The ever changing weather patterns are responsible for a wide range of spring time conditions. The spring wildfire season is underway in Wisconsin and fire danger levels are at High to Very High in certain areas of the state. There have already been more than 1,500 wildlifes reported in Wisconsin this year. Burning permits have been cancelled in some west central counties. Debris burning continues to be the dominant cause of wildfires in the state. With spring clean up, burning should always be the last option. Current fire danger levels and more information about fire laws, regulations, and burning permit requirements can be found on the DNR Web site.
In the north, smaller lakes are ice free, but larger lakes still have ice and there were even still a few ice anglers reported. The warm waters have initiated the spring fish spawning. Some of the smaller lakes are past the peak spawning activity. As of Tuesday April 17, water temperatures in the Wolf River had increased to 51 degrees, only a few degrees away from optimum sturgeon spawning temperature. Some sturgeon can be seen doing their pre-spawn porpoising at spawning sites, which means spawning may begin in a matter of days. Once spawning begins the sturgeon hotline will be updated daily at (920) 303-5444.
Inland fishing activity has been low, with the exception of walleye runs on rivers and some Great Lakes tributary and inland catch-and-release trout fishing. There have been a few panfish anglers out in boats on smaller lakes but water temperatures are still quite cold and fishing has been somewhat slow. Anglers have started to snoop around for panfish action on southern lakes but, have not reported any hot action yet. Walleye action has been excellent on the Wolf River. Anglers had another good week fishing inside harbors and trolling Lake Michigan with many brown trout in the 2 to 4 pound range. Early catch and release season trout anglers have enjoyed good success fishing coulee region streams in recent days. Angers are reporting that streams are in good condition for fishing with waters clear but not too clear.
The Mississippi River is starting to fall after topping out around 13.8 feet last week. As of early this week the river stage was down to 12.1 feet. The Wisconsin River is also starting to drop. Few panfish anglers were out because of the water conditions. Walleye and sauger action was spotty, but better than last week.
First- period turkey hunters were met with blizzard conditions in parts of the state, which severely hampered hunting success. Conditions are much better for the second period, which runs through this Sunday.
April migrants being seen include brown thrasher, eastern towhee, vesper and savanna sparrow, Virginia rail, sora, American bittern, Bonaparte's gull, yellow-bellied sapsucker, and yellow-rumped warblers. Greater prairie chickens are at peak booming activity on leks at Buena Vista Wildlife Area and other areas within the central Wisconsin grasslands. Great horned owls, ravens, and eagles should have chicks in their nests now.
Spring peepers and chorus and wood frogs are loudly vocalizing trying to attract a mate. Salamanders will be moving to and from their breeding ponds when the first warm rain comes. and wild canines such as wolves, coyotes, and fox are giving birth. For those with excellent hearing and a soft tread, these young pups can sometimes be heard softly calling for their next meal from their secretive dens.
Following last week’s snow and a return to warm temperatures, there is a resurgence of spring woodland flowers in the south, with hepatica and Dutchman's britches, spring beauties and bloodroot blooming. Mayapples are pushing their way through the leaf litter, and will be in bloom soon. Garlic mustard is also emerging, making this a good time to identify and pull this highly invasive, non-native plant.
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
Warmer temperatures and light winds have renewed statewide bird migration. Birders are reporting a number of typical mid-April migrants including: brown thrasher, eastern towhee, vesper and savanna sparrow, Virginia rail, sora, American bittern, Bonaparte's gull, yellow-bellied sapsucker, and yellow-rumped warbler. The first Louisiana waterthrushes have arrived in the Baraboo Hills, the first Henslow's sparrow in Iowa County and an eared grebe was located in Lafayette County. The Crex Meadows area is still hosting large numbers of short-eared owls and rough-legged hawks along with nesting trumpeter swans. Birders should be checking mudflats and beaches along Lake Michigan for early shorebirds including the godwits and willet. Marshes should be productive in the next week as swamp sparrows, American bitterns, rails, Forster's terns and other marsh species return to their breeding areas. Forested areas should produce an influx of hermit thrush, winter wren, sapsucker, yellow-rumped warblers, and the first push of pine warbler and blue-gray gnatcatchers of the year. Greater prairie-chickens are at peak activity on leks at Buena Vista Wildlife Area and other areas within the central Wisconsin grasslands and birders can view chickens along with other species at the Prairie Chicken Festival on earth day weekend. Bird sightings can be seen at [www.ebird.org/WI] by clicking on view and explore data and selecting an area or time of interest. Please consider contributing sightings to eBird to help track bird populations across the state.
