Most of the state has received snow over the last two weeks, with some areas receiving up to 2 feet of snow. This snow cover created some of the best snowmobile and ski conditions of the winter, with the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report indicating snowmobile trails were open almost statewide with conditions ranging from fair to excellent. Cross-country ski conditions at state parks and forests were also being reported as good to excellent statewide. However, a significant warm-up is in the forecast for this weekend, so conditions could deteriorate rapidly. As always, call ahead to your destination for the most current conditions.
The inland game fish season closed on most waters March 4. Waters that remain open year round for game fishing can be found in the current fishing regulations and on the DNR Web site. Permanent ice fishing shelters had to be removed from waters south of Highway 64 as of March 5. Permanent shelters must be removed from waters north of Highway 64 as of March 15. Portable shelters that are removed each day may still be used.
The late winter snow storms resulted in the game fish season ending on somewhat of a down note. The deep snow cover and windy conditions really cut down on access on most lakes and many anglers were limited on getting out to their fishing spots. In addition, slush is beginning to show up on a lot of lakes, further hampering travel on ice.
The few anglers that ventured out on Northwoods lakes found action for crappie and perch inconsistent, with the early morning hours producing the best success. Look for the panfish action to pick-up in later March, as soon as the snow depth melts down a bit and gets water flowing down the holes. Snow and slush limited travel on southern lakes as well. Anglers were reporting better catches of panfish, which was expected to improve over the next week until ice out.
The storms kept many anglers from their fishing spots on Green Bay. The few adventuresome anglers going out reported action for yellow perch slowed. On Lake Michigan, open water shore anglers have been catching occasional brown trout at the Sheboygan and Port Washington harbors. Some browns were also reported by shore anglers fishing the Menomonee River in Milwaukee. Oak Creek has fishable open water, and a few anglers have been targeting steelhead.
The Mississippi River stayed fairly steady for most of the week with only minor fluctuations. As of Thursday the river stage was at 7.3 feet at Prairie du Chien and dropping. Those few who were heading out to try their luck on Mississippi River backwaters were finding fish to be sluggish and not biting.
A few trout anglers went out for the opening of the catch and release trout season. The deep snow made access difficult, but in general streams were running clear as cold temperatures limited snowmelt and runoff.
Some white-tailed bucks have still been observed carrying antlers. Turkeys are still being seen in large flocks scratching through farm fields, along the edges of woods, or in fields where the snow has blown off.
Male cardinals are becoming more active in singing, another indication of the upcoming spring. Barred owls have been more active during the daytime looking for additional food to feed to their young. With snow presently dominating the landscape, it might seem odd to be thinking about bird migrations, but early March typically marks the beginning of northward bird migration. Despite the wintry look of the Coulee region, goldeneye ducks have returned to the Mississippi River. As the Mississippi River begins to open more, watch for other diving ducks such as ringnecks, scaup or bluebills, and buffleheads to show up.
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
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - After another 24 additional inches of snow from last Thursday and Friday the trails couldn't be in better shape. The trail base is 8 to 12 inches. The woods base is about 34 inches. The trails were groomed March 5. About 70 racers showed up for the Riverview Loppet at the Afterhours Ski Trail last Saturday. It was reported that the conditions were wonderful for the event. Saturday March 17 there will be a candlelight ski. Sledding will be allowed on one hill. Hot Cocoa, cider, and cake will be available. Grills will be provided for what you would like to bring to cook. A bonfire will be lit to keep the toes warm after the ski and sledding. For more information call the Brule River State Forest at (715) 372-5678.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Most of the area has received over 18 inches of snow in the last two weeks and resulted in the game fish season ending on somewhat of a down note. The deep snow cover and windy conditions really cut down on access on most lakes and many anglers were limited on getting out to their fishing spots. In addition, slush spots were beginning to show up on a lot of the lakes and further hampered travel on the ice. At the end of the game fish season, walleye and panfish had been providing the most consistent action but pressure really dropped off with the deep snow over the last weekend. The few anglers that did venture out met with mediocre success and a few walleye anglers reported catching their limit of three walleye. The panfish anglers saw some inconsistent action for crappie and perch, with the early morning hours producing the best success. Smaller baits and slow finesse tactics also had to be used to entice the fish to bite. Look for the panfish action to pick-up in later March, as soon as the snow depth melts down a bit and gets water flowing down the holes. This seems to bring the fish up off the bottom and puts them in a more active feeding pattern.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - All forest cross-county ski trails were groomed on March 7 and were in very good condition. The McNaughton skate loop was leveled and rolled, all other loops leveled and tracked. All Raven, Madeline and Escanaba trail loops were leveled and tracked.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Snowmobile trails were in great shape throughout the county as of March 7. Anglers with ice shanties on waters above Hwy. 64 need to have them removed by March 15. With the added snow cover this could be quite a task for some. 2007 licenses become available Friday, March 9. Hunter safety courses are beginning in the area check with your local DNR Service Center or the web at
www.dnr.wi.gov for the latest listings.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
The severe winter storms last week kept many anglers from their fishing spots and their shacks. With the large amount of snow on the ice, some areas are difficult to travel on. While others with snowmobiles and ATVs were able to get out on the ice to fish but a few took chances with their vehicles. Many shacks were pulled off the ice and are in staging areas on shore.
