With the seasonal summer weather of the past week, boating and water recreation has been at its peak with most lakes bustling with activity. Boaters should be especially cautious around swim areas and beaches as many people are swimming during the warm weather. Although much of the state received some rain in the past week, many lakes and rivers are extremely low for this time of year. Water levels on some Northwoods lakes are a foot or more below normal, making a lot of the boat landings too shallow for some larger boats. Paddle sport enthusiasts are floating rivers but some have had a tough time navigating the shallow rapids on the bigger rivers because of low water levels. The Mississippi River is very low, which creates numerous navigation hazards. Wing and closing dams, dead heads, logs, mud flats and sand bars are now either exposed or very close to the surface of the water. The Wisconsin River is also low, which is also creating navigation problems; however, numerous sandbars are exposed creating ideal camping and relaxing areas.
With all the recreational boating activity, anglers have focused efforts in early morning and evening hours. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing has been good to excellent statewide. Largemouth are settling into their typical summer pattern of relating to firm overhead cover such as logs, stumps or bog edges. Smallmouth have also gotten into their regular summer pattern and have been relating very close to woody structure near deep water areas. Musky anglers have been reporting some consistent action along weed edges and in the less dense weed beds. Walleye fishing has been slower, with the best success on leeches suspended just off the bottom in deeper water. Panfish are in summer patterns, suspending near the thermocline over deeper water.
Along Green Bay, high winds and thunderstorms over the week made getting on the water difficult. Water temperatures underwent some massive fluctuations due to high winds and currents moving in cold water from Lake Michigan. Yellow perch action slowed, but walleye action remained fairly steady. Anglers fishing Lake Michigan had a great week, landing large catches of rainbow trout and chinook salmon, along with a few lake trout and coho salmon. In Milwaukee, shore anglers have been catching perch in the mornings off piers.
Wild turkey broods are becoming more and more visible as they forage in fields and grassy openings. These areas provide the most insects for the poults/juveniles which need large quantities of insects that provides protein for the fast growing bodies. The young may spend over 75 percent of the day just feeding or foraging. Most if not all of the young are able to fly now and roost in trees at night to protect themselves from predators.
Cedar waxwings, eastern wood pewees, nighthawks, whip-poor-wills, and bats have been very active feeding heavily on flying insects. The breeding season for many species is beginning to wind down as early nests and even some second nesting attempts have fledged young. Bobolinks and other long-distance migrants are already leaving Wisconsin or staging and moulting in preparation for the long flight to South America. Scarlet tanager, eastern wood pewee, red-eyed vireo and other neotropical migrants are still singing but this should be winding down by the first of August. Shorebird migration has picked up with many adult shorebirds already back in Wisconsin after a brief nesting season in the tundra.
Meadowsweet, black-eyed-Susans, touch-me-not, large-leaved aster, and wild bergamot are blooming. Raspberries, blueberries and thimbleberries are ripening to the delight of wildlife and berry pickers.