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Wildfire Conditions as of April 19, 2007
The spring wildfire season is underway in Wisconsin and fire danger levels are at High to Very High in certain areas of the state. Burning permits have been cancelled in some areas. Debris burning continues to be the dominant cause of wildfires in the state. With spring clean up, burning should always be the last option. Current fire danger levels and more information about fire laws, regulations, and burning permit requirements can be found on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire]. Firewise Tip: Keep your roof, gutters and yard free of leaf and pine needle debris. Firebrands from a wildfire could easily ignite these fuels which in turn could ignite your home. Remember, Only You Can Prevent Wildfires!
Northern Region wildfire conditions
The fire danger is High across the region. In parts of northern region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 86 fires burned a total of 160 acres with 44 structures saved and five structures lost this year to date. The prescribed burning season is just beginning with a total of nine prescribed burns on 697 acres completed. This week a 32-acre fire resulting from burning debris in a burn barrel burned in Oneida County threatened to burn six buildings. One barn was lost in the fire. An annual burning permit trial is taking place for 2007 in the counties of Florence, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas. This allows people to get one permit that will be good for the calendar year of 2007; they must call 1-888-WIS-BURN or on the DNR Web site above daily to make sure burning permit have not been cancelled before burning. Burn permits are issued at DNR offices and Emergency Fire Wardens across the region. Burning is only allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight with no burning on Sundays or legal holidays.
South Central Region wildfire conditions
In parts of the region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, fire danger levels are Very High. Nine wildfires burned 20 acres this week, threatening to burn four nearby structures. Prescribed burning is still taking place; 52 burns have been completed on more than 5,600 acres, helping to improve habitat, control invasive species, and reduce the level of standing dead fuels. On Monday, a Sauk county man was hospitalized with second and third degree burns he received while trying to put out an escaped fire. The man had been doing small broadcast burns under bushes when the fire escaped his control. The DNR urges people to only conduct controlled burns with the proper training, equipment, and protective gear.
West Central Region wildfire conditions
Fire danger is High in Black River and Wisconsin Rapids Area dispatch groups. As of Thursday, April 19, all burning permits in DNR fire protection areas in the West Central Region have been suspended until further notice. In parts of the West Central Region where the DNR has responsibility for wildfire suppression, 29 fires burned a total of 32 acres from April 11-18. Multiple structures were threatened with these fires but none were lost. With the cool temperatures at night people are still burning wood in their outdoor stoves. The DNR wants to remind home owners to make sure the ashes are dead out before disposing of them.
