Dry conditions over the last week have helped lower flooded waterways in southern Wisconsin, but many waters remain high and some lakes continue to have slow-no-wake ordinances in place. The mild conditions have also allowed Wisconsin State Park officials to make needed flood damage repairs to a number of properties and reopen both Devil’s Lake State Park and the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. Wildcat Mountain State Park is scheduled to reopen July 3. The 400 State Trail and portions of the Military Ridge State Trail remain closed. Check the State Parks current conditions page of the DNR Web site for more information.
The Lower Wisconsin River has dropped considerably in the last week and is approaching near normal seasonal flows. Some sandbars are returning but people considering any paddling this weekend need to be aware there is much more debris and more contaminants in the river than normal due to the flooding. The Kickapoo River has also dropped considerably, but is still well above seasonal normal flows. While flooding has caused some difficult conditions downstate, rain amounts in the north have finally filled many lakes for the first time in a number of years, although some lakes are still considerably below normal water levels. Northern river systems like the Flambeau and Chippewa are currently at good seasonal levels for paddling.
The Mississippi River crested last week just over flood stage at around 16.3 feet at Prairie du Chien. The river dropped to about 13.5 feet this week and is forecast to steadily decline to around 12 feet by this upcoming weekend.
Musky anglers have been out pretty good numbers in the north and most have reported catching a few fish. The mayfly hatch continues on many northern lakes and this has upset the walleye bite on most of these waters. Panfish action has been very good, with bluegill and crappie providing some excellent action. Bluegill spawning should start petering out in the next week. Northern pike action continues to be good, with fish still being found in shallow water around and over any new weed beds. Most largemouth and smallmouth bass have completed their spawning period, though some nesting can still be found on many waters.
Although some communities are starting to lift slow-no-wake regulations on some lakes in southern Wisconsin, but many – including the Madison area chain of lakes -- still have restrictions in place, greatly reducing fishing activity. Where anglers have been getting out, northern pike action has been good and largemouth bass fishing has been fair.
The yellow perch bite has increased significantly in the last week on Green Bay and many anglers were catching numbers close to their daily limit. Lake Michigan trollers reported a mixed week, but some good action was reported for chinook salmon and some coho and rainbow trout out of Manitowoc, Kewaunee, Algoma, and Two Rivers but action slower out of the more southern ports. Shore anglers in Milwaukee have been catching fair numbers of perch.
Fishing on the Mississippi River has been getting better as the water recedes, with channel catfish moving to find nests and being very catchable. Fishing for sauger and walleye also picked up a little late in the week.
Novice hunters age 10 and up have until next Monday, June 30, to submit applications for a learn to hunt bear program this fall. A random drawing will be held from a pool of all applicants to determine who will be provided one of the limited opportunities to be matched with mentors who will teach the habits of bear, how to read bear sign, and other techniques for safely hunting bear. Applications are available at DNR service centers or on the Learn to Bear Hunt page of the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/bear/lth.htm].
Spring wildflowers have faded and summer flowers are appearing, including Solomon's seal, harebell, spiderwort, butterfly weed, hawkweed and ox-eye daisy. And while rains have diminished and floodwaters are receding, along with the damage they’ve left in their aftermath, mosquitoes are out in hoards, so don’t forget the bug repellant when venturing out this week.
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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State Park and Trails Flood Damage Update as of June 26
Devil’s Lake State Park reopened June 26. While the park and campgrounds are open to visitors, a number of trails and facilities will remain closed due to flooding and storm damage, including: both the North and South Shore boat landings; most hiking trails; portions of picnic areas; and the South Shore bathrooms. Portable toilets will be available for visitors using the South Shore picnic area. The park’s beach is under water, but visitors will be allowed to swim. Beach water samples all came back safe. The West and East Bluff Trails are open, but nearby Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area is closed because its hiking trail is washed out.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail reopened June 25. The trail campgrounds, the Elroy Commons and the depots at Kendall and Sparta are all open.
Governor Dodge State Park – The horse campground and trails are closed (14 sites) through June 29 and the bike trails are closed.
Merrick State Park has some flooded campsites but the campground remains open.
Military Ridge State Trail remains closed in two locations because of standing water: under the second box culvert west of Verona, and approximately 1/2 mile east of Klevenville.
