Wisconsin’s general inland fishing season opens this Saturday, May 2, and if the weather cooperates, anglers should be able to look forward to good fishing across the state. Despite a cold spring in the Northwoods, all lakes should be ice-free and walleyes on all but the largest, coldest lakes have finished spawning and should be in an active post-spawn feeding pattern. Water temperatures on lakes in the south have increased to the low 50s and panfish and bass have moved into shallow bays. A reminder that bass fishing is catch and release only in the northern zone and the northern zone musky season does not open until May 23. Walleye limits have been reduced on some lakes in the ceded territory due to tribal spearing declarations. Check the current fishing regulations for more information on seasons and bag limits.
Rains this week raised water levels on many river systems. The Mississippi River was above 10 feet at Prairie du Chien this week and rising, and was expected to crest next week just over 11 feet. The Wisconsin River was also on the rise, however, was not expected to come close to flood stage. However, in the north some lakes and flowages are at very low levels because of a prolonged draught. The Willow and Rainbow flowages are down 8 to 9 feet, while many lakes are also down a foot or more.
The entire Winnebago system has been active with bluegills. The Fox and Wolf rivers were still holding large numbers of walleyes. More than 1,400 sturgeon were tagged on the Wolf River during their spawning run that has just ended. Lake Michigan tributary streams were running high and steelhead were reportedly still being drawn in. Few boats were trolling Lake Michigan this weekend because of the weather, but those who ventured out picked up some brown trout with a few lake trout mixed in. White bass and smallmouth bass are biting on the Wisconsin River. Bass fishing has been very good on the Mississippi River. Coulee Region trout streams are full of water now, but rapidly settling down and should be in good shape for the opening of the trout season.
Anglers venturing out for the fishing opener are being reminded to continue to take steps to prevent the spread of the deadly VHS fish disease and aquatic invasive species. Inspect boats, trailers and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals and mud before leaving the water access. Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, life wells and bait containers before leaving the water access. Don’t move live fish away from a water body. Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer and use leftover minnows on another water only if you have not added to the bait container fish or lake or river water. State fisheries biologists didn't find VHS in any new waters in 2008 and credit anglers and boaters with following rules to help prevent its spread. VHS, is not a human health threat but it can infect 37 different fish species and has caused big fish kills in other Great Lakes waters.
The recent rain has greatly reduced current fire danger levels, but state forestry officials are still reminding anglers to use extreme caution with fire, as conditions could change quickly with a warm, dry weekend. As of Thursday, fire danger ranged from low to moderate statewide.
Turkeys are actively gobbling and displaying. Turkey hunters had mixed conditions for the second period, with hunters in the south having to deal with rain, while hunters in the north had more dry, but windy conditions. Despite that, hunters still continue to report very good success. In addition to harvest numbers showing turkeys wintered well, weights of adult gobblers were similar to other years, with a range from 18 to 27 pounds.
Grouse are drumming. Geese and sandhill cranes have been nesting and the first goose broods were seen this week. Bluebirds have started laying eggs. Warblers have begun showing up, including yellow-rumped and black-throated green. Some butterflies are beginning to showing up and humming birds should be arriving any day, so now is the time to put out hummingbird feeders so they are in place when the birds arrive
Spring peepers, chorus frog, and wood frogs are still being heard in wetlands. Deer ticks and wood ticks are being reported in many locations. Birch and aspen have catkins, spring ephemerals such as round-lobed hepatica, hazelnut, and trailing arbutus are blooming. Moral mushrooms and asparagus should be out soon or in about a week.
