Wisconsin will be bustling with outdoor activities this coming weekend as the state celebrates Free Fishing Weekend Saturday and Sunday, National Trails Day on Saturday, and Wisconsin State Parks Open House on Sunday. Residents and non-residents of all ages can fish without a fishing license or trout or salmon stamps this June 7 and 8 on all waters of the state, including state waters of the Great Lakes and rivers bordering Wisconsin. All other regulations such as length and bag limits do apply. For National Trails Day on Saturday, there will be a Mammoth Walk (exit DNR) on the Ice Age Trail, during which the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation is hoping to attract enough hikers to have people across the state hike the entire length of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in one day in honor of the organization’s 50th anniversary this year. Then on Sunday, admission is free to all Wisconsin State Parks, Trails, Forests and Recreation Areas. Many parks have special events scheduled, including fishing clinics so people can also take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend.
Wisconsin has continued to experience variable and continually changing weather conditions in the last week. Rainfall statewide has ranged from 2 to more than 5 inches in the last week. River systems especially in southwestern Wisconsin are on the rise after some heavy rain this week. Wildlfire danger has dropped to low across the entire state.
The changing weather patterns have continued to keep anglers guessing on most waters across the Northwoods. The slow warm-up has finally increased northern water temperatures into the low 60s and this has brought bass and panfish up into the shallows. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass have begun spawning and many dished out nests can be observed in the shallows. Crappie are just about finished up with their nesting activities, while bluegill and pumpkinseed have just started up on the smaller lakes. Walleye fishing success has been sporadic. Northern pike action has been excellent. Musky activity was generally good over the past weekend with a fair number of fish caught on small bucktails and crank baits. Fishing action and success picked up in the south. Crappie are done spawning and bluegills were beginning on most lakes. Largemouth bass and northern pike fishing has been good.
Limits of perch have been reported near the Oconto Harbor breakwater, but perch anglers were finding limited success in other areas of Green Bay. Some musky were being caught in the Fox River at Green Bay and in the lower bay. Anglers were successfully targeting smallmouth bass. Anglers fishing out on Lake Michigan had a good week when weather conditions were favorable. Most boats returned with a mixed catch of lake trout, rainbow trout, and chinook and coho salmon. Shore and pier fishing has been generally slow, except for occasional chinook salmon and a few rainbow trout, at the more southern Lake Michigan harbors.
The Mississippi River dropped down to 9.5 feet in the Prairie du Chien area this week. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for it to remain steady for almost a week. Bluegill action in the area of dams was picking up. Fishing for sauger and walleye was pretty good, with anglers targeting wing dams, slough closures, and main channels “flats.” Northern pike action was also really picking up.
Apple and cherry trees and lilacs are still blooming in the north, where trilliums and spring beauties are also still decorating the forest floor. Hawkweed is getting ready to bloom. In the south hoary puccoon, wood anemone, columbine, wild geranium and yarrow are blooming.
Good numbers of rose-breasted grosbeaks and Baltimore orioles are being reported in some locations. A lot of bear activity still being reported so it is best to take down bird feeders at night. The first whitetail deer bucks with antlers developing in velvet have been reported. Fawn drop is picking up, and again, a reminder to leave fawns in the woods if you see them. They are not abandoned. Does leave fawns hidden for long periods to protect them from predators, but they are close by and will take care of their fawns.
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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NORTHERN REGION
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Summer has finally arrived and so have the mosquitoes. Insect repellent is definitely recommended. It's still getting a little chilly at night but the days are starting to warm up. The campgrounds are filling fast for the summer so get your reservation in as soon as possible.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Variable and continually changing weather conditions have continued to keep anglers guessing on most waters across the Northwoods. Walleye fishing success has been sporadic with a few reports of some good catches being made. Jig and minnow combinations continue to be the favorite bait, though crank baits along the shorelines have also produced some decent catches. The slow warm-up has finally increased water temperatures into the low 60s on most lakes and this has brought most bass and panfish up into the shallows. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass have begun their spring spawning rituals and many dished out nests can be observed in the shallows -- with the males often sitting tight and guarding the nests. Crappie are just about finished up with their nesting activities, while bluegill and pumpkinseed have just started up on the smaller lakes. Northern pike action has been excellent with the fish being very active with the warming water temperatures. Musky activity was generally good over the past weekend with a fair number of mid-30 inch fish being caught on small bucktails and crank baits. The warming weather has also brought out the biting insects, with large swarms of mosquitoes and black flies pestering anglers in the early morning and evening hours. Mayfly hatches have just begun with the first individuals being observed in the last several days.