Northeast Region wildfire conditions
Fire danger was reported as High last week but has since been lowered to Moderate, and is sure to go back up with the forecast for the weekend to be warm and sunny. Recent weather conditions have helped keep the number of fires down. Since the first of the year the Northeast Region has had 61 fires, with a total of 166 acres burned, including a 95-acre grass fire near Lily that threatened to burn three structures. In the Peshtigo area alone 112 acres were burned due to burning debris and it remains to be the number one cause of wildfire, with campfires right behind with 17 acres burned thus far. Last week, more than 3 acres were burned due to a campfire that had gotten out of control, two structures were threaten by this fire but were ultimately saved. The Town of Stephenson Fire Department worked together with the DNR on this call. One building was lost in a Shawano County wildfire on Friday, April 13. On Monday, a Winnebago County man suffered a fatal heart attack while doing a controlled burn. Rescue crews found the 84-year old man in a burned area near his house. A new burn permit trial is in place for most of northern Wisconsin, and the program should make it easier to follow up on conditions and restrictions. More information on the new burn permit trial and burn conditions are available on the DNR Web site above or call 1-888-WIS-BURN for burning conditions.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest – The Bois Brule River is flowing at 192 cubic feet per second (cfs). The 62 average is 279 cfs. There are still some steelhead that can be seen paired over spawning redds. Redds are nests that the females make by making circular depressions in the stream or lake bottom. The Brule Hatchery is busy stocking brook, rainbow, and brown trout in 13 counties. So far they are about one-third complete. Snow banks have pretty much receded from the ground and what is left of ice on the lakes is rapidly melting….is spring finally here? Love is in the air…and in the woods...and in the water. Spring peepers and wood frogs are loudly vocalizing trying to attract a mate. Chickadees are sounding off their territory vocalizations. Sandhill Cranes are making their unusual (movie style pterodactyl sounding) unison calls to each other. Salamanders will be moving to and from their breeding ponds when the first warm rain comes. Canada geese have started nesting and should have their goslings hatched in mid may. Great horned owls, ravens, and eagles should have chicks in their nests now and wild canines such as wolves, coyotes, and fox are giving birth in their young in dens. With the snow mostly gone people are reminded that wildfires are once again a threat. It would seem that since the snow has just left the fire danger should not be a concern but fire conditions are high. The intensity of the sun is drying the fuels quickly and the very dry grasses can burn easily. Also remember to make sure that the fire is entirely out and cool to the touch. One of the causes of wildfires are that a land owner leaves the fire to burn out on its own or leaves embers to die out. Embers can "hold over" sometimes for a couple of weeks depending on the size of the burn pile. Now that the snow is off the ground burning permits are required before burning. Burning permits are free and can be picked up from any fire warden or forestry ranger station. Drivers are cautioned that May is the second highest deer road kill month due to the green shoots coming up in the roadside ditches. A buck was just reported to still have his antlers last week. Volunteers Needed on Saturday April 28 for the 35th Annual Bois Brule River Spring Clean-up sponsored by te Brule River Sportsmen's' Club. Volunteers interested in helping clean up litter along the river corridor should meet at 9 a.m. in Brule at the pavilion at the Lions park for coffee and donuts prior to assignment of a clean up area. Following clean up, lunch will be provided at noon by the club at the Round Up North in Brule. For more details contact Dennis Smett at (715) 372-8377 or John Holter at (715) 372-8947.
Pattison State Park - Spring has finally arrived, and the waterfalls are in full flow. The trails are opening up, and the snow is melting rapidly from the campsites. This is one of the best times of the year to experience the park.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
The ever changing weather patterns are responsible for a wide range of spring time conditions. Smaller lakes are ice free and opened up during the hot spell almost two weeks ago. On the contrary the larger lakes still have ice and are still getting some “brave” ice anglers. The warm waters have initiated the spring fish spawning activities in area creeks, rivers and lakes. In fact, some of the smaller lakes are past the peak spawning activity. Anglers who do venture out for some early season fishing activity are reminded that they are only allowed to target fish during the open season for that species. Current mild conditions are providing for great turkey hunting opportunities. Migrating waterfowl can be found in good numbers around the area. A reminder that March 31 was the expiration date of 2006-07 hunting and fishing licenses. 2007-08 licenses are on sale at license outlets and DNR service centers.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Fisheries crews have been very busy conducting walleye and game fish surveys on 47area lakes. There is still a substantial amount of ice cover on most Vilas County waters. However, all but the largest and deepest lakes should be ice free by this coming weekend. Fishing activity, as a result, has been low. There have been a few panfish anglers out in boats on smaller lakes but water temperatures are still quite cold and fishing has been somewhat slow. As water temperatures rise, panfish will begin moving into shallow bays in search of warm water and will be easier to catch in the next week or so. Key is to rig small: 1 to 2 pound test line, ice fishing jigs, and wax worms or spikes fished below a small bobber still work well in open water this time of year.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Inland water temperatures will begin to warm with milder weather in the forecast. Walleye are still spawning in area lakes. Turkey flocks have broken up and snow cover is spotty in the far north under tree lines. Aspen are on the verge of leafing out and lilac buds have turned green. Fishing was much slower on the Menomonee River and many anglers were pulling out their boats after many hours without a bite. Nice brown trout and walleyes were caught for the tournament on Saturday, but the number of fish landed for each boat was down from past weeks. The tournament also made the fishing areas very busy, with more than 100 boats and trailers counted. The walleyes were being caught by jigging twister tails and minnows as well as trolling. The mouth of the river was said to have been the best place to fish. Anglers noted most of the females caught were finished spawning.
