March came in like a lion, but quickly turned lamb-like with temperatures reported in the 60s and even into the 70s in the last week. Much of the snow has melted, and only far northern Iron and Vilas counties were reporting more than a foot of snow still on the ground. Most of the rest of the state has bare ground to less than half a foot of snow remaining. Most counties have closed snowmobile trails and those that remain open are reported in poor condition with bare spots. Unless conditions change the snowmobile season is near the end. A few ski trails in the north were still being reported open but conditions were soft.
The mild weather made for some real sloppy conditions on lakes across the Wisconsin. There was still 20 to 22 inches of ice on Northwoods lakes, but most of the snow has melted with 4 to 6 inches of slush and water on top of the ice. The dramatic warm up made ice unsafe for fishing on many southern Wisconsin lakes, though good ice was still reported on some lakes.
Panfish anglers reported mixed success. Crappie, bluegill and perch are starting to suspend in deeper water. Bluegill fishing had been good on southeastern lake before the ice became unsafe. Bluegills were being caught in good numbers on Madison area lakes and perch anglers were taking a few limits on Lake Mendota. Ice shanties must be removed from waters north of Highway 64 by March 18.
In Door County, a few anglers were catching yellow perch at Sawyer Harbor and northern pike fishing success increased in the Sturgeon Bay shipping channel. Lake Michigan tributaries were running high and muddy from the snowmelt. Shore anglers have been catching some brown trout at the Sheboygan and Port Washington harbors. Some browns and an occasional steelhead have been reported by shore anglers fishing the Menomonee River in Milwaukee.
Northern trout streams are still ice covered for the most part. Southern trout streams were open and running high with the recent snowmelt. Despite the runoff over the weekend, trout fishers were out and reported some success.
The Mississippi River stayed steady for most of the week and as of Monday was at 7.4 feet at Prairie du Chien and expected to rise. Ice conditions on the Mississippi River and backwaters are deteriorating quickly. The Main Channel and East Channels on the Mississippi River are starting to break up.
Large flights of waterfowl including geese and most species of diving and puddle ducks are being reported across the state. Red-winged blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds and rusty blackbirds are moving through in large flocks. Good numbers of robins have been reported along with bluebirds, meadowlarks, American woodcock and even a few tree swallows and phoebes. Pairs of sandhill cranes are being seen in many areas. Peregrine falcons have returned to the La Crosse area and have been observed hunting resident ducks and pigeons. Good flights of eagles have been seen along the Mississippi River and the Lake Superior shoreline, and bald eagle numbers are increasing in the Northwoods, where they have be seen catching the air currents near any open water. A few male wild turkeys have been seen strutting and displaying. While these behaviors are signs of the impending breeding season, there is still a ways to go before breeding actually begins about mid - April.
Skunks and opossum's are coming out of hibernation leaving their scent in the air. Tree buds are enlarging and some plants are starting to green up and poke up from the ground. Last week’s warm daytime temperatures and cool evening temperatures initiated the maple sap run, with numerous sap buckets being placed on sugar maples. Predicted cooler temperatures this week may slow down the process. This time of year is a good time to prune trees and bushes. Not only is it easier to access trees and easier to view branch structure, there are fewer insect and disease problems to deal with at this time of year.
