Most of the northern two-thirds of Wisconsin received snowfall ranging from 3 to 7 inches last weekend, which improved winter recreation conditions in some locations, but warm temperatures this week combined with rain in the forecast is likely to cause conditions to deteriorate rapidly across most of the state. Snow cover currently ranges from bare ground in the south to nearly 20 inches in Iron County.
As of March 5, snowmobile trails remained open and in fair to good condition in many north central to northeastern counties of Wisconsin, according to the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR), but were closed throughout most of southern and central Wisconsin. Cross-country ski trails were still being reported in good condition in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and northern state parks, and trails were still being reported as skiable in the northern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Conditions are expected to deteriorate if the warm temperatures and rain in the forecast arrives this weekend. With the winter recreation season coming to a close, most state parks and forests are reporting that they do not plan any more ski trail grooming, unless the state should receive a substantial late winter, early spring snowstorm.
The game fish season came to a close on most inland Wisconsin waters last Sunday. Check the current Wisconsin hook and line fishing regulations pamphlet for waters that remain open to game fishing year round. Sub-zero nighttime temperatures and bluebird skies last weekend kept both fishing pressure and fish activity on the low side. Walleye had been providing the most consistent action up until that point. Northern pike action was also more consistent and a few of the bright sunny days produced some fair action. Panfish activity continued to be on the slow side. Look for the panfish action to pick-up in later March, as the warmer weather melts the snow and get water flowing down the holes, which often brings fish up off the bottom and puts them in a more active feeding pattern.
As of March 4, the Mississippi River stage was at 7.9 feet at Prairie du Chien. After rising more than 2 feet a couple weeks ago the river has been at a steady fall early last week. Most of the main channel is open, and with the ice out below lock and dam 9 at Lynxville, walleye and sauger anglers have been out in force.
Anglers are reminded that permanent ice shanties must be removed from waters south of Highway 64 by the end of the day next Sunday, March 8. Shelters can remain inland waters north of Highway 64 through March 15. Portable shanties may continue to be used but must be removed when not occupied.
March 7 marks the opening of the early catch and release trout season, which is the latest possible opening date. Fisheries biologists say the cold, snowy winter should leave trout streams in good shape. The season opens at 5 a. and runs until midnight April 26. The season is catch-and-release, and only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used while fishing for any species of fish on trout streams. Most trout streams are open to early fishing with the exception of most Lake Superior tributaries and most streams in northeast Wisconsin; check the current Trout Fishing Regulations pamphlet for specific waters.
This past week and the upcoming weekend will bring territorial sandhill cranes, robins, red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows, grackles, and migrant waterfowl to the southern portions of the state. Warm sunny days in the next week should also bring a push of raptors including bald eagle, golden eagle, red-shouldered hawk, harriers and rough-legged hawks. Other migrants expected to begin arriving include great blue herons, cormorants, ring-billed and herring gulls, turkey vultures, killdeer, meadowlarks, and rusty blackbirds.
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
Early migrants are on the move in southern Wisconsin. This past week and the upcoming weekend will bring territorial sandhill cranes, robins, red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows, grackles, and migrant waterfowl to the southern portions of the state. Warm sunny days in the next week should also bring a push of raptors including bald eagle, golden eagle, red-shouldered hawk, harriers and rough-legged hawks. Other migrants expected to begin arriving include great blue herons, cormorants, ring-billed and herring gulls, turkey vultures, killdeer, meadowlarks, and rusty blackbirds. Rare birds that continue to be reported include Thayer's, Iceland, and black-backed gulls at the Johnson Creek landfill, hoary redpolls mixed in with flocks of common redpolls, white-winged crossbills, and a slaty-backed gull from Sheboygan. As always, please report bird sightings to Wisconsin eBird (ebird.org/WI) to help better track migratory bird populations.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Pattison State Park – Cross-country ski trail was groomed on Feb. 27 after 4 inches of fresh snow. The trail was in very good condition as of March 2, with a 6 inch base and 12 inches of snow cover in the woods.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Ski trails were once again in excellent condition March 2 after snowfall over the past week. All ski trails were last groomed and tracked on Friday February 27. Copper Falls State Park is a beautiful place to ski and enjoy a late winter day. Warmer weather is expected later this week so please call the park for updated conditions as the week progresses. For those wishing to hike, walk a pet, or snowshoe; the Red Granite Falls Trail remains open all season for those users. Pet owners are reminded that pets must be leashed at all times. Snowshoeing is very popular on this trail.