Despite some frigid temperatures in the last week, conservation wardens and recreational safety specialists are reporting that most lakes are still not safe for any type of ice travel. Some smaller lakes in northern Wisconsin have areas with 3 to 5 inches of ice, but also have areas with just an inch or two. Ice depths can change on the same lake in a very short distance. Larger deeper lakes in the north have just begun to ice over. Some smaller lakes in the south have also iced over and have from 1 to 3 inches of ice, which is not considered safe even for foot travel. Larger deeper lakes in southern Wisconsin are still open and there were even still some open water anglers reported out on Lake Geneva this week.
Snow cover across Wisconsin as of Dec. 8 ranged from about 1 to 7 inches, with most of the state having just 2 to 4 inches on the ground. The greatest snow depths were in northern Iron County in the north and in Richland, Iowa and Sauk counties in the south central and south western part of the state. The only snowmobile trails reported to be open were in the Hurly area of Iron County. Local snowmobile clubs that maintain trails make the determination when trails will open. Snowmobilers are reminded that using trails before they are officially open can damage the trail surface, making future grooming more difficult, and may jeopardize trail easements that clubs have worked very hard at establishing with private landowners. The Department of Tourism snow conditions Web page has a snowmobile section that lists when trails are open.
A number of state park and forests were able to begin packing down cross-country ski trails. In general, most trails were only groomed flat, and do not have any tracks set at this time for classical skiing. The exception was the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, that did set track on the Scuppernong trail only. Other state parks and forests that groomed trails include Mirror Lake, Devils Lake and Blue Mound and the Brule River State Forest in the north.
Ice fishing activity has started on some of the smaller lakes and bays across Wisconsin, but again, conservation wardens are reporting that ice conditions are highly variable and they are not recommending any travel on ice at this time. Those early ice anglers that are venturing out in the north report catches of panfish and a few walleye.
Lake Superior is still ice free. Chequamegon Bay has a covering of ice but conditions are not safe for ice fishing. There is no ice presently on Lake Winnebago. The Milwaukee River near the Summerfest grounds remains free of ice, and anglers there have been taking a few brown trout. The Mississippi River bordering Wisconsin is 90 percent, or so, ice covered.
This Saturday, Dec. 10, is the deadline to apply for the 2006 Wisconsin spring turkey hunting season. Preliminary permit levels for the spring season are set at 200,673 total permits, up from 193,826 permits issued for the 2005 spring season. Application and the required $3 permit application fee may be purchased at any DNR Service Center or license sales location, or with a credit card toll-free by phone or over the Internet through the DNR Web site.
The snow cover and ice formation is moving out most Canada geese and ducks. Increasing numbers of winter migrant birds are being seen, including pine grosbeaks cedar and Bohemian waxwings and snow buntings.
NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - There was four inches of snow on the ground as of Dec. 8. The forecast calls for a chance of snow for the next week with highs in the 20s. On Dec. 6 the low temperature was minus12 degrees. Ice is forming quicker now with the cooler temperatures. The Afterhours Ski trail was rolled Dec. 7. There was some new snow Dec. 6, bringing the trail base up to 2 inches, but it was the lake effect fluff again. The trails are very rough with clumps of grass and woody stems sticking up but it they are skiable. People are out with rock skis, doing what they can with the conditions. Tracks have not been set yet. The Brule River Riders snowmobile trail report for northeast Douglas County is that trails are not open at this time due to windfalls, low snow conditions and unfrozen swamps. Trails are not expected to open in the near future due to these conditions. Some winter migrant birds were seen last week
pine grosbeaks and cedar and Bohemian waxwings (both are around in summer, just not in any number).
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Cold weather has slowed down most activities in the Lake Superior region. Muzzleloader hunters continued to harvest deer. There is snow in the entire area for tracking deer and hunters that could stay out in the cold have had success. Ice fishing activity is starting with some of the smaller lakes having a couple of inches of ice. Catches of panfish and a few walleyes have been reported on inland lakes. Anglers should use extreme caution when venturing out on the ice. Lake Superior is still ice free. Chequamegon Bay has a covering of ice but conditions are not safe for ice fishing. With single digit temperatures the last few days, and predictions of continued cold, ice conditions should improve. First ice is considered the best time for fishing but again it is better to wait for good ice than take a chance on falling through. Anglers, snowmobilers, and other outdoor enthusiasts have to keep in mind that if they get into trouble others will be put in jeopardy to save their lives. Snowmobile activity is limited to areas in Iron County. The season has just started and already complaints of loud machines are coming in. Operators should be reminded that it is illegal to change of modify the manufactures muffler system if it results in the snowmobile being louder than the stock version. Every year wardens encounter snowmobilers that have put on after market exhaust systems. Speed and performance are the reasons given for the changes. Most snowmobiles will do 100 mph or more right out of the box! How fast does one have to go on a snowmobile?