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
March came in like a lion, but recent warm temperatures have melted much of the snow in southern Wisconsin and migration is now in full swing. Birders across the southern portion of the state are reporting large flights of waterfowl including white-fronted, Ross’s, and snow geese and most species of diving and puddle ducks. Lower Mud Lake in Dane County, Horicon Marsh area, Bakken's Pond and other locations in south-central Wisconsin have all been productive. Red-winged blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds and rusty blackbirds are moving through in large flocks. Other arrivals include American robins, song sparrows, bluebirds, eastern meadowlarks, American woodcock and even a few tree swallows, phoebes and chipping sparrows! Birders in northern Wisconsin are still reporting crossbills, redpolls, pine grosbeaks and other northern finches. Good flights of eagles have been seen along the Mississippi River and the Lake Superior shoreline. Birders should keep a close eye out for migrant golden eagles mixed in with bald eagles. Rarities seen this week include the lingering great-tailed grackle, a mew gull and slaty-backed gull in Menasha, a harlequin duck in Sheboygan, and a white-winged scoter in Janesville. The upcoming week should bring more eagle and waterfowl migration and birders may want to focus on wetland areas opening up for waterfowl and early land bird migrants attracted to new food sources.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest – The snowmobile trail through the Brule River State Forest is now closed. Cross-country skiing conditions on the Afterhours Trail are now poor.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
NOTE: There is an error in the 2007-2008 Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide pertaining to the open season date for some Lake Superior tributary streams. Those streams listed under the "Specific Waters Listed By County" section for Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Iron Counties which show an "Open Season" date of March 21 are incorrect. The correct Open Season date for these streams should be March 31.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Unseasonably warm weather has greatly reduced the snow cover and the back roads and trails are becoming soft. Many counties have closed their snowmobile trails and unless conditions change the snowmobile season is near the end. Anglers are contending with water on the ice and quickly deteriorating ice conditions. Check the ice conditions before venturing out and call ahead to the area you intend to fish this weekend. Ice shanties must be removed by March 18. Anglers were having some success on panfish as anticipation of the last ice and improved fishing typically draws anglers out to take advantage of this brief time period before ice out. Some fair catches of bluegill and crappie have been reported while the perch success is fair but smaller sizes prevail. Trappers will take advantage of the rivers and lakes opening to attempt to catch otter and some spring beaver before the seasons end. Bald Eagle numbers are increasing in the area and they have be seen frequenting open water on area rivers or scavenging deer carcasses visible as the snow melts. New licenses are available and the current license expires on March 31.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The mild weather of the past week has made for some real sloppy conditions on lakes across the Northwoods. There is still 20 to 22 inches of ice on the lakes but most of the snow has melted down to create about 4 to 6 inches of slush and water on top of the ice. This has limited travel to a few plowed or well-packed trails and kept panfish angling pressure down. However, the ice has 'popped up' on many lakes and this has started to drain water back down the holes. This should improve travel conditions and, with a couple of cold nights, firm up the ice surface to make access very good. The panfish anglers that have been out have been seeing mixed success. The crappie, bluegill and perch are just starting to suspend in deeper water and activity should continue to increase as we get further into spring. A few nice catches of bluegill and crappie have been reported, with the fish being found about 3 to 5 feet off the bottom in 20 to 30 feet of water.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Warm weather has hit the Lakeland area which has deteriorated both the snowmobile and ski trails. Ice depths on area lakes are still significant but, again, individual lake situations should be checked before venturing out onto the ice. As of March 18, all ice shelters need to be removed from the ice on a daily basis. Numerous bald eagles have returned to the area and can be seen catching the air currents near any open water. The Spring Fish and Game hearings will be conducted in each county on Monday April 16 beginning at 7 p.m. Contact your local DNR office for locations near you. Last week’s warm daytime temperatures and cool evening temperatures initiated the maple sap run. Predicted cooler temperatures this week may slow down the process. This time of year is a good time to think about pruning trees and bushes on your property. Not only is it easier to access the trees, but also, with the leaves off, it is easier to view branch structure in order to make proper pruning decisions. In addition, there are fewer insect and disease problems to deal with at this time of year. Now is a good time for anglers to be checking their fishing gear and preparing their equipment and boats for the upcoming opener of fishing season on May 5. Remember to update licenses and consider enrollment in boater safety courses for kids. You also might want to consider enrolling in a boater safety course for yourself in order to refresh your memory and reacquaint yourself with the current regulations and safety procedures. Licenses for the 2007-08 seasons are now on sale.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The Peshtigo Flowage above the dam is beginning to open up with this warming weather along with other larger waterways. Northern trout streams are still ice covered for the most part. Turkey flocks are moving out onto agricultural areas again to feed. Pheasant and grouse are more prevalent along roadways as they are looking for grit. Skunks are coming out of hibernation leaving their scent in the air. Tree buds are enlarging along with numerous sap buckets being placed on sugar maples. On March 21 the public is invited to an open house public meeting on the Peshtigo State Forest Draft Master Plan at the Stephenson Townhall on County Highway X from 4 to 7 pm. A Hunter Safety Education Course will be offered at the Amberg Community Center starting on May 1; to register please call (715) 759-5920.
