Author Topic: Wisconsin Outdoor Report February 22, 2007  (Read 582 times)

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Wisconsin Outdoor Report February 22, 2007
« on: February 22, 2007, 09:27:01 AM »
Temperatures have gone from sub-zero two weeks ago to up to 50 degrees in some areas of Wisconsin this week, causing snow to melt in many locations and closing ski and snowmobile trails across much of the state. Only snowmobile trails in far north central Wisconsin were still being reported as open and they were listed as fair on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report. American Birkebeiner (exit DNR) officials have announced that 52-degree temperatures and sunshine this week damaged the existing trail base and opened fields beyond repair, and that this weekend’s race will be shortened to 23 kilometers on the northern half of the trail. The Birkebeiner is the largest cross-country ski race in North America and is still expected to attract upwards of 9,000 skiers and 15,000 spectators to the Hayward and Cable area.

The more seasonal weather of the last week helped to increase ice fishing pressure across the state, but success has continued to be erratic. In the north, panfish have provided the most consistent action with anglers reporting some good catches of crappie, perch and bluegill at various times through the week. Crappie are starting to suspend in deeper water and the best success came with small minnow and waxworms. Ice anglers have been out in full force on southern Wisconsin waters, with panfish anglers catching bluegills and crappies in 6 to 15 feet of water on jigs and waxworms for bluegills, and shiners and plastics are working best for crappies. Northern pike action has also been fair on most lakes.

The Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season continued through Wednesday, Feb. 21, with 919 sturgeon speared so far from Lake Winnebago, and 313 speared during the upriver lakes season, which closed Feb. 15. The season tally to date is 1,232 sturgeon. Fisheries biologists expect the season to run into this weekend and likely the full 16 days. A 158-pound, 74-inch female sturgeon speared Monday is the eighth largest sturgeon on record taken in the spear harvest on the Winnebago Pool Lakes since records began in 1941. The big adult female, was in a stage of egg development, meaning it would have spawned this year in 2007. The total weight of both ovaries was 54.8 pounds, or 34.7 percent of the fish's body weight. Biologists estimate the fish was carrying 1.27 million eggs.

Along Lake Michigan, yellow perch success remained spotty along the east shore of Green Bay. Some brown trout have been reported by shore anglers fishing the open water in the Menomonee River in Milwaukee and the in Kenosha marina.

The Mississippi River stayed fairly steady all week again at about 7 feet at Prairie du Chien. The warming trend improved fishing action in some river backwater areas, but has also made ice conditions in the areas with significant currents and springs more unstable.

Coyote activity has been noticeable as this is the beginning of their mating season. With the warm weather, raccoons and opossums are out and are being attracted to bird feeders.

Goldfinches are beginning to show just a hint of yellow on the front of their necks. The first great-horned owls and bald eagles are sitting on eggs, but good numbers of eagles are still being seen along the Mississippi River between La Crosse and Prairie du Chien. Cardinals and house finches are singing. Wild turkeys are beginning to "strut" in fields on sunny days. The first trickle of migratory waterfowl has arrived in southern Wisconsin and along Lake Michigan. Lower Mud Lake in Dane county is beginning to open up attracting tundra swans and other waterfowl.


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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Statewide birding report
Early signs of spring have sprung in the bird world. Cardinals and house finches are singing, the first great-horned owls and bald eagles are sitting on eggs, and wild turkeys are beginning to "strut" their stuff in fields on sunny days. The first trickle of migratory waterfowl has arrived in southern Wisconsin and along Lake Michigan. Lower Mud Lake in Dane county is beginning to open up and tundra swans and other waterfowl have moved in. The great-tailed grackle has still been seen in Horicon this week and raptors continued to be abundant at Horicon, Collins Marsh and other east-central Wisconsin locations. Short-eared owls are present in good numbers in Horicon, Collins Marsh, Bong Recreation Area, White River Marsh and Crex Meadows wildlife area. The Lake Michigan shoreline has been good for waterfowl and winter gulls, especially Sheboygan, Harrington Beach State Park, and downtown Milwaukee. Birders should be on the lookout for returning robins, grackles and red-winged blackbirds in the next week after the weather event this weekend. Other early migrants to be on the watch for include sandhill crane, eastern meadowlark, killdeer, and eastern bluebirds. As always, help biologists better understand bird populations by submitting sightings to www.ebird.org and use eBird to view other's sightings from anywhere across the state!