Oconto County - Fishing activity is low at this time with anglers awaiting the opener for game fish and warmer weather. The walleye are spawning in area inland lakes such as White Potato Lake. The water temperatures are steady near 42 degrees in northern Oconto County lakes. Turkey hunters are having good success this spring. The annual bear activity is increasing and home and cabin owners are being reminded to take in their birdseed and suet feeders. Once the food supply is removed the bears will move on. Diving ducks such as canvasbacks and redheads were observed this week on the bay but may soon be moving on.
Shawano County - Walleye action has been excellent on the Wolf River. Sturgeon spawning activity has not begun but is just around the corner. A boat safety course is being offered at the Shawano High School beginning May 8 through 21. Sign up by calling the instructor at (715) 526-7921. This course is usually only offered once a year. An ATV safety course is being offered at the Birnamwood Village Hall the weekend of April 20 and 21; to sign up call the instructor at (715) 449-2902.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County -
Manitowoc County - In Manitowoc, brown trout anglers fishing inside the harbor had another good week. Anglers had the most success fishing the river side of the north pier while casting stick baits and J-plugs. Anglers have also reported some fair runs of smelt this past week. Boats trolling on Lake Michigan via the Manitowoc harbor also had a great week of brown trout fishing with most fish in the 2 to 4 pound range. Boat anglers that used stick baits and crank baits while trolling south of the Manitowoc Harbor to the Silver Creek outlet had the most action. Anglers on the Branch River had a fair week for rainbow trout. Anglers had the most action fishing with light tackle casting small spinners or drifting bobbers with wax worms. On the Manitowoc River, anglers had a good week of northern pike action with pike being caught at Lower Cato Falls Park and Manitou Park. Successful pike anglers were using bobbers and large minnows in the early afternoon. Anglers fishing the East Twin River had a great weekend for rainbow trout. Anglers caught many nice rainbows ranging from 5 to 7 pounds. Most successful anglers used larger sized fresh spawn sacs and fished near the dam in the Mishicot Village Park. Anglers fishing with a hook and worm combination caught some nice perch ranging around 8 to 10 inches and casting spoons into the fast water picked up northern pike as well. On the West Twin River, near the Shoto dam anglers had a fair weekend for rainbow trout. Anglers had success fishing the northern dam with spawn sacs in the early evening hours. In Two Rivers, brown trout anglers had a fair week fishing in the central area of the harbor across from the boat landing. Catfish anglers also had a good weekend reporting some large catfish being caught with liver off the bottom. While anglers on the north pier had a slower weekend with most anglers casting spoons and crank baits from the far end.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County – The week started out with cool temperatures and snow flurries, and went down hill from there. On Wednesday the few brave anglers out were braving near blizzard conditions with visibility of less than 100 yards at times. By the weekend it had returned to more seasonable conditions with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the high 40s. A few steelhead are in most of the Lake Michigan tributary streams. Some nice fish continue to be taken out of Whitefish Bay creek. The causeway over the north end of Kangaroo Lake was still producing good numbers of perch, although mostly on the small side. Minnows are the bait of choice for the Kangaroo Lake perch. Nice catches of rainbow and brown trout were taken out of the harbor at Sister Bay. Some browns were also being taken by anglers trolling in the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. Sturgeon Bay was also producing nice catches of northern pike.