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
The breeding season for many species is beginning to wind down as early nests and even some second nesting attempts have fledged young. Bobolinks and other long-distance migrants are already leaving Wisconsin or staging and moulting in preparation for the long flight to South America. Birders can still hear scarlet tanager, eastern wood pewee, red-eyed vireo and other neotropical migrants singing but this should be winding down by the first of August. Shorebird migration has picked up with many adult shorebirds already back in Wisconsin after a brief nesting season in the tundra. Birders are reporting good numbers of shorebirds at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Crex Meadows Wildlife Area and other places with exposed mudflats. Rarities reported recently include a black-headed gull in Sheboygan, little blue heron and black-necked stilt at Horicon, loggerhead shrikes in Pierce County, a continuing chuck-will's widow in Jackson County, western sandpiper in Milwaukee, and a blue grosbeak at Ft. McCoy and Spring Green Preserve. Birders will find lots of diversity and young birds in wetlands across the state this time of year. Forest birds will begin dispersing soon with birdsong diminishing within the next week. The first migrating warblers will be arriving within the next week to two weeks. Birders are encouraged to submit sightings to eBird
www.ebird.org/WI/ (exit DNR) to help better track bird populations across the state.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Bois Brule River is flowing at 108 cubic feet per second (cfs). The 62 year average is 142 cfs. Temperatures the first half of July have been on the average side with 70s for the high. The forecast calls for above average temperatures in the 80s to 90s with high humidity. The summer heat brings many people out to the cold waters of the Bois Brule River to cool off and enjoy the north woods. The rangers at the Brule River State Forest are asking people to follow the rules of the Bois Brule River to keep the River looking good and make the "Brule experience" safe and enjoyable. Rules of the River include: glass bottles are prohibited; Unopened or empty beverage containers and all litter must be secured in a larger container that is securely fastened to the craft; motorized watercraft and inflatables are prohibited on the river (except motorized watercraft are allowed within one mile of the river mouth at Lake Superior); paddlers must launch and land only at allowed designated canoe landings (see the Brule River State Forest map for landing locations); one approved and wearable PFD (personal flotation device) is required for each occupant and it must be accessible; camping is allowed only at state designated campgrounds. Please use courtesy when on the river. Remember: leave no trace. Respect private property. Pack out whatever you pack in. Use quiet voices. Show respect and sensitivity to others enjoying the river. Meadowsweet, black-eyed-Susans, touch-me-not, large-leaved aster, and Wild bergamot have now started blooming along with the multitude of blooming plants in the Brule area. Wild bergamot is a pale purple wild flower in the mint family that looks like and is related to the garden variety bee balm flower. It is found in sunny, dry, open areas like fields, prairies, and roadsides. Raspberries and thimbleberries are now ripe to the delight of wildlife and human berry pickers. The Copper Range Canoe Landing has a new and improved look. The landing was previously eroding into the river making access to the river difficult. There is now a stairway for the landing, some split rail fences to keep foot traffic from eroding around the landing and a canoe rack to set the canoes down. The fall hunting seasons may seem a long way off with temperatures forecasted into the 90s but the seasons are just around the corner. Now could be a good time to get out the bows and bring them to the Afterhours Archery Trail to practice. There are 29 targets placed at various distances and angles to provide a challenge to both novice and experienced archers. The targets are arranged along a trail loop which is about 1/2 mile around. It is free of charge to use the course but people are encouraged to leave a donation for the Brule Archery Club to offset the cost of materials, targets, trails, and labor. The Brule Archery Club's plan is to focus on educating and training youth and new archers and hunters through hands on experience. Motorists should be aware that County Road 27 is closed from Highway 2 in Brule to County Road B. Please use alternate routes.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Average temperatures have been the norm but warmer temperatures are forecast toward the weekend. Water temperatures on area lakes cooled slightly with the cooler temperatures last week. Surface temperatures cooled to about a 70 degree average. Anglers continue to focus efforts in early morning and evening hours and fishing success has been better during these times. Panfish were being found in deeper water and fishing has been fair over weedy areas. Northern pike fishing along the weed edges has been productive. Walleye fishing has been slow, with the better success coming on leeches suspended just off the bottom in deeper water. Bass continue to be active and some nice fish were being caught. Musky fishing has slowed but some fish were being caught. Boating and water recreation are at there peak with most lakes bustling with activity. Boaters should be especially cautious around swim areas and beaches as many people are swimming during the warm weather. Paddle sport enthusiasts are floating area rivers but some areas are becoming a challenge with the low water levels. Many eagles, osprey and loons have been observed catching fish on area lakes. Birds are in need of ample supply of fresh water during these warm periods. To keep them visiting your yard create access to bird baths and plenty of water. Fields and wood edges are filled with various colors of wildflowers creating a colorful landscape. Raspberries are plentiful in areas that received some earlier moisture. Blueberries are beginning to ripen and some nice berries can be found along forest roads and openings. Mullein is beginning to flower; black-eyed Susan is in bloom along with coneflowers and knapweed.