Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of April 19, 2012

[379 Peterbilt]

Some much needed rain fell last week and was falling again Thursday, relieving what had been very high fire danger across the state. While fire danger levels had fallen to low statewide Thursday, state forestry officials are still urging people to be very careful with any sources of fire, as fire danger can quickly change from low to very high with only a few hours of dry, warm, windy weather. The third week of April is Wildfire Prevention Week, and state officials are encouraging people to look to alternatives for burning, such as composting and recycling.
Data compiled by Wisconsin’s broad base of citizen scientists is verifying what's been a favorite water-cooler topic of late: spring has sprung very early. More than 150 organizations put volunteers to work every year keeping track of Wisconsin wildlife and plants through the Citizen-Based Monitoring Network. Their work is documenting that spring is running about eight days to five weeks early, depending on the species. They found 38 butterfly species arrived early, including an explosion of red admiral butterflies that has been reported in many locations in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. Wood frogs and spring peepers were heard eight and 15 days earlier, and state records fell for the earliest arrival date for 10 bird species.
Turkey hunters out in the first spring hunting period report some hens are already in the process of laying eggs or starting to incubate, but that there are still many tom turkeys on the prowl strutting and calling. First period hunters reported good to very good success in many areas. DNR wildlife crews encountered one party that had three generations of hunters including a son, father, and 85-year-old grandfather that bagged two turkeys in Dane County.
The walleye spawning season started very early and proceeded quickly, but the unsettled weather and cold water temperatures have extended spawning, with a few ripe male and female walleye still being found near the spawning grounds. A few musky have been observed up in the shallows but it will still be a week or two until musky spawning really picks up. Sucker fishing has also been fair with some decent catches of redhorse and white sucker coming from the deeper holes on the Flambeau and Chippewa rivers. Walleye anglers are reporting some success on the Wisconsin River.
Windy conditions in the last week along with rain and drop in temperatures kept angling pressure low along Lake Michigan. There was some walleye fishing reported on both the east and west shores of Green Bay. Trollers were finding some brown and lake trout along with some chinook and coho salmon. Water levels are up on Lake Michigan tributaries after the rainfall, but fishing pressure has been low as the number of steelhead in the rivers has dropped.
This Sunday is Earth Day and people have multiple opportunities to help celebrate by participating in a wide variety of events and activities that will be held around Wisconsin. One way people can help celebrate while helping out Wisconsin state park and forest properties is to participate in the fourth annual Work*Play*Earth Day volunteer events sponsored by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks. Volunteers help plant trees, rake campsites, pull invasive species and make minor repairs, then when the work is done they enjoin hiking or biking park trails, visiting nature centers, or take par in any of the recreational opportunities available at the different parks. The remaining events will be held April 21, 27, 28 and May 5.
 

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.

 

 Wildfire Reportfor April 19, 2012

Rain and snow kept fire danger low to moderate around the state this week; 47 wildfires burned 89 acres and threatened eight structures since last Thursday. The main causes of the fires were equipment, railroad, and debris burning. This time of year there is still a great deal of dead vegetation that will dry out quickly and be available fuel for a wildfire. Low relative humidity, warm temps, and gusty winds quickly drive up the fire danger. Go to dnr.wi.gov and search ‘fire’ for more information on fire danger and fire prevention.

Firewise Tip: Be extra careful when working or playing outdoors. Do not leave your car or ATV idling over dry grass. Hot exhaust systems can start a wildfire. Do not set a hot chainsaw down on a pile of dry leaves – clear a spot down to the soil instead. Before welding, remove dead vegetation from the work area. If you’re towing something, don’t allow chains to drag on the road. Sparks generated by dragging chains can start a wildfire.

Northern Region
Notice: Even though we had rain and snow, Emergency Burning Restrictions are still in effect in the storm damaged areas of Burnett, Douglas, Polk, and Washburn Counties. Emergency burning restrictions remain in effect because there are still have a several weeks of spring fire season to go before forests have fully greened up. History has shown that in the spring, fire danger can quickly change from low to very high with only a few hours of dry, warm, windy weather. There have been cases in the past with spring snow events where people burned large brush piles and after the snow melted the remaining hot embers escaped causing a forest fire. Given the tremendous amount of accumulated forest fire fuel resulting form last summers wind damaged timber, all who live and visit in this area must do their part and refrain from outdoor burning until the forest has fully greened up and the restrictions are lifted.

Brule Dispatch Group - High and Very High fire danger over the weekend was alleviated by rain and snow at the beginning of this week. In this weather roller coaster, five wildfires burned 46 acres this week. The main cause was debris burning. The largest wildfire of the season to date was reported to Brule dispatch by the Washburn fire tower on April 14. Fire suppression resources called for several heavy units, a low ground unit along, several hand crews, and assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to help contain the fire. Approximately 5 1/2 hours after the first sighting, the 45-acre fire was contained and mop-up began.