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 Wildfire Report
There were of 62 wildfires in the DNR protection areas of Wisconsin last week that burned 163 acres. One structure was lost and another 12 were threatened. Recent widespread precipitation has given fire fighters a reprieve. Current fire danger across the state is between Low and Moderate, yet may increase this weekend if the weather becomes warm and dry. Anglers are being reminded to be very careful with warming and cooking fires this weekend during the fishing opener. Make sure the area 10 feet around the fire ring is completely free of any burnable material (e.g. leaves, grass, blankets, tents, etc). Don’t have a fire on windy days. Always make sure campfires, cooking fires, warming fires, and smokes are DEAD OUT before leaving an area. Never leave any fire unattended. Remember, anyone who starts a wildfire, can be held responsible for the cost of suppression, injuries, and damages. Check out the DNR’s current fire danger Web page for more information.
Firewise Tip: Create firebreaks. Driveways, non-flammable walkways, green lawns and other pathways can halt the spread of a wildfire.
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NORTHERN REGION
Northern Region Wildfire Report
Brule-Cumberland Dispatch Groups - This week held High Fire Danger until Sunday. Cool and damp weather came on Sunday and dropped the Fire Danger to Low. The Brule Dispatch Group reported eight fires for the week for 3 acres. In these fires seven structures were saved and no structures were lost. Cumberland Dispatch Group reported seven fires this week for 14 acres. Two structures were saved and no structures were lost in these fires. The next few weeks brings the second stage of the annual Spring Fire Season. The live fuel moistures in jack pine and red pine will reach their annual low point in the coming days. Warm weather and dry conditions this time of year will create conditions that can result in crown fires (the kind of fire that burns in the tops of the trees, particularly pine). With Moderate fire danger, wildlife personnel in the Gordon Fire Response Unit were able to complete 400 acres of controlled burns on Wednesday.
Park Falls-Woodruff Dispatch Groups – There were 19 fires this week that burned a total of 58 acres with one structure saved. The fire danger is Low across the region thanks to overnight rain but things are expected to dry out quickly by the weekend fishing opener. Debris burning and equipment are the leading causes of wildfires in the Park Falls-Woodruff area. Forester-rangers have been called to many properties for debris burning holdovers from the evening before. Please make sure fires are completely out before leaving them unattended. Two debris caused fires burned a total of 21 acres in Rusk and Taylor counties. Remember, burning is only allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight with no burning on Sundays or legal holidays. Prescribed burning is under way for the season with four prescribed fires taking place on 607 acres. One of which was at the Kimberly-Clark Wildlife Area in Price County where approximately 500 acres were burned.
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Spring is trying to spring despite the cool weather. This weekend marks the fishing opener for Wisconsin and also the rest of the Bois Brule River (the headwaters to Highway 2). The Bois Brule River is flowing at 198 cfs (cubic feet per second). The 64 year average is 260 cfs The latest early returning birds in the area are ruby-crowned and golden-crowned kinglets, winter wren, white-throated sparrow, and pine warblers. Frogs such as spring peepers, chorus frog, and wood frogs can be heard in the wetlands. Deer ticks and wood ticks can be found looking for a blood meal. Spring flowers such as round-lobed hepatica, hazelnut, and trailing arbutus are blooming. The National Weather Service Cooperating Station at the Brule DNR recorded April precipitation of 1.5 inches, compared to the April historical average of 2.35 inches. April snowfall was 3 inches compared to the April historical average of 5 inches. The April 2009 high and low temperatures recorded showed averages of 50 degrees and 29 degrees respectively. The historical average high temperature for April is 53 degrees and the historical average low is 28 degrees. This was a cooler than normal average for daytime temps.
