Most of the state received some rain in the past week, ranging from less than a quarter in the northwest to nearly an inch-and-a-half in the south, but dry, sunny weather conditions predominated over much of the state this week. Water levels remained low on many northern river systems, but were at or above seasonal norms in the south.
High winds and waves along Lake Superior kept many boats at the dock this week, but some nice trout were being caught by those able to get out. Chequamegon Bay is still producing some walleyes but the action has slowed down. Fishing was slow on northern inland trout streams but recent insect hatches have been reported.
Rapidly warming water over the past couple weeks combined with spawning activity and a naturally-occurring bacteria in the water has sparked fish kills in some areas. It is not uncommon common to see hundreds and possibly thousands of dead panfish on affected waters, but fisheries research shows these kills have minimal impact on the fish populations.
Fishing activity on northern lakes has improved with some more stable weather patterns. Bass and bluegill are actively spawning and sitting on nests. Walleye were being found in deeper water along any green vegetation. Mayflies are hatching and that may slow things down over the next week to two weeks. Musky and bass action has been good as well.
In the south, there has been some fantastic bass fishing on many lakes. Largemouth bass fishing continued to be good on night crawlers and minnow imitation lures. Crank baits, spinner baits and plastic worms have all been effective for smallmouth bass. Most of the panfish spawning is completed on southern lakes and bigger bluegills are starting to suspend over deep water. Anglers fishing with larger spinners were catching northern pike along the deeper weed lines.
Perch action was good this week all over Door County. Walleye action continued to be fair to good at night between Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon. Smallmouth bass fishing has been good all over the Door peninsula. Trollers out of Lake Michigans northern harbors had a very good week with large catches of chinook salmon, rainbow trout, and some lake trout. Action out of southern harbors was slower, with trollers catching mostly coho, a fair number of rainbows and a few chinook. Anglers fishing most harbor piers had another slow week.
The Mississippi River dropped an average of a foot per week over the past two weeks but came up early this week and was at 7.8 feet in Prairie du Chien Thursday. Bluegill action was getting better with the dropping water levels. Walleyes were being taken on the wing dams on night crawlers and crank baits. Largemouth bass action really picked up this week. Anglers in the La Crosse area have been doing very well on catfish.
Preliminary data wildlife managers collected during the spring ruffed grouse drumming counts indicate grouse populations appear to be on the upswing in their cycle, with overall drumming counts increasing by 27 percent over the last year Drumming is the sound produced by a male grouse during the spring breeding season. The male displays on a drumming log rapidly beat his wings producing a drumming sound to attract females.
Monarch butterflies and swallowtails are common. Monarch caterpillar larvae have been seen munching on milkweed plants. They will eat almost continuously until it is time to pupate. Tree swallows nests are hatching, with adults very busy finding insects to feed the young. Observations of wild turkey and wild pheasant broods are increasing. Crows and ravens are starting to fledge. Great horned owls are fledging also. Sometimes they fledge before they are ready, don't worry, the owlets is still being taken care of on the ground. Mink frogs and green frogs are calling in the north.
Mosquitoes, deer flies and horseflies continue to be a nuisance in the warmer weather while providing an ample food source for the large number of dragonflies. Spiderwort, orange and yellow hawkweed, coneflower, lupine, columbine, black-eyed susan, bergamot, ox-eye daisy, sunflower, harebell are blooming.
For more info in your area...http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/