Cumberland Dispatch - Cool temperatures and precipitation curtailed fire activity this week. One fire burned 0.6 acre this week, caused by a power line. This was the FIRST wildfire within the blowdown area this spring - a testament to prevention efforts of DNR fire staff and public cooperators as well as the awareness and cooperation of the general public.

Park Falls Dispatch Group - Three wildfires burned 7.4 acres this week. The largest was a 7-acre marsh fire, believed to have been intentionally set. The public is asked to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities.

Woodruff Dispatch Group - Two fires burned less than an acre this week; one structure was threatened. A Forest County fire was started when a discarded cigarette ignited cured along a road. Debris burning is currently allowed, only from 6 p.m. to midnight with no burning on Sundays or legal holidays.

South Central Region
Four wildfires occurred in the past week which burned just over one acre; the causes were railroad and debris burning. The Richland Center Volunteer Fire Dept. assisted in suppressing a grass fire that occurred when a property owner was burning some dead vegetation and the adjacent grass caught fire. In this case, the property owner was burning before 6 p.m. Burning is currently allowed in DNR protection areas after 6 p.m. with a valid burning permit. Make sure to notify your local sheriff’s department of when you are starting to burn and when it’s out.

West Central Region
Black River Falls Dispatch Group – Over the last week fire control staff responded to five wildfires that burned 3.6 acres. One structure was saved due to suppression efforts. The largest fire was a 3.27 acre fire in Eau Claire County caused by improper ash disposal.

Wisconsin Rapids Dispatch Group – Over the last week 12 fires burned 8 acres. A total of four structures were saved due to suppression efforts. Two homes were saved in Juneau County when a 1.9 acre fire caused by improper ash disposal was suppressed. A home and detached garage were saved when DNR fire control arrived on scene at a wildland fire in Portage County and took quick action to knock down flames under the deck of the home and hose down the garage. In an unusual twist, it appears that the wildland fire was started from the home, perhaps as the result of an improperly maintained pellet stove. Also in Portage County, a string of five railroad fires burned a total area of less than an acre.

Northeast Region
Peshtigo Dispatch Group - Eight wildfires burned 2.5 acres in the past week; the causes were debris burning, improper ash disposal, equipment, and fireworks. The seemingly insignificant act of burning boxes in a fire pit resulted in significant damage to personal property in Florence County when the small trash fire escaped, burned into a wood pile and destroyed a paddle boat and damaged vehicle paint, a jet ski, and grill cover. A Marinette County grass fire resulted from an individual burning trash in a fire ring, which escaped when the surrounding grass ignited. The public is reminded that burning trash in a fire pit does not make it a campfire. Burning permits are required for burning materials on the ground and in burn barrels and restrictions must be followed.

Waupaca Dispatch Group - Six wildfires burned 7.4 acres in the past week; the causes were equipment, debris burning, and campfire. A 4.3-acre fire in Marquette County was caused by a campfire that had escaped, threatening one nearby structure. It’s important to drown your campfire thoroughly with water and stir the ashes. Keep adding water until everything is cold to the touch, making sure the fire is completely out before leaving. Fire danger can be expected to quickly increase after the wet weather subsides.


 

 Statewide Birding Report
There have been the first few reports of nighttime larger passerine migration. Recent arrivals this week include good numbers of blue-gray gnatcatchers, white-throated sparrows, yellow-rumped warblers and house wrens. Shorebird migration is beginning to pick up, with good numbers of yellowlegs and pectoral sandpipers seen at Horicon Marsh, Zeloski Marsh and other areas with mudflats. Avocets, godwits and willets have begun to be reported at stopover areas with mudflats as well. Hawk migration spots should be good this week with peak diversity of raptors passing through the state. Broad-winged hawk migration has begun with our first birds being seen statewide. This past week has been a good week for rare birds. A wandering brown pelican was spotted briefly in Polk County, white-faced ibis was discovered in Brown County and Franklin’s gulls were reported in Ashland. This upcoming week should produce a few new species of warblers as well as a statewide push of sparrows, house wrens, swallows and marsh birds. Breeding activity is also picking up statewide including lekking grouse. Search the DNR website for “sharpt-tailed grouse” to find a Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine story on how to reserve a blind to watch sharp-tailed grouse or greater prairie-chickens at their leks. As always, please report sightings to www.ebird.org/WI (exit DNR) to help better track migratory bird populations.