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The game fish ice fishing season ended this past Sunday, March 1, on a rather cold and breezy note. Sub-zero nighttime temperatures and bluebird skies kept both fishing pressure and fish activity on the low side. Walleye had been providing the most consistent action up until that point, but success really dropped off in the last week. A fair number of anglers were out trying their luck but most saw very slow action from walleye, with just a few reports of some 11- to 16-inch fish being caught in the warmer late-afternoon period. Northern pike action was a bit more consistent and a few of the bright sunny days produced some fair action. Most fish were in the 22- to 28-inch size, with large golden shiners fished near the weeds seeing the best success. Panfish activity also continued to be on the slow side, with anglers still having to move around to find the few active fish that are being caught. Look for the panfish action to pick-up in later March, as the warmer weather melts the snow and get water flowing down the holes. This seems to bring the fish up off the bottom and puts them in a more active feeding pattern. Ice conditions continue to be very good with most lakes having ice depths of 20 to 22 inches. There is about 4 to 6 inches of light snow on top of the ice and ATV and vehicle travel has been good to most areas of the lakes.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Snow is needed in the area to improve the snowmobile as they have experienced lots of traffic since the last snowfall. Trail conditions are deteriorating quickly with the warm weather and rain. Walleye action had been improving with most fish relating to shallow water weed edges. Perch continue to provide good action in the shallow water weeds. Crappie and bluegill reports are not real positive at this time. The game-fish season closed March 1. Anglers are reminded that ice shanties must be removed by March 15 north of 64. Portable shanties may continue to be used but must be removed when not occupied. Please remember to exercise caution if you are planning on driving out onto the lakes with any type of vehicle. As we have mentioned before, ice conditions are not always consistent on individual lakes, as well as in areas on the lakes. Lakes should be assessed for safety before driving out. Boat registration renewal notices are being mailed out now from Madison so be on the lookout and make your renewals now so that you don’t have to deal with registration right before you want to use your boat. A further reminder with reference to hunting and fishing licenses: Current licenses expire on March 31. 2009, with new licenses now on sale. Conservation Patrons will not receive reminder notices to renew their licenses.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – As of March 2, the cross-country ski trails in the forest remained in good to very good condition. The forest received 4.5 inches of new snow March 1-2. Raven and Escanaba trails were leveled and tracked March 2. - McNaughton and Madeline were last groomed and tracked Feb. 27.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County – Northern pike fishing has been improving from the mouth of the Peshtigo River to Oconto Park II. The fish seem to be in the shallows (2 to 3 feet of water) with large shiners working well. A warming trend is expected, which should make inland lake fishing for panfish more enjoyable. Sub zero morning temperatures last weekend impacted early morning fishing activity. With the break in the weather we could expect the arrival of some migratory birds such as bluebirds, robins, and sandhill cranes. Make sure your bluebird nests are cleaned out and in place along with bat houses.
Oconto County - Geano Beach has still been seeing its share of people in search of perch and whitefish. Individuals were traveling 2 miles out, to the ice shove, then fishing in 20 feet of water. Oconto Breakwater Harbor was producing whitefish directly off the end of the breakwater with northern anglers setting up in the flats to the north. Oconto park II south to Pensaukee has seen more pike anglers as the days have been getting longer. Deer activity is increasing as fields begin to open up. Horned larks are becoming more obvious in the county. Streams are still iced over, which should change with a warming trend. Turkeys have not begun gobbling but will begin as soon as temperatures increase.
Shawano County - The Navarino Nature Center has 12 miles of ski trails being groomed for both skate and traditional skiing. Trails are flat to moderately hilly. Snowshoes are also available for a minimal cost for children and adults. Saturday, March 14, a workshop " Forestry and Grassland Management for Turkey" sponsored by a Turkey stamp grant will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. For further information on the Navarino Nature Center you may contact the NNC at 715-758-6999 or nnc@navarino.org.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - With the colder weather last week perch action seemed to have cooled off at Sturgeon Bay. Most anglers were reporting poor catches over the last week. Anglers have been targeting perch around the ship channel near Potawatomi State Park and the Stone Quarry. Anglers were also targeting walleye with limited success. Walleye fishing continued to be good at Larson Reef, with most anglers driving off by the Sand Bay resort and driving the ice road to Larson’s. The best catches were coming early or late in the day. Anglers were reporting the most success using jigging spoons and Rapalas. At Little Sturgeon Bay, Henderson’s seems to have the most of the traffic with good numbers of whitefish being caught. Anglers have reported a jig with a minnow head on it would get action. Anglers were also getting a few perch inside of the bay but fishing seems to be on the slower side. Fishing has been fair off Dycksville over the last week, with most anglers fishing whitefish in 10 to 20 feet of water. Anglers have been using Swedish pimps or Genz worms tipped with a minnow head or wax worm to catch them. Ice conditions in the Dycksville have still been good with most anglers reporting about two feet of ice.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Anglers fishing Lake Puckaway, Big Green Lake and Little Green Lake in Green Lake County have seen success catching northern pike. Northern season ended March 1 and will resume May 2. In Waushara County, most snowmobile trails wee still open as of March 4. Closed were: Aurora, Neshkoro, and Eureka. Trail conditions can change daily. Please call the trail hotline at 920-787-0411 to check trail status. Nordic Mountain will be holding a Hawaiian weekend, March 6-8. This will include $5 off day lift ticket, and $2 off night lift ticket.
