Snow depths across Wisconsin range from a low of about 2 inches in Chippewa County to more than 20 inches in the Hurley area of Iron County, with most of the state reporting depths from 4 to 8 inches. Snowmobile trails remain closed in many southern and central counties but are open in some. The best snowmobile conditions are being reported in the north central counties of Iron, Oneida and Vilas. Cross-country ski conditions range from fair to excellent. For more information check the Snow Conditions Report on the newly updated Wisconsin Department of Tourism Web site.
Frigid temperatures are being forecast for this weekend. Nearly a dozen candlelight ski and hike events had been scheduled at parks and forests across Wisconsin this Saturday, but two parks have decided to cancel the events so far because of the frigid forecast. Those hearty souls still interested in attending an event should contact the park or forest directly on Saturday to confirm if it will be held. Phone numbers for all parks can be found on the DNR Web site.
In the Northwoods, most lakes have about 14 inches of ice, with about 4 to 5 inches of snow on top. Fishing continued to be in mid-winter winter doldrums, with success tapering off for most species. Panfish anglers have experienced the most consistent action with some crappies and bluegills being caught; perch activity was slower. Walleye activity has been fair for mid-winter and was better toward evening hours. Northern pike activity ranged from poor to good with a number of smaller fish being caught.
Lake Winnebago perch fishing has been fast and furious, with bigger perch being hooked in the deeper areas. Green Bay is now frozen, but conditions are not safe. Numerous yellow perch were being caught at Little Sturgeon Bay and at Sawyer Harbor, but their size was small. Lake Michigan tributaries are mostly iced over. Some anglers have been ice fishing in frozen harbors.
Ice conditions have been improving on southern lakes but ice thickness is still quite variable and there continue to be reports of ATVs going through the ice. Ice anglers are finally out in force. Tip-up anglers were catching northern pike on shiners. Anglers were catching walleyes on jigs and minnows. Panfish anglers were catching bluegills on small jigs and waxies. The Madison area lakes have finally frozen over. Lake Kegonsa was yielding a few perch. Lake Mendota anglers were getting a few northern pike and walleyes.
The 16th annual free Kid's Ice Fishing Clinics will be held this Saturday, Feb. 3 at six park ponds and lagoons in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Volunteer members of local fishing clubs will be teaching kid's the basics including knot tying, proper equipment use, ice safety and much more.
The Mississippi River rose slightly early in the week but settled by the end of the week at 7.2 feet at Prairie du Chien. The Main Channel and East Channels on the Mississippi River are frozen over. Ice conditions in are a bit tricky however. Ice fishing action picked up, with some pretty good action for bluegill, crappie, and perch.
Flocks of snow buntings, longspurs and horned larks have been seen, along with good numbers of winter finches and chickadees. Bald eagle numbers are up this winter along the Lower Wisconsin River corridor. An aerial survey conducted earlier this month found 481 eagles along the 180-mile survey route running from the Petenwell Dam spanning the Wisconsin River in Adams/Juneau counties to the river’s confluence with the Mississippi River in Crawford County.
Gray squirrel breeding activity is occurring and they can be seen chasing about quite actively during the day. White-tailed deer bucks are still being seen with antlers, but with the moderate snow depths a walk through deer habitat should start to reveal some shed deer antlers.
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.