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Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - As of April 19, the Bois Brule River was flowing at 263 CFS (cubic feet per second). The 67 year average is 261 CFS. April showers may bring May flowers, but lately the showers have been encouraging the worms to come out onto the roads and parking lots, which then are bringing flocks of robins to the easy meal. The rain showers are also encouraging grass growth. Homeowners are at the point where they will be breaking out the lawn mowers for the season anytime now. Wildlife in the springtime can be quite vocal. Turkeys are gobbling, woodcock are peenting, ruffed grouse are drumming, sharp-tail grouse are dancing and making their unusual hoots and tail rattles. If anyone is interested in viewing sharp-tail grouse in this area they can check http://fotbs.org/ to get more information about reserving a sharp-tail viewing blind. Sandhill cranes are hard to miss when they start making their very unusual call. Raven chicks are quite vocal as they are begging for food. Canada geese are voicing their loud honks. They are on their nests, incubating their eggs, which should hatch mid May. Frogs such as spring peepers are still "peeping" away in the wetlands. The Ashland Chamber of Commerce reports smelters have not reported any smelt run so far this year in Ashland.

Ashland DNR Service Center area
Ashland County - A snow storm along with high winds on both ends really shut down most outdoor activities for the past weekend. Warmer weather is starting to crank things back up for the week and the snow is gone again.

Hayward DNR Service Center area
Sawyer County - There has been increased activity for both panfish and rough fish on area lakes and streams when the weather stays consistent with a several days of warmer temperatures. Anglers fishing rough fish are using the typical night crawler and sinker set up on the North and South forks of the Flambeau River as well as the Chippewa River, with some putting on an entire night crawler or two to increase their odds of landing a catfish as well. There were good numbers of anglers out and some were landing 12-plus fish in several hours on good days when the wind is down. Many anglers report they can't resist the taste of smoked or pickled rough fish. Panfish have been hitting in the shallow bays after several days of warmer temperatures but then backing off to the edge of the drop offs in the bays after cold weather drops water temperatures. Anglers have been using artificial bait to cover a lot of water locating fish and then switching to a slower presentation such as live bait once they are located. Panfishing will get better as the water warms. Tom turkeys are still on the prowl for hens and are still strutting and calling. There appears to have been good success with a lot of the hunters in the first period. Individuals scouting for the next time frames are covering a lot of ground trying to find decent birds since many of the easily observed birds were taken during the first week and youth hunt. Many say the birds are covering a lot of ground as well as they will see them in one location one day and then they are gone the next.

Spooner DNR Service Center area
Crex Meadows State Wildlife - Wood ducks have begun selecting their nesting cavities in trees and nesting boxes. Whippoorwills, soras, and upland sandpipers are the newest to the 95 bird species list this week. Sharp-tailed grouse are drumming in early morning near Reed Lake and the northeast corner of the refuge. Wildflowers are expected to start blooming in the prairies and forests soon. Pasque flowers are already done blooming. The first birding tour will be Saturday, April 28 from 8-10 a.m. Call 715-463-2739 to make your reservation, cost is $5. http://www.crexmeadows.org/events.htm

Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Even though ice cover has been gone from northern lakes for almost a month now, water temperatures have been slow to warm up and most lakes have been holding in the upper 40-degree range. DNR fishery crews have been busy surveying fish populations on many local waters and are just seeing their workload starting to ease up. The walleye spawning season started very quickly but the unsettled weather and cold water temperatures have extended the spawning time for the species, with a few ripe male and female walleye still being found near the spawning grounds. The musky spawning period gets in full gear when the water temp nears 50 degrees – a few fish have been observed up in the shallows but it will still be a week or two until musky spawning really picks up. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have just begun to show up near the shallows, but their spawning seasons are still several weeks away yet. As the water does warm into the low 50s, panfish will also move up shallow in greater numbers, especially in the dark-bottomed bays that get a lot of sun. Perch are also in the middle of their annual spawning ritual, with crappie beginning theirs as the water warms to the low 60s and bluegill when the water hits the mid to upper 60s. Angling pressure on area waters has been generally light, with just a few sucker and panfish anglers out trying their luck. Panfish success has been fair, with a few nice crappie and bluegill being found in 3 to 5 feet of water in shallow, warm-water bays. Sucker fishing has also been fair with some decent catches of redhorse and white sucker coming from the deeper holes on the Flambeau and Chippewa rivers.

Taylor County - Fishing is slow but several anglers are trying their luck on area lakes during the warmer days. They are reminded to purchase a new fishing license and make sure they have all their boating needs and their boat registration is up to date. Panfish are staying deep with water temperatures in the mid 50s. Turkey hunters are having some success and reporting a few more turkeys over last year. A good hatch last spring and the mild winter are responsible for the turkey population increase.

Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Vilas County - Turkey hunters reported mixed results and activity during the first period of the hunt. Heavy gobbling on one day followed by dead silence the next. The second to the last day of the period involved heavy snow falling along with high winds making hunting unproductive if not impossible. Ospreys have been seen on some area nests and woodcocks have been heard peenting as well.