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the seasonal summer weather of the past week, both recreational activity and fishing pressure showed an increases on most local waters. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have been the main species of interest lately and action could be termed very good. The largemouth are settling into their typical summer pattern of relating to firm overhead cover such as logs, stumps or bog edges, and fewer fish have been found cruising the weed beds. With this change, top-water baits have become less successful, and soft plastics have been producing most of the action. All the major bass waters in the area have been producing some good action, including the Miller Dam (Chequamegon Waters Flowage), the Chippewa Flowage and Nelson Lake. Smallmouth have also gotten into their regular summer pattern and have been relating very close to woody structure near deep water areas. The best action has been on the larger flowages, with small plastics and spinner baits catching most of the fish. Walleye success has been fair with some decent fish being found on deep weed edges and mid-lake rock/gravel humps. Slip bobbers fished with a leech or half a crawler have been producing the best success. Musky activity has also bumped up a notch and most anglers have been reporting some consistent action along weed edges and in the less dense weed beds. Medium-size stick baits, bucktails and top-water baits have been the most used lures of late. Panfish action has been fair -- some anglers have been able to find some crappie suspended near mid-depth cover and some dandy bluegill have been caught on a few of the local flowages. With the low amount of rain across the Northwoods in last year and a half, water levels on many natural lakes are a foot or more below normal, making a lot of the boat landings too shallow for some of the larger boats. However, flowages are maintaining 'normal' water levels, though filamentous algae growth is becoming moderate on many of them. Weed densities have been generally light this year, with many areas showing much lighter densities than previous years. Stream and river levels are generally very low, and many canoeists have had a tough time navigating the shallow rapids on the bigger rivers. And watch out for the bugs -- seems like a fresh hatch of deer flies, mosquitoes, and 'ankle-biters' have come out and been a nuisance to both stream anglers and lake anglers.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Raspberries are beginning to ripen and blueberries are pickable in the Boulder Junction area.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fishing on the bay was overall very slow this past week. Inclement weather over the weekend made fishing difficult. High winds and some thunderstorms over the week also made getting on the water difficult. Water temperatures underwent some massive fluctuations over the week due to high winds and currents moving in cold water from Lake Michigan. Very few limits of yellow perch have been caught although some anglers have found fish in the Sturgeon Bay canal and also some small perch, bluegills, and pumpkinseed have been caught off the piers in Little Sturgeon Bay. Walleye action has remained fairly steady although fewer fish are being reported throughout the bay. Some shore anglers have had some luck along the Fox River with the occasional walleye, along with drum and catfish comprising most of the catch. Some decent northern pike and chinooks have been caught around Sturgeon Bay mostly out on the Lake Michigan side.
Manitowoc County - Anglers fishing near Manitowoc had a great week of fishing this past week. Those anglers that trolled on Lake Michigan didn't have to travel far from shore with most action in 30-50 feet of water. Anglers were landing large catches of rainbow trout and chinook salmon. A few anglers also picked up a few lake trout and coho salmon. The larger rainbows ranged from 10 to 13 pounds and the chinook salmon were 16 to 18 pounds. Anglers fishing from the north and south piers also had a great week with good numbers of chinook salmon caught. A few rainbow trout were also landed. Anglers had the most success casting spoons in the early morning and late evening. Perch anglers fishing from the north stub pier in the marina had a slow week. In Two Rivers, salmon and trout fishing was excellent for both pier anglers and boat anglers all week. Anglers on Lake Michigan had good sized catches of chinook salmon, coho salmon and rainbow trout. Most boats trolled in between 20 and 50 feet of water with lines fishing from 15 feet to 35 feet. Success was spread throughout the day with most of the action coming from spoons fished by flat-line or planner boards to keep the lures shallow. Pier anglers had a great week of fishing landing some nice chinook salmon and a couple rainbow trout. Fishing inside the harbor has been good for bullhead using liver or shrimp just off the bottom. Anglers launching from the Two Rivers Public Ramp and traveling upstream on the West Twin River had a great week of smallmouth bass fishing. A few northern pike were reported as well. Smallmouth bass anglers had the most success casting the shoreline with stick baits or twisters.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The weather this week was, for the most part, warm and sunny with the exception of Tuesday, when there was some much needed moisture in the form of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Despite the rain on Tuesday the conditions are still dry so please be careful with fires. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, fishing in Door County remained good to excellent this week. Anglers fishing all over the county continued report good to excellent luck on most species. Out of Sturgeon Bay anglers fishing the Bank Reef early in the day report success along the edges with fly and dodger combinations fished in the top 60 feet of water. Later in the day, the action seemed to move out into deeper water with anglers fishing in 160 to 300 feet of water. Fly and dodger combinations along with spoons remain the baits of choice in the deeper water. Off Baileys Harbor, the action remained very good with anglers fishing 40 to 50 feet down in 60 to 80 feet of water. Rowley’s Bay, Ellison Bay, Sister Bay and the waters off of Washington Island all continue to report nice catches of trout and salmon. Smallmouth Bass anglers had to work for there fish this week, as the bigger smallmouth seem to be somewhat scattered. Early in the mornings try fishing for smallmouth with top water lures and spinner baits in 5 to 15 feet of water. Later in the day the smallmouth seem to be on deeper structure in 20 to 30 feet of water. Tube jigs, crawler harnesses and Goby imitating baits appear to be the thing in the deeper water. Walleye anglers were picking up some fish on crank baits and night crawler harnesses, with the night crawlers seemingly having the edge. Larson’s Reef, Monument Shoals, Chambers Island and the area off of Peninsula State Park continued to produce some nice walleyes. Perch fishing seems to have slowed down a little, although those anglers willing to look for the fish are still able to find there limits. The southern shore of Green Bay, along with Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, and the waters off of Chaudoir’s dock continued to produce perch from 20 to 30 feet of water. The weed edges between the bridges in Sturgeon Bay, the Egg Harbor Marina and the Fish Creek city dock are also places anglers we’re looking for perch. Northern pike action continued fair this past week with mostly smaller northerns being taken from the weeds in Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon.
Peninsula State Park - Water levels in Green Bay and Lake Michigan are still very low. Prevailing east-northeasterly winds occasionally create a build-up of cladophora algae along the park's shoreline. Swimmers are advised that algae may be present along the first 10 to 20 feet along the waterline. Trails are ready for summer use, and in very good condition. Spring wildflowers are fading, while summer wildflowers are taking over. Flowers are plentiful on roadsides and meadows. Some of the more interesting and commonly seen summer birds: white pelicans, cormorants, wood ducks, mergansers, bald eagles, osprey. Peninsula is a birders paradise. The upcoming weekends will be very busy as Door County approaches its peak season. When the weather heats up, visitors should be aware that sometimes Nicolet Bay Beach reaches capacity. When all parking spots are filled, no more vehicles are permitted into the beach areas. Solution: Plan on bicycling to the beach!
Kewaunee County - Some nice weather over most of the week made for some a nice week of fishing. There was some rain over the week, but most was not enough to hamper the fishing over the week. The winds over the last week have been somewhat variable with some days calm and other days with strong winds. This has helped to keep the water temperatures down and to also keep the fish scattered out some. Anglers fishing off the pier and in the harbor in Kewaunee had another good week of fishing. Kings and some browns and rainbows were still being caught on silver spoons and live bait. Anglers fishing off the piers in Algoma reported very slow fishing over the last week. Anglers that have been trolling out on the lake have been coming in with some good catches of kings and rainbows. Anglers have also been catching a few lakers, browns and cohos as well. Many good catches of fish have been coming in throughout most of the week. Anglers have been fishing in shallower waters this week again as the fish have still been holding close to shore. Most anglers were fishing in water depths of about 50 to 120 feet. Fish are being caught anywhere from the surface all the way down to 100 feet. Anglers have been reporting that there really hasn’t been any particular tackle that has been working the best over the last week, but dipsies and j-plugs seem to be performing the best of all the baits used.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, shore anglers fishing both the north and south piers have been catching good numbers of chinooks after dark and in the pre-dawn hours. Glow-in-the-dark or blue & silver spoons have taken the most fish, although alewives also produced a few chinooks off the north pier. Trollers off Sheboygan have been catching mostly chinooks, along with occasional rainbows and coho. Fish have been found 30 to 50 feet down in 50 to 80 feet of water. Fish have been hitting glow, orange or green spoons.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore anglers fishing off the pier with glow spoons or alewives have been catching a few chinooks in the early morning hours. Shore anglers fishing near the power plant have been catching some small browns on spawn. Trollers out of Port Washington have been catching mostly chinooks and a few coho and rainbows in water 50 to 80 feet deep. Spoons, flies, and J-plugs have all taken fish.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, shore anglers have been catching perch in the mornings off Cupertino pier. Boaters looking for perch have found good numbers at the main gap, as well as at the Oak Creek Power Plant and the boils. Anglers fishing off McKinley pier have been catching good numbers of chinook, along with a few brown and rainbow trout. The majority of fish have been caught between midnight and dawn, but some fish have also been taken throughout the day. Most shore caught fish have been hitting glow spoons and alewives. Milwaukee trollers have been catching good numbers of chinooks, along with a few coho, lake trout, rainbows, and browns. Most fish have been caught in 45 to 65 feet of water on spoons and J-plugs in blues or greens.