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NORTHERN REGION


Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest - Icy conditions blasted the Brule area for the first couple of weeks in February. The first 16 days of the month had sub zero temperatures (which is quite a shock to those who have been enjoying the mild temperatures). Normally for Feb., 27 degrees is the average high while 1 degree is the average low. As of Feb. 15, 7 degrees was the average high and minus 16 was the average low. Warmer temperatures are back for now and are expected to be in the mid 20s to 30s for the extended forecast. Ski conditions are reported to be fair. Conditions may change quickly as temperatures get into the 30s this week. The trails were groomed Saturday, Feb. 17. So far this winter the Brule area has only received 27 inches of snow. The normal average is 68 inches bringing the Brule area 40 inches under normal. As of Feb. 20, there was 6 inches of snow on the ground. Slight chances of snow are expected off and on this week. Lake effect snow is not expected now that the "big lake" between Duluth and Superior is frozen over. The Gitchee Gumme Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federations is having a turkey banquet on March 8, at Barker's Island Inn in Superior. The banquet starts at 5:30 p.m., with dinner being at 7 p.m. Admission is $60 for adults and $30 for youths. A couple of turkey clinics will be offered in Douglas County. For more information contact Kevin Feind at 372-5678. The clinics will be Feb. 22, 5:30 - 9 p.m. at the Solon Springs Community Center and Feb. 23, 5:30 - 9 p.m. at the Brule Town Hall.


Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - More seasonal weather in the past week helped to increase ice fishing pressure - but success has continued to be erratic. Panfish have provided the most consistent action with anglers reporting some good catches of crappie, perch and bluegill at various times through the week. Crappie are starting to suspend in deeper water and the best success came with small minnow and waxworms. As usual, the cloudy and milder days produced a more consistent bite and the late afternoon hours provided most of the action. With the changing weather, fishing for northern pike has been variable. Catches have generally been low, though a few pike up to 34 inches have been taken. Walleye success continues to be generally slow with many anglers having a hard time finding active fish. The best success came from tip-up fishermen using golden shiners in 8 to 12 feet of water. As usual, the milder days produced a more consistent bite and the hour before dark saw most of the action. Most of the fish have been in the 13 to 15-inch size but a few up to 20 inches have been reported. Ice conditions continue to be excellent, with most lakes holding at 20 to 22 inches of solid ice. There has been no significant snowfall in last week and most lakes have well-used travel routes. Many 2WD vehicles are still being seen traversing the lakes and there are still no reports of any slush problems. Overall, it's been a good year to get out and explore new areas or lakes for fishing. Monitoring of winter oxygen levels has indicated that most lakes are holding up pretty well. Some lakes have seen a moderate decline in oxygen levels, but these have generally been the usual winterkill-prone lakes. Many of these lakes already have aeration systems on them and some of these systems have begun operation in the last week or so.


Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – All forest cross-country ski trails were groomed last week. Madeline was groomed Feb. 13. All loops were cut, leveled and tracked, and in fair to good condition. McNaughton was groomed Feb. 14. The yellow, blue and green loops were cut, leveled and tracked, and in fair to good condition. Escanaba was groomed Feb. 16. Pallette and short loops were cut, leveled and tracked and the outer loop was tracked but getting thin. The trail was in fair to good condition. Raven was groomed Feb. 17. The inner loops were cut, leveled and tracked and in good condition.

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NORTHEAST REGION


Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Marinette County - Fishing for northern pike had increased as a result of a local tournament near Little River. A few Pike were caught near north of Hale Road and near Ted Thompson Park. Lake Noquebay will be the outdoor destination Saturday for the annual Fisheree for many ice anglers. The milder weather may bring a successful turnout with good access to the lake. Milder temperatures are drawing migratory birds back to nesting areas. Turkey flocks are moving onto agricultural fields in good numbers as the snow cover disappears. Aspen buds are providing additional food sources for turkey and ruffed grouse. Coyote activity has been noticeable as this is the beginning of their mating season. The yearly planting of trout has begun in tributaries to Green Bay.


Oconto County - Snowmobile trails are closed with little snow cover available. The smaller inland lakes are providing nice catches of panfish for ice anglers. Outdoor activities have increased with the mild weather system that has moved in. Good lake access at this time should bring out more fishermen over the weekend.



Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Brown County - Yellow perch success remained spotty along the east shore of Green Bay. A few anglers were able to catch 2 to 5 fish of 7 to 9 inches.