Rocky Arbor State Park is open to camping on weekends on a first come-first served basis.
Wildcat Mountain State Park remains closed but is scheduled to reopen July 3. The entrance road will be finished enough to open the Family and Group camps. The Horse camp will also open up July 3. The horse trails will be open. The conditions of the horse trails are variable. Work will be in progress on the horse trails. Some sections of the horse trails will remain closed.
400 State Trail is open from Elroy to Wonewoc but the Wonewoc to Reedsburg portion will need bridge repairs and cannot be opened in the short-term.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Summer is officially here and the past few days has reaffirmed this fact with the sunny and steamy, hot weather...perfect for canoeing or kayaking along the Bois Brule River or relaxing out on the beaches along Lake Superior. The weekend forecast is calling for temperatures to cool down with thunderstorms possible. Don't forget to bring insect repellant and to dress appropriately for the biting insects. Wood ticks, mosquitoes, and deer flies are out in force. Deer are being driven to open fields and roadsides by the mosquitoes and biting flies to escape constant attack of the hungry insects. The dragonflies are out in great numbers (with their voracious appetites) to rally against the mosquitoes and many other nuisance insects. Their aerobatic flights are exciting to see as they are looking for a meal on the wing, defend their territory, and mate. Also plentiful are the delicate looking damselflies. Damselflies are similar to dragonflies but they hold their wings against their body at rest while dragonflies will hold their wings straight out at rest. New flowers that have started blooming in the past couple weeks are the wild rose, saxifrage, columbine, buttercup, ox-eye daisy, orange and yellow hawkweed, purple avens, bunchberry, thimbleberry, yellow ladyslipper, blue and yellow flag iris, and the "garden escaped" lupines. With the Fourth of July coming up the Brule River State Forest wishes to remind people that it is illegal to set off fireworks in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests. Sparklers are ok to use but anything that goes "boom", is self propelled, or has flames coming out is considered illegal. This law is in effect to protect the fireworks users, other recreationists, and the natural resources.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The erratic weather conditions continue to make for variable fishing success. Musky anglers have been out in pretty good numbers and most have reported catching a few fish. Smaller bucktails and jerk baits have been the most productive and most of the musky have been in the 30 to 38 inch size. The mayfly hatch continues on many northern lakes and this has upset the walleye bite on most of these waters. Most walleye that are being caught are being taken on leeches or night crawlers fished on a floating jig head or below a slip bobber. Some anglers have even tried fly-rods with streamers and mayfly imitations with some success. Panfish action has been very good, with bluegill and crappie providing some excellent action. Crappie have been found in shallow along any emergent weed lines and brush piles, and many bluegill are still up on the spawning beds. Look for the bluegill spawning period to start petering out in the next week. Northern pike action continues to be good, with fish still being found in shallow water around and over any new weed beds. Most largemouth and smallmouth bass have completed their spawning period, though some nesting can still be found on many waters. One word of caution to all anglers in the Northwoods: bring bug repellent, as all the biting insects are out in force. The black flies, gnats, and deer flies have been a big nuisance during the day time hours and, at dusk, the mosquitoes have been coming out in hoards. Pest numbers should go down in the coming weeks with some dryer weather and a good hatch of dragonflies.