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
Barron and Polk counties – Excellent hunting weather conditions, good turkey populations, and an increase in permits have contributed to turkey registration numbers being up 10 percent for Barron and Polk county stations over the first two time periods. There were some questions about turkey survival in what was a moderate winter for deer but possibly a severe winter for turkeys based on snow depth and cold. However, turkeys once again showed how resilient and resourceful they are by surviving a month long cold snap in January, when only two days had a low temperature above zero and snow depths were close to a foot for a month and a half. Period 1 had almost ideal hunting conditions, with warm, calm days and only one day of rain. Period 2 was similar, except with some windy days. In addition to harvest numbers showing turkeys wintered well, weights of adult gobblers were similar to other years, with a range from 18 to 27 pounds, with an average around 22 pounds, which is very similar to other years. Hunters also seem to very pleased with the flexibility the new zones offer in regard to increased hunting opportunity. They are taking advantage of being able to hunt other areas within the new larger zones when in other years they would have had to try to buy additional permits to hunt these different areas.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Most lakes and flowages in the Upper Chippewa Basin have been ice free for about two weeks and water temperatures have warmed into the upper 40s to low 50s. Walleye have completed spawning on all but the largest of the lakes, but many males continue to be found along rocky shorelines and islands. Most of the larger females have retreated to deeper water for a short recovery period, but a few are starting to show up in the shallow, mud-bottom bays and flats. With a continued warming trend, look for an excellent opening weekend walleye bite. Northern pike have also completed their spring spawning ritual and musky are just beginning theirs. Northern pike action should be fair and plenty of medium-size fish should be found along emergent vegetation lines and over old weeds beds. With water temperatures topping 50 degrees, both smallmouth and largemouth bass start showing up in shallow water and both species have been observed around woody structure and larger rocks. Opening weekend action should be good if water temps rise another couple degrees. For panfish, perch have completed spring spawning period and their skeins of eggs can be seen along shore in 2 to 4 feet of water. Crappie are about two weeks away from spawning, with bluegill and pumpkinseed beginning in three to four weeks. Some nice crappie and bluegill have been showing up in the shallow, warmer bays and action should be fair on opening weekend. Trout stocking has been completed on all trout lakes and most of the prescribed streams and anglers should find good action on Saturday morning. Most streams in northwest Wisconsin are at near-normal flows and anglers should have no trouble with high water on the northern rivers and streams. Mayfly nymphs have been seen moving in many waters so that may be a clue as to the type of lure to use (small spinners).
Flambeau River State Forest - Local lakes are all open and docks are in at Lake of the Pines and Connors Lakes. The North and South Forks of the Flambeau River are still low for spring, but still good for paddlers. Turkeys are still gobbling and displaying. Spring peepers and croakers are out in the warmer temperatures. Grouse are drumming, and ticks and turtles are out. Aspen have catkins, spring ephemerals are starting to show, and red maple and Leatherwood is flowering. The woods are still very wet.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Opening weekend of fishing season begins on May 2 and will bring with it a wide variety of fishing conditions. Be sure to do some homework prior to venturing out on your favorite lake as each lake will be in different stages of fish spawning activity. Cold weather has slowed the spring fish run a bit so anglers could find walleye anywhere from post spawn to actively spawning. The predicted cool and wet weather through the weekend should prolong spring arrival. Crappies should start moving in along the shallows and stage prior to spawning. Bass opens this weekend as well but is catch and release only in the north until June 20. Musky does not open in the north until May 23. A reminder to anglers to make sure that you have a current fishing license and that the license is on your person when you are out on the water. Also be sure to have your boat registered prior to heading out on the water. Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7. Although fishing licenses are not required during those two days, all other fishing regulations still apply. Also, please remember that boaters must have the appropriate and correct number of personal flotation devices in boats. Boater safety courses are currently being given and/or scheduled to begin. A Boating Safety Internet course is available on line. Bear are reported to be out and about and moving in to visit bird feeders and garbage cans. We remind homeowners to secure their garbage cans and to remember that bear consider birdseed to be quite a delicacy. Bringing in the bird feeders at night can eliminate a lot of work caused by bears coming in for an easy meal. While turkey hunting opportunity is still a bit limited in the north, those with permits are reporting good success.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Though winter hung on tight in the Northwoods this year, all lakes will be ice-free by the fishing opener. The walleye spawn is winding down on most area waters but the large deep lakes may have a few fish still in spawning mode. Because the peak of the walleye spawn occurred this week, fish should be feeding heavily in post-spawn. Fishing rocky points and bars will be the best bet this weekend, especially with some form of live bait (jig and minnow combination). Crappie are beginning to get active and anglers may begin finding a few moving into shallow bays preparing to spawn. The single most important thing that will make or break fishing success this weekend will be weather--stable temperatures and light winds should provide for a great opener. Water levels are very low on area lakes, especially so on the flowages. Please use extreme caution on the Willow Flowage and Rainbow Flowage - the Rainbow is currently down 9 feet, while the Willow is down 8 feet. Many lakes are also down a foot or more due to drought conditions experienced over the last several years.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Northeast Region Wildfire News