Manitowoc County

Point Beach State Forest – On Feb. 20 and 21, the forest was experiencing a thaw. The almost-perfect ski trails of last weekend were suffering. While the trails were still skiable, skiers were reporting that the trails were starting to ice up and become threadbare in a few places. There is a possibility of more snow by the weekend. Cardinals and chickadees are calling more frequently, indicating spring is just around the corner.


Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area

Door County - Yellow perch success remained spotty along the east shore of Green Bay. A few anglers were able to catch 2 to 5 fish of 7- 9 inches. Anglers were able to catch a few more perch of 8 to 10 inches but the majority of fish caught and released were under 8 inches. Northern pike were also fished for along the Sturgeon Bay channel but success still eluded anglers.


Peninsula State Park – As of Feb. 20, snow cover was 4 inches and melting. Ski trails were in poor condition with numerous bare spots and stretches. The sledding hill is closed due to lack of snow. Snowmobile trails are closed. Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. The Bay is frozen, but conditions can be very unpredictable. Use extreme caution if you decide to venture onto the ice.


Oshkosh DNR Service Center area

Upper Fox-Wolf basin fisheries report – Ice continues to be good on the Lake Winnebago system, although anglers and spearers are still advised to use caution when driving on the ice especially around cracks and shoves, and heavily used landings near shore. The Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season continued through Wednesday, Feb. 21, with 919 sturgeon speared so far from Lake Winnebago, and 313 speared during the upriver lakes season, which closed Feb. 15. The season tally to date is 1,232 sturgeon. A harvest of 53 more adult females will trip the 90 percent season closure trigger. Fisheries biologists expect the season to run into this weekend and likely the full 16 days, if the trigger is not reached. A 158-pound, 74-inch female sturgeon speared Monday is the eighth largest sturgeon on record taken in the spear harvest on the Winnebago Pool Lakes since records began in 1941. The big adult female, was in an stage of egg development, meaning it would have spawned this year in 2007. The total weight of both ovaries was 54.8 pounds, or 34.7 percent of the fish's body weight. Biologists estimate the fish was carrying 1,273,000 eggs.


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SOUTHEAST REGION


Lake Michigan fisheries team report


Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, the Sheboygan River is iced over, and some anglers have been ice fishing downstream near 8th Street. Anglers fishing through the ice in the Sheboygan harbor have been having only limited success. Please use caution when venturing out on the ice.


Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, some browns have been reported by shore anglers fishing the open water in the Menomonee River near the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District offices.


Kenosha County - In Kenosha ice anglers have been working the Small Boat Harbor as well as Southport Marina, but only a few browns have been caught on occasion.


Inland fisheries team report

Now that the weather has moderated ice anglers are out in full force. Here are a couple of reports from the southeast Region:


Walworth and inland Racine and Kenosha counties - Fishing has been slow to moderate. Panfish anglers are catching bluegills and crappies on Elizabeth, Geneva, Delavan, Camp, Beulah, and Whitewater Lakes. Best fishing is in 6 to 15 feet of water. Jigs and waxworms work well for bluegills, and shiners and plastics are working best for crappies. Anglers using golden shiners on tip ups are catching some northern pike on Wind, Browns, Geneva, Delavan, and Eagle Lakes.


Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Many anglers are reporting extremely slow fishing action while others are catching perch and crappies on some area lakes. Big Cedar Lake has been producing some panfish, especially at dusk. Northern pike action has also been fair on most lakes. However, many of the fish are undersized, being around 20 inches long. Anglers in the area should be aware that northern pike size limit changes for several area lakes are going to be proposed at the Spring Hearing this year. On April 16th, the spring hearing will have questions asking anglers if they prefer a "No Size Limit" and "5 Daily Bag Limit" for northern pike at Crystal Lake, Sheboygan County; Long Lake and Kettle Moraine Lake, Fond du Lac County; and Little Cedar Lake, Washington County. If approved, the new rules would take affect in April, 2008.

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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION


Dodgeville DNR Service Center area

Wyalusing State Park – As of Feb. 21, hiking and ski trails were still snow covered. Ski trail conditions will most likely deteriorate as the temperatures reach the mid 40s on Thursday and Friday. The forecast of rain, freezing rain, and snow for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will add to the deterioration of the ski trails. Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien this morning is 7 feet, up .1 from yesterday. Ice anglers are taking advantage of the warm weather. Fishing must be good based on the number of vehicles at the landing every day. Bird activity at the feeders continues to be high. 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. In the late afternoon just before dark, at least two dozen cardinals can be seen feeding at the office feeders. Robins are still in the area, but so far none have been reported in the park. With the warm weather, the raccoons and opossums are out and have once again started to destroy the bird feeders. Starlings are also back and are monopolizing the suet feeders. House finches will soon be showing up at feeders in great numbers. Listen for woodpeckers drumming to announce their territory. Goldfinches are beginning to show just a hint of yellow on the front of their necks. Cardinals are whistling every morning. All of these are signs that spring is on the way.