Hartman Creek State Park- Cross-country ski trails were still in fair condition as of March 5. Warmer weather in the high 40s and 50 degrees is expected along with rain later this week, so trails will continue to degrade as the week goes on. Trails will NOT be groomed again unless the area gets a major snow fall.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Walleye, northern and white bass action was picking up on Lake Winnebago. Lake Butte des Morts had some great perch reports last weekend. When sturgeon spawn along the rocky shorelines of the Wolf River, they pay little attention to people and are very susceptible to illegal harvest. To protect them, the volunteer "Sturgeon Patrol" maintains a presence at the spawning sites 24-hours a day throughout the spawning season, which usually begins sometime between mid April and early May. The protection effort is directed by Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement staff and funded, in part, by Sturgeon for Tomorrow, a local sturgeon conservation organization. Anyone who is interested in signing up for Sturgeon Guard should email the Sturgeon Guard Coordinator at [dnrsturgeonguard@wisconsin.gov]. All ice shelters in Winnebago County must be removed from the ice when not in use by March 8. Winnebago and Fond du Lac county snowmobile trails are currently closed.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit - The 1.2K man-made loop has been groomed and was in very good condition with a classic track set as of March 4. Due to entering the spring thaw/freeze cycle, plans are to try and groom the section twice daily, conditions permitting. Once in the morning and then again late afternoon or early evening. The ski trail lights will only be lit on the man-made loop until 10 pm daily, except Sundays when the ski trails are not lit.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit – As of March 2, the Greenbush c cross-country ski trail was in excellent condition. Trails were all tracked and had some of the best skiing conditions of the year. The Zillmer trail was in excellent condition for skate skiing. It was groomed March 2 and had a light layer of loose snow on top of hard pack. The entire trail was covered and the areas under the pines had minimal debris.
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - As of Thursday, March 5, cross-country ski trails were in poor condition. The trails have many bare spots and the remaining snow base is extremely icy. Above freezing temperatures in the forecast will continue to melt the remaining snow base. Please call 262-670-3400 for the most current conditions.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit - As of Feb. 28, the Southern Unit experienced a significant meltdown with warm temperatures and a rain storm earlier in the week. There is little snow cover except some remains of snow in the woods. Most trails were covered with glare ice or a crusty snow. Cross-Country ski trails at Scuppernong and McMiller are mostly not skiable with large glare ice sections. On the Nordic trail located on Hwy H south of Palmyra 2 of the loops were 80 percent covered with a crusty snow that has been loosed up with grooming. Those two loops, the purple and the white, are skiable but quite icy. Snowmobile trails in the forest are closed because of lack of snow cover. Mountain bike trails are closed and will be closed the month of March. This is the time of year when the frost is coming out of the ground making the ground soft and susceptible to damage if it were to be used. The trails will be evaluated each day beginning April 1st to determine when they can be opened for use. For more information contact the forest headquarters at 262-594-6200. Current trail conditions can be obtained at 262-594-6202.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The Dodge County ATV Trail on the Wild Goose Trail closed Wednesday, March 4. The warmer conditions are forcing closure of the ATV trail to prevent damage to the underlying limestone trail surface. Based on the long range weather outlook, reopening of the ATV trail does not look promising over the next 2 weeks. The Dodge County Snowmobile Trail System remains closed. For current conditions check the 24 Hour Trail Status Hotline: 920-386-3705. The trail status line should always be checked prior to riding the trail. Check the Dodge County Parks Website at
www.dodgeparks.com for additional trail information.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Lake Kegonsa State Park - All cross country ski trails are closed to skiing. Hiking will be permitted, but the trails are icy. Please use caution.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - The meltdown has started. The snow from a week ago provided four days of good skiing. By March 5, it will be slush skiing in the afternoons only since the skiing surface re freezes overnight. Classic track is melting quickly in open areas and the skating lane is soft but holding up okay. Further trail grooming this season is not likely unless the park gets relatively cold and dry snow, a rarity in March. The groomers had a miserable time with ice under the snow and getting stuck last time. March snows tend to be the “snowman” type that just balls up. For those who continue to ski, there is a “puddle warning:” puddles will form at the entry hill to the Red trail, there is a big one already in place at the pines on the Orange, and another will form at the bottom of the Yellow as it comes out of the pines to the meadow. Puddles were encountered Wednesday afternoon. The common access area by the Nature Center also collects a lot of water. If you liked the work of the groomers this ski season, or did not like it, let us know and lend a hand. If the brush was too close to the track, plan to help cut it back in autumn. Volunteer participation in trail brushing days was very limited and most trails got narrower in 2008. Ice fishing continues on Little Falls Lake and it is reported as slow. Early season trout anglers will find open water below the Little Falls Dam. If the thaw holds up overnight, the water could get discolored. The next Full Moon Hike is Saturday, March 7 at the Nature Center beginning at 7 p.m. The event is free with a daily or annual park sticker on your vehicle. Dress for the weather.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Early March typically marks the beginning of northward bird migration. Over the next two months, many species of birds will migrate into and through Wisconsin as they move to their breeding areas. This influx starts gradually and builds toward a climax that usually occurs in late April or early May. As the Mississippi River begins to open, watch for diving ducks -- ringnecks, scaup or bluebills, buffleheads, and goldeneyes. Inland, keep an eye out for red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, and grackles, all members of the blackbird family, robins, and killdeer to arrive in early to mid March.