With widespread precipitation, it was a quiet week for wildfires in DNR protection areas last week. Five wildfires burned 4 acres; no structures were lost or threatened and no injuries were reported. Fire causes were railroad, outdoor wood furnace, debris burning, and equipment. The DNR was called to assist on a Co-op fire in Winnebago County that burned 40 acres of marsh. Ten prescribed burns were completed on about 300 acres, meeting objectives such as grassland and oak savanna habitat maintenance.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The Peshtigo harbor is giving up a few walleye and trout to anglers trolling stick baits. Activity this week was slow due to the weather. The Menominee River was still producing walleye vertically jigging by the turn basin. Trolling in the river and out in front of Red Arrow Park was producing some browns along with a few walleye and the occasional northern. Water levels are high for the opener with scattered showers expected before the weekend. Perch season is currently closed and does not open until May 20 on Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Some early bloomers are out in the forests such as mayflower (hepatica) and violets. Expect high water levels on the Menominee Upper Flowages with fast water. Wood ticks and mosquitoes are present but not too pesky yet.
Oconto County - Water temperatures range from the upper 40s to the low 50s. Fishing pressure has been light due to windy wet weather. Water clarity is good. Fishing was slow from the Stiles Dam to Oconto Park II. Weather was the big factor, more the wind then the rain. Those who did go out reported the walleye bite as well as the trout bite was slow. A few northern and walleye were caught using husky jerks (fire tiger). The browns seemed partial to the blue and silver cleo. The bite is happening shallow, 5 to 10 feet of water, trolling less then a mile an hour. Crawler and harness should start producing now. The Fish and Wildlife Service will be treating the Oconto River below the Stiles Dam for lampreys within the next 10 days. Perch season is currently closed and does not open until May 20 on Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - The Fox River is still holding large numbers of walleyes. Cooler water temps have extended the spawning run and there are still walleyes in the river that have not yet spawned. Recent rains have increased current flow, which is attracting fish in from the bay of Green Bay. Jigging techniques and trolling crank baits off boards are catching walleyes almost anywhere in the river. Anglers are also finding walleyes hitting crankbaits in the lower bay of Green Bay. Shore anglers are catching a variety of species at the Fox River mouth metro boat landing and upriver at Voyageur Park in DePere.
Manitowoc County - In Two Rivers, fishing was slow this past week. Few anglers were on the piers and using boat ramps this past week due to unfavorable weather and lake conditions. Anglers that have been fishing for catfish near the coast guard station or at seagull marina have had mixed success. Numerous bullheads have been picked up while attempting to catch catfish or browns. On the West Twin River fishing has been concentrated near Shoto. Steelhead anglers fishing the larger dam had some success on Friday afternoon. Most anglers were casting spinners, small stick baits, or drifting spawns sacs on a bobber. Suckers have also been active near the dam. On the East Twin River, most anglers were fishing for steelhead near the Mishicot dam. Despite a lot of effort by anglers, most reported a slow week of fishing although a few anglers were able to land some nice rainbows. In Manitowoc fishing activity was low this past week. A few boat anglers were seen trolling the Lake Michigan shoreline on Saturday morning in the rain. Fishing was a little slow, but most boats picked up a couple browns with a few lake trout mixed in. Most boat anglers were trolling in 7 to 15 feet of water with stick baits. On the south pier one angler fishing Saturday morning landed a 4.5 pound brown trout fishing on the harbor side of the pier.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - About the only good thing about the weather this week was the old saying that April showers bring May flowers. Lots of rain with a few snow flurries mixed in, along with cool temperatures, were the rule this week. One good thing about all the rain this week is that the steelhead were still coming in to the Lake Michigan tributary streams, Hines, Hibbards and Stony creeks are all producing some fish. Be careful when wading the streams, the water is high and fast. Brown trout continue to be taken in fair numbers out on the big lake as well as along the Green Bay shore. Walleye action is good at night with anglers continuing to report success trolling Rapalas and Thunder sticks in 8 to 15 feet of water. Shore anglers fishing off the rocks at Bayview Park and Stone Harbor have also reported taking a few walleyes. Farther north the action should still be good for walleyes in the Fish Creek area and along the Peninsula Park shore. Anglers fishing for northern pike continue to have decent success fishing along the channel in the area between the bridges in the Bay of Sturgeon Bay.