Flambeau River State Forest - Both the North and South Forks of the Flambeau River are at great levels for canoeing. Paddlers are reporting a bit higher than normal water level that is making for great paddling. Fishing for both channel and flathead catfish has been great on both the north and south forks. Trails are in good condition. So far this season the forest has had lots of sites available at both campgrounds. During the week a camper can almost take their pick. Ticks and mosquitoes are still out in great numbers. Turkeys, geese, and deer are now seen with their young. We're seeing lots of turtles along road sides. Daisies, and red and orange hawkweed are blooming, and milkweed plants are up but not flowering yet.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Walleye action is reported to be fair early in the day and along weed beds or in submerged timber. However weed growth is way behind this year so finding fresh weeds will be difficult. Musky are hitting on surface baits. Some bluegills can be found in the shallows as spawning activity is greatly delayed this year. Antler development on deer is now quite visible with the heavy velvet growth. Fawns are abundant and more active so be watchful along the roads. If you spot the doe, the fawns are not far away. There have been many reports of bear sightings lately. As a reminder, take down bird feeders and be sure garbage containers are secured. Area Conservation Wardens continue their reminders to the public to wear PFDs when out on lakes, rivers and streams. It only takes a moment to put that PFD on. No one likes to think that disaster can strike at any moment. Yes, the devices are bulky and hot on those really warm days. However, even the best trained boaters and anglers are as subject to danger as everyone else, even on those days when conditions seem to be at their best. Conservation Wardens also continue their reminders to anglers to carry their fishing license on their person and to remember the daily bag and size limits posted for area lakes. Don’t forget to double-check your boat registration documents to make sure that you are current. A reminder to hikers and others who just like to walk around in the woods – the wild parsnip is blooming. This is a plant that you really do not want to encounter. You should add this one to your list of items to avoid, along with poison ivy, oak and sumac. The wild parsnip contains a juice that causes severe burns to the skin when exposed to the ultraviolet light rays from the sun. The skin reacts by producing blisters that can last for several weeks and produces a brown scarring on the skin that can also last for months, or even years. Once the plant dies and dries, it ceases to emit the juice and cannot cause a reaction when in that state. The plant is tall with yellow clusters of flowering stems that are about four feet in height. The wild parsnip usually towers above the natural vegetation surrounding it. Area service centers have small, descriptive cards available to the public that will help in identification of this and other problem plants and insects. If you do come into contact with this plant, and no one is immune from its effects, cover your skin right away until you can wash the affected area with soap and water. To help minimize the effects of the exposure, you can cover the contaminated area with a cool, wet cloth. Do not rupture any blisters that may appear. The blisters usually do not itch, nor do they spread. If the blisters do eventually rupture, let the skin remain over the area for as long as you can. Keep the affected area clean and use an antiseptic cream to help prevent infection. Contact your doctor if you have any questions and for further treatment explanations and considerations.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Spawning activity has just ended for bluegill in the area, so finding them will mean searching along weed edges/weed beds for the remainder of summer. Anglers are using slip bobbers, small hooks, light line (4- to 6-pound test), and ultra light rods baited with small garden worms, wax worms, or a piece of night crawler. Walleye have become finicky on many waters due to the mayfly hatch. Food is abundant now, making walleye difficult to catch. The hatch should be wrapped up by next week sometime and has been delayed due to the late. Anglers fishing walleye in the meantime should use a slow presentation, or still fish with slip bobbers and leeches hooked through the sucker on a plain hook. Musky fishing has been very good. Fish are hitting top water baits regularly and bucktails retrieved very fast have been triggering hits.
Rhinelander DNR Service Center area
While flooding has caused some difficult conditions downstate, rain amounts in the north have finally filled many of the drainage lakes (those with significant streams entering them) for the first time in a number of years. Seepage lakes (those with no inlets or outlets) in the north are still considerably below normal water levels. Water levels are not the main issue affecting fishing in the north. Cooler than normal water temperatures have set back spawning for bass and bluegills. Bluegills particularly are just now starting to build nest on many lakes. Cool temperatures have also contributed to sluggish musky action though walleye action has held up well to this point.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Hiking trails are in good condition. Mosquitoes are plentiful in the park, please come prepared with repellents. The campground has not been affected by recent rains. A few visitors have been braving the cold water to swim at the beach. Walleye, musky, perch and northern are all being caught on Lake Alexander. The water level on both the lake and river are at an average depth. However, the waters levels below the dam may be dropped due to repairs on the dam in Merrill. The lake water levels should not be affected. Fawns, baby geese, ducklings, snapping turtle hatchlings, two bear cubs, and four red fox kits have all been seen within the park.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Sheepshead seem to be the most abundant fish being caught in both the Peshtigo and Menominee rivers, followed by smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish. Trolling the bay in 12 feet of water using crawler/harness is still producing some walleye. Smallmouth bass and musky were being caught on jig heads/twister tails and stick baits on the Peshtigo River upstream from Klingsborn's Landing. Night crawlers fished on the bottom have accounted for some nice panfish as well as catfish in both the Peshtigo and Menominee rivers. Inland trout fishing is producing nice brookies on the streams. Water levels and temperatures are excellent. Fawns are moving about with their mothers crossing roadways. If you see a fawn beside the road or in your yard please leave it alone as the mother will return for it. The mosquito bite is beginning to fade off although deer flies and other biting insects are present. A Hunter Education course will be held at the Peshtigo DNR Service Center beginning July 23 through July 29. Pre registration material can be picked up at Snowsnake Sports, 715-582-3681. Columbine is going to seed, milkweed is getting ready to flower along with black-eyed Susans. Turtles are crossing roadways near wetland areas.