Racine County - In Racine perch fishing for shore anglers has been sporadic, and boaters continue to find a few fish at the bubbler and off the rocks near the DeKoven Center. Jigs, minnows, and crab tails have all been productive at times. Anglers fishing off the piers have been catching steelhead and a few browns on spawn sacs or spoons. Racine trollers have been catching good numbers of chinooks, steelhead, and some coho. Most fish have been taken on green or white spoons in 45 to 90 feet.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha anglers fishing for perch from boats have been catching them at the bubbler and at the breakwall on jigs, minnows, and crab tails. Shore anglers fishing the Kenosha harbor for brown trout have been catching good numbers late in the day and after dark. White tube jigs and silver spoons fished slowly have taken the most browns. Kenosha trollers have been catching chinooks and coho in 40 to 80 feet on green spoons or large dodger and fly combinations in white, green, or blue.
Inland fisheries team report
Local fisheries biologists report good fishing throughout the region. Bluegill, crappie and bass anglers are all doing well. As the water warms up the fish are moving deeper:
Walworth and inland Racine and Kenosha counties - Largemouth bass fishing is very good on most lakes. Most fish are caught in 10 to 18 feet of water on plastics, crawlers, and leeches. Northern pike were biting on suckers in 20 to 35 feet of water on the deeper lakes. Anglers using large bucktails were catching some nice muskies. Bluegills were biting on waxies and crawlers in water 12 to 30 feet deep. River fishing at Burlington and Waterford was good for channel catfish and smallmouth bass.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Bluegill and crappie fishing has been pretty good on several inland lakes over the past week. Some of the lakes mentioned in reports include Pike and Big Cedar in Washington County and Little Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. Other lakes are likely producing well also. Most of the action is early and late in the day. Trout fishing has been very good in the "Special Regulations" section of the Onion River near Plymouth.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Iowa County - Anglers have been catching smallmouth bass on white spinners on the Wisconsin River upstream of the Arena boat landing near the first and second island and also near the Hwy. 14 bridge near Spring Green. The evening seems to be the best time. Walleye anglers were reporting that they are biting on beetle spins about a mile downstream of the Arena boat landing on the Iowa County side of the river. Walleye have also been biting near Spring Green at Hwy. 23 and Hwy. 14 and near the rock wall across form Peck’s landing. Anglers are reminded of the 18-inch minimum size limit on walleye and 15-inch limit on Sauger and the total daily bag limit on both together, of three fish. Catfish angling has been slow on the river downstream of Sauk City. The river has been very low making the Arena and Hwy. boat landings difficult to use lately.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Late July is the peak season for summer flowers of the prairie. Visits to native remnant prairies as well as established sites provides a great opportunity to see these grasslands in their summer splendor as well as learn to identify the prairie flowers. At this time of year many birds are fledging their young. Great blue herons and great egrets are arriving at Horicon Marsh with their young to take advantage of the abundant food. A little blue heron was recently sighted on the marsh as well as a black stilt, so birders should be on the watch for these summer visitors. The shorebird migration has already begun with the first arctic nesting birds returning to Wisconsin on their way south. Yellow warblers are departing Wisconsin for their wintering grounds, making these some of the earliest signs of bird flocking and movement in preparation for the fall migration.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - The water levels on the Wisconsin River are very low. There is still plenty of water to navigate canoes down the river for sandbar camping and canoeing trips. Wisconsin River users are reminded that the low water still has hazards for swimming and boating. Power boat users should use caution in the low water for rock bars and logs. A number of boaters have damaged their props during the low water period. Trout have been biting very well on Devil's Lake and they are being taken on minnows in 20 to 25 down in 40 feet of water. Smallmouth bass have been biting on the Wisconsin River and anglers should practice catch and release to ensure the quality of the fishery. Angers are reminded to practice good catch and release techniques due to the warmer water temperatures.