Iowa County - Anglers have reported that the bluegill and crappie fishing have slowed down at Birch Lake. Some nice sized crappies have been caught in the past week at Long Lake west of Spring Green. The fishing has slowed down at Helen Lake off of Hwy. 14 as well. Snowmobilers have reported good trails in Iowa County with the recent snow and cold. Be sure your registration is current and obey all trail markers encountered. The northern have been biting at Helen Lake off of Hwy. 14 and at Bakkens pond as well.


Lafayette County

Yellowstone Lake State Park - There has been al lot of ice fishing activity. Crappies and bluegills have been biting very well in the early mornings. During the day and into the evening fishing has been slow. Fishing below the dam has been spotty. Yellowstone Lake has very specific regulations regarding fishing. Prior to fishing in the lake, make sure you know all the rules and regulations. All trails are open. During he cold weather, snow cover had been good and snowshoeing was popular on the hiking trails. As of last weekend, cross-country ski trails were groomed and in excellent condition, but conditions deteriorated with the warm weather. There are opportunities to see eagles sitting in trees on the edge of open water below the dam or enjoying a small meal of fish left by an ice angler on the lake ice.


Horicon DNR Service Center area

Dodge County - The Dodge County Snowmobile Trail System and the Dodge County ATV Trail closed effective 9:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 19. The trails are in poor condition and warmer temperatures are expected this week increasing potential for trail damage. Due to the concerns of soft trail conditions on the Wild Goose Trail, the ATV trail on the Wild Goose State Trail is also being shut down at this time. For current information call the Trail Status Hotline at (920) 386-3705.


Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - The persistent winter weather has meant that things haven't changed much at Horicon Marsh over the past several weeks. The high rodent population has attracted good numbers of hawks for the winter and rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and American kestrels are here in abundance. Short-eared owls are also present and can be seen off of Hwy. 49 along Point Road, on the northeast edge of Horicon Marsh. For birdwatchers, the occurrence of the state's first recorded great-tailed grackle has been cause for some excitement. The bird is still present and has been seen along roadsides near the DNR Service Center, located between the cities of Horicon and Mayville on Hwy. 28. It has also been seen nearby off of the county roads in the area. A drive along these area roads should produce this bird. If you see cars parked along the shoulder of the road, it is likely other birders that have the bird in sight. This sighting has attracted birdwatchers from across Wisconsin and surrounding states.


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WEST CENTRAL REGION


Baldwin DNR Service Center area

Willow River State Park - As of Feb. 20, all trails were open for hiking and in poor condition for skiing. Snow cover is fading fast with low 40 degree temperatures and sun this week. Skiers should consider the season ended here and any opportunity to ski again to be a bonus. Snow is possible for the weekend. The ground should be cold enough in most places to hold snow for a while. Don’t plan on groomed trails or any ski trails designation based on the forecast. Be aware that “snowman” snow is not the type our trail grooming equipment can easily turn into ski trails. If skiable snow arrives, wet snow is a lot of work to ski on. Many of our regular skiers (and trail groomers) will not be here since the American Birkebeiner race is Saturday. The relatively low amount of snow to melt and overnight freezing should spell pretty good conditions for early season trout anglers in March. There is still a lot of ice in the slower moving sections of the Willow River above the park. The Willow and Race branches are open below the dam. The Kinnickinnic watershed should have plenty of open water as well. Deer are still carrying antlers. The park has two 12 pointers and a 10 pointer that have been seen on a regular basis. Rubs on trees and the ground have been found off trail.