Brown County - A few adventuresome anglers were going out of Dykesville and Red River with trucks.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County – Action for yellow perch has slowed at Little Sturgeon. Some anglers were still looking for northern pike near the Sturgeon Bay sewage treatment plant, and yellow perch in Sawyer Harbor. Sugar Creek and Chaudoir’s Dock were popular access points last weekend. But accessing the ice at Rite’s Cove was difficult do to ice heaves.
Peninsula State Park - As of March 7, snow cover was approximately 20 inches. Cross-country ski trails were groomed & tracked and in excellent condition. Watch for changing conditions as warm temperatures are predicted this weekend. Snowmobile trails are open and in very good condition. The main road through the park is open and plowed during the winter months. Other roads are left unplowed and used as snowmobile trails. The sledding hill was open. Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. The Bay is now frozen, but conditions can be very unpredictable. Use extreme caution if you decide to venture onto the ice.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
High Cliff State Park - As of Monday, March 5, cross-country ski trails were in good condition and tracked. Lime Kiln and Forest Management trails are open for snowshoeing,. Hikers may use two plowed roads of the family campground and Lime Kiln, Forest Management, and Butterfly Pond trails. There are still some good opportunities for winter birding. The Calumet County snowmobile trail runs through the park and is open. Snowmobile trail conditions are available by calling (920) 849-1494. Lake Winnebago is snow covered. Be careful if venturing onto the lake as ice conditions are not monitored by DNR staff.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, shore anglers have been fishing off the south pier and from the docks in the marina. They have been catching occasional brown trout.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, open water shore anglers have been catching fair numbers of browns in the harbor. Spoons and spawn sacs have been effective.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, some browns have been reported by shore anglers fishing the Menomonee River near the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District offices and under the Hoan bridge. Oak Creek has fishable open water, and a few anglers have been targeting steelhead. The boat launch at Bender Park has one lane that is usable.
Racine County - On the Root River in Racine, there is open water from below the Horlick dam down into Lincoln Park, but water levels are quite high. The river is still iced over downstream of Lincoln Park.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha the ice is no longer safe in Southport Marina and the Small Boat Harbor. There is open water in the harbor behind the Best Western, but the boat launch is still locked up with ice. The Pike River has some open water in fast moving stretches.
Inland fisheries team report
The game fish season ended March 4. Area ice anglers will turn their attention to panfish. Late ice is traditionally one of the best times of the year to catch bluegills, crappie and perch. Recent weather conditions have still been less than ideal for fishing. Snow and slush on the ice has limited travel as well.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Anglers were reporting better catches of panfish lately. Fishing action is expected to improve over the next week until ice out. Most panfish were running on the small side at Elkhart Lake. Occasional good catches of crappies and perch were reported from Big Cedar Lake. Conditions are tough on most lakes. No vehicle traffic on the lakes is recommended at this time as those driving out are having trouble getting stuck in the slush layer under the snow.
Waukesha County - Panfish have been hitting on Pewaukee, Beaver and Pine lakes. The best catches have been coming from deep weed cuts in 7 to 16 feet of water. Crappies were providing some action for anglers fishing at night on Okauchee, Beaver and Oconomowoc lakes. The best bite has been on small orange tube jigs tipped with fatheads in 9 to 19 feet of water.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park - As of March 7, hiking and ski trails were snow covered. Both Mississippi Ridge and Whitetail Meadows Ski Trails were groomed and tracked on Monday, March 5 by a volunteer, who said ski trails for now should be in “good” skiing condition. The forecast for the next few days will impact the condition of the trails. There is a chance of freezing rain Thursday night into Friday morning, then changing to rain. A high in the mid 40s is expected on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Temperatures are expected to warm into the mid 50s by Monday of next week. There is approximately a foot of snow on the ground. Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien March 7 was 7.3 feet, down 0.2 from yesterday. Ice anglers are taking advantage of the warm weather. Fishing reports vary from day to day, and angler to angler. Some anglers report nice catches of bluegills and crappies, while others report nothing is biting. Bird feeders at the park office continue to be a popular spot for birds, squirrels, photographers, and bird watchers. Bird sightings near the feeders the past few days include: cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, goldfinches, white-breasted nuthatches, juncos, crows, ring-neck pheasant rooster, tufted titmice, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers and mourning doves, purple finches and tree sparrows. Crows enjoy perching at the very top of the “cardinal tree”. In the late afternoon just before dark, at least two dozen cardinals can be seen feeding at the office feeders. A small flock of robins was in the trees near the feeders earlier this week, for a short time. A red-headed woodpecker has been frequenting the feeders today. Raccoons and opossums have not been a problem this week, possibly due to the deep snow. Also, no starlings to report this week. Bird sightings in the area include: three trumpeter swans near the Potosi boat landing in a small area of open water and a rough legged hawk on the ice in the same area; several dozen bald eagles were spotted from the overlook at Nelson Dewey State Park; a red shouldered hawk was heard calling from the walkway to Point Lookout at Wyalusing State Park. Bald eagles were also sighted from Point Lookout. A Eurasian collared dove was seen at a bird feeder in Patch Grove. Squirrels are taking advantage of the seed beneath the feeders. Deer are seen every day on the roadways by the park office and throughout the park. With the deep snow, it is easier for them to get around on the roads. Campsites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground are open for winter camping on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park – Twenty inches of snow fell Feb. 24-25, compensating somewhat for the late arrival and timidity of this year’s winter. Cross-country ski trails were only in fair condition, since heavy rain, freezing drizzle, and 2 to 3 inches of light snow fell after the major snow. Hiking trails are snow-covered and icy, but indelibly scenic, passing through tunnels of snowy branches and over white hummocks of grass, soil, and rocks. The chickadees, nuthatches, and crows reign in the air during the winter. Unseen and unheard by people, meadow voles are tunneling under the snow, munching on tender grasses and tiny tree seedlings. Coyotes and foxes with their sensitive ears might be seen sitting with their heads cocked, ears attuned to the voles, followed by a few stealthy steps and a cat-like pounce that shoves their face into the snow hoping for a warm lunch. On milder days, gray squirrels are out and coursing through the treetops. Owls are keeping their eggs warm, protecting the developing owlets, which will hatch later this month. \
Mirror Lake State Park - As of March 6, cross-country ski trails were all groomed and tracked, and in excellent condition.
Jefferson County - The Jefferson and Dodge county snowmobile trails remained open this season longer than in the past several years. Around 10 inches of snow still remains on the ground in most places in northern Jefferson County. Warmer weather predicted later in the week will be causing the trails to close, however. Call the county trail hotline numbers prior to riding each day. A couple red-wing blackbirds have been sighted in Watertown recently at birdfeeders, a hopeful sign that spring is just around the corner. Male cardinals are becoming more active in singing, another indication of the upcoming spring. On the public hunting grounds barred owls have been more active during the daytime looking for additional food to feed to their young. Ice thickness on Rock Lake, Hope Lake and Mud Lake remains at between 12 to 15 inches in most places. Anglers were busy over the past weekend trying to remove ice shacks by the March 5 deadline. The cold weather over the weekend refroze some of the slush on the ice causing some shacks to freeze in. Fishing success hasn’t picked up very much. Some smaller bluegill were still being caught on Rock and Hope Lakes by jigging with spikes and waxworms.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park – The park received about an inch of new snow Tuesday March 6. That could have slowed things down some on the ski trails, which were fast early in the week. Overall, the ski trails are good minus going into the weekend. Classic track is variable. The skating lane was packed hard. Skiing could remain possible through the weekend as the predicted warm weather comes in. The overnight freeze and daytime thaw cycle will glaze the trails with ice in the morning hours. This condition makes the trails very fast on the flats and down hills, and a challenge to ski uphill. The daytime thaw will slow everything down as the snow gets soft. Skiers on the Purple trail should expect to find places burned through out on the main loop shortly. As the base softens, there’s a large gravel patch to walk past at the entry to the Purple. By the weekend, it may be a good choice to take rock skis and then decide if the trails will be okay for the good skis. With skiing in progress on most of the trail system, hikers are reminded that they need to use the multiple use trails only. Maps are available at the park office. A few trout anglers went out for the opening of the catch and release trout season. Water level and clarity remain good going into the second weekend of the early season. Even if melting begins it usually takes a couple of days before the Willow River discolors. Ice fishing activity has slowed down. A few anglers are still coming in. A six point buck was observed still carrying antlers this week.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Some snowmobilers are saying Coulee region trails are the best they have been for years. La Crosse and Vernon county trails were really enjoyed by local and visiting snowmobilers after the Lion of March left over 20 inches of snow on area trails. Ice anglers, however, have been finding the weight of heavy snow has caused 4 or 5 inches of water to cover the ice making travel to and from fishing spots difficult. Those few who are heading out to try their luck on Mississippi river back waters were finding fish to be sluggish and not biting. Early March typically marks the beginning of northward bird migration. With snow presently dominating the landscape, it might seem odd to be thinking about bird migrations. Despite the wintry look of the coulee region, goldeneye ducks have returned to the Mississippi River. As the Mississippi River begins to open more, watch for other diving ducks such as ringnecks, scaup or bluebills, and buffleheads. These beautiful ducks and many other waterfowl migrate through La Crosse and can be seen diving for food in open pockets of water along the Mississippi River. Over the next two months, many species of birds will migrate into and through Wisconsin as they move to their breeding areas. This influx starts gradually and builds toward a climax that usually occurs in late April or early May. Inland, keep an eye out for red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, and grackles, all members of the blackbird family, robins, and killdeer to arrive in early to mid March.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River stayed fairly steady for most of the week with only minor fluctuations. As of Monday the river stage was at 7.64 feet and rising slightly. More snow fell this week and high winds caused severe drifting. Sloppy conditions are greeting ice anglers right now. Several inches of slush can be found on most area waters. Snowmobile trails in the county are groomed and open. The deep snow is providing cross country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to venture out. Ice conditions in the Prairie du Chien area and throughout the county continue to be good; however, the snow is causing some travel problems. The Main Channel and East Channels on the Mississippi River are frozen over. Most of the backwater areas along the Wisconsin River have ice but increasing water levels are causing some problems. Ice thickness ranges from about 5 to 14 inches. Caution is advised due to deep snow, increased current, rising water, and warmer temperatures. Most areas are starting to see water along the shorelines making access tricky. The Ambro Slough is frozen and anglers are crossing over it to Mud Slough from the DNR boat landing. Some have gone further and crossed the Black Slough to get to Tilmont Lake. Some anglers are working their way up the Ambro from the USFWS landing to Fish Lake, the Upper and Lower Doubles and Big and Little Missouri. Ice conditions in this area are generally good, but there is current running through the Ambro and Black Sloughs so caution is urged. Also, just above the USFWS landing a small creek enters the Ambro Slough so be careful there. Ice is covering Gremore Lake and anglers are accessing it from the DNR boat landing off the Ambro and off CTH K. Sturgeon Slough has good ice and anglers are getting to it from the parking area off STH 18. Anglers were also walking to Sturgeon (McGregor/Horseshoe) Lake. Spring Lake is being accessed off Highway 35. Cold Spring north of Lynxville still has some open water near the boat landing; however, a lot of anglers were fishing through the ice on the south pond at Cold Spring. Access has mainly been via the parking area off Highway 35. Stay away from the boat landing and channel as you will find open water or very poor ice conditions. Ice fishing action wasn’t too bad this week. Sturgeon Slough continued to be very slow. A few anglers ventured into McGregor Lake (also known as Horseshoe or Sturgeon Lake) and found spotty action. Garnet Lake was good but access there was tricky. Mud Slough was slow as was Tilmont Lake. Gremore Lake continues to be slow. Anglers venturing up to Big and Little Missouri and the “Doubles” were doing fair on decent bluegills and crappie. Some decent bluegill and crappie action was taking place on the Ambro Slough between the two boat landings. Bluegill action at Cold Spring was fair with some decent catches were being taken from shore (open water fishing) and through the ice. DNR fisheries biologists noticed very low oxygen levels on the north pond and in the southern tip of the south pond. Anglers probably shouldn’t fish there as because there won’t be any (fish). Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was pretty good during the week. Anglers haven’t been venturing out on the ice below dam at Lynxville due to poor ice conditions. Only a few hovercrafts ventured out this week. Sauger action there has been fair. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is frozen it tight. Bald eagles can bee seen throughout the county; however, they seem to have scattered even more in search for food. They are venturing further inland now that area waters have been frozen over now for weeks. Turkeys are still being seen in large flocks. Large flocks of turkeys can be seen scratching through freshly spread manure, along the edges of woods, or in fields where the snow has blown off. A variety of song birds are visiting bird feeders. Deer are starting to search for food near houses and farms. Standing crops are being targeted by deer, turkey, squirrel and rabbit. Coyote hunters are enjoying the full moon phase and snow. Coyote numbers are strong.
Perrot State Park - All ski trails have been groomed and tracked. There is a 1-mile skating lane around the campground. Skate skiing, snowshoeing and hiking are not allowed on groomed and tracked ski trails. Trail passes are required for all skiing trails. Snowshoes are available at the park Headquarters for free. Donations to the Friends of Perrot are accepted. Fishing has been slow. Sites 1-8 are open for winter camping. Drinking water is available at the maintenance shop.
Merrick State Park - Two miles of hiking trails have been groomed but not tracked for cross country skiing. Panfish have been biting. ATVs and snowmobiles can be unloaded at the boat landings for accessing the fishing areas.
Great River State Trail - All snowmobile trails in Trempealeau and La Crosse counties were open as of March 7. Snowmobiling through the City of Onalaska is allowed to link between the Great River State Trail and the La Crosse River State Trail, but there is a City ordinance that prohibits operation from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Information on snowmobile trail conditions are as follows: La Crosse County – (608) 782-4500 ext. 1083; Buffalo County – (608) 685-2410; Trempealeau County – (715) 538-2311 ext. 205. Bald eagles have been seen along the ice and in the trees along Lake Onalaska, especially near the spillway which is about 1/4 mile north on the Great River State Trail from the Irvin Street parking lot..
Buffalo River State Trail - The trail is open to snowmobiles and ATVs. Information on snowmobile trail conditions are as follows: Buffalo County – (608) 685-2410; Trempealeau County – (715) 538-2311 ext. 205; Eau Claire County – (715) 839-4738.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park – Cross-country ski trails have been groomed and tracked. The trail system is in very good condition with a 5-inch base in most areas. Snowshoers and hikers are asked to not use these mainland trails when they are groomed. Snowshoers and hikers have many other 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. The Brunet Island State Park south campground is open year round with electric sites, hand water pump, and pit toilets available.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area – The area received about 2 feet of snow last week. Trails were groomed, tracked and in very good condition as of March 5. Ski conditions are very good.
Red Cedar State Trail – The area received about 2 feet of snow last week. Trails were groomed, tracked and in very good condition. Ski conditions were very good as of March 5. Some ice is on the trail in several areas.
Last Revised: Thursday March 08 2007
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