Flambeau River State Forest - Both North and South Forks of the Flambeau River are at a normal level. Paddlers are still paddling the South Fork but need to pick their path more carefully due to rocks. As always use caution. North Fork paddlers are reporting good conditions as well. Local anglers are reporting good bluegill and sunfish fishing on local lakes, and catfish are biting on the river. ATV trails are open and in good shape. Fawns and turtles are being seen. Bears are still busy playing havoc on birdfeeders and garbage cans. Mosquitoes and ticks are out in full force. Local apple and cherry trees are in full blossom, lilacs are blooming and rhubarb is ready for harvest. Trilliums and spring beauties are still decorating the forest floor.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Slow trolling the Menominee River at night using crawlers/harness and stick baits have working well for walleye. Free floating minnows in the rivers current seams have been producing a variety of fish in both the Peshtigo and Menominee rivers. Still fishing at the Hattie Street Dam with crawlers was still producing walleye, smallmouth, and panfish. Anglers at the Peshtigo River Harbor were seeing nice catches of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 pound catfish fishing crawlers on the bottom. Fly and spinner fishers alike have been enjoying success for rainbow trout below the dam in Peshtigo. Mepps and rooster tail spinners in a variety of colors, and caddis flies in a number 16 along with a prince or hare's ear nymph in size 18, used in tandem have been very successful. Bluegill and bass are on nests of inland lakes and flowages with water temperatures beginning to reach normal. Several inland lake surveys are being completed by fishery crews with excellent population distribution results. Hawkweed is ready to bloom along with aquilegia in the north. Whip-poor-wills have been vocalizing at night. Bear activity is frequently reported with vacationers returning to summer cabins. Please keep bird feeders empty a bit longer so as not to attract their attention. Get the kids outdoors and enjoy a free fishing weekend!
Oconto County - Limits of perch have been reported by the “red can” (in the vicinity of the Little Sucker Hole) out of the Oconto Breakwater Harbor by the harbor master. Smallmouth bass were being caught on crank baits all along the rocky breakwater. Walleye anglers were having moderate success slow trolling stick baits and crawler/harness in the 6 to 10 foot range out of Oconto Park II, Oconto Breakwater, and the Pensaukee River. The Stiles Dam area has been producing some nice brown trout (14 to 16 inch) on free floating flathead minnows. Anglers fishing with worms in the Stiles Dam area were also catching a few browns along with some nice panfish. Mallard duckilings are hatched out and grouse broods should soon be hatching. Whitetail deer bucks have antlers developing in velvet. Animal young should not be disturbed as mothers are sure to be close at hand. Leave them where you see them please.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County – Some musky were being caught in the Fox River at Green Bay and in the lower bay. Shore anglers were catching mostly rough fish and white bass in the Fox at Green Bay. In the lower bay, anglers were successfully targeting walleye with crawler harnesses. Fluorescent and yellow seem to show better results. Walleye anglers using crank baits were finding more success with chartreuse. Perch anglers were finding limited success, as the bite is still slow. Worms and minnows used at depths between 15 and 25 feet have been producing limited results. Round gobies have been consistently harassing perch anglers’ bait. Some anglers are reporting gobies hitting minnows less than worms. Others find suspending their bait between 1 and 2 feet off the bottom helps as well. Bite should improve as water temperature increases. In the Little Sturgeon Bay/Sawyer Harbor area, anglers were successfully targeting smallmouth bass. There are many smallmouth bass in the system with good numbers of larger fish. Plastics, spinners, and crank baits (especially purple) have all been successful. Live bait including leeches has also had success. The perch, musky, and northern bite has been slow. The walleye bite seems to be slowing down as well; though, anglers were still finding walleye near Henderson’s and south along the east shore of Green Bay.