Jefferson County - Anglers were catching catfish below the lower dam in Watertown. Many are under a pound in size but a few 2 to 4 pounders have been caught and kept. Some have been flatheads but most were channel catfish. Anglers were catching them mostly on stink bait and worms. On Rock Lake, bluegill were still biting out on the lake. The fish have been suspended about half way down at the thermocline in 40 feet of water. They were biting on spikes, plastic and waxworms.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Fishing on the lake fishing has been good from shore with bass being caught. As a rule, the trout anglers all ask but never tell anything. There was a 14-inch brown trout caught below the dam over the weekend. Bugs are not a problem anywhere in the park. Canoe and kayak paddling are good cross training exercises for cross country skiing. Little Falls Lake is for non motorized boats only and is reasonably well protected from wind. There are some cross country skiers that train year round on the trails with hill bounding and pole walking. Organized training takes place as the seasons change. The Kid’s Fishing contest is Saturday, July 21 at the Little Falls Dam. Three age groups of kids will fish for 45 minutes each. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and it is $1 per child. The first age group begins at 9 a.m. This is a fun event for participants and spectators. A bullfrog was hoisted in the first year without being hooked. The next Full Moon Hike and bird presentation will be Saturday, July 28 at the Nature Center beginning at 7 p.m. The birds discussed will be Ospreys and Orioles. This event is free. Both events require vehicle admission stickers. Call the park office for details (715) 386-5931.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Wild turkey broods are becoming more and more visible as they forage in fields and grassy openings. These areas provide the most insects for the poults/juveniles which need large quantities of insects that provides protein for the fast growing bodies. The young may spend over 75 percent of the day just feeding or foraging. Most if not all of the young are able to fly now and roost in trees at night to protect themselves from predators. The young go through three to four molts and will develop adult plumage in fall. The adults go through a seasonal molt and never lose all feathers at once like some waterfowl species. Cedar waxwings, eastern wood pewees, nighthawks, whip-poor-wills, and bats have been very active lately, feeding heavily on flying insects. The dry, hot weather has led to many animals remaining inactive during the hot times of the day. Therefore, many animals are not readily observed during daylight hours.