Bearskin State Trail - Trail surface is in good condition. Turkey, fox and deer are common visitors on the trail.

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Trails are all open for hiking, and certain designated trails for mountain biking are open also. Hepaticas and trailing arbutus have been blooming. A few of the spring migrants are back. Hermit thrushes and winter wrens can be heard in the evenings. Clear, Crystal, Carrol, Big Lake, Muskie, Firefly, Indian Mounds, Razorback, West Star and North Trout campgrounds are all open for self-registration. Shower facilities will not be on until the opening of fishing season.

Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area - Monday’s snow reminds us that it is only mid April. The area needs moisture very badly and will take it in whatever form drops from the skies. Snow and cold temperatures delayed the early onset of spring. Fruiting trees and shrubs had not yet set flowers, so they should still produce fruit later this year. Turkey hunters are meeting with some success. Despite the early spring, toms are still gobbling and looking for hens. Ruffed grouse are still drumming and the woodcock still peenting. The walleye and musky are done spawning. The Flowage remains below full pool at 1.4 feet low. More rain will be needed to get to full pool before the fishing opener.

Antigo DNR Service Center area
Langlade County - The first week of spring turkey season has been a bit slow. Turkeys are not very responsive to calls and gobblers have been pretty tight lipped. Flocks have been broken up for a while, but hunters reported having to work to get a bird. Suckers continue to run and open water fishing remains slow. Remember, it is illegal to hook and line fish in a closed trout stream even if rough fish are being targeted.

Lincoln County - Walleye anglers are reporting some success on the Wisconsin River; however, changing weather conditions are making it hard to pattern the fish. Turkey hunters are saying that the gobblers are pretty oriented to the hens right now, which is unusual this early in the year. When gobblers are "henned-up" a good tactic is to hunt in mid morning and early afternoon, and keep an eye out for toms coming in quiet. One turkey hunter reported no success in getting a gobbler, but did manage to bag 36 wood ticks one morning in his blind.


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Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Fish pressure was low to moderate this past week due in part to strong winds. Water temperatures in the Bay are in the mid to upper 40s.

Marinette County - Bluegills and crappies are not biting yet on inland Marinette County waters, but the Sturgeon are in at the Peshtigo dam. A few walleye were being caught at the mouth of the Peshtigo River and in the Bay proper, trolling on the Bay with crawlers is the preferred method, while jigging with plastic or minnows in the river has been producing a few nice fish. Sheepshead, smallmouth bass, walleye, and carp were being caught in the Menominee River by anglers trolling with stick baits and jigging the Turn Basin and river mouth. Action has been slow.

Oconto County - Anglers at the Stiles Dam have been catching some panfish, mostly crappie, using slip bobbers and minnow and fishing in and around the pilings below the dam. Catch and release smallmouth has started in both the Pensaukee and Oconto rivers with jigs and stick baits working well. A few walleye and brown trout were being caught from Oconto Breakwater Park to Oconto Park II trolling crawler/harness in 7 to 10 feet of water. Catch rates are low.

Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fishing was slow the beginning of the week at Bayshore Park, still very windy. By the middle of the week, the fishing activity was starting to pick up a little. The Bay was calm and it was starting to warm up. There were several boats at Bayshore park and one angler caught a walleye measuring at 24 inches and weighing 6 pounds using artificial bait. The end of the week brought rain and warm temperatures, which were favorable for some anglers.

Manitowoc County - The changing water temperatures and high winds have limited the time available to get out on the lake. Brown trout fishing on Lake Michigan in Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties has been good with reports of some lake trout and salmon being caught as well. The best results seem to be from shallow water, less than 25 feet deep. Effective lures have been spoons and stick-baits. Kings have been taken while fishing for browns in shallow water and some anglers have begun targeting them in the Two Rivers area. Pier and harbor fishing has been hit or miss in Two Rivers and Manitowoc. Brown trout have been caught on the standard spoons, spawn sacs, and dead bait. Successful anglers have had to put a lot of time in. Their catches may have something to do with wind, water clarity, and temperature. The best action seems to be in the morning, though this could be because that is when the most people are fishing. Manitowoc Harbor is now 51 degrees. Steelhead catches have significantly dropped on the East and West Twin Rivers over the last three weeks, though anglers were catching a few here and there. Effecting lures have been spinners, spoons, spawn, artificial spawn, and night crawlers. Bait underneath floats has sometimes been effective. Many planted rainbows were being caught. Remember that trout and salmon need to be over 10 inches to be kept and these planted trout are not yet of that size. As of April 14 the West Twin River was 57 degrees, the East Twin was 55 degrees, and the Branch River was 53 degrees. Northern pike, smallmouth bass, and catfish fishing has been steady on the Manitowoc River. The best spots for northern and smallmouth were along current breaks and near obvious structure on the river. Crank baits, plastics, jigs and twisters, and spoons have been productive. Cut bait has been most effective for channel cats and some large fish have been taken. As of April 14 the Manitowoc River was 57 degrees. Some catfish have also been caught on the West Twin River.
Loons are passing through with layovers on area lakes. The number of frogs calling has progressed, with American toads joining western chorus frogs and spring peepers - among others - which had already been calling for a month. Canada geese have been on their nests for a few weeks but most seem to be nested now. Overall, the turkey population seems to be down a little bit as reported by many hunters, a bit surprising with the mild winter.


Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Walleye fishing continues to be strong at night on Green Bay, but cooler, windy weather for the last week is seems to be keeping some fishermen away. Fishing pressure remains low in Sturgeon Bay and northern Door County. Walleye anglers in Egg Harbor have been reporting success with deep diving stick and crank baits. Pressure for brown trout continues with spinner and stick baits. It was slow in the beginning of the week in Sawyer Harbor, but one group of anglers were successful at catching walleye in Little Sturgeon Bay. They caught 9 walleye and 2 pike (all were released) using mostly artificial jigs for bait. By the end of the week it was getting warmer and there was more activity. There were several boats out at Chaudoir's dock, and anglers were catching some walleye on artificial bait, including one 19 inch, 3 pounds, and another 21 inches 3 1/2 pounds. Heins Creek has had reports of large steelhead and northern pike. There were reports of suckers running in Reibolts Creek. Sugar Creek and Red River park had no fishing activity all week.
More than 200 turkeys were registered as of Monday, April 16, during the first week of turkey hunting in Door County. The turkey hunting week now runs seven days, Wednesday through Tuesday, so it is likely a few more birds will be registered for the first period. Tom turkeys seem to be readily visible throughout Southern Door county. Leaf out on trees appears to be ahead of schedule, but it is unknown what effect that may have on the turkey harvest. Four Sturgeon Bay area hunter education classes have just wrapped up, and Sturgeon Bay volunteer instructor Jay Chaudoir was selected as the 2012 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. Jay has been an instructor for 28 years, and has a lead a team of 14 instructors which have assisted him in teaching more than 4,800 students to be safe and responsible firearm and archery hunters. Jay's dedication and enthusiasm has had a positive impact on the students he’s taught and the community he serves, and has been instrumental in making Wisconsin’s Hunter Education Program successful.

Potawatomi State Park - The fish cleaning station, sanitary dump station, and campground wells are now open for the season. The shower building will open by May 1.

Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Marguett County - Turkey hunters have been very successful harvesting birds in Marquette County on both public and private lands. The turkeys are still grouped together, but have been very vocal in the mornings. Anglers were catching some nice bluegills on the causeway of Buffalo Lake in Packwaukee.

Waupaca County - Eastern towhees are back in the area. A parula warbler has been seen. Sandhill cranes are nesting.

Waushara County - Deer very active feeding on new growth in fields. There are still a few sturgeon spawning on the Wolf River. Leaf out on trees is probably four to five weeks ahead of normal. First period turkey hunters had excellent success with birds being very active and really gobbling. Much needed rain arrived this week. The Waushara public shooting range reconstruction is moving along well and should be open in mid May.

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Outagamie County - The early spring has pushed the Wolf River fish run a full month early. In spite of that there is still some good fishing to be had on the Wolf River with anglers still coming off the water with walleyes. A few white bass are showing up as well but it may be a week or so before they start biting. The water level in the river is dropping so boaters should take care while operating on the river.

Winnebago County - Fishing in the Winneconne area has been exceptional. Many walleyes were being caught from the Winneconne Bridge. It is not a constant bite but if there when the bite occurs many fish will be caught. The area has received rain and it is yet to be seen if it will effect the bite. The channels in the Winneconne area were producing many keeper size panfish as well. With the first period of the turkey season over with many hunters in the Winnebago and Eastern Waushara counties reported to harvesting big turkeys. Those who did not harvest birds saw and heard many as well. Some reported hens were on nest while others were keeping the toms away from the hunters.


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Milwaukee DNR Service Center area

Havenwoods State Forest - The cooler temperatures the last couple of weeks have allowed the calendar to catch up with spring a little bit. Many of the wildflowers that looked ready to burst into bloom several weeks ago appear to be in holding patterns. The American toads on the other hand do not seem to be hindered by the thermometer. Full choruses of males are trilling in the South Pond and in the wetland basins! But the “don’t miss it” event of the week is the abundance of red admiral butterflies! They seem to be everywhere--especially on the trails. It is hard to tell if they are basking in the sun or looking for food. Red admirals feed on nectar only when their preferred foods are not available. Their preferred foods are tree sap, rotting fruit, and bird droppings. Come on over and take a hike, but watch your step!