Manitowoc County - Anglers fishing in Manitowoc had a good week when weather conditions were favorable. Boat anglers had mixed success during the week, but their catch improved last weekend when good weather returned. Most boats returned with a mixed catch of lake trout, rainbow trout, and chinook and coho salmon. Anglers had success fishing in anywhere from 90 to 200 feet of water. The size of the harvested fish ranged from 7 to 10 pounds for chinook salmon, 2 to 3 pounds for coho salmon, 3 to 5 pounds for lake trout, and 4 to 7 pounds for rainbow trout. Pier anglers had a slow week of fishing despite good weather and steady fishing pressure. In Two Rivers boat anglers also had a good week of fishing on Lake Michigan. On Thursday, one rainbow trout boat angler had a good afternoon harvesting three rainbow trout in 220 to 240 feet of water off of high lines. On Sunday, action picked up for many boaters with mixed catches of chinook salmon, lake trout, and a few rainbow trout. The largest chinook salmon harvested and recorded by the creel clerk was 17 pounds and 32.5 inches. Most successful boat anglers trolled in anywhere from 90 to 170 feet of water. Boat and pier anglers reported some large schools of alewives and water temperature consistently around 41-43 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Kewaunee County - Fishing pressure was on the slower side this past week, yet those who did get out had good opportunities and success. Baitfish have been near shore providing some good chances for pier fishing in both Algoma and Kewaunee. Chinook salmon were in near the Kewaunee pier this past week and some shore anglers had luck getting them to bite. As for trolling on Lake Michigan, anglers fishing for salmon found success in 80-100 feet, and possibly later in the day to depths of 200 ft. Fish have been mostly near the bottom. A smaller number of steelhead were also found in the same range as the salmon. As weather warms, trolling will continue to pick up.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All nature and hiking trails are open. Rose-breasted grosbeaks, orioles, eastern towhees, chipping sparrows, white-throated sparrows, hummingbirds, and red-headed woodpeckers have all been visiting the bird feeders this week. Various warblers are migrating through the area. The tree swallow eggs laid in the nest box at the park office hatched on Monday, June 2. Visitors can view the activities on the television located in the office conference room. Visitors are invited to help with the removal of garlic mustard. Check with the office for garbage bags and instruction. The Wisconsin Great Lakes Beach testing conditions can be viewed at
http://www.wibeaches.us/traverse/f?p=BEACH:HOME:17041187235832071976Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore fishing has been generally slow except for occasional chinook salmon hitting spoons or alewives off the south pier. Trollers have been catching chinook and rainbow trout on spoons. Fish have been scattered south of the harbor in 120 to 250 feet of water.
Ozaukee County - Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching a few rainbow trout on spawn near the power plant, but shore fishing has been slow overall. Port Washington trollers have been catching a mix of chinook, coho, lake trout, and rainbows 40 to 90 feet down in 100 to 230 feet of water. Spoons and flashers and flies have been producing south of the harbor.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, shore fishing has been slow, but trollers have been catching fair numbers of fish. Chinooks, coho, rainbows, and lake trout have been found in 80 to 160 feet of water north of the harbor off the filtration plant.
Racine County - In Racine shore fishing has slowed down, but trollers have been catching fish in 60 to 90 feet of water. Spoons have been providing the most action, and orange has been a good color. Catches have been primarily coho, but some chinooks and rainbows have been taken as well.
Kenosha County - Kenosha shore fishing has been slow this past week. Trollers off Kenosha have been finding scattered coho, with the majority of action in 120 feet of water. Spoons and dodger and fly combinations have been producing.
Inland fisheries team report
Fishing action and success has really picked up lately. Crappie spawning is done on some of the more shallow lakes in the area and bluegills were beginning on most lakes. Largemouth bass fishing has been good and is expected to get even better over the next few weeks. A fair number of muskies were being caught or seen on Random Lake. Northern pike action has been very good in Sheboygan Marsh. Local trout streams are in great shape with insect hatches coming off on a regular basis. Overall - it's a great time to get out fishing.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park - The lake level is high, but there has not been any damaging flooding. The Tumbled Rocks Trail along the west side of the lake is closed. The south end of that trail is well underwater and the north end is barely flooded, and we hope it will become accessible soon with receding water. The lake water is very near the road at the south shore of the lake, but nothing is closed. Swimming beaches are underwater. The north shore boat landing and adjacent parking lot are closed and water-covered. The south shore boat landing is open. Mosquitoes are extremely abundant this early summer, so be sure and bring insect repellant. Ticks are plentiful this year also. Central Wisconsin is one of several hot spots for Lyme disease (transmitted by some ticks) nationwide, so be sure and take precautions.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Water temperatures remain cooler than normal slowing the panfish and bass activity on many waters. Trout fishing on area streams has been very good. It is recommended that you try going out on week days to avoid the crowds. There have been many sightings of black bears and fawns in the area and residents are reminded to please leave young wild animals alone. Walleye action on the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers has been slow, but should improve in the next couple weeks. Water levels are still up on these rivers due to heavy rains. Panfish and bass activity has been reported as quite good on Dunn County Lakes, Menomin and Tainter as these waters seem to warm up sooner.
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Rough weather is forecast for later this week. Big rain could discolor the river and lake. A few good sized northern pike have been caught and an 11-inch crappie was reported. Art Along the Willow will be taking place in the beach area Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Various artists will have their work for sale along with other activities. The Nature Center will be open as well. This is part of the open house day at WI State Parks so vehicle admission is free. River otters were reported along the Trout Brook trail last week. Deer fawns are out. That purple box hanging in the tree by the office is an inset trap.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Bluegill fishing is very good on Lake Onalaska. Bluegills were hitting poppers in the shallows and pieces of night crawlers throughout the lake.
Buffalo River State Trail - ATVs are allowed year around on the Buffalo River Trail. Grading has begun on the trail. New surfacing will be laid down between Eleva and Strum - sections may be posted as Closed as needed. Check with counties for their trail conditions and opening dates. Many wildflowers are blooming.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. Enjoy the unique character of a recently flooded forest due to high water levels of the Black and Mississippi rivers. The water level is fairly normal now. Many wildflowers are still blooming, including stunning patches of lupine.