Oconto County - Northern pike fishing is a little slow along the north side of the Oconto Breakwater. Fish from there measured around 31 inches. The Geano Beach Fishing Derby brought out many family and friends fishing for yellow perch and northern pike. However the number of fish caught was low. The winning northern was 27 inches and the winning yellow perch was 13 inches. The Oconto Middle School will host a Hunter Safety Education course on April 5th through the 28th. Please register by calling (920) 834-5790.
Shawano County - The warming trend has brought back a few well known migratory species. Sandhill cranes have returned to the area along with reports of red winged blackbirds. Melting snow has given way to rushing waters. All ice shacks should have been removed by March 5 south of Hwy 64. Two Hunter Safety Courses are listed for the county. The Shawano High School will host a class beginning on March 26 through 28; to register call (715) 524-4744. The other class will be held at Herman Townhall on March 31 through April 1; to register call (715) 787-3518. With turkey season around the bend these classes are sure to fill up fast. Over-the -counter turkey tag sales begin March 23 for tags left after the lottery drawing.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - A few anglers were out on Duck Creek for a couple of hours, but success is unknown. Walleye and whitefish catches remain spotty on the very spotty ice on the Fox River near Voyageur Park. One angler caught and released 24 walleyes ranging from 15 inches to 25 inches and a few whitefish.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Success for catching yellow perch remained slow near Sawyer Harbor. A few anglers were catching fish ranging from 7 to 10 inches with 7-10 fish per catch and a lot of moving around on the ice. Northern pike fishing success increased with catches of 24- to 33-inch fish at the Yacht Club and across the Sturgeon Bay Shipping channel along Memorial Drive.
Peninsula State Park - As of Tuesday March 13, snow cover was approximately 6 inches and melting rapidly. All trails are covered with wet snow. Ski trails are in poor condition. Snowmobile trails are closed. Sledding hill is closed. 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. On Saturday, March 17 there will be a St. Paddy’s Day Pixie Craft program at the Nature Center from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Stop by anytime for a bit o’ the Irish at Peninsula. Participants will make little pixies from beads, floss and green silk leaves. For information about winter programs at Peninsula State Park, call the nature center at (920) 854-5976.
Potawatomi State Park - The warm weather has taken its toll on the winter trails. Skiers are still able to use the park, but colder temperatures are needed to groom the trails. Snowmobile trails were closed on March 12. Coast Guard vessels are breaking ice off the park's shoreline (see photo below) so lake freighters in for winter repairs at Bay Shipbuilding are able to leave later this month. Ice anglers are removing their shanties from the surrounding waters before the March 15 deadline.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
High Cliff State Park - All trails are closed for winter recreation—the Butterfly Pond trail and Forest Management trail are recommended for hikers—Lime Kiln trail is still icy and wet. Lake Winnebago is snow covered--ice conditions are not monitored by park staff. Spring birding is beginning—the first sightings of robins in the park have been reported.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Robins have returned. The red-winged blackbird males are setting up territories again. The sandhill cranes have returned (I keep seeing pairs). The goldfinches are starting to brighten up (though I haven't heard them singing yet). Some plants are starting to green up and poke up from the ground. Skunks and opossum's are out and about.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
After recent mild temperatures, much of the snow cover in southeast Wisconsin is gone, and area tributaries are high and muddy.
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 and occasional steelhead have been reported by shore anglers fishing the Menomonee River near the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District offices and at the lakefront under the Hoan bridge. The Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers and Oak Creek are high. Flows on Oak Creek should drop back down in the next few days.
Racine County - In Racine the Root River is very high and unfishable. As stream flows drop and the water clears, expect good steelheading opportunities. The Root River Steelhead Facility is not running yet, but the stop logs are in place.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha water levels on the Pike River are also up, but should drop to fishable levels in the next few days.
Inland fisheries team report
The dramatic warm up in the past week has made the ice unsafe for fishing in the SER. Prior to that there was some bluegill action on Pewaukee, Beaver and Oconomowoc lakes. Once the ice is completely gone panfish will be seeking out the warmer temperatures of back bottom bays. Trout streams are open and running high with the recent snowmelt. The early catch and release season runs until April 30th. Only artificial baits with barbless hooks are allowed.
Havenwoods State Forest – A short-eared owl, four long-eared owls, red-winged blackbirds, killdeer, song sparrow, bluebirds, blue-winged teal, and downy and hairy woodpeckers have been heard or seen in the forest.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - Warm weather and rain has caused a lot of the snow in the park to melt. Hiking trails may have icy and snow covered areas as well as wet and muddy areas. Red-winged blackbirds and sandhill cranes have returned to the area. A male rufous-sided towhee has spent the winter feeding at the park office bird feeder. There will be a bluebird house building workshop on Saturday, March 17, from 1-2:30 p.m. Meet at the park office for a short program on bluebirds to be followed by a building workshop. Participants will assemble a birdhouse and have the option to purchase the birdhouse for $7. Bring a hammer if available. Children must by accompanied by an adult. For more information, call (920) 451-4080. A vehicle admission sticker is required.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County -
Devil’s Lake State Park - Sandhill cranes are back! Redwing blackbirds are back! Turkey vultures are back! As of Monday, snow was still plentiful, but melting rapidly. Game fish season is closed to protect the spawning of the northern pike, bass, trout, perch, and walleye. Trails are snow-covered and icy, but they may quickly transition to wet, rocky, and muddy over the next few days with predicted high temperatures in the upper 50s. Mountain bike trails will likely be closed almost all of the time from now through early May due to wet conditions when trails are easily damaged.
Mirror Lake State Park - The cross-country ski trails are deteriorating fast due to the warm temperatures. Please call the office at (608) 254-2333 for the latest update.
Dane County - There is still good ice on Madison lakes, although shorelines eroded somewhat over the weekend. Most anglers were finding a foot and a half of ice on all lakes with several inches of slush on the surface. It is likely that shoreline ice will erode prior to ice out on the lakes. Bluegills were being caught in good numbers on Monona Bay and some limits were taken. Lake Farm Park and Upper Mud Lake were also yielding some bluegills, although not great numbers. Lake Mendota perch anglers were taking a few limits of nice fish about 4 to 5 feet off of the bottom on Rat Finkie jigs and spikes. The fish are biting in between the Commodore and Bishops Bay. ATVs are necessary to get to them. Area streams received some runoff over the weekend but trout fishers out for the early catch and release season still had some success. Streams ran low and clear most of the weekend. Anglers are cautioned to not operate off road, even in some of the parking lots as some drivers were getting stuck in a foot of drifted, slushy snow. Migrating birds arrived back in the area in huge numbers late last week with red winged blackbirds, grackles, waterfowl, robins, and killdeer observed. A few bluebirds were also sighted. Turkeys were enjoying the spring weather and were active strutting and gobbling. Herds of deer and turkeys were out feeding in newly exposed crops as the snow melted. This is the time of the year when numerous safety courses are being offered. Check with your local warden, DNR service center, or DNR web site for upcoming hunter education courses. Many classes have already started or will start very soon. Those needing a safety course are urged to get enrolled now before the classes fill up.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Snow depths are decreasing rapidly; many south facing slopes are bare now. Ice conditions in the La Crosse Area are deteriorating quickly with the recent warm weather conditions. There is still some substantial ice in area backwaters, but caution should be taken when venturing out on any frozen waters. There is a large amount of slush and water on top of the frozen ice and it is difficult to access ice conditions. The ice below Dresbach Dam began breaking up over the weekend and the channel will likely open over the next several days. Travel onto frozen waters on main channel of the Mississippi River is strongly discouraged. Sportspeople venturing out on any frozen waters should check conditions as they go using an auger or ice spud and should carry appropriate safety equipment. Anglers were having some success on panfish on Lake Onalaska particularly catching perch near the airport lights and bluegills and crappies in backwaters around French Island. Anglers have been having limited success on panfish on Lake Neshonoc. Fishers are reminded that Lake Neshonoc is covered under the general Inland Fishing Regulations and game fishing season is closed March 4-May 5. The La Crosse River below Neshonoc Dam is open to game fishing year round; however, the general Inland size and bag limits apply downstream to the BNSF RR Tracks. La Crosse County snowmobile trails are currently closed and will remain closed for the remainder of the season. Peregrine falcons have returned to the area and have been observed hunting resident ducks in the West Salem area and hunting pigeons in the downtown La Crosse Area. Bluebirds have been frequenting area power lines for the past several days. Male cardinals and some other songbirds are practicing calls to impress potential mates. Large flocks of Canada Geese have been returning to the area and pairs of Canada geese are staking out nesting territories. Several species of diver ducks have been migrating through the area as well. A few male wild turkeys have been seen strutting and displaying. While these behaviors are signs of the impending breeding season, there is still a ways to go before breeding actually begins about mid - April. Fox and gray squirrels have taken advantage of warming weather and lengthening days by feeding furiously on acorns and other nuts and seeds that have remained buried all winter under the snow. Deer and wild turkeys are also feeding on acorns as the snow recedes.