Harrington Beach State Park - The trails are in seasonal condition, they have wet and muddy areas. This spring is so unusual that it is difficult to say exactly where we are in spring migration. There was a nice movement of common loons in late March when about 50 were counted. Twenty-seven waterfowl species have been identified. As expected, the three most abundant species have been greater scaup, long-tailed duck, and red-breasted merganser. Green-winged teal is the leader among the dabbling duck species. All three scoters have been observed with almost 200 white-winged scoters tallied. Harrington Beach State Park and the Friends of Harrington Beach will be participating in a state-wide Earth Day event on Saturday, April 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Volunteer opportunities include a litter pick-up of the Park and wood chipping some of our trails. Volunteers must wear work shoes / boots, long pants and gloves. We ask that you bring your own shovels / rakes if available. Individual or group efforts are welcome. oon refreshments will be provided. Vehicle admission will be waived for those volunteering.

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - The wildflower bloom time is still on the one month early schedule. Trillium, which normally can be counted on to be blooming on Mother’s Day, is already open wide. This Saturday’s wildflower hike will be going to Trillium Island at the Rome Wildlife Area. Meet at the Forest Headquarters at 10 a.m. if you are interested in visiting this amazing area. May apples are also standing tall in the forest, they will be blooming soon. Rue anemone is currently in bloom and can be seen on several trails in the Southern Unit. Sandhill cranes have been spotted on their nests. Bluebird houses should have been cleaned already and ready for their new residents.

Kohler-Andrae State Park - Trees are starting to leaf out. Early Sunday morning rains have turned vegetation green. Marsh marigolds and skunk cabbage can be found in the wet areas. Swamp sparrows were heard this past week. An eagle can usually be seen daily circling the area. Sandhill cranes can be seen walking in the dunes early in the morning. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are busy in the picnic areas. The Friends fishing pond was recently stocked with rainbow trout and bluegills. The pond is part of the urban waters and is currently open March 10 thru April 27 for juveniles 15 years of age and younger and certain disabled anglers.


Lake Michigan fisheries team report

Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, some trollers have been out on the lake and have had success catching browns and lake trout and chinook salmon in 20 to 35 feet of water. The browns have been in the most shallow water, while the lake trout have been deeper. Both spoons and crank baits have been productive. A few brown trout have been taken by shore anglers fishing of the south pier with minnows. Fishing pressure has been low on both the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers as the number of steelhead in the rivers has dropped. Water levels are up on both rivers after rainfall on Sunday.

Ozaukee County - Port Washington trollers have been catching brown and rainbow trout and chinook salmon in as close as 35 feet of water or farther out in 90 to 100 feet of water. Both blue spoons and orange stick baits have been productive. Shore fishing in Port Washington has been slow in the past week, but some smelters have been seen dip netting near the base of the pier.

Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, winds have dictated fishing success, and when the winds are light brown trout have been caught in the harbor, between the gaps and outside the breakwall on dark color spoons, including blue and green. A few coho salmon and lake trout were also being picked up with similar presentations. Trollers have had success with bright colored flies for brown and lake trout off of Bender and South Shore Parks. The shoreline along Summerfest is producing some browns with the most successful presentations focusing on minnows and spawn sacs, with a few additional fish being caught on spoons. Those anglers trying for perch have a picked up only a few on minnows fished on the bottom. Shore fishing at Jones Island has been hit-or-miss. Using minnows under floats and casting spoons could result in catching a limit of browns or not catching any, depending on the time and day itself. Anglers on McKinley pier have picked up a few brown trout while throwing spoons or fishing with minnows. Very few rainbows have been seen up Oak Creek recently, but a few browns have been caught on the Grant Park pier. Steelhead fishing has slowed considerably in the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers, but a few bass and northern pike have been caught near Estabrook Park on the Milwaukee. Water levels have come back up on both rivers after Sunday’s rainfall.

Racine County - Along the Racine shoreline brown trout and a few coho salmon have been caught on the east side of the harbor on spoons of various colors with blue being the most productive. Minnows on a slip bobber also picked up a few fish throughout the day. On the Root River, steelhead fishing has slowed considerably and fishing pressure has been minimal. DNR crews finished spawning steelhead at the Root River Steelhead Facility on April 2. A total of 233 fish were processed this spring, including one Chinook salmon. Both Chambers Creek and Ganaraska strains of steelhead were spawned, and egg collection goals have been met. The facility will reopen in the fall for the salmon run.