Statewide birding report
Colder temperatures and more snow have increased activity at bird feeders around the state. This has also made some winter rarities visiting feeders to be more viewable. Varied thrushes are putting on good shows in Dunbar, Washburn, Door County, and Devil's Lake State Park (south shore). Feeder watchers in Door County report an overwintering ruby-crowned kinglet and eastern towhee while feeder watchers in Madison reported a brown thrasher this week on eBird. Birders in the Green Bay area have had recent luck finding gray partridge by driving the agricultural areas during the day. They are also reporting snow buntings, longspurs and horned larks. The Clam Lake area and Florence/Forest county areas are still reporting good numbers of winter finches with black-backed woodpecker, gray jay, and boreal chickadee also being reported from these areas. Continuing rarities include a barrow's goldenye and slaty-backed gull in Prescott and a barrow's goldeneye, harlequin duck and good winter gulls from Ozaukee and Milwaukee counties at places like Harrington Beach State Park and Doctor's Park in Milwaukee. Please help document bird sightings from around the state by entering sightings on eBird at
www.ebird.org.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Brule area has received 3 to 12 inches of snow (the northern area had much more lake effect snow) Jan. 29, making for much whiter conditions, much to the pleasure of winter enthusiasts. The Afterhours Ski Trail received 3 to 4 inches of the snowfall should make conditions fair to good. The trails will be rolled and tracked today making ski conditions much better for the Candlelight Ski and snowshoe hike this Saturday, Feb. 3. The snowshoe hike will be at 10 a.m. The trail is west of the town of Brule. Turn north on Clevedon road travel for 3 miles. The trailhead is on the right. The candlelight ski will be from 5-9 p.m. at the Brule River State Forest Afterhours Ski Trail. There will be 2 miles of candle lit trails. After skiing come sit around the warm bonfire and have some hot cocoa or cider and that will be provided in the warming house.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
The Lake Superior area is still lacking significant snow with Iron County being the destination point for snowmobile activity. Hurley has been getting lake effect snowfall almost every day this past week. The snowmobile pressure on area trials is significant and drivers should use caution and keep speeds under control. Cross-country skiers have adequate snow conditions in most areas especially in Iron County and along the South Shore by Herbster and Cornucopia. The cable area also has adequate skiing conditions. Ice fishing continues slow in the basin. Lake Superior is seeing a lot of fishing activity but not a lot of fish caught. The area off 2nd landing continues to produce some perch but again the fishing is slow and most of the perch are smaller. Anglers on Lake Superior will see fishing opportunities North of Bayfield if the cold weather continues. The weather conditions have been very cold and the forecast is for even colder weather this week. Ice conditions are good in most areas and anglers were driving ATVs, Snowmobiles and vehicles out on to the ice. Even though the ice may be thicker caution should be used and stay away from docks, break walls and other areas that have strong current.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Very cold temperatures will continue through the week with possible extreme cold for the weekend. Recent light snowfalls should help trail conditions though more snow is needed to have good trail conditions. Ice conditions continue to improve but use caution if you decide to take a vehicle on the ice. Fishing success has slowed though some crappies and bluegills are being caught but perch activity is slow. Fish can be found suspended at different depths Try to vary your presentation and work the structure as well. Walleye activity continues to be better toward evening hours though a few fish are being caught during the day. Northern pike activity is good with a number of smaller fish being caught on area lakes. Gray squirrel breeding activity is occurring and they can be seen chasing about quite actively during the day. With the moderate snow depths a walk through deer habitat may reveal some shed deer antlers. There is a night time ski and snowshoe event scheduled on the Flambeau River State Forest this Saturday. Contact the Forest Headquarters for further information.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Cold and windy weather in the past week has for more typical winter fishing conditions. Most lakes have about 14 inches of ice, with about 4 to 5 inches of snow on top. Slush has not yet been reported on any of the lakes, though 2-wheel drive vehicles are beginning to have a little tougher time traveling on the ice. For fishing action, it seems that the mid-winter winter doldrums have set in and success has tapered off for most species in the Northwoods. Panfish anglers have experienced the most consistent action with anglers reporting some decent catches of perch and crappie. Northern pike activity has also slowed up in the last few weeks as the increased snow cover sand colder temperature seem to have moved the fish to a little deeper water. Walleye action could be considered fair for this mid-winter time and most anglers are experiencing just enough action to keep them interested. Success has been erratic but the best catches have come on the cloudy and mild days, when temperatures reach the upper teens or above. The favorite bait continues to be sucker minnows, fished 6 inches off the bottom in 6 to 12 feet of water and in the hour before dark.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
With the recent cold temperatures vehicular ice travel has increased. Coupled with the lack of snow ice travel is fairly easy right now. Should you decide to venture out onto the lakes please use extreme caution. Walleye action is reported as slow with northerns being caught in fairly good numbers over heavy green weeds. The crappies are hanging in about 6 to 8 feet of water and associated with cabbage weeds. Bluegill action is reported to be on the rise and these fish are also being caught in the deep weed edges or associated with some structure. The more remote lakes are said to be the best sources for more abundant catches. Perch action is slow right now. Snow conditions for both skiing and snowmobiling remain good with the recent snowfalls this past week. Please remember to stop and obtain snowmobile trail passes as necessary. Also new this year is the statewide night time speed limit of 55 for snowmobiles. Of special interest, the whitetail bucks have begun to shed their antlers. Some of these bucks could retain their antlers until into March.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The Candlelight Ski event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10t, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Spring Rapids Trailhead, which is 5 miles west of Crivitz on County Road W, to Kirby Lake Lane. For those of you that ski, we will have a 2-mile trail groomed for both striding and skating, all lit by beautiful candles. This event is free, byo equipment. Snowmobile trails are in the rough at this point with little snow accumulation this week. Inland lakes are showing some ice fishing activity. Panfish catches and northern have been biting on Lake Noquebay. Dark-eyed juncos are showing up at northern birdfeeders for thistle and sunflower seeds along with the goldfinches. Temperatures again are expected to plunge downward this weekend so keep those suet feeders well stocked.