Crawford County - Snowmobile trails throughout the county remain closed. As of March 4, the Mississippi River stage was at 7.9 feet. After rising more than 2 feet a couple weeks ago the river has been at a steady fall early last week. The past couple days the river has started to stabilize. The drop in water made ice fishing conditions a little better. Even so, most of the main channel is open. Below lock and dam 9 at Lynxville, the ice is out and walleye anglers have been out in force. The ice conditions in all the back waters of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers has still been in good shape; however, there still exists a few problems with access. Ice fishing improved greatly. Cold Spring’s ice condition took a beating during the high water and access is safe only at the south end by the handicap fishing area. The area around the channel is open as is the boat landing. Bluegill and crappie action at Cold Spring very spotty with only a few good days reported. Cold Spring is considered inland water, not boundary waters. Different fishing regulations are in effect there and non-residents must possess a non-resident fishing license. Additionally the game fish (except panfish) season is now closed at Cold Spring. Fishing on Sturgeon Slough has been very slow. In McGregor Lake (aka Sturgeon or Horseshoe) there has been some reports of bluegill and crappie action, but success has been limited. Fishing on the Ambro Slough complex improved greatly this past week. Access is still a little tricky. The north boat landing (USFWS landing) is unsafe to use as Mill Coulee Creek is keeping that area open. Anglers have access some areas using the DNR boat landing. The DNR boat landing had broken up but re-froze. Caution is still urged in this area. Mud Slough has produced a few crappie and a bluegill here and there but over all it as been slow. Tilmont Lake has started to produce bluegill, crappie and perch. Access to Tilmont Lake is a bit tricky because anglers have to cross the Black Slough. Gremore Lake started to produce some decent bluegills, but recently it has slowed down. The “bottom end” of Gremore Lake near the Ambro Slough/Big Lake produced some bluegill and crappie. Fish Lake and Little Missouri have been very spotty but Big Missouri and the Doubles have produced some decent bluegill and crappie. Spring Lake has really turned on this past week. Some nice crappie and bluegill are being taken there along with a few perch. The Fennimore Cut has produced too, but not as well as Spring Lake. As of Sunday March 1, the boat landing at Gordon’s Bay below lock and dam 9 is open but some ice still existed along the shoreline. Walleyes action has slowed; however, saugers were really biting. Many small saugers were being caught, but those who were patient and found the right spot were catching keeper sized fish. The lack snow is hampering coyote hunting. Their mating season is winding down, but some hunters were taking advantage of it. Rabbit season is now closed. Many bald eagles have returned to the Mississippi River, although not in large numbers. A few eagles have been hanging around the open water of St. Feriole Slough and below the dam at Lynxville. There has been a substantial amount of snow loss in the county this past week. Turkey and deer have been sited out in open fields feeding. Some reports of turkey gobbling already coming in. Song birds like chickadees, juncos, goldfinches, and several species of wood peckers are still actively coming to bird feeders, but like the deer and turkeys many song birds are finding additional food now that the snow is beginning to melt.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Temperatures were in the mid 40s on Wednesday, March 4, and expected to be in the upper 40s the next two days. The winter recreation season is coming to a close on the property Snowmobile trails are closed due to a lack of snow. ATV trails were open as of March 5, but will be assessed at the end of the day to determine if they will remain open. Conditions will be better in the Millston area where the trails are better shaded. North of Highway 54 conditions will be poor today. Cross-country ski trails are expected to lose most if not all of their snow March 5 and 6 and will no longer be skiable. The ridge trail and the east half of the north loop are closed for this winter to accommodate a timber sale.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - There has not been sufficient snowfall to groom the cross-country ski trails lately, though they are snow covered and skiable. Snowshoe conditions on the island trails are good. Fishing action on Perch Lake and in the north campground bays has been hit and miss, with crappies and a few small bluegills being caught. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: goldfinches, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red headed and piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, and blue jays.
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