Peninsula State Park - As of April 28, spring has finally arrived and it's a good time to climb Eagle Tower, visit Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, or hike or bike on the park's 20 miles of trails. Flocks of migrating yellow-rumped and palm warblers are moving through the park. Sandhill Cranes and White Pelicans are back. Watch for bald eagles in the vicinity of Eagle Tower and the Lighthouse. The Bloodroot plants are blooming and the trees are budding out. Spring Peepers (frogs) are noisily making their presence known in the evenings. The woodcock are peenting in the open fields. On Saturday, May 2, the Door County Half Marathon & Nicolet Bay 5k will have runners enjoying the roads and scenic wonders of the park. doorcountyhalfmarathon.com (exit DNR). Only the Tennison Bay campground is open. Water systems are scheduled to open May 1. Peninsula State Park golf course is now open. Tee times are generally available, and reservations may be made. Visit the Golf Course website at
www.peninsulagolf.org or call 920-854-5791.
Kewaunee County - A wild week of weather this week made for some very interesting fishing conditions. The week started out with cold and rain and snow that changed over to almost summer like weather for the later part of the week. This was followed once again by more cold and rain for the weekend. Due to the wet weather rivers in the area have been flowing somewhat higher. Anglers that have been fishing the Kewaunee and Ahnapee rivers were still reporting that some steelheads were being caught. Spawn sac seem to be the preferred bait at this time. Those anglers that have been braving the lake have been having a tough time finding fish. Some browns were still being caught in water under 15 feet, but those fish were few and far between.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Hen turkeys are starting to nest. Goslings are hatching. Ticks are in full force. Butterflies are showing up. Humming birds will show up any day now.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Lake Poygan and the Wolf River have been producing walleyes on crawlers, especially near the Pumpkinseed early mornings and later in the evening. The Winneconne bridge has been full of anglers catching walleyes on rigs with leeches. Largemouth bass were biting on the side channels. Shallow water and inlets throughout the entire Winnebago system are active with bluegills. Crappies are just starting to hit in the bays. The northern pike season opener is on Saturday. More than 1,400 sturgeon were tagged on the Wolf River during their spawning run that has just ended. The first warblers have arrived in the area and ospreys have now returned. Mallards and Canada geese are now sitting on their eggs. Blue winged teals have paired up for mating.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Plymouth DNR Service Center Area
Geese and sandhill cranes have been nesting on Sheboygan and Kiel marshes. Robins eggs are also being found. White throated sparrows have been singing in Sheboygan County.
Washington County - Goose broods were seen this week on Theresa Marsh in, and a mallard brood was seen in Germantown.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Pike Lake Unit – All trails are open to hiking. Recent rains have created many wet and muddy areas on the trails. The campground is open for the season and all campground facilities are up and running. The swim area buoys have not yet been installed for the season, they will be installed shortly before Memorial Day weekend. Tree and bush buds are beginning to open. The first of the spring wildflowers are appearing. Turkeys have been heard gobbling. The main beach building is open for the season. The north beach building remains closed at this time. A portable toilet is available at the nature trail parking lot year-round .