Oconto County - Snowmobile trails are open, but in very poor condition. Good catches of bluegill and northern on Pickerel Lake, Townsend Flowage and Chute Pond. There have been a few walleye being caught on Boot, Wheeler, and Waubee Lakes. Closer to the bay fishing for yellow perch continues on the river side of the breakwater. Many of the catches were of fish under 7inches.
Shawano County - The Navarino Nature Center will be holding a Valentine Day Snowshoe Walk on Saturday, February 10th, from 9 a.m. until noon. Please RSVP by Feb. 7 by calling the Center at (715) 526-2515. In conjunction later that day there will also be a Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe from 5 until 7:30 p.m. that will include a 1-mile section of trail lit by candles and sledding activities.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - The west shore of Green Bay this weekend was populated by snowmobiles and ATVs for a 'Chili Dump' making it difficult for anglers to find a quiet spot to fish. Dykesville had a few anglers, out 1 1/2 miles, looking for larger size and numerous yellow perch but only finding a few.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Numerous yellow perch were being caught and released but the size was around 6-7 inches at both Little Sturgeon Bay and at Sawyer Harbor (Potawatomi State Park). But with persistence a nice catch of fish over 8 inches could be added to the creel, as well as, a 13 inch yellow perch that will be a wall hanger. Other anglers near Quarterdeck Marina have been fishing for northern pike with no success, yet.
Peninsula State Park – NOTE: the candlelight ski, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3, has been CANCELLED due to prospects of extreme cold and windchill. Snowcover is six inches. Workers packed ski trails. Ski trails are not groomed to normal standards, though some skiers are using the trails anyway. An additional 4 inches of snow will be needed to make conditions good or better. The sledding hill was open, but being evaluated on day to day basis. The main road through the park is open and plowed. The Tennison Bay campground is open year-round. Several back roads have been groomed for skate skiing, and are in fairly good condition, but changing. A track has been put down for classical skiers, though the snow is thin. Poles will penetrate to the asphalt. Snowmobile trails remain closed. Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. The Bay is now frozen, but conditions are not safe.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Cross-country ski trails are skiable but there are be bare areas. The park has had some small snowfalls, but they have been small and very fluffy. Attempts to set a track have been unsuccessful. There have been quite a few skiers out and they have had favorable comments on the trails considering the skimpy snow cover. More than 200 people attended the candlelight event on Jan. 27 with most people opting to ski. It was a beautiful clear and fairly still evening - lots of stars. Everyone seemed to have a great time. There were still some cookies and hot cider at the end of the evening so no one went away without refueling.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Upper Fox-Wolf basin fisheries report - Walleyes were still biting on Lake Poygan especially in and around horseshoe hole. Some northerns were being hooked on the west side of the lake. Lake Winnebago perch fishing has been fast and furious with average times ranging from 15 to 45 minutes. Minnows have been the bait-of-choice. Bigger sized perch were being hooked in the deeper areas. On Lake Butte des Morts, Sunset Bay has been a hotspot for northern pike. Bluegills were still running in the channels and running in the small to medium size class.
High Cliff State Park - Cross-country ski trails were tracked and in good condition as of last weekend. Snowshoe trails recommended are Lime Kiln and Forest Management. Two roads of the family campground are plowed for hikers along with Lime Kiln, Forest Management and Butterfly Pond trails. Winter birding is prominent. Winter Family Fun Day is scheduled for Feb. 10.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, most of the Sheboygan River is iced over, and some anglers have been ice fishing downstream near 8th Street. Please use caution when venturing out on the ice.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, shore fishing at the lakefront has been spotty for browns and steelhead under the Hoan bridge. Some browns have been reported by shore anglers fishing the Menomonee River near the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District offices. Ice is starting to form in the inner harbor near Riverfront Ramp.
Racine County - In Racine, upstream portions of the Root River still have some open water, but there is ice below Island Park.
Inland fisheries team report
Ice conditions have been improving now that real winter weather is finally here. Ice thickness is still quite variable so be sure to take all the necessary precautions when heading out. Don't forget that the 16th annual Kid's Ice Fishing Clinics will be held this Saturday, Feb. 3 every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free clinics will take place at 6 park ponds and lagoons in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Volunteer members of local fishing clubs will be teaching kid's the basics including knot tying, proper equipment use, ice safety and much more. After receiving instructions the kids will be able to try fishing on the ponds. For more information call (414) 263-8614 or the Urban Fishing Hotline at (414) 263-8494.