Plymouth DNR Service Center area
Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area - A citizen reported that the large eagle’s nest north of Hwy. 28 on Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area was blown down by high winds over the April 15 weekend. A local DNR staff person will be looking at the site today to see if eggs or live eagles were destroyed. The Pike Lake DNR office has been getting reports of one or more eagles feeding around the shores of Pike Lake. Viewing opportunities for waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds is still excellent along both sides of Hwy. 28 at Theresa Marsh. Goose nests are abundant on muskrat houses, but no goose broods have been seen yet. Sandhill cranes are also abundant in the area with several nest sites identified. Part of the main Rock River channel in Theresa Marsh south and east of the main dam is partially blocked by floating cattails. Canoeists can still get through but it takes a little effort. Turkey hunters are reporting mixed success on local public lands. A large gobbler with 1-1/4-inch spurs was shot during mid-day Thursday, April 12, along North Pole Road on Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area. A few morel and asparagus pickers have been out. Non-hunters are reminded that the six turkey hunting time periods were extended to seven days this spring, so turkey hunting is occurring every day through May 22. Bright clothing (but not red, white or blue…the colors of a gobbler’s head) is recommended for non-hunters when on public hunting lands. The prescribed burning season is still ongoing.

Sturtevant DNR Service Center area
Racine County - Urban fishing ponds are stocked with trout and are biting great on corn. This is a great time to take the kids fishing. Mixed bags of trout and salmon were being caught in the shallows off the Racine Harbor. Peanut flies behind dodgers have been a good choice. Brown trout have also been biting well on jigs and spoons off of the Oak Creek power plant.

Walworth County - Mushroom pickers are out in full force this month. A few people on various state properties have been looking for the elusive morel mushroom with some success. Mushroom hunters should note that turkey hunting season is open and that they should avoid red, white and blue colors while out on the state properties. Mushroomers can wear a blaze orange cap to help turkey hunters see them in the woods.


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Lower Wisconsin State Riverway - Spring is well under way in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Trails are all open and in passable condition; however, regular spring storms may blow down trees or create other temporary obstructions. Facilities are being opened up for the season across the property. Portable toilets are in place at most DNR managed landings along the river and water is turned on at locations where available. Wildlife and birds are very active, and many opportunities are available for wildlife viewing. Turkey hunters are experiencing some success in the Riverway.

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Iowa County - Turkey hunters are reporting good success and that there is a lot of turkey movement and gobbling this second turkey period. With mild winter conditions it is obvious that there are good numbers of birds this year, with many reporting hens are already in the process of laying eggs or starting to incubate. The Wisconsin River has been somewhat low lately and the fish have not been biting, possibly due to the unusual large temperature differences this spring. The crappies have been biting at Governor Dodge State Park and at Bakkens pond west of Spring Green. Morel hunters are reporting a fairly good season so far and much better than last year. Yellow morels are popping up, with a few greys still being found. The phenological calendar is about one month ahead of time, for most plant (and some animal) species. This is generally the case across the state, but varies from a few weeks ahead to a month. For example, the pasque flower (one of our earliest prairie flowers) typically begins blooming this week, but in most cases this year, blooms are already withering. Other bird species are beginning to nest as well, such as bald eagles and Canada geese. Garlic mustard is in full bloom now. If you are pulling mustard, be sure to bag the plants up as flowers on pulled plants can still develop fertile seeds if left on the ground. Also, a reminder that oak trees are susceptible to oak wilt now until our first hard freeze in the fall. Therefore, trimming or cutting of oak trees is not recommended.

Lafayette County - Turkey season is in full swing with lots of birds being bagged. Morels are abundant.


Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Columbia County - The first turkey season is in the book. Many hunters are reporting good success during the first period. The second period promises to be another success if the weather holds. Many birders have been observed in the field looking for newly arriving migrants. Mushroom hunters are reporting that the dry conditions have made morels hard to find. Among other spring bloomers, garlic mustard, an aggressive exotic plant species is already blooming across the county. Join other volunteers this Saturday for the Friends of Rowan Creek annual "clean up" day by removing garbage from the creek and trails in Poynette and then help pull and bag some garlic mustard popping up along another well used trail. Stay and enjoy a hike through a wonderful floodplain forest along Rowan Creek, and venture into an oak savanna further along the trail. Hikers can see many spring ephemerals including three types of violets, white lettuce, spring beauties, an many other wildflowers. Solomon's seal, early meadow rue, skunk cabbage and trillium are also up but not yet blooming, although trillium is extremely close. Remember that turkey hunting season is open, so bring blaze orange clothing if available - do not wear red, white or blue clothing. People interested in helping the Friends of Rowan Creek should meet at the park shelter in Paquette Park, this Saturday, April 21, at 9 a.m.

Dane County - Turkey hunters are having good success on Brooklyn Wildlife Area in Dane and Green counties. DNR wildlife crews working last week encountered a party of three generations of hunters, son, father, 85-year-old grandfather, bringing out two gobblers over two days of hunting.