Kohler-Andrae State Park - Nature trails and hiking trails may contain sand covered areas. Campsites are open for the season and showers, flush toilets, water fountains, and the trailer dump station are all now open. Turkeys have been active in the park. A tree swallow is constructing a nest in the office garden. Come watch the action on the office bird cam. Sanderling Nature Center will open May 1. Construction of 30 new campsites at Kohler-Andrae State Park is nearing completion. The new campsites will be available for use in July, 2009. Reservations for the new sites are currently being accepted for dates July 15-November 1.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Two to 3 inches of rain fell over southeast Wisconsin over the weekend. All Lake Michigan tributaries had high stream flows as of May 27, but water levels will first drop back down to fishable levels in the smaller tributaries like the Pike and Menomonee Rivers, and Oak and Sauk Creeks.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan a few brown trout have been caught from south pier on spawn sacs and spoons. On good weather days, Sheboygan trollers have also been taking browns and lake trout near shore on spoons and large crankbaits.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, before the rainfall, decent numbers of steelhead had been caught in Sauk Creek, and both flies and spawn were effective. Anglers near the power plant have been catching a few browns and rainbows on spawn sacs and minnows.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, fishing slowed considerably with the weekend rains. When fishing conditions were better, boaters fishing either the Oak Creek Power Plant or the Milwaukee harbor and around the gaps have been catching good numbers of browns and lake trout.
Racine County - In Racine the Root River is unfishable. Before the water levels got too high, steelhead could be found in the main pool below the dam and the bridge pilings. Brightly colored flies produced the most fish. The Root River Steelhead Facility has been shut down for the season after DNR crews met this year’s egg taking goals. This spring a total of 902 steelhead were passed upstream.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, fishing has been slow overall, but both shore anglers and boaters in the harbor have been catching a few browns and rainbows. Spawn has worked best from shore, and spoons have produced for those fishing from boats.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
South Central Region Wildfire Report
Eight fires burned 11 acres on Friday, April 24 when temperatures were very warm and winds were gusty. The causes were equipment, arson, debris burning, and even one lightning strike. Current fire danger is Low across the region. Burning permits are required for after 6 p.m. in DNR protection. Any day time burning must have a special burn permit from the DNR Fire Control Ranger.
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park - Trails that are open should be in good hiking condition. Sugar Maple Nature Trail is now open from the parking lot across the road from the Homestead Picnic Shelter to Pictured Rock Cave. The south section of Sugar Maple Nature Trail is also open, allowing hikers to access the trail at the top and hike down to the boat landing. With this new segment of Sugar Maple Nature Trail recently opened, hikers are now able to cross the road near the boat landing and connect with Sentinel Ridge Trail. The addition of this small segment of Sugar Maple Nature Trail means that hikers can now make a large loop, starting and ending at Point Lookout, encompassing approximately 8 miles of trails and a small section of roadway between the old park office and Point Lookout. The section of Sugar Maple Nature Trail that was repaired last fall survived the heavy rains of this past weekend. Sentinel Ridge Trail is open in its entirety. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). The emerald ash borer was found in Victory, Wisconsin. Victory is located in Vernon County. Because of this discovery, there is a quarantine on firewood from Vernon County and Crawford County. Even though parts of Vernon and Crawford Counties are within the 50 mile radius, firewood from both counties will not be allowed. Firewood may not be transported out of a quarantined area. This includes firewood purchased or originating from Prairie du Chien Wisconsin. Prairie du Chien is located in Crawford County. Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. The shower/flush building in Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open. Dumping station is open. Concession Stand will open on Friday, May 1, weekends only until Memorial Day. Starting with Memorial Day Weekend the concession stand will be open every day. Wisconsin Ridge is open for reservations starting May 1. Friends of Wyalusing State Park will meet May 11 at the Peterson Shelter.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - The crappies are moving into the bays on Lake Wisconsin and starting to bite. White bass and smallmouth bass are biting on the Wisconsin River. Local trout streams look good and trout will be biting on Lake Wisconsin. The bluebirds have started laying eggs. Turkey hunters are reminded to be safe while hunting.