Spooner DNR Service Center area
There is not enough snow for much skiing to be going on yet. Dec. 7 was the last day for the muzzleloader season. It was a pretty cold season but there were many that still were out with their muzzleloaders trying to get their deer.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Unseasonably cold temperatures have persisted in the Park Falls area with a more seasonable reprieve forecast for this weekend. Ice is quickly forming on area lakes and anglers are beginning to venture out on a number of lakes. This weekend should provide ice fishing opportunities on most lakes but anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts should be cautious of the areas where typically the ice may be questionable such as moving water in channels between lakes, where rivers or streams flow into or out of lakes or where springs are known to exist. As always check the ice before travel on any water body. The cold temperatures have provided access to many beaver ponds for winter beaver trappers and little snow makes foot travel easy. Muzzle loader season ended Dec. 7 and the bow season continues to until Jan. 3. Snowmobile trails will open soon and snowmobile enthusiasts will begin a new season. The deadline for spring turkey permit applications is Dec. 10. Three new zones are available in the northern part of the state.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The unseasonably cold weather of the past week has thickened the ice cover on local lakes, with most waters now having 3 to 4 inches of ice. This is still not considered safe for ice travel as there are still many areas with only 1 to 2 inches of ice, especially around any moving water, inlets and outlets, and the centers of the larger lakes. However, there have been a few early ice anglers creeping out onto shallow bay areas, but their success has been generally slow. A few nice catches of early walleye have been reported from the edges of the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, but fish have been hard to come by on most other lakes in the area. Some trout success has also been experienced on Patterson Lake, a few decent panfish catches have also been reported in other area waters.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Currently ice conditions on area lakes vary greatly. Some of the larger lakes have just recently iced over while the smaller lakes already have a few inches. Traveling on the ice is not recommended at this time. Not too many anglers have been out but those that have ventured out are not reporting much action. Muzzleloader season continued with varied reports of success. Cooler temperatures have kept many from venturing out. The snow depth in the area is only a few inches at best so any snowmobiling activity will be on hold until more snow arrives.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - The area is just beginning to see ice anglers venture out. Many of the smaller shallow lakes have approximately 3 to 5 inches of good, clear ice; while the larger deep-water lakes such as Trout and Tomahawk have just started getting full ice cover since the weekend. Panfish are hitting in shallow bays with weeds and anglers were finding walleye and northern pike mixed in with them. Most folks are setting a couple tip-ups and jigging for panfish with the third line hoping to cash in on the "early ice" bite that is providing a diverse catch. Medium shiners were working well on the tip-ups while spikes, waxworms, or plastics tipped on a small rocker jig are the ticket for panfish. The good fishing is expected to continue through the holidays
once mid-January rolls around the action typically slows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Unseasonably cold temperatures are producing ice on inland waters. Snow cover is minimal at this point with snowmobile trails unopened. The late season T-Zone hunt south of Hwy. 8 will be open on Thursday, Dec. 8 through the 11. Warming temperatures are expected for the weekend. Ice conditions are not safe at this time for recreation purposes.
Oconto County - Snowmobile trails are remaining closed until several more inches of snow have accumulated. Two snowmobile courses are planned for January. The Chase Townhall will be the location for a course beginning Jan. 3 through the 7, contact the instructor at the following phone number (920) 822-4342. The second course will be held at the Oconto Falls Fire Dept. on Jan. 7 and 8, please contact the instructor at (920) 848-2960. The spring turkey applications need to be sent in by Dec. 10, this Saturday, in order to be in the draw for a Spring Turkey tag and license purchase.
Shawano County - Minimal snow cover in the region has not allowed the snowmobile trails to be opened as of yet. A Snowmobile Safety course will be offered at the Birnamwood Trailriders Club Building on Dec. 15 through the 17, contact the instructor to register at (715) 526-8722.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Most small lakes and channels off the big lakes are frozen with 2 to 4 inches of ice. Fishing reports have been very slim with the cold weather. Warmer temps this weekend should bring heavier fishing pressure, be very careful when venturing onto the ice. Green Lake is still open and there is a lot of waterfowl still using it.
High Cliff State Park - Trails have approximately 1 to 2 inches of snow cover; not suitable for snow shoes or cross-country skiing--hiking conditions only. Horse and Bike Trails are closed until May 1, 2006. There is no ice presently on Lake Winnebago. Winter camping is available, although sites are not plowed; all camping is first-come, first-serve basis-pit toilet facilities open. Water is available at park office only. Winter birding is just beginning.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