La Crosse DNR Service Center area

The past cold spell made good ice conditions in the La Crosse area, but the cold temperatures significantly slowed the ice fishing action and discouraged many fishers from venturing out. The current warming trend appears to have improved fishing action in some limited backwater areas of the Mississippi River, but has also made ice conditions in the areas with significant currents and springs more unstable. Walleye fishing below Dresbach Dam has been spotty for the past several weeks, but current warm weather conditions should improve the walleye action. Traveling by foot across the main channel of the Mississippi River below Dresbach Dam to the Wisconsin side of the river is discouraged, since the river has opened a channel of water in recent days and ice thickness and stability therefore varies greatly. La Crosse County snowmobile trails were closed as of Jan. 26. Snowmobile and ATV travel on frozen waters in the La Crosse Area is open to the public but is "travel at your own risk" and operators are reminded that their snowmobiles and ATVs must display current registration and must meet all equipment requirements. They're everywhere! They're everywhere! Bald eagles are present everywhere along the Mississippi River, as well as 15-20 miles inland. Take a leisurely drive along Highway 35, which parallels the Mississippi River, between La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, and you will see eagles. Watch for them perched in trees, soaring overhead, or standing on the river ice. Tremendous eagle viewing and photography opportunities abound. People have been reporting great blue herons, pelicans and other wildlife, that should have migrated, still around the La Crosse area in recent weeks. It is not unusual for a few members of a wildlife population to do things differently from the rest of the group. As long as some open water is present these critters should be okay. If another major freeze occurs, they will need to migrate a little further south.


Crawford County - The snowmobile trails in the county closed Monday, Feb. 19. Sun, warmer temperatures and a lot of sled traffic wore the trails down, thus the reason for the closure. The Mississippi River stayed fairly steady all week again. The stage dropped slightly at the end of the week after a brief climb. The river is at 6.9 feet. Warm weather is expected next week. Ice conditions in the Prairie du Chien area and throughout the county continue to be good.


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GENERAL
ly ice thickness ranges from about 5 inches to around 14 inches. Even so, travel on the ice can be dangerous. Caution is advised due to spring activity, current and snow cover. If/when the temperatures rise additional caution is urged. 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 are also walking to Sturgeon (McGregor/Horseshoe) Lake. Spring Lake is being accessed off STH 35. The Main Channel and East Channels on the Mississippi River are frozen over. 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 both the north and south ponds at Cold Spring. Access has mainly been via the parking area off STH 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. Stay away from the boat landing and you’ll find decent ice conditions.Most of the backwater areas along the Wisconsin River have ice and conditions are fairly good. Ice fishing action was slower this week. Sturgeon Slough continues to be very slow. A few anglers have ventured into McGregor Lake (also known as Horseshoe or Sturgeon Lake) but didn’t do very well. Garnet Lake was slow and access there is tricky. Mud Slough was slow but Tilmont Lake was producing some nice bluegills, crappie and perch but not every day. Gremore Lake continues to be slow. Anglers venturing up to Big and Little Missouri and the “Doubles” were doing fair. Bluegill action at Cold Spring was real spotty. 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). Anglers fishing at Cold Spring are reminded that these waters are considered inland Wisconsin waters, NOT boundary waters. License and bag limit regulations are different at Cold Spring than out on the Mississippi River. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was pretty good during the week. Anglers have been venturing out on the ice below dam at Lynxville. Some walked out while other used hovercrafts. Ice conditions out there are poor with only a few inches of ice close to the dam. Walleye and 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. 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. Large flocks of turkeys can be seen scratching through freshly spread manure. 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. The remaining snow is providing 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. Rabbit hunting will close at the end of the month.


Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

Brunet Island State Park - Brunet Island State Park has not received enough snow to groom the cross-country ski trails. A few warmly dressed skiers have been using the 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, you’re sure to enjoy these beautiful woodlands. Although fishing pressure has been light recently, ice fishing on the Brunet Island State Park north campground lagoons has remained productive with panfish and northern pike being taken. Perch Lake on Hwy CC has been providing good panfish action. Please remember that the park staff does not monitor ice conditions.


Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - Ski conditions are poor.


Red Cedar State Trail - Ski conditions are poor. Ice is on the trail in several areas.


Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Buckhorn State Park - Ice anglers have been catching Crappies on the Castle Rock Flowage. Walleye fishing has been slowing down recently. Water has been pooling on top of the ice, and we have lost ice recently due to warmer temperatures. The Wisconsin River has opened up north of the park, but the Walleyes have not started to run yet. Due to recent warm temperatures, cross country ski trails are in very poor condition. Campsites 8, 9, and 16 are open for camping and are non-reservable. All other campsites are closed. Water is available at the park office. The 2007 photo contest has started - remember your camera to take winter pictures for the contest.


Roche-A-Cri State Park - Due to recent warm temperatures, cross country ski trails are in very poor condition. Campsites and facilities are closed for the season, but the park remains open for day use. Parking is available at the winter parking lot on Czech Avenue. The stairway to the top of the Roche-A-Cri Mound is not maintained for winter use. The 2007 photo contest has started - remember your camera to take winter pictures for the contest.

Last Revised: Thursday February 22 2007

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