Merrick State Park - The trails are in good condition. The dock has been installed. The spring wild flowers are beginning to come out. A few flowers spotted this past week include hoary puccoon, wood anemone, columbine and yarrow.
Perrot State Park - All the trails are in good condition. Fishing has been picking up and the river level has dropped. The dock is now installed. The spring wild flowers are starting to fade. Currently blooming in the park are: wild geranium, columbine, thimbleweed, cream indigo, hoary puccoon, sweet cicely, woodland phlox, showy orchids, Virginia waterleaf, lupine and false Solomon's seal.
Crawford County - Once again this week all the river systems in the county have been on a steady decline. The Mississippi River dropped slightly this week down to 9.5 feet in the Prairie du Chien/Mc Gregor Iowa area. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for it to remain steady for almost a week. The Wisconsin River and the Kickapoo River are both receding also. Water clarity is getting better on all river systems. All the boat landings in the Crawford County area are open. Bluegill, perch, and crappie action was spotty this week. Perch action at Lock and Dam #9 was spotty with some anglers catching a few decent fish using a chunk of night crawlers. Angers are using a piece of night crawlers fished off the bottom to catch perch. Bluegills action in the area of the dam is picking up also. Right now try fishing the slack water areas. Crappies have been taken in the slack/slow moving backwater areas. Crappie have been biting some days on small minnows or jigs. Fishing at Cold Spring was generally slow, with a few reports some bluegill action. Bluegills and crappie were being taken there on occasion. Anglers have been targeting the shallows because the receding water and warmer temperatures are causing the bluegill and crappie to head into those areas. The boat ramp at Cold Spring is in good shape and usable. The Ambro Slough complex is starting to get fished a bit more now that the water has come down. Access to boat landings is much better. There has been some bluegill action in the backwaters in Fish Lake and in the Doubles. Sturgeon Slough did not see much fishing activity because the water is still moving through that area. Horseshoe (McGregor or Sturgeon) Lake is starting to produce bluegills. Spring Lake was slow. Bluegills were being found in the shallow water and caught on garden worms or pieces of night crawler. Fishing for sauger and walleye was pretty good this week. Many anglers were targeting wing dams, slough closures, and main channels “flats.” Some nice catches of walleye and sauger were taken this past week by anglers drifting with leeches or night crawlers or trolling with crank baits. The Roseau Slough area and the S curve by Harpers Ferry have produced fish. Anglers fishing on the long wall at the dam have had limited success on walleye. Some of the wing dams closer to and south of Prairie du Chien have produced walleye. Northern pike action is really picking u. Casting crank baits have worked the best. Some good action in the slack water near the long wall at the dam occurred this week. Look for northerns in medium depth areas without heavy current. Many species of birds including waterfowl are actively sitting on eggs or tending young. There are reports of a few Canada geese gosling and mallard chicks wandering about. Many species of song birds are actively tending their young chicks also. Hen turkeys are also actively sitting on eggs. A chorus of frogs can be heard on warm days throughout the day. This week a fairly large hatch of mosquitoes and gnats showed up in the river bottoms. Gnats have also been a nuisance on the higher ground also.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Species of birds seen or heard include: rose-breasted grosbeaks, belted kingfishers, ruby throated hummingbirds, scarlet tanagers, a variety of wrens, red polls, bluebirds, lake gulls, golden finches, mallard ducks, common loons, great blue herons, red winged blackbirds, phoebes, Canada geese, sandhill cranes, robins, mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles. The great blue herons, green herons, barred owls, ravens, osprey and bald eagles are on their nests. The fireflies and a variety of dragonflies have begun to show themselves. Common and wood strawberry, dog violet, marsh marigolds, trillium, wild columbine, bellwort, and the false rue anemones are in bloom. Park trails are generally dry and in very good condition.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Mosquitoes have hatched and are abundant in the park. Lake breezes kept them away at times over the weekend at campsites. Remember to bring bug spray. People enjoyed the picnic areas and beaches over the weekend. Most campsites are reservable and fill up fast for the weekend. There are a few non-reservable sites at the park. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees. Sunday is the park open house - stop at the office for juice and cookies. Dates in Sept and Oct are available for the accessible cabin. Applications are available for the November Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt. Contact the park office at 608-565-2789 for questions or to get an application. The 2008 application is also available on the park website through the DNR internet site.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The campground is open and campers enjoyed the park over the weekend. There are many quiet sites available during the week. The park was sprayed last week for gypsy moths. There are some mosquitoes so remember bug spray. Trails are in great condition for hiking. If the office is closed, please self-register in the parking lot. If you self-register for an annual sticker, it will be mailed to you.
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