass. Anglers concentrated near the dam caught a mixed bag of bass and rock bass. Anglers had the most action fishing with worms and bobbers or a jig with a spinner combination. Anglers fishing from boats down stream from the dam were also able to pick up bass, bullheads, and northern pike. On the East Twin River, anglers fishing at the Mishicot dam had a good week catching some northern pike, rock bass, suckers, and a couple of yellow perch.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County – There was very nice weather this week, with most days warm and sunny with seasonably warm temperatures. Not a lot of fishing action was reported; there just weren’t a lot of anglers out there. Those who were out reported fair to good action for smallmouth bass. Most of the anglers I talked to were fishing Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon. Northern pike continue to be hitting in Sturgeon Bay and nice catches of pan fish continue to come off of the causeway over the north end of Kangaroo Lake. Again this week there was little or no angling pressure on the Lake Michigan tributary streams.
Peninsula State Park - Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. Trails are ready for summer use, but some bike trail sections are wet. Cherry blossoms throughout the county are at their peak. Spring wildflowers are nearing their peak: trillium, hepatica, wood anemone, dwarf lake iris...all the favorites. Yellow lady slippers are just starting to blossom. Peninsula's warbler migrations are their peak. Sightings of birds continue at a frantic pace. Door County Lighthouse Weekend is May 19-20. Tennison Bay and Weborg campgrounds are open. South Nicolet Bay campground will open on May 18. North Nicolet and Welckers campgrounds open May 24. Shower/toilets buildings are operative as is the trailer dumping station. Campers are reminded that no firewood may be transported into Peninsula or any other state park from a distance greater than 50 miles. Many campers who were not award of this restriction have had their firewood confiscated at the park entrance. Firewood is available for purchase at the park wood yard. We strongly urge campers not to bring firewood into the park to help prevent the devastating effects of the Emerald Ash Borer and other wood-borne insects. Peninsula State Park golf course is now open. Reservations may be made anytime after March 1. Visit the Golf Course Web site at [www.peninsulagolf.org] or call (920) 854-5791.
Kewaunee County - Weather conditions over the last week have made fishing difficult out on the lake. Air temperatures have been nice, but strong winds throughout the week and the weekend kept anglers from venturing out onto Lake Michigan. Anglers fishing from shore were still catching some brown trout and steelhead off of the south pier in Kewaunee. Shore fishing in Algoma has not been producing many fish.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - – In Sheboygan, shore anglers fishing with spoons off the lake side of the south pier have been catching an occasional brown trout in the afternoon hours. Trollers off Sheboygan have been also been catching a few browns near shore in 20 to 40 feet of water. Spoons and crankbaits have been effective.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore fishing has been relatively slow, but boaters out of Port Washington have been catching browns and occasional chinooks on a variety of spoons fished in 30 to 50 feet of water.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, a few browns have been taken on minnows behind the Summerfest grounds, but fishing there has been slow overall. 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.
Racine County - In Racine, trollers working south of the harbor in 30 to 40 feet of water have been catching good numbers of coho on dodgers and small flies. Anglers casting spoons off the piers have been occasionally catching browns.
Kenosha County - Limits of coho have been caught by Kenosha trollers fishing orange flashers with blue and silver flies in 40 to 55 feet of water. Shore fishing in Kenosha has been slow.
Inland fisheries team report
As the weather continues to warm the fishing continues to improve. Spawning bluegills will be the main target for the next several weeks.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Fishing for panfish on most inland lakes has been good for the most part. Crappies seem to be hitting fairly well. Look for changing conditions as the bluegills and crappies near spawning. Be careful not to take all of the males off of nest colonies. Largemouth bass fishing has also been good. A few walleyes were being caught but they have been fairly sparse. Muskies were active on Random Lake.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area – This is the peak of the spring songbird migration at Horicon Marsh. The recently held Horicon Marsh Bird Festival attracted more than 1,000 birders from across the country and recorded 157 species of birds in the area during the weekend of May 11 through 14. These birds are still present in the area and will remain until they refuel for their journey farther north and the warm southerly winds take them onward. Now is a good time to go out to see and enjoy these migrant birds, since the warm weather after the recent rain will lead to rapid leaf growth among the trees making it increasingly difficult to observe these birds among the tree tops.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Jefferson County - Water levels on the Upper Rock and Crawfish rivers are dropping quickly due to the recent dry weather. The white bass run has been slow and now that the water levels are dropping on the rivers it may get even slower. Anglers were catching a few white bass near the bridges on the Crawfish River using mostly twister-tails. Some nice sized catfish in the 3- to 6-pound range have been biting on the Upper Crawfish River. The best success has been on shrimp and night crawlers. In Watertown anglers were catching some smallmouth bass below both dams. Many of the fish have been over the 14-inch size limit. Mushroom hunters have only been finding a few mushrooms due to the dry spell. Many of the mushrooms found are drying up. The first fawns of the year are beginning to appear along with broods of mallard ducks.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - The Willow River and Little Falls Lake are at normal to low level with very good clarity. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental. Deer fawns are out. Please drive carefully. There is more work to be done in the new group campground, which will be open in 2008. All reserved camping is taken for Memorial Day Weekend. Remember, campers who arrive a day late (after 3 p.m.) for a reservation, and you do not call the park, you will lose their campsite. Leave the firewood at home. All firewood (trees and branches, not boards) from farther away than 50 miles and from out of state will be confiscated. Buy firewood locally to avoid this inconvenience. The camp host has wood for sale from 7-8 p.m. daily.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