Crawford County - Snowmobile trails in the county are now closed. The Mississippi River stayed fairly steady for most of the week with only minor fluctuations. As of Monday the river stage was at 7.4 feet and expected to rise. Very warm temperatures entered the picture by the end of the week causing some significant changes in the area. Ice conditions in the Prairie du Chien area and throughout the county have started to deteriorate in some areas due to the warm weather, rain and run-off. Ice thickness ranges from about 5 inches to around 14 inches; however, some areas are rapidly changing for the worse. Caution is advised due to increased current due to run-off, potential rising water, and warmer temperatures. The Main Channel and East Channels on the Mississippi River are starting to break up. Most areas are starting to see water along the shorelines making access tricky. The Ambro Slough is frozen but a couple very dangerous areas exist. The area just north of the USFWS boat landing is very dangerous as a small stream enters the Ambro in that location. Last weekend an ATV broke through the ice. Anglers were still crossing over it to Mud Slough from the DNR boat landing. The Black Slough is also starting to get very dangerous. Some anglers were working their way up the Ambro from the USFWS landing to Fish Lake, the Upper and Lower Doubles and Big and Little Missouri. Anglers have been walking along the right side of the Ambro to access these locations. Ice conditions in this area are generally good, but again the Ambro is starting to change for the worse. Ice is covering Gremore Lake and anglers were accessing it from the DNR boat landing off the Ambro and off Highway K. Sturgeon Slough has good ice and anglers were getting to it from the parking area off Highway 18. Anglers were also walking to Sturgeon (McGregor/Horseshoe) Lake. Spring Lake is being accessed off Highway 35. Cold Spring north of Lynxville has a lot of 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. Most of the backwater areas along the Wisconsin River have ice but increasing water levels, run-off, and warm temperatures are causing some problems. Ice fishing action really turned on late this past weekend. Sturgeon Slough was a little better this week with some bluegills and crappies being taken. A few anglers have ventured into McGregor Lake (also known as Horseshoe or Sturgeon Lake) and found spotty action. Garnet Lake was good but access there is tricky. Mud Slough was slow as was Tilmont Lake. Only a handful of anglers have tried their luck there. 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. Little Missouri produces some very nice bluegill and crappie late in the week. Very good action was taking place on the Ambro Slough between the two boat landings. Spring Lake saw some decent tip up fishing this week. Northern and bass action was pretty good. Also some decent catches of Bluegills were reported. Bluegill action at Cold Spring was fair with some decent catches were being taken from shore (open water fishing). Action through the ice at Cold Spring was spotty. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was spotty. A handful of anglers broke ice and fished below dam at Lynxville for walleye and sauger late in the week. Sauger action there has been fair. Walleye action was spotty. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is starting to open up. Bald Eagles can bee seen throughout the county. They were venturing farther inland but now are returning to the Mississippi River as it is starting to open up. Robins, red-winged blackbirds and a variety of waterfowl have returned to the county. 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 still visiting bird feeders. Any remaining standing crops are being targeted by deer, turkey, squirrel and rabbit.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest – Cross-country ski trails are in poor shape. Warm weekend temperatures melted most of the base. Snowmobile and ATV trails are also in very poor shape. ATV and snowmobile trails will close on March 15. ATV trails will reopen on May 15.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - With the recent warm weather, the Brunet Island State Park cross-country ski trail system was still in fair condition last weekend. The trail base held up well, though conditions as of Monday continued to deteriorate. Snowshoers and hikers had many great opportunities within the park. Panfishing action in the area has been reported as light.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Ice on the Castle Rock Flowage has deteriorated due to recent warm temperatures. Cross country ski trails are no longer snow covered. Deer are becoming more active, and bird watching has been picking up with the warmer temperatures. 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 - Cross country ski trails now have bare spots, and are in poor condition. Bird watching has been picking up with the warmer weather. The stairway to the top of the Roche-A-Cri Mound is not maintained for winter use. 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 2007 photo contest has started - remember your camera to take winter pictures for the contest.
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