Sauk County - There have been a number of people picking the small white/grey morel mushrooms this past week. Crappies are biting on Lake Wisconsin. The second time period of the turkey hunting season is underway and the first season is being reported as successful by many hunters. Hunters are reminded to be safe while hunting to avoid hunting accidents. Bluebirds have started to lay eggs in bluebird houses. The bird activity of all types has been great in the morning hours. Reports are coming in of foxes and other animals with young already.

Governor Nelson State Park - Two boat landing piers are in.


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La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Vernon County - Migratory songbirds that have shown up over the past week in the Viroqua area include chipping sparrows, savanna sparrows, eastern towhees, and house wrens. These arrival dates are about normal. Chorus frogs, spring peepers, toads and gray tree frogs have also been calling on warm days and evenings. Marsh marigolds are fully blooming and many other spring ephemerals are flowering as well or soon will be. Early season catch and release trout anglers have been reporting stellar success, as area stream levels and temperatures have been relatively steady. Daytime insect hatches are occurring, with some of the hatches being very strong.

Wildcat Mountain State Park - Spring flowers are beginning to bloom. The ever popular bluebells found by the acres in the lower picnic area are starting early this year. Normally the bluebell peak is near Mother's Day weekend - expect the best time to see them to be through the end of April and early May this year. They will soon be joined by jack-in-the-pulpit, Dutchman's breeches, trilliums, and more. Spring peepers and wood frogs have emerged. Song birds and woodpeckers are a plenty. The Horse Trail and Horse Camp will open May 1. Group Camp will open May 2. Until May 1 all family campsites are first come first served.

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - The Black River area received some rain last weekend. Trees are in various stages of leafing out and the forest floor is flush with spring growth. Now is a great time to enjoy the property before the summer rush. The burn ban for backpackers has been lifted. However, a reminder that campfires should never be left unattended. All campgrounds are open for the season. All-terrain vehicle trails are closed for the season. Trails will reopen for the summer season on May 15.

Trempealeau County - Turkey hunters in the area are reporting mixed to moderate success. Some hunters are seeing healthy turkey populations, but some hunters are reporting that in areas where turkeys used to be plentiful they are scarce this spring. Spring is the time of year when well-meaning individuals "rescue" orphaned baby animals from the wild. Most orphaned baby animals are not orphaned at all, and it is very normal for wild animal mothers to be separated from their babies for periods of time. If you find a baby wild animal that is alone, leave it alone. Most often, its mother is a short distance away and will return as soon as you leave the area. Now is the time to be making arrangements for young ATV operators to take a DNR-approved ATV Safety Course, before the summer riding season is upon us. All ATV operators born after Jan. 1, 1988 must first graduate a DNR approved ATV Safety Course before they may legally operate an ATV off family-owned lands. Information on ATV Safety courses may be found on the DNR website.

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Clark County - Spring has sprung. Trees are leafing out and the waterfowl are migrating in full force. Pied-billed grebes, scaup, redheads, blue-winged teal, common loons, goldeneyes, shovelers, buffleheads, and hooded mergansers have all been spotted around Sportsman's Lake. Also, the drake wood ducks are in their brightest spring plumage and in small bachelor groups. Geese and sandhill cranes are nesting on every muskrat house and along river banks. Turkeys have been increasingly vocal in the morning hours but are still tight-lipped in the afternoon. Many youth were successful during the youth hunt and lots of hunters saw birds during the first season. Fishing remains good. Anglers are filling buckets with redhorse along the Black River, Popple River, and the South Fork Eau Claire River. Panfish were still being caught on Mead Lake, but the action has slowed some. ATV trails in Clark County are currently closed.

Eau Claire County -The first turkey season is over and it seemed that hunters did very well. Many hunters during the first period saw a lot of gobblers even if they didn't shoot a bird. Many kids also had a successful youth hunt. The weather has cooled down a little bit but it seems like both fishing and hunting got a little jump start with the warm spring. A lot of people have been out riding bikes and kayaking this spring. It appears a lot of people that usually wait until May and June to enjoy their outdoor activities are getting an early start.

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Portage County - In central Wisconsin turkey hunters are finding toms henned up. Hunting success seems to be better in the afternoon after toms have handled the hens from the morning and are looking for new companions. White bass and crappies were being caught on the Wisconsin River. Spring peepers have been calling and prairie skinks have been observed over the last few weeks.

Wood County - The Wisconsin River below the Nekoosa Dam has seen the peak of the walleye run; however, anglers were still catching limits of legal fish. Successful anglers were using deep diving crank baits for walleyes. White bass and crappies were also being harvested.

Sandhill State Wildlife - Sandhill is hosting a star gazing evening on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting. Ben Hendrickson from UW Stevens Point physics department will be leading the evening. Sandhill will offer s'mores and binoculars.

Buckhorn State Park - Visitors were out enjoying the weather this past weekend hiking, camping, boating and fishing. Boat launches and the accessible fishing pier have been put in early and have been popular this year.
 
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