Crawford County - All three major rivers in the Crawford County area are very low. The Mississippi River stage is down to 6.5 feet. The low water on the Mississippi River creates numerous navigation hazards. Wing and closing dams, dead heads, logs, mud flats and sand bars are now either exposed or very close to the surface of the water. Boaters using the Mississippi River are urged to slow down when traveling outside the main channel. The Wisconsin River is low also, creating both good and bad situations. The low water on the Wisconsin River creates navigation problems; however, numerous sandbars are exposed creating ideal camping and relaxing areas. The Kickapoo River is very low and is full of downed trees and logs. Navigation with any type of motorized craft is very difficult. Most of the trout streams in the area are in good shape. Fishing action was pretty good this week. Bluegill action was good on the Mississippi River. In the Prairie du Chien area anglers were having very good success on wing dams and in deeper slow moving sloughs. The Ambro Slough Complex continues to produce some nice bluegills in downed trees. However the low water is causing navigation problems. Anglers have been finding slower action in Big Lake, Tilmont, the Doubles, and Big Missouri. The Lower Bottoms in the Garnet Lake and Grass Pond has slowed due to the low water. Some very nice catches of bluegills have been reported in the East Channel near Indian Isle and along the Iowa side of the main channel. Bluegill action on the backwaters of the Wisconsin River was pretty spotty due to the low water. Crappie and perch action was also spotty. Small perch continue to bite in Cold Spring, however they are too small to keep. Most crappie and perch anglers have had to search for action this week. The perch fishing action in Pool 9 near the Ferryville was slow most days. Some better perch action was reported up in the backwaters south of the Lansing dike but anglers really had to search for them. Some crappie action has been reported in backwater areas around downed trees. White bass action was spotty. Last week there was some good white bass action at the dam near Lynxville, but this week it slow somewhat. Watch for white bass surface feeding then cast a spinner, small imitation minnow, or anything else flashy into the school. Walleye fishing was pretty good. Anglers have been trolling the area south of the Roseau Slough with some success. Probably the best areas to try are the wing dams. Trolling or working wing dams with crank baits have produced some nice fish. Wing dam action on the main channel has been good at times using jigs and leeches. McDonald Slough area and the Lynxville dam have been spotty. In the area of the “S” curve near Harpers Ferry many anglers have been drifting with a jig and night crawlers or leach or trolling with fair success. Some anglers are drifting or trolling the west shoreline below Harper’s Ferry slough in about 10 feet of water. Saugers have been active outside Cold Spring on some days. The best baits have been chartreuse crank baits. Bass fishing on the Mississippi River has been good. Many anglers were catching decent fish using plastics and spinner baits. The bass seem to utilizing weed or wood cover. Smallmouth bass action has been decent on wing dams, slough closures and rocky shorelines. The smallmouth bass action on the Wisconsin River was very good again this week. Catfish are really starting to bite. Some nice catches of catfish came off both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers on stink baits or night crawlers. Most noticeable are the Mississippi River catfish which are becoming more active. The best bullhead action has been in shallow backwater areas of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Trout anglers report a pretty good action. Many of the local trout streams produced decent brook and brown trout. Trout fishing is becoming a bit more difficult due to the heavy vegetation and insects. Poison ivy and stinging nettle are up in force. Some of the parsnip is starting to die back; however, it should still be avoided. A fair amount of mosquitoes are being encountered especially in the low lying areas along the river systems. Deer flies are out in strong numbers. The mayfly hatch on the Mississippi River in the Pool 10 area is just about over.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The open water game fish and pan fish action has been good this past week. Bass and northern pike action has been productive, and there has been good musky action on Cornell flowage. Species of birds seen or heard include: scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, towhees, golden finches, ravens, rose-breasted grosbeaks, loons, robins, red polls, a variety of wrens, phoebes, Canada geese, turkey vultures, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great blue herons, green herons, barred owls, ravens, osprey, bald eagles and belted kingfishers. The fireflies, dragonflies, and monarch butterflies are being seen. Wild bergamot, brown eyed Susans, lesser daisy fleabane, the water lilies, some of the aster varieties, orange hawkweed, wild columbine, ox eye daisy, wooly yarrow are flowering. The painted and snapping turtles have been digging nests throughout the park property. Please do not touch young birds or animals you observe or come across; leave them as they are. Their parents are very likely to be close by, and are quietly waiting for you to move on. Generally, they will wait until you leave the immediate area before attending to their young.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Park users have been catching fish off the pier and at the kids fishing pond. Warmer weather is great for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Many visitors are using the beach in the park. There is starting to be algae in the lake. There is a cold water rinse shower in the beach picnic area. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting. Mosquito activity is moderate -- remember bug spray!! Check out the new signs on the barrens nature trail. Take photos of the wildflowers, wildlife, sunsets, people using the park, etc. for the annual photo contest. Deadline for the photo contest is Sept. 30.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Many summer wildflowers are in bloom in the woodlands and prairies, including the beautiful butterfly weed, common mullein, and black-eyed Susan. Take a hike through the prairie to try and catch a glimpse of the Karner blue butterfly. Deer and turkeys have been abundant throughout the park. The 2007 photo contest is underway - remember your camera to catch great summer photos for the contest. Campsites are still available for this weekend. Come and enjoy the quiet campground setting.