Oconto County - Panfish and bass are being caught by the landing at Oconto Park II on slip bobbers and leeches or crawlers. A few trout were being caught by the Stiles Dam on minnows being free floated in the current seams. From its mouth up to the Municipal Ramp the Oconto River has been producing some walleye, catfish and panfish on crawlers with either slip bobbers or fished tight line on the bottom. Once again the most abundant fish being caught is sheepshead. An ATV Safety course is being offered at the Crooked Lake Community Center June 28 and 29. For more information and to sign up contact the instructor at 920-469-7482.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - On the Fox River of Green Bay, boat and shore anglers were catching rough fish. Anglers fishing the lower bay were successfully targeting walleye; however, the bite has slowed significantly. Those catching walleye were using crawler harnesses (any color works) and trolling crank baits. Walleye were being found in 6 to 15 feet, both types of lures have been working anywhere in this range. Water temperature is around 70 degrees. Currently, sheepshead and channel catfish are common incidental catch for walleye anglers. Some anglers have found that an increased trolling speed helps keep these untargeted fish species off. The yellow perch bite has increased significantly in the last week or so. Many anglers were catching numbers close to their daily limit. Worms and minnows were both working. The perch bite seems to be best in 15 to 25 feet of water. In the Little Sturgeon Bay/Sawyer Harbor area, the smallmouth bass bite has been slow. The larger fish are moving off the beds and going to deeper water, while the smaller males stay back to guard the beds. They were biting best on soft plastics and crank baits. The yellow perch and walleye bite are challenging the anglers at this time. Water temperature is in the upper 60s.
Manitowoc County - Manitowoc anglers had a good week of fishing this past week. Throughout the week boat anglers were landing nice catches of chinook salmon with a few rainbow trout and Coho salmon mixed in. Anglers that had the most success were trolling in 90 to 130 feet of water. Most of the harvested chinook ranged in weight from 8 to 14 pounds. Pier anglers that were fishing from the north pier had little success this week. On the south pier, anglers landed a few rainbow trout. Inside the harbor a few perch and bluegill were caught off the north pier stub. In Two Rivers, anglers also had a good week of fishing. Boat anglers trolling Lake Michigan had success throughout the week. Saturday morning was especially good for boat anglers who were out in high numbers with favorable lake conditions. Most anglers were harvesting nice chinook salmon ranging from 10 to 17 pounds. A few rainbow trout were also mixed in the catch with one larger rainbow trout weighing in at 10 pounds. Anglers were mostly running green or orange spoons but also had some success with dodger and fly combinations. Pier anglers that were fishing the north pier had little success to report.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Kewaunee County - As summer has arrived, fishing pressure on Lake Michigan continues to gradually pick up; however action continued to be uncharacteristically slow for the time of yea. Water temperatures are now in the mid 50s and continuing to rise. Out of Kewaunee, salmon, steelhead, and lake trout were found out around depths of 300 feet, with salmon and steelhead more suspended off the bottom. Anglers out of Algoma and Kewaunee found steelhead and salmon around 100-150 ft. as well. It appears that there are still a lot of salmon out in the range of 300-400 ft. and perhaps deeper. Continued warmer temperatures should bring more fish in out of deeper water in the coming weeks.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
The City of Oshkosh has a slow-no-wake ordinance that starts 900 feet south of railroad bridge and goes to the Highway 41 Lake Butte des Morts bridge. There is also an emergency slow-no-wake for Winnebago County involving the entire Town of Omro, Town of Rushford and Little Lake Butte des Morts. This ordinance is set to expire at midnight June 26, but it will likely be extended due to high water. Please check the Winnebago County Web site for updates.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit - Trails located between Powder Hill Road and County Highway CC are currently closed because of high water. All other trails in the forest are open and free of standing water. All campsites are open and free of standing water. Lake levels on Pike Lake have receded resulting of the lifting of the "slow-no-wake" order.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All nature and hiking trails are open. All five tree swallows fledged on Saturday night, June 21 from the bluebird house with the camera. