Snow depths across Wisconsin range from about half a foot to a little more than a foot, with the exception of the far southeastern portion of the state that has less snow. New snow in the last week ranged from about 1 to 4 inches, with more of the newer snow in the north.
Snowmobile trails are now open in about 30 counties across the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Conditions range from fair to good. Cross-country ski trails are open and have been groomed at most parks and forests across the state, with conditions ranging from good to excellent. Cold temperatures late this week turned the snow that had softened and saturated by warm temperatures earlier in the week into an icy trail surface in some locations.
Despite the cold weather of the past week, ice cover remains real variable ranging from 1 to 7 inches on waters across the north. This is due to the 5 to 10 inches of snow that has insulated the lake surface and kept us from gaining a more significant amount of ice. Lakes are starting to freeze over in the south, but many of the larger lakes remain open. Any early season anglers are urged to exercise extreme caution when venturing out -- as lakes with undisturbed snow cover may only have 1 to 2 inches of thin ice covered by snow. Early season anglers have been using tip-ups and targeting walleye in the north, and they have reported fair success. Anglers fishing frozen bays and river backwaters in the south have been having some success with panfish.
Along Lake Michigan, shore anglers at Port Washington and Milwaukee have been catching a few brown and rainbow trout. On the Root River in Racine, water clarity and stream flows are good, and the river remains open upstream of Island Park. Anglers have been catching some brown trout and steelhead in smaller pools.
The Mississippi River stage was at 7.39 feet at Prairie du Chien. Ice has formed on most back water areas, but conditions vary greatly and are generally unsafe. Some of the back water areas along the Wisconsin River are seeing some bluegill action.
Small game hunters are finding favorable hunting conditions with the snow. Squirrel, rabbit, and coyote hunters are finding ample hunting opportunities. Turkey are out searching for food under the snow in small groups.
The last major crane, goose and tundra swan migration took place Dec. 15 on the back side of a cold front. The snow and cold weather have brought lots of birds to backyard feeders including: cardinals, blue jays, juncos, gold finches, purple finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches and song sparrows. Northern hawk owls have been reported in Oneida and Burnett counties; it is shaping up to be a good year for them. Barrow's goldeneyes, a rare bird in Wisconsin, have been seen in Madison and along Lake Michigan.
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
Northern hawk owls have been reported in Oneida and Burnett counties; it is shaping up to be a good year for them. Barrow's goldeneyes have been seen in Madison and along Lake Michigan. This is a rare bird in Wisconsin. The last major crane, goose and tundra swan migration took place Dec. 15 on the back side of this front.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Amnicon Falls State Park - The Amnicon Falls snowshoe trail is in great condition, with a good base and a little new snow.
Brule River State Forest - The Afterhours Cross-Country Ski Trail is in good to very good condition. There is about 4 inches of new snow on a base of 4 inches. The most recent grooming was Dec. 14.
Pattison State Park Conditions - The cross-country ski trail was groomed on Dec. 11 after 15 inches of light, dry snow fell at the park. Track was set on 3 inches of base, and conditions are good with the possibility of a few thin spots.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Despite the cold weather of the past week, ice cover on area lakes remains real variable and ice thickness has ranged from 1 to 7 inches on waters across the north. This is due to the 5 to 10 inches of snow that has insulated the lake surface and kept us from gaining a more significant amount of ice. Any early season anglers are urged to show extreme caution when venturing out -- as lakes with undisturbed snow cover may only have 1 to 2 inches of thin ice at this time (especially the smaller lakes and protected areas where the wind did not blow the snow off the surface). Lakes where the snow has blown off are seeing 4 to 7 inches of ice and some early season ice anglers have been venturing out. Most of these early season anglers have been using tip-ups and targeting walleye, and they have reported fair success. Some decent catches of walleye in the 13- to 19-inch size have been made, and the best action has been on the substrate break lines in 6 to 10 feet of water. Both medium suckers and golden shiners have been productive and most success has been in the hour before dark.
Flambeau River State Forest - Flambeau Hills and the Snuss Connector Trail are 100 percent groomed for skate and classic skiers. Trail conditions range from fair to good with approximately a 2-inch base. Caution should be used as leaves, exposed grass and bare spots are present.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Cross-country ski trails are in good condition. The Raven Trail was groomed Dec. 14 with full track set. Escanaba, Madeline, and McNaughton trails were groomed Dec. 15.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - A few ice anglers have been venturing out but not by the droves, as conditions have been sketchy yet. With few people venturing out, it has been difficult to get much of a fishing report. However, very cold temperatures this week have taken care of most slush pockets and travel on the lakes should be much better by the weekend (December 19-20). Foot travel on the lakes is all that is occurring right now, but fairly soon folks should be able to get out on snowmobiles or ATVs.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - - Ice anglers are hitting their favorite spots with caution as there is early ice this year. The Menominee River ice fishing is underway at the popular Cottonbach Island area. Bluegill are biting on small jigs with the ice measuring 8 inches in some areas. Fish here early in the season as when the ice thickens the fish move out. According to an avid fisherman use a small jig with a stick bobber that will easily give to their pull for bluegills and keep your holes clear of ice so the tip-ups don't get froze in! Snowmobile trails are groomed and open. Cross country trails are good to very good at Governor Thompson State Park west of Crivitz although a couple more inches of snow will improve on this. Check cross country ski conditions around the state at
www.skinnyski.com. A trek in the snow can uncover various wildlife tracks this time of year as turkey are out searching for food under the snow in small groups and occasional coyote tracks. Sunrises and sunsets have been exceptionally beautiful with the cooler weather. The birdfeeders are very active this time of year with nuthatches and woodpeckers looking for some quick energy from suet cakes and seeds. Keep a variety of seed available if you are able to. You will get a variety of birds at your feeders!
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Significant progress has been made on cross-country ski trails, thanks to a lot of help from the park friends group, volunteers and staff. 5.2 miles of trails have been cleared of down trees and branches. These trails have also been groomed and tracked. There is enough snow (8 to 10 inch base) to ski but there is much debris from twigs etc that needs to be covered with a new snowfall. Conditions are fair to good. It is noted that the Friends and Volunteers donated 40 hours of work to clear our trails from this last snow storm. The Red and Yellow trails are now useable thanks to our Friends and
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park – The weather has been cold this week, so cross-country trail conditions should be good yet. There may be icy spots on the trails and in parking lots due to the sleet mix received on Monday. Last grooming was done on Friday, December 11. Please call ahead, (715) 258-2372, for updated weather conditions. Waupaca County snowmobile trails are not open at this time. Deer bow hunting is allowed in the park through January 3, 2010.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
High Cliff State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked for classical skiing on Dec. 15. Due to the wind during the recent blizzard, skiers will still find leaves on the trails. The ski trails have changed, pick up a updated winter park guide at the park office for more details. The Forest Management and Indian Mounds Trail and the Red Bird Trail to the Indian Mounds Trail is designated for hikers and snowshoers. Remember, hiking and snowshoeing is not allowed on cross country ski trails when snow covered.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit - Both the upper and lighted loop skate lanes were groomed Dec. 16. The trails are in fair to good shape after getting hit with a double whammy, first warm temps on Sunday and Monday, then very cold temps which have made the trails hard and a bit rough. Grooming has improved the situation, but skiers should still exercise caution on the downhills. The classic track was left in place and it is in used, but fair shape. The ski trail lights are lit until 10 pm when skiable conditions are present, except for Sunday when the lights are not lit.
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - Cross country ski trails were groomed and tracked on Dec. 10. As of Dec. 13, conditions deteriorated to fair due to some light rain. Call (262) 670-3400 for the most current trail conditions. As a reminder, the only groomed trail that hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers are allowed on is the red trail to the south of the beach/picnic area. The campground is closed for the season.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit - Cold temps today turned the snow softened and saturated by warm temps and drizzle into an icy trail surface. The groomers were out Dec. 15 with some success. At Nordic the brown, purple, white and red trails were chewed up and are in fair skiing condition for skate skiers. The track which was glazed with ice was removed and not yet reset. At McMiller the red, orange and white loops were loosened up and are in fair condition. A new classical track was set on the red loop and is also in fair condition. Groomers did not get to Scuppernong; it remains snow covered but icy.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Ozaukee County - Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching a few browns and rainbows near the power plant, and both skein and spawn sacs have produced fish.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee boaters have been catching decent numbers of browns in and around the harbor. Shore anglers have been catching a few browns on spawn behind the Summerfest grounds and in the Menomonee River at the MMSD offices. Fast moving stretches of the Milwaukee River are open, and some browns and steelhead have been caught in the Milwaukee River in Kletzsch Park. Small flies and spawn have both produced.
Racine County - On the Root River in Racine, water clarity and stream flows are good, and the river is open upstream of Island Park. Most browns and steelhead have been holding in smaller pools, and spawn sacs drifted just off the bottom have taken fair numbers of fish. Most fish have been caught from Lincoln Park up to the Horlick dam.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - Ice anglers are taking advantage of the ice from the bitter cold temperatures of the last few days. A number of fishermen are at the boat landing every day, trying their luck on the frozen river. The park is a winter wonderland. This area received more than a foot of snow overnight Tuesday, December 8 into Wednesday, December 9. All trails are snow covered. Cross country ski trails are in good skiing condition. Both Whitetail Meadows and Turkey Hollow Ski Trails have been groomed and tracked. Access and parking for both trails is available at the Astronomy Center parking lot. Remember, dogs are not allowed on the ski trails. Hikers are asked to avoid hiking on the ski trails. Due to the deep snow and cold, the trail crew has finished for this year. A 1.7 mile of Sand Cave Trail is now complete. Trail crew, park staff and hikers are very excited about this section of Sand Cave Trail. The trail has now been rerouted and both Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are now visible. To access Sand Cave Trail, use the parking lot near the old office and begin on Walnut Springs Trail until you see Sand Cave Trail. Sand Cave Trail is an excellent choice for snow shoeing. A new bird feeding station is in place near the park office. The snow and cold weather have made the feeders the place to be for many of the park’s winter residents including: cardinals, blue jays, juncos, gold finches, purple finches, red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and song sparrows. An occasional flock of cedar waxwings will frequent the trees near the feeders. Wisconsin Ridge Campground remains open through the winter. Showers, flush bathrooms, water faucets and the dumping station are closed for the season.
Blue Mound State Park - All cross-country ski trails are groomed and new classic track set Dec. 15. The base firmed up nicely, firm, solid track. Good to very good classical conditions.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The northern section of the Dodge County Snowmobile Trails are now open. The trails in the northern half of the County are reported as being in fair snowmobiling conditions. Despite the northern section being open, riders are cautioned that open water and soft ground may be covered by ice and snow in low lying areas such as ditches and wetlands. Groomers will be out on the trails, however, some rough trail areas could be encountered due to the drifted snow and rough fields. Trails in the southern half do not have a sufficient base in order to open them. Therefore, the southern half of the Dodge County Trail System will remain closed until additional snow is received The north-south dividing line is Hwy 33 from Washington County to HWY 151 at Beaver Dam, then HWY 151 southwest to Columbia County near Columbus. Corridor trail 34 east of Hwy TW will be considered in the open northern section, despite portions of the trail segment dipping south of Hwy 33.. The Dodge County ATV trail along the Wild Goose Trail from Hwy 60 to Hwy 49 is now open. The Wild Goose Trail is sufficiently snow covered and frozen to allow ATV’s to ride. ATV riders are cautioned that the trail through the City of Juneau will no longer be groomed which could result in some rough trail conditions throughout the season. The Dodge County Snowmobile Trail system remains closed at this time. 24 hour trail status message: 920-386-3705. Trail information at
www.dodgeparks.comFitchburg DNR Service Center area
Lake Kegonsa State Park - All cross country ski trails are open and have been groomed and tracked. Some areas may be icy due to recent thawing and freezing.
Mirror Lake State Park - As of Dec. 15, all cross-country ski trails are groomed, tracked and in good condition with a 5 to 6 inch base. Trails are groomed for classical skate skiing. Areas of the park are open for deer archery hunting Dec. 14 to Jan. 3, 2010. Hunters must first obtain appropriate permit.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Merrick State Park - There are no groomed or tracked ski trails however, visitors are welcome to cross country ski on the hiking trails. The bay is frozen and visitors are accessing the backwaters for ice fishing.
Great River State Trail - The trail remains open for all uses including walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The trail is open to snowmobiles from Onalaska to Lehmen Road north of Trempealeau. It is the responsibility of snowmobilers to contact each county to find out if connecting county club trails are open.
Buffalo River State Trail - The trail is open to ATVs year round. The trail is now open to snowmobiles. It is the responsibility of snowmobilers to contact each county to find out if connecting county club trails are open.
Wildcat Mountain State Park – The area received over 12 inches of snow on Dec. 9. Cross-country ski trails were groomed for skate skiing and tracked for traditional skiing Friday Dec. 11. Conditions are good for skiing. Snowshoeing can be done anywhere in the park except the cross country ski trails. Hiking and snowshoeing in not allowed on the ski trails. The Old Settlers Trail has been designated for snowshoeing. A trail has been broken and marked for that purpose. The Old Settlers trail is 2 1/2 miles long and is a intermediate trail with difficult sections.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River slowly dropped this week. The river stage was at 7.39 feet as of Dec. 15. Ice has formed on most back water areas on the local river systems. Even though, ice conditions vary greatly and are considered unsafe in most areas. Last week’s snow storm dumped over 12 inches of snow locally. The snow insulates the ice and conceals dangerous ice conditions. Ice fishers are urged to use caution when traveling out onto the frozen waters. Very cold temperatures are in the forecast so ice conditions should improve. Snowmobile trails in the county are in pretty good shape, at least those that are open. The trails in the Rolling Ground and Gays Mills are open. However the trail from Prairie du Chien to Gays Mills is not open. Some farms in this area still have pastured cattle and closed gates while other sections of the trail need to be signed. Ice fishing activity is very spotty primarily because of the unsafe conditions. Some of the back water areas along the Wisconsin River are seeing some bluegill action. On the Mississippi River ice conditions vary from no ice to a 4 or 5 inches. The Prairie du Chien area is seeing some fishing activity with some success being reported. Further up river the Cold Spring area is starting to ice over, but much of it is unsafe. Small game hunters are finding favorable hunting conditions with the snow. Squirrel, rabbit, and coyote hunters are finding ample hunting opportunities. Many home owners are gearing up for winter song bird feeding. Many species of birds are coming into feeders now that snow is covering the ground and cold temperatures have settled in.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest – The cross-country ski trails were groomed on Dec. 12. Last week's foot of snow packed down to about a 4 inch base. Conditions are fair for skiing. The trails will not be groomed again until we get more snow. A second grooming pass would expose dirt at this time. The Smrekar warming shelter has a new feature for this year - electricity. All snowmobile and ATV trails in the state forest are open. They have a base of about 4 inches and are in fair condition. For trails outside and west of the state forest, Jackson County released the following information on Monday: Trails that are west of the Black River will remain closed until more snowfall is received. It is very important that snowmobilers stay off the trails on the west side. Many agricultural fields have very little snow on them, and significant damage can occur to the alfalfa if snowmobiles run on them. There are also many acres of standing corn that will require alternative routes. Clubs are working to resolve this as quickly as possible.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Brunet Island has received enough snow to groom and track the cross country ski trails. The trails are firm, providing moderate conditions. There are a few spots in the flat stretches with a thin base. Panfish action has been good in the north campground bays. 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: ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Three miles of cross-country ski trails are packed and in great condition for skiing. Hikers and snowshoers must stay off the groomed trails and can walk on the sides of those trails or on ungroomed trails. Park staff do not monitor ice conditions. The gate to the group camp area is now closed.
Last Revised: Thursday December 17 2009
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