American toads, leopard frogs, and gray tree frogs are calling wildly. Green frogs and bull frogs should begin calling toward the end of May as water temperatures approach 65-70 degrees. Turkey hunters participating in the fifth hunting period seemed to fare well. Gobblers remain active and receptive to calling. The warbler migration is near its peak. About three dozen species of warblers either reside in or migrate through Wisconsin. Warbler identification is challenging yet rewarding. Plumage, behavior, vocalizations, and habitat of occurrence are clues that can assist with identifying these sprightly birds.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River was at the 8.3 foot early this week. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for a slow decrease this week. The Wisconsin and Kickapoo rivers were also starting to settle to normal levels. All the trout streams in the area were running clear after Sunday morning’s rain. Fishing action was pretty good this week. Stable water levels and increasing temperatures made conditions favorable. Bluegill action is starting to pick up in the backwaters where the water temperatures are rising into the upper 60s. Cold Spring was spotty this week but a few reports of some decent bluegill action were reported. Bluegills have been biting on the Mississippi River up by the Lynxville dam. In the Prairie du Chien area the Ambro Slough Complex is starting to produce some nice bluegills. The Lower Bottoms produced a few nice catches of bluegills also, but not every day. Some anglers have been trying for bluegill on wing dams with limited success. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was spotty. Most bluegill anglers were using chunks of night crawlers or red worms. Crappie and perch action was spotty. Some crappie were taken in Dilman’s pit and along the shoreline of the East Channel near Lawler Park. Some crappie were taken in snags in sloughs with slow moving water using minnows. Perch were biting up in Pool 9 near the Ferryville area earlier this week. Walleye fishing is getting much better. Many anglers were trolling the sloughs around the Prairie du Chien area with fair success. Some were targeting wing dams with moderate success. Some have been targeting the MacDonald Slough and Lynxville dam area. Most were trolling or working wing dams with crank baits. Bass fishing on the Mississippi River has been pretty good also, with many anglers catching decent fish using plastics and spinner baits. The bass seem to be spread out all over the place to include the sloughs, main channel, and backwaters. Some smallmouth action was taking place on wing dams, slough closures and rocky shorelines. Catfish and bullheads action was fair. Some nice catches of catfish came off the Wisconsin River on stink bait. Mississippi River catfish are becoming more active. The best bullhead action has been in shallow backwater areas of both the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River. Trout anglers report pretty good action. Many of the area trout streams produced decent brook and brown trout. Fishing tactics are pretty much evenly split between fly fishing and bait fishing. The fifth turkey season opened last Wednesday. Turkey hunters were met with decent hunting conditions with the exception of early Sunday morning. Gobbling activity is becoming spotty. Some hunters report good action all morning long while others report only early morning gobbling. It appears that the hens are really actively nesting right now. Bald eagles can be seen tending nests along the river at various sites. Viewing them is getting a bit more difficult due to the foliage. Numerous Canada geese goslings can be seen in the area. Robins, red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes and a variety of other song birds are actively nesting. Turkey vultures have been very active recently. Tom turkeys and rooster pheasants are still actively seeking mates. Ruffed Grouse can be heard drumming. Unfortunately garlic mustard is flowering out and soon will go to seed. Control garlic mustard on your land if you can. Morel mushroom hunters have been finding a pretty good crop this year. Most mushroom hunters are advising that this year’s crop is not as good as last year. Recent rain helped “pop” out more mushrooms.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Area open water game fish and pan fish action has been fast with warm temperatures or very quiet during cooler days in the sheltered bays and lagoons. Species of birds we have been seeing or hearing include: rose-breasted grosbeaks, loons, robins, red polls, a variety of wrens, phoebes, Canada geese, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, and belted kingfishers. The great blue herons, green herons, barred owls, ravens, osprey and bald eagles are on their nests. The maples have leafed out and the cherry species have begun to bloom. The ferns are in the process of unfurling. Miterwort, spring beauty, common and wood strawberry, dog violet, marsh marigolds, trillium, wild columbine, hepaticas, bellworts, and the false rue anemones are in bloom. Campgrounds with electric sites, hand water pump, shower facility and park dump station are all now open.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park -
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The first loop of the campground is currently open for walk-in camping, as well as all water access and the trailer dumping station. 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. Many spring wildflowers are in bloom including Marsh Marigolds and Canada Mayflower. The prairies are also alive with the purple blooms of Lupine. 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. Please join us on May 19 at 1:30 pm at the petroglyph area for a presentation from the Wisconsin Archaeological society.
Last Revised: Thursday May 17 2007
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