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VHS Update
as of July 19, 2007
This week, Department of Natural Resources hatchery staff faced the sad task of euthanizing lake sturgeon because stocking them presented too great a risk of spreading Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) virus. A representative sample of the fish were tested for VHS and the results came back clean, but they had been raised at the same facility that received northern pike eggs from the Lake Winnebago system, where the viral fish disease has been detected.
“Today the lake sturgeons were euthanized with the anesthetic MS-222 at the old Wild Rose Fish Hatchery,” said Randy Larson, a Wild Rose fish propagation supervisor, in a July 16 e-mail. “Dr. Ellen Hooker from DATCP was here overseeing the operation. All methods and protocols for destroying and disposing of the fish were approved by Dr. Hooker. All total, 21,706 fingerlings (3 strains), 1,033 yearlings, and 2 special, 18-inch white sturgeons were euthanized and buried. It was difficult for all of us, especially Rich Klett and his staff, for all the hard work and dedication they put into those fish. My thanks go out to them and my condolences for carrying out this difficult task.”
The old Wild Rose facility is the first state hatchery to dispose of fish due to threat of VHS. Kettle Moraine Springs and Lake Mills hatcheries also hatched fish or received fish from eggs collected from the Lake Winnebago system, which has tested positive for VHS. These fish will be stocked into already VHS-infected waters if the stock is genetically appropriate for the water body being considered for stocking. If that is not the case, as with the lake sturgeon, any fish that the DNR is unable to stock will be euthanized in accordance with veterinary standards and landfilled. Some fish perished during the extra month they spent in their rearing ponds during the moratorium because they ran out of the plankton they eat as fry or because of water quality-related health problems.
Public Hearings set for August on VHS Permanent Rules
Public hearings on proposed permanent rules to prevent the spread of VHS have been set for August statewide. Under the proposal, emergency rules now in place for controlling and preventing the spread of VHS would become permanent, with some revisions and clarifications.
The current emergency rules were adopted in early April, expanded in mid-May, and require that boaters, anglers and other water recreational users not move live fish and water from lakes and rivers where VHS has been detected or is suspected of being present. The requirements cover Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, the Mississippi River, Lake Winnebago and the Fox River downstream to Green Bay and their tributaries up to the first barrier impassable to fish. If VHS is found outside of these waters, the rules will automatically be expanded to all waters statewide. Additionally, the rules require that bait dealers carry a free Wild Bait Harvest Permit and keep records of their collection and distribution of bait.
The proposed permanent rule adds a new criteria for permits of licensed bait dealers who use larger traps and nets than regulations allow. Permits could be denied if use of the oversized gear could spread invasive species or disease. The proposed permanent rule also bans the possession of imported live bait such as minnows, crayfish and frogs and limits the use of fish and fish parts as bait in crayfish and turtle traps, with exceptions.
Education and Outreach
TV and radio spots featuring Joe Thomas, a former Badger football star and now a Cleveland Brown rookie, began airing statewide this week. In the 30-second spots, Thomas, an avid angler, urges boaters, anglers and other water users to take steps to prevent accidentally spreading VHS. A special web page provides the opportunity to view and listen to the spots and learn more about this avid angler.
Find answers to your questions about viral hemorrhagic septicemia in our newly expanded Q and A section.
Most frequently asked question of the week
Should I be as concerned about live bait like leeches, worms, grubs and hellgrammites as I am about bait fish?
Everyone should be aware of the potential of spreading VHS by various kinds of bait. Unlike bait fish, bait such as leeches, worms, grubs and hellgrammites cannot be infected with VHS. Therefore, there is less of a chance that VHS will be spread when using live bait other than bait fish. However, the bait listed above can carry and transmit the virus if it has been in contact with infected waters or fish. As a result, it’s recommended that you dispose of these live baits that have been in contact with the water when you leave the lake or river you’re fishing in.
Last Revised: Thursday July 19 2007
dnr.wi.gov
The Official Internet Site for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/#top