Walworth and inland Racine and Kenosha counties - Ice anglers are finally out in force. Tip-up anglers are catching northern pike on shiners. A few bass are also being caugtht. Anglers are catching walleyes using jigs and minnows. Panfish anglers are catching bluegills on small jigs and waxies. Some anglers are catching good size yellow perch using spikes and small minnows.
Waukesha County - Fishing this week has been spotty but improving. Some walleye action has been reported on Pine, Golden, Labelle and the west end of Pewaukee. Try medium or large golden shiners on tipups or jigging rapalas in 6-17 feet of water. Northern pike have been reported hitting on Pine lake, Lac Labelle, Okauchee and Golden lakes. Best baits have been large or jumbo golden shiners on tipups, fished in 8 ft of water or less. For panfish, try 4-11 feet of water with 1/32 oz. Jigs and mousies or waxworms over weed flats, some success has been reported on Blue spring, School section and Phantom lakes.
Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit - As of Sunday Jan 28, all cross-country ski trails had been groomed and tracked with 4 inches of base and 2 inches of new snow. Skiers rated the trails as being in excellent condition considering the slow start we had to the skiing season.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Iowa County - Crappies have been biting at Helena marsh especially around dusk. Most anglers refer to this fishing spot as White’s slough, although technically it is called Helen Lake. Successful anglers have been using wax worms. Bluegills and crappie have been biting on Bakkens Pond, as have the northern pike. Anglers have been using spikes to bag the decent sized bluegills. Action at Birch Lake near Barneveld has slowed down, but some anglers have been doing well during the midday. Some northern were being caught at Blackhawk Lake along with a few perch. The ice is pretty bad in certain areas and anglers really need to be careful.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County – As of Feb. 1, The entire Dodge County Snowmobile trail system is open. Riders are cautioned that some trails, especially across plowed fields, are in rough condition and may have irregular snow depths due to blowing and drifting. Stay on the marked trails and ride safely and responsibly. Riders are also reminded of the max 55mph night time speed limit. Additionally, we are expecting very cold temperatures over the next few days - please dress appropriately for your safety. Check the Trail Status Hotline: (920) 386-3705 or Web site: [http://www.co.dodge.wi.us/planning/recreation/trails-conditions.htm] for current conditions.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County – Cold weather the past week has improved ice quality and fishermen have been out in great numbers, especially on Monona Bay, Lake Farm Park and the south end of Lake Waubesa where bluegills have been biting. Ice in these areas was 4 to 6 inches thick and will improve this week. Lake Kegonsa was yielding a few perch. Lake Mendota fishermen were getting a few Northern Pike and walleyes on the north shore near Governor’s Island. As of Jan. 31, Dane County snowmobile trails remained closed due to melting conditions late last week. Snow cover remains at about 6 inches with areas of deeper drifts. This was worn down quickly with snowmobile traffic and trails over fields were worn down to dirt. Another substantial snowfall is needed before the trails will re-open. Snowmobilers can call the Dane County Parks trail information line at (608) 242-4576 for current information on snowmobile and ski trail conditions. Divers recovered 2 ATVs from Lake Waubesa over the weekend that had broken through the ice the week before near the middle of the lake.
Mirror Lake State Park – NOTE: Due to the predicted cold temperatures, the park has CANCELLED the candle light ski/hike event scheduled for this Saturday Feb. 3. For information call (608) 254-4055.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - As of Jan. 31, cross-country ski trails were open. Hikers / pet walkers are reminded that the ski trail designation closes the trail to all but skiers. Hikers and pet owners have some options for trails including access to Willow Falls. Pick up a new Winter Trails map at the park office. Ski trail conditions are marginal and rock skis are recommended. There is no groomed track for classic skiers. Last week’s warm up helped bond the limited snow to the ground which helps skaters. Much more snow is needed to achieve normal skiing conditions. There is still opportunity to classic ski without set track and minimal dependence on poles. Skaters will probably have an easier time. Sharpen your pole tips because the baskets will not grab on the thin base. The Red trail has a grass surface under the snow (no gravel) and has the best overall “marginal” skiing. The Prairie Loop of the Red is reported as poor. There is gravel surface on the Brown connector trail. The Red and the Brown connector are “More Difficult” trails with hills. The Green trail (easy) is reported as skiable and it is a good place to begin learning. The hills and turns are gentle. Caution is suggested on any downhill since gravel, earth, or asphalt can bring your skis to a stop. Skiers should be aware that there is a ski school for kids in the park on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Expect to find these groups on the Green trail. Panfish have been biting in the late afternoon hours. Anglers can expect a lot of small yellow perch among the bluegills. Fake waxies were reported as bait that will not attract the perch. Deer are still carrying antlers. On Saturday, Feb 3, there will be adult cross-country ski instruction at the Nature Center from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Skate and classic instruction will be available. Bring your own equipment. A vehicle admission sticker is required and there is a small fee for those that are not members of the park’s Friends group. Call the park office for further details and to sign up (715) 386-5931. The final date for adult lessons is Saturday, Feb. 17.There will also be a bird lecture and a full moon hike Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Nature Center. The event is free with a 2007 daily or annual park sticker on your vehicle. The lecture begins at 6 p.m. with the topic of Robins and Chickadees. The hike will follow the presentation. Contact Ed Coloski (715) 386-3131 for more information.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Cottontail rabbit hunting season remains open through February 28. With modest snow depths and cold temperatures, rabbit hunting conditions are ideal. Rabbits remain numerous throughout the area, and the daily bag limit is three rabbits. Cottontail rabbit habitat includes sparse wooded areas with numerous brush thickets, grassy wetland edges, hayfields, weedy corn fields, and brushy fencerows.