Dane County
Governor Nelson State Park - All trails are open to hiking. One boat landing pier has been installed. Large fishing pier has not been installed yet due to high water. The fish cleaning building is open for the season. The beach building has not been opened yet. There will be a Volunteer work day on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If rain or drizzle is occurring the work day will be cancelled. Oak Savanna Restoration is the goal on this day. Come on out with pruners or bow saws in hand. For more information please call the park office at 1-608-831-3005
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
West Central Region Wildfire News
In the parts of the West Central Region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 14 fires burned over 30 acres last week before the substantial rainfall over the weekend. At least two of these fires were reportedly started by lightning. Two structures were saved due to firefighting efforts. One structure was lost in Jackson County. Fire danger is currently at Moderate and burning permits are required. Lawns are beginning to green up but don’t let that fool you. Conditions continue to be right for spring wildfires. Exercise caution when burning debris and choose alternate methods whenever possible.
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Rain is leading up to the general fishing opener on May 1, but there have not been any downpours as of Thursday morning. The Willow River is running a bit off color. The wind has rarely blown any direction that is warm so lake fishing is still not real productive either. There have been reports of ticks but none seen at Willow or Kinnickinnic parks yet. The cool weather has slowed down the frog calls. The campground flush toilets and showers will be open Friday, May 1. The dump station is operating now for loading water, unloading, and rinsing. Sites are reservable beginning May 1 and signs will be posted on those sites taken. Usually, it is the electric sites reserved during the early season weekends. Beach area buildings will be opened in coming weeks. The only new bird sighting reported this week was a broad winged hawk. The old office parking lot is being removed so hikers will need to go farther into the park to reach a trail head.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Recent rains have really greened things up fast in La Crosse County. Turkey hunters will find it more difficult to see and hear in the woods due to the increased leaf cover. Moral mushrooms and asparagus should be out soon or in about a week. Walleye are done spawning in the La Crosse area. Anglers have been getting post spawn walleye. Anglers have been taking limits of white bass at lock and dam 7. Bass fishing has been very good on the Mississippi River. White tail deer will start birthing fawns in the next few days and weeks. Unborn fawns found in car kill doe this week are well developed and very near ready to be born. Toads and gray tree frogs are calling. House wrens, upland sandpipers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks are some of the recent songbird arrivals. Hummingbirds, orioles, bobolinks, and many warblers will be arriving soon. Speaking of hummingbirds, now is the time to put out hummingbird feeders so they are in place when the birds arrive. Fill hummingbird feeders with a nectar mixture of four parts water to one part cane sugar, which is boiled and left to cool. The first Canada goose broods have hatched. Young mallards should begin showing up in a couple
Crawford County - Anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain fell since last Friday evening in the Crawford County area which affected local waterways. The Mississippi River stage was at 10.24 feet this week and rising. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for a continued rise through next week and crest just over 11 feet. The Mississippi River received a lot of run off water causing poor water clarity. The Wisconsin River is still on the rise according to the gauge in Muscoda. The Wisconsin River was at 2.57 feet and was supposed to continue to rise. However according to the forecast the Wisconsin will not come close to the 9 foot flood stage. The Kickapoo River in Gays Mills crested at 11.85 feet and dropped slightly to 11.8 feet. Flood stage in Gays Mills is at 13 feet. Farther down stream in Steuben the Kickapoo crested at 11.37 feet and currently is at 11.33 feet. Flood stage in Steuben is 12 feet. All trout streams in the area are full of water right now, but rapidly settling down. They should be in good shape for the opening of the trout season. Last weekend’s rain did have one benefit. Trees are budding out and early season grasses are greening up. The rain also reduced the fire danger…for a while. The increase in water levels in area rivers has disrupted the bluegill, crappie and perch fishing for the most part. As the water begins to drop watch for bluegill to move into shallow areas where the water temperatures will be slightly warmer. Anglers have found a few areas where the current is not affecting panfishing. Those areas with no flow have produced some bluegill and crappie. Perch action below the Lynxville dam has been spotty. Some days perch have been taken “dead lining” a piece of nightcrawler off the bottom. Shoreline fishing at Cold Spring has been slow for bluegill and crappie. 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. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay below LD #9 is still open; however, anglers will have to be careful launching as high water and swift current will create a problem. Walleye and sauger action was pretty good on the wing dams and rocky shore lines last week…before the water rose. Some decent fish have been taken near the dam and in the McDonald’s Slough. Some of the best action has been early in the morning and late in the day. Anglers fishing the East Channel in Prairie du Chien are finding tough sledding. A few small sauger and walleye have been taken with a few keeper sized fish. Some anglers have ventured down to the mouth of the Wisconsin River with mixed results. The second spring turkey hunting season ended last Sunday. The third season will open this Wednesday. Second season hunters were met with a variety of weather conditions from pleasant to hot to heavy rain. Even so, many hunters were able to fill their tags. Many bald eagles have returned to the Mississippi River and are actively tending nests. A few eagles have been hanging around the open water of St. Feriole Slough and below the dam at Lynxville. Turkey gobbling and displaying activity is beginning to peak. Most of the migratory birds have returned to the area. Large numbers of waterfowl have moved out of Pool 9 and migrated to traditional breading grounds further north. Ferryville).
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Chippewa River State Trail – The trail is open for biking, hiking and skating. The trails are in great condition and wild flowers are starting to bloom along the trail. The bathroom at Caryville will be opened at the end of May, along with the drinking fountain.
Red Cedar State Trail - The Red Cedar Trail is open for biking and hiking. The trail has been cleared of leaves and has been dragged once. The trail surface is in good condition. Some wild flowers are starting to bloom and it is very beautiful along the river. The bathroom at Downsville will be opened at the end of May.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area – Trails are open for hiking. All trails are in good condition and the recent rain has started the park to turn green. Great for a spring hike!
Brunet Island State Park - The great blue herons are nesting. Tom turkeys are strutting in the fields. Belted kingfishers, loons, red winged blackbirds, bufflehead and mallard ducks ,bald eagles, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, flickers, red headed and pileated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, mourning doves, sandhill cranes, blue birds, Canada geese, robins and blue jays have been seen. Frog and spring peeper choruses are being heard. Chipmunks and garter snakes are on the move. Park trails are generally dry with occasional muddy areas. The north campground is open with pit toilets and hand water pump available. The south campground is open with electric sites, pit toilet, and hand water pump.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Boat boarding piers and the accessible fishing pier are in! People are taking advantage of the nice weather fishing, boating and hiking. Crappies, perch and white bass were caught the most, along with some keeper walleyes, bass and catfish. Many campsites will be open for the upcoming weekend. The far walk-in campsites and 30-33, 39-42 are still closed and will open May 8th. We have had many campers in the park the last two weeks. There are openings for the handicapped accessible cabin in May, June, Sept, Oct and a few single nights in July. Please call the park at 608-565-2789 for more information. Applications for the 2009 Youth Deer Hunt are available now from the park or online. New park maps are available at the park office showing the new addition. For spring turkey, 1F is the park and is a special permit. Hunters who have Zone 1 can hunt in the Yellow River Wildlife Area. Turkey hunters in the park and Yellow River Wildlife Area did well during the 1st and 2nd periods.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate will be open on May 1. Parking is also allowed in the Czech Ave lot. Camping is still closed for the season and the first loop will open May 15. The second loop will be open for the Memorial holiday weekend.
Last Revised: Thursday April 30 2009
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