Peninsula State Park - As of April 17 snow was gone from the park, though piles and patches remain. Many trails are wet or muddy. Trails are closed to bicycling until conditions improve. All roads are open to bicycling. Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. The Tennison Bay campground is open year-round. Only vault toilets and a central water supply are available until May 1. Peninsula State Park golf course is schedule to open April 28. Reservations may be made anytime after March 1. Visit the Golf Course website at [www.peninsulagolf.org] or call 920-854-5791. Tours of this 1868 Eagle Bluff Lighthouse will resume May 19-20 for the Annual Door County Lighthouse Walk. Visit their website at [www.EagleBluffLighthouse.org].
Potawatomi State Park - The docks are in at the boat launch and the accessible fishing pier is in the water. Anglers are reporting some luck catching northern pike.
Kewaunee County - Weather conditions over the past few days have made fishing much easier. The wind and cold air temperatures have left leaving much fairer conditions to fish in. Anglers have been reporting that brown trout and a few salmon have been caught by trolling off of Algoma and Kewaunee. Browns have been caught by anglers trolling primarily using stick baits of darker colors and also on silver spoons. The Kewaunee River has a few steelhead running but fishing success has been low. Stoney Creek also has some steelhead running, but low water conditions mean that not many fresh fish are entering the creek at this time.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Upper Fox-Wolf basin fisheries report - As of late Tuesday April 17, water temperatures in the Wolf River had increased to 51 degrees, only a few degrees away from optimum sturgeon spawning temperature. Some sturgeon can be seen doing their pre-spawn porpoising at the spawning sites at the Sturgeon Trail (New London) and at Bamboo Bend (Shiocton), which means spawning may begin in a matter of days at these sites. If the warm weather continues and water temperatures also continue to rise, the sturgeon could begin spawning in the Wolf River in the New London and Shiocton areas by this coming Friday (or perhaps sooner). People should be able to view sturgeon porpoising at these sites until spawning begins. Once spawning begins the sturgeon hotline will be updated daily at (920) 303-5444.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, flows on the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers were good. Steelhead have been taken out of the Sheboygan near Esslingen Park and the wayside at Highways TA and PP. Flies have been producing the most. A few brow trout were being taken out of the river as well. At the Sheboygan lakefront, anglers have been catching decent numbers of browns on spoons and crankbaits off the south pier.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers continued to catch brown trout. In the early morning hours, most fish have come off the pier on spoons. In the afternoons, most browns have been taken near the power plant and the north slip on spawn, minnows, and spoons. Water levels on Sauk Creek are low, but anglers have been catching a few steelhead near the high school.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, good numbers of brown trout have been taken on golden shiners near the Summerfest grounds. Some limit catches were reported over the weekend. A few steelhead have been taken out of Oak Creek, and a few browns have been caught off the pier in Grant Park. Boaters have been catching browns around the gaps in the Milwaukee harbor as well as off the Oak Creek Power Plant.
Racine County - On the Root River in Racine flows are once again relatively high, and the river is muddy. The Root River Steelhead Facility was shut down on Monday, April 16. Approximately 425 steelhead were processed at the facility this season. Egg taking goals have been met, and approximately 370,000 Chambers Creek strain and 290,000 Ganaraska strain eggs have been taken. Steelhead action on the Root has been slow.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha a few steelhead and brown trout have been caught by anglers in the harbor. Trollers off Kenosha have started to pick up a couple of coho here and there. We’ve had a few reports of coho being taken in 70 feet of water on flashers and flies. Look for coho action to get better over the next few weeks.
Inland fisheries team report
The 23rd annual Kid's Fishing Clinics were held on April 14. The weather was decent and the events were well attended. There are more than 50 urban park ponds and lagoons that have been stocked with more than 72,000 rainbow trout. The fishing should be great on these ponds. For a listing of the urban ponds and their special regulations check pages 18 and 19 of the current fishing regulations.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Anglers have started to snoop around for panfish action on area lakes but, have not reported any hot action yet. Crappies should start hitting any day as action usually gets better toward the end of April. This is a good time to get the boats and fishing gear ready for the upcoming season. Trout have been stocked in most of the normal locations and are available for the early catch and release season. Remember that artificial lures with barbless hooks are required for the early season. Most of the "Urban" waters have been stocked as well. Those waters are currently open only to juveniles 15 years old and younger and certain disabled anglers. The daily bag limits are three trout, one game fish and 10 panfish. There is no length limit for fish from "Urban" ponds.
Waukesha County - Recent cold weather and storm fronts have made fishing difficult, but anglers willing to brave the snow have had some luck. Bluegills have been biting on Beaver and Pine lakes in and around dark bottom bays. Try very small ice jigs tipped with red worms and waxies around shallow weed cuts and downed trees. Crappie fishing has been very spotty but some anglers are finding fish over weed flats and around deep weed cuts. Slip rigs tipped with fatheads and small shiners have produced best.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park - Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien Thursday was 11.2, down 0.4 from Wednesay. Spring has returned to Wyalusing State Park, in spite of the recent throwback to winter. Hepatica were at their peak and Dutchman's britches were starting to bloom last week, earlier than usual due to the warmth of the early spring. However, cold and a deep snowfall deep-sixed some of the early spring ephemerals. With the snow melt and return to warm temperatures, there is a resurgence of spring woodland flowers at Wyalusing. More hepatica and Dutchman's britches have emerged, especially on the north-facing bluffs, where the woodland wildflowers emerge and bloom about two weeks later than in the warmer areas of the park. Spring beauties and bloodroot are blooming. Mayapples are pushing their way through the leaf litter, and will be in bloom soon. Please do not pick wildflowers, so that they can be enjoyed by all. The park’s beautiful woodland wildflowers are threatened by garlic mustard. This invasive, non-native plant is just starting to get a foothold in the park. There are only a few areas where it is well established. However, each plant produces hundreds of seeds in its second year of growth, so it needs to be controlled this before it gets out of hand. Visitors can help us by bringing a plastic bag to the park, asking for literature about the plant at the park office, and pulling and bagging some of the garlic mustard plants while hiking or camping in the park. The plant is easy to identify and staff will be happy to give information to help people get started. Visitors may notice that terrestrial snails proliferate in some areas the park. The calcareous soils that have formed on dolomite (a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate) are ideal for the formation of the coiled shells of these gastropods, members of the mollusk phylum. The moist conditions in many areas of the park are necessary for the survival of snails. Snails lay broods of eggs, usually 2 to 4 inches under the surface of the soil. Land snails have a lifespan of one to seven years in the wild, the length depending on the species. For those with excellent hearing and a soft tread, coyote pups can be heard softly calling for their next meal from secretive dens in some of the rock outcroppings in the park. The yipping of the adults can be heard after dark. Great blue herons are returning to the area. There is a rookery on the nearby Wisconsin River, and herons are frequently seen from the adjacent backwaters of the Mississippi River. It is a prime time to bird at Wyalusing, as the trees and shrubs are just beginning to bud. Bring your binoculars and ask park staff for a bird checklist. Turkey hunting is allowed in some areas of the park through April 29. Before hiking in the park, ask at the park office for a map of areas where hunting is not allowed.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - The recent cool weather and north winds have slowed the migration down a bit this spring. At present, waterfowl numbers are good at the marsh and provide great opportunities to observe a wide variety of ducks in their brilliant spring plumage. By late April, the northern breeding Canada geese will depart for the Hudson Bay area and the first local nesting giant Canada geese will be hatching their young. Many of the ducks will also depart by late April and early May for more northern nesting sites, while local nesting birds will soon begin to initiate nesting for the year. Usually mid-April marks the arrival of the first great egrets, purple martins and other early migrants, but the persistent cool weather and lack of southerly winds has hindered their progress. With forecasts predicting a warm up over the next week or so, it is expected that we will see southerly winds bring in both warmer temperatures and also provide conditions for a northward migration, making up for the recent delay in the migration. During spring, as well as fall, there are changes in bird populations nearly every week as weather systems provide opportunities for new migrant birds to come into the area and at the same time taking others further along their migration as they depart. Visitors commonly ask when the peak of migration is at this time of year, but that all depends on which birds they are asking about. Over the next month there will be peak migration for a number of groups of birds, so taking time to visit nearby marshes and woodlands several times during spring will provide an opportunity to see spring unfold in its many different ways. In order to highlight the spring migration, the Horicon Marsh Bird Festival will take place May 11 through 14. A complete schedule of activities can be found at [www.marshmelodies.com] or contact staff at the DNR Service Center.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Early catch and release season trout anglers have enjoyed good success fishing coulee region streams in recent days. Angers are reporting that streams are in good condition for fishing with waters clear but not too clear. The trout, early catch and release season ends on April 29 and the trout regular season opens May 5 at 5 a.m. Wardens checking anglers with walleye in the La Crosse area observed those fish to be post spawn. La Crosse area anglers are reminded, fishing is prohibited within 300 feet below the Onalaska Dam March 15 through April 25. First period turkey hunters in the La Crosse area were hampered by snow, rain and cool temperatures. Hunters said that tom turkeys were not gobbling much and groups of hens were coming in with no attending toms or jakes. Male ruffed grouse are reaching the peak of their annual breeding activities known as drumming. Males locate a downed log, tree, or rock on which to display. Typically the display platform is located in thick vertical cover which provides security from avian predators. The males attract females with a series of repeated, rapid wing strokes with three to four minutes between series. As their wings compress the air, they create a vacuum which results in a thumping noise. Wildlife biologists use this drumming behavior to create an index to the grouse population. Each year the same route is traveled and drumming grouse are counted. From year to year, population trends can be determined based on the number of drumming males heard per route. There were 101 people who attended the April 16, DNR Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Conservation Congress meeting in La Crosse County; thank you, to all those who gave of their time to come vote, give comment and submit resolutions!
Crawford County - The Mississippi River is starting to fall and the forecast indicates it will continue to do so for the next week. Last week the Mississippi River topped out around 13.8 feet. As of early this week the river stage was down to 12.1 feet. The Wisconsin River is also starting to settle as is the Kickapoo. Most of the boat landings in the area are open. Some landings do not have piers out because of the high water. Access to the Gordon’s Bay (Falling Rock) boat landing is now open however the piers are not out yet. Even though the water levels on area rivers are starting to fall a fair amount of debris is floating downstream. Boaters are urged to use caution. Barge traffic is increasing on the Mississippi River. Fishing action has been spotty. The high water is still causing some difficulties right now; however, action should pick up. Strong current hampered panfish action in many traditional spots. Few panfishers were out because of the water conditions. Bluegill and crappie action at Cold Spring was spotty but a few reports of some bluegill action was reported. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin was spotty. At the Lynxville dam anglers were fishing the long wall and have been catching perch and bluegills in the shallower water. Walleye and sauger action was very spotty, but better than last week. Most of the action was up by the Lynxville dam near the long wall and dead lock. Some have been targeting the MacDonald Slough area. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is open. Some anglers have been fishing the Prairie du Chien area for walleye and sauger; however, success has been limited. Bald eagles can be seen tending nests along the river at various sites. Waterfowl enthusiasts can view a wide variety of ducks on Pool 9 near Lynxville/Ferryville. A large number of pelicans can be seen on Pool 9 and in the Prairie du Chien area. Gremore Lake is holding a lot of pelicans. Robins, red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes and a variety of other song birds are back and beginning mating rituals and nest building. The large flocks of turkeys are starting to break up a bit. Tom turkeys have been gobbling and displaying in an attempt to attract hens. First- period turkey hunters were met with blizzard conditions which severely hampered hunting success. Even so, a handful of gobblers were killed during the blizzard. Good weather settled in for that last three days of the first period, which ended on Sunday. Gobbling activity really picked up as did hunter success. Many hunters report fair to good gobbling in the morning. Local turkey populations look strong with a good number of adult Toms and Jakes being observed. Rooster pheasants are actively cackling throughout the day and an occasional ruffed grouse can be heard drumming. Unfortunately garlic mustard is really visible right now. It’s a good time of year to fight this invasive species.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Fire Danger has reached high fire conditions. Annual and Regular Burning Permits have been suspended with exceptions only allowed for resource management activities such as prescribed burning or for circumstances involving activities such as agriculture and land clearing when the burning can be done safely and cannot be postponed. The area has experienced 31 forest fires so far this spring with over half of them related to debris burning. These restrictions are expected to last for the next three to four weeks when the area experiences the peak of the spring forest fire season. Unseasonable warm temperatures; low humidity and windy conditions can quickly elevate the fire danger to the Very High and Extreme levels.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Geese are nesting as are ducks. Sandhill cranes have returned to west central Wisconsin and can be heard sounding like "squeaky gates." Killdeer are nesting, robins and cardinals are around the field edges, and turkeys are gobbling in the valleys. Warm weather is returning after some unseasonably cold weather. A black bear was sighted in Eau Claire on April 16. Fortunately people left it alone and after being seen by several people on the west side of the city it apparently ambled away during evening hours. People should be advised that if they see a bear at this time of the year the best thing to do is give it a wide berth so as not to interfere with its natural movements -- which more than likely will be away from people.
Brunet Island State Park - With the spring bird migration underway several species including rose-breasted grosbeaks, loons, robins, red polls, phoebes, Canada geese, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, and belted kingfishers have been seen or heard. The great blue herons, green herons, osprey and bald eagles are working on their nests. Area open water panfishing action has been light to moderate in the sheltered bays. 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. The Brunet Island State Park south campground is open year round with electric sites, hand water pump, and pit toilets available. The campground showers and dump station will reopen in late spring.
Chippewa River State Trail - The trail is in good condition overall. There are lots migrating waterfowl in the area. Eagles can be seen along the river.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - Trails are still a little wet but passable. The frogs have started their singing. Springtime courtship flights of the American Woodcock have started too. We heard snipe winnowing the other evening. Turkeys are gobbling and grouse are drumming. Migrating waterfowl are active. Sandhill cranes can seen and heard in the area.
Red Cedar State Trail - The trail is still a little soft and there are some minor washouts. It will need to dry up before we can get out to clean it up, drag and roll. We hope to be able to start on that the week of April 23. Lots of migrating waterfowl and eagles are in the area. Osprey are passing through. Skunk cabbage is sprouting now even though there is still some ice in some ditches along the trail.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Spring is here! Hikers have been seeing sandhill cranes and bluebirds in the savanna. Deer have been moving around the trails in early morning. Lake levels are back to normal. The boat boarding piers and fishing pier will be put out this week. Sites 8, 9, 16, group camp sites (A1-A8 and B1-B3), 20-22, 23-24, and 26-29 will be open for camping the weekend of April 20. More sites will be opening in the next couple weeks. Some boundaries between park and wildlife area B have changed. Check with the park office for information. Spring turkey hunting: park is 15C. Wildlife Area B is area 15. Many people have been fishing for walleyes along the Buckhorn bridge each day. Spring is a great time for taking wildlife photos for the annual photo contest. 2007 youth deer hunt applications are now available. Deadline is July 15.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The gates at the park entrance are now open, as well as one campground loop. The stairway to the top of the Roche-A-Cri Mound is open for a great spring hike. Bird watching continues to pick up pace. Deer and Turkeys are easily spotted throughout the park. Hepatica blooms have been spotted in the park. The Roche-A-Cri Woods State Natural Area, East of Highway 13, is open for spring turkey hunting as part of zone 18. The 2007 photo contest has started - remember your camera to catch great springtime photos for the contest.
Last Revised: Thursday April 19 2007
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