Crawford County - Last week’s snow fall took a beating on Friday when temperatures rose into the low to mid 40s. After another sunny day on Saturday the snowmobile trails in the county were closed. The Mississippi River rose slightly early in the week but settled by the end of the week. By the end of the week the river stage was at 7.2 feet. The Main Channel and East Channels on the Mississippi River are frozen over. Below normal day and night time temperatures arrived late in the weekend which helped freeze much of the backwater areas. Most of these areas have some very dangerous spots and travel on the ice where others have not been is not recommended. Last week’s snowfall has covered the ice making it difficult to spot dangerous areas. Friday saw some very mild weather and a lot of melting occurred. Once the cold weather settled in and re-froze the melted snow on the ice, very slippery conditions exist. Ice conditions in the Prairie du Chien area aren’t too bad. Even so caution is advised. 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 Doubles and Big Missouri. Ice conditions in this area are a bit tricky however. Ice is covering Gremore Lake and anglers are accessing it from the DNR boat landing off the Ambro. Sturgeon Slough has good ice and anglers are getting to it from the parking area off STH 18. Spring Lake is being accessed off Hwy. 35. Cold Spring north of Lynxville had open water near the boat landing; however, a lot of anglers were fishing through the ice on the southern portion. Access has mainly been via the parking area off Hwy. 35; however, some have accessed the ice from the boat landing by walking toward the railroad tracks and crossing over the “channel” to get to the south pond. Most of the backwater areas along the Wisconsin River again have ice and conditions are fairly good. Ice conditions throughout the county range from poor to above average. Ice thickness is reported to be anywhere from an inch or 2 to 6 inches. Ice fishing action in the area picked up this week with a few exceptions. Sturgeon Slough has been very slow and not many anglers have been venturing out there because of it. Mud Slough has seen some pretty good action for bluegill, crappie, and perch. Tilmont Lake has been producing some bluegill and crappie. Gremore Lake has been spotty. Bluegill action at Cold Spring has been good on most days. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was pretty good during the week day. However once the weekend arrived action there really slowed down. Fishing below the dam by boat at Lynxville is pretty much over. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is frozen it. At the dam only open water area is directly below the dam. So far no one has ventured out to fish through the ice as it is extremely dangerous right now. Bald Eagles can bee seen throughout the county. They are venturing further inland now that area waters are freezing up. Eagles can be seen throughout the county along stream beds and along open fields. A fair amount of eagles can be seen near the Lynxville Dam. Turkeys are starting to flock up in larger numbers now that the snow is on ground. A variety of song birds are visiting bird feeders. The remaining snowfall has provided excellent conditions for rabbit and coyote hunting in the area. Rabbit hunters report fair to good numbers of rabbits in the area. Coyote numbers are strong. Squirrel hunting will end at the end of the month.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - All trails in the state forest are open. The cross-country ski trails have had a base laid down but have not been tracked yet due to the lack of moisture in the snow. Conditions are fair for skiing with an average packed base of 2 to 3 inches. The Smrekar trail head features a new log warming house, which is open for winter users. Snowmobile/ATV trails have been packed but the lack of moisture content in the snow also affects their condition which we rate as being poor.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Brunet Island State Park has received light snowfall, though not enough to groom the cross-country ski trails. 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. Ice fishing on the Brunet Island State Park north campground lagoons is in full swing with panfish and a few northern being taken. Perch Lake on Hwy. CC has been showing good panfish action. Please remember that the park staff does not monitor ice conditions. The Brunet Island State Park south campground is open year round with electric sites, hand water pump, and pit toilets available.
Last Revised: Thursday February 01 2007
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