Warm, mild conditions dominated across Wisconsin for the beginning of the new year, with the southern half of the state snow-free and minimal snow cover across the north. Many lakes and rivers remain open across southern Wisconsin and recent warm temperatures and rain have caused lake and river ice conditions in the north to deteriorate making some waterways unsafe for travel. A number of snowmobiles and ATVs have gone through the ice in northern Wisconsin this past week. Department of Natural Resource recreational safety specialists are urging all recreationists who venture onto the ice to use extra caution until colder weather sets in. Daytime temperatures in the 30 degree range and nighttime temperatures in the 20s has not produced good ice. The warm temperatures along with rain and snow melt have caused ice to weaken on top and below the ice.
Northern Wisconsin received freezing rain New Years eve that turned to snow throughout the night, with the region receiving 4 to 6 inches of snow. The soggy base made grooming difficult for both skiing and snowmobiling. Snowmobile trails remain open as of early this week in Vilas, Oneida and Iron counties, but conditions were just fair to poor. There was not enough snow for most state parks and forests to groom cross-country ski trails. This weekend marks the beginning of candlelight events at parks and forests, but none of the four parks hosting events this weekend have enough snow for skiing. In most cases, the events will be held as hikes, but people should call ahead to confirm the event will be held. A complete list of events is available on the DNR Web site.
The unseasonably warm weather continues to affect fishing across the state: there’s no ice for ice fishing in southern Wisconsin and highly variable ice conditions in northern Wisconsin,
In the north, walleye have been the main species of interest and most anglers report sporadic action. Cloudy days have produced the best success, with the hour before dark being the prime time to be out. Northern pike action has been pretty good. Panfish anglers have seen some fair action, with some decent catches of perch and crappie being reported.
In the south, there has still been some ice fishing on frozen bays of lakes, but wardens caution that conditions are treacherous. There are a few anglers open water fishing, with some action on the Rock River below the dam in Hustisford for walleye.
In the southeastern, shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching a few brown trout. Milwaukee River flows are relatively high with some steelhead being found. Boaters out of Milwaukee have been finding good numbers of browns in the harbor. The Root River is approaching fishable levels again, with browns and steelhead remaining in the river.
Wild canines such as fox, coyote and wolf are starting to pair off in preparation for the breeding season which usually starts mid January. Bluebirds and robins are still being reported across southern Wisconsin, and there have been some reports of snow owls in the state, including in the south where their white feathers make them stand out against the brown background.
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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NORTHERN REGION
Recent warm temperatures and rain have caused lake and river ice conditions to deteriorate making some waterways unsafe for travel. A number of snowmobiles and ATVs have gone through the ice in northern Wisconsin this past week. Department of Natural Resource recreational safety specialists are urging all recreationists who venture onto the ice to use extra caution until colder weather sets in. Daytime temperatures in the 30 degree range and nighttime temperatures in the 20s has not produced good ice. The warm temperatures along with rain and snow melt have caused ice to weaken on top and below the ice.
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Ice anglers and snowmobilers are asked to use extreme caution when out on lakes as ice conditions are highly variable. It has been reported that there can be good ice in one area and then thin ice or even open water close by where there would normally be plenty of ice. The Brule area received 2.5 inches of fresh snow Dec 29. The next day rain melted what was accumulated and then snowed 1 more inch later in the day. Although the ski trails are by far from perfect conditions some skiers are getting out their "rock skis" and hitting the trails. Bears should be giving birth to their cubs in their dens now. Bears are not true hibernators, they slow down their metabolism and sleep heavily, waking up periodically to care for their cubs. For more information on Black bears check out the Wisconsin DNR EEK site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/mammal/bears.htm]. Wild canines such as fox, coyote and wolf are starting to pair off in preparation for the breeding season which usually starts mid January. 2007 marks the centennial for Brule River State Forest, Wisconsin's oldest State Forest. The forest will celebrate the centennial throughout the year with several programs that will be presented in the Brule River State Forest. The events kick with a snowshoe hike and Brule Candlelight Ski on Feb. 3. The snowshoe hike will take place at 10 a.m. at the Historic Bayfield Hiking Trail (2 miles north of Hwy. 2 on the Clevedon Rd.) Bring snowshoes, cameras and appropriate attire for this event. The Candlelight Ski will take place from 5-9 p.m. at the Afterhours Ski Trail. Candles will light 2 miles of trails. Hot cocoa, cider, and a centennial birthday cake will be provided inside of the warming house, a bonfire will fired up to warm the toes and grills will be provided for what you would like to cook.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Temperatures continue well above the normal average and are forecast to continue to the weekend. Ice conditions vary across the area and rain from the past weekend created openings on lakes where water flows from tributary streams. Several inches of snow fell in some areas so weak spots in the ice may be snow covered. People venturing out on the ice with recreational vehicles for fishing or travel should use caution and check conditions before traveling. The warm temperatures will cause the ice to deteriorate and conditions could change significantly in short periods of time. Remember, the ice is less than 1 foot on area lakes. Snowmobile trail conditions vary and heavily used trails quickly expose bare ground and become poor for travel. Call the area you plan on visiting to get updated snowmobile trail conditions. With the forecasted warm sunny days without snowfall this week, trail conditions will quickly deteriorate. Fishing success is fair for walleye, crappie, bluegill and perch though walleye activity is better toward dusk and just after dark. Bow season ends on Jan. 7 and temperatures have been accommodating to the late season archers however deer movement is a little less predictable with the mild winter weather. Trappers had fair success trapping bobcat and fisher as the season closed on Dec. 31 for these species. Cable restraint season opened Jan. 1 and runs through Feb. 15.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the variable and generally mild weather, ice conditions have been fairly stable in the Northwoods. Most lakes across the area have about 8 inches of ice -- but thickness does vary. Some anglers have begun to drive out on a few lakes, but caution is still urged as 8 inches is only marginal for any kind of vehicle travel. The warm rain on Dec. 31 caused the ice to soften a bit and some lakes actually lost an inch or so of ice. The colder weather of the last several days has firmed up most of the ice and a thin coating of hard snow has made foot travel much easier on the lakes. The variable weather conditions in the last two weeks has made for some erratic fishing. Walleye have been the main species of interest and most anglers report sporadic action. Some days have produced good catches of 14 to 18 inch walleye and other days find bites hard to come by. The best baits have been medium suckers and golden shiners, and fished near weeds or rock drop-offs in 6 to 12 feet of water. Cloudy days have produced the best success, with the hour before dark being the prime time to be out. With many of the lakes in the area having stained water, after-dark fishing has been very slow. Northern pike action has been pretty good. The generally thin ice and low amount of snow cover has kept light penetration pretty high and this seems to have kept the pike on the active side. Large shiners and suckers fished near any green weeds have produced the best success, and most fish have been in the 22 to 26 inch size. Panfish anglers have seen some fair action, with some decent catches of perch and crappie being reported.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
The state forest trails have poor snow conditions making it difficult for skiing and snowmobiling but ideal for a nice winter hike. Area fishing guides and wardens report that walleye and perch action has been good. Perch have been taking small minnows in 12-18 feet of water. Walleyes of better quality have been coming from deeper water at this time. Bluegill and crappie action is picking up and these fish can be found in the deeper weed beds. Ice conditions vary so continue to pay attention and exercise caution before venturing out onto area lakes. This past weekend saw a few snowmobiles break through the ice on the larger bodies of water that were the last to ice over. Warm temperatures continue which makes ice development a slow process right now. Currently ice travel is not recommended. Ice depth varies greatly from one lake to the next so be sure to check conditions prior to traveling onto the lake.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The open water on the Menominee River including below the Hattie St Bridge to the mouth is unusual for this time of year. The Peshtigo River State Forest reports some ice fishing action in the shallower bays in the Twin Bridge area although no information on their success rate. Boat Landing #13 has some activity by foot traffic only. Unsafe ice conditions are the rule following the rainfall over the weekend and moderate temperatures for the season. A Snowmobile Safety Course will be offered at the Wausaukee Ranger Station on Jan. 9th through 13; register by calling (715) 856-5921. No snow cover to be seen in northern Marinette county at this time. Ground foraging animals such as squirrels are loving it.
Oconto County - The weather conditions are perfect for some wintertime hiking although some areas may have standing water. The Nicolet Forest offers winter hiking and camping on its 33,000 acres of wilderness. Open water again is the main topic among anglers. At this point ice conditions if any are treacherous. The anglers who do find a little ice are reporting minimal fishing success with panfish.
Shawano County - Fishing on all non-trout waters -- lakes, streams, rivers – remains open. Fishing reports have been sketchy. Caution should be urged on all waters, especially, with all the rain we just had. Ice conditions are highly variable. The panfish bite was pretty good on some smaller lakes in Waupaca County over the past few days. Extreme caution is advised at this time on any ice covered waters as conditions can deteriorate quickly.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County
Peninsula State Park - As of Wednesday, Jan. 3, All snow has melted. Unseasonably warm weather has made hiking the activity of choice. No winter trails are open. Ski and snowmobile trails remain closed. The sledding hill remains closed until at least four inches of snow falls. The main road through the park is open. Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. Call (920) 854-5976 for information about winter programming.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, upper stretches of the Sheboygan River still have some ice cover.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore anglers have been catching a few browns on spawn and spoons. The discharge at the power plant remains turned off.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, flows are relatively high on the Milwaukee River, but some steelhead can be found near Kletzsch Park and Hubbard Park. Shore fishing at the Milwaukee lakefront has been spotty for browns and steelhead both by the Summerfest grounds and at Jones Island. Boaters out of Milwaukee have been finding good numbers of browns in the harbor.
Havenwoods State Forest - Two great horned owls, tree sparrows, male and female cardinals, red-bellied woodpeckers, numerous bluebirds have been seen and heard at Havenwoods.
Racine County - In Racine, flows on the Root River are approaching fishable levels again. With warm temperatures and no significant precipitation in the forecast this week, fishing conditions on the Root should be good. Browns and steelhead remain in the upper end of Colonial Park as well as Quarry Park. Bright egg pattern flies or black wooley buggers and egg sucking leeches have proven effective for the browns. Spawn sacs have worked well for catching steelhead.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, most action has been in the small boat harbor, where browns and a few steelhead have been taken on spoons and spawn.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - There is no safe ice in the area at this time and the long range forecast does not look encouraging.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Jefferson County - The lakes and rivers in Dodge and Jefferson counties have no ice so fishing success has been slow. There are a few anglers open water fishing the Rock River below the dam in Hustisford and they are catching a few keeper walleye. The best success has been on twistertails but a jig and a minnow has worked also. Most of the fish being caught have been undersized but a few 18 inchers have been reported.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Two inches of fluffy snow fell on New Year’s Eve at Willow River followed by a thaw. Cross-country skiing was possible in limited areas on Jan. 1. Scattered snow remains. Trails have a mix of dry ground, snow, ice, and frozen puddles. Ice conditions on Little Falls Lake are unknown. Anglers have been going out. People venturing on to the ice do so at their own risk at all times. The warm weather and rain has added flow to the river and increases the current through the lake. The new Winter Trail map is in. It is folded to pocket size and it shows much more than any previous winter map. The Jan. 6 adult ski lesson will be dry land training and some video illustrating classic and skate technique. Meet at the Nature Center at 9:30 am. A vehicle admission sticker is required. Please call the park office if you are planning on attending this or the Wednesday evening training sessions (715) 386-5931. At this point, Winter Fest is still on for Saturday, Jan. 13. The event is planned to have cross country skiing lessons, snowshoe hikes (loaner pairs available), ski tours, ice fishing instruction and more. The events are free but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Cash donations or new memberships in the Friends group makes those people eligible for door prizes. Next week’s Outdoor Report will have a decision to go, a reduced schedule of events, or cancel. The latest information will be on the Willow River Nordic Ski Association web site:
www.pressenter.com/~wrnsa. The archery hunting season for deer ends Sunday, Jan. 7 in the park. Jan. 6 is also the date for the next Full Moon Hike and bird lecture. The featured birds are Snow Geese and Nuthatches. The event is free with a vehicle admission sticker. The hike follows the lecture. For further information, call Wild Birds Unlimited at (715) 386-3131.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Minimal snow cover has made for very good winter walking conditions. Now is a great time to take advantage of these conditions and explore some new areas of your property or public lands that may be somewhat inaccessible at other times of the year. Go exploring and find new grouse coverts, deer bedding areas, winter wild turkey roosts, abandoned bird nests, or the large oblong holes in trees indicating the presence of a pileated woodpecker.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Ice fishing in the Brunet Island north campground lagoons is in full swing with panfish and a few northern being taken. Park vehicle stickers are required year round. Perch Lake on Hwy CC has been showing good panfishing action. Please remember that the park staff does not monitor ice conditions. Brunet Island has yet to receive any skiable snow this season. A section of the Nordic Trail area of the park is still open for Unit 23A permit late bow hunting through Jan. 7. Hikers have many great opportunities within the park. Whether it’s using the island’s trail system, exploring the wilder areas of the park, or a brisk walk on the park road, you’re sure to enjoy these beautiful woodlands. Some campsites are open year round with electric sites, hand water pump, and pit toilets available. The campground showers and dump station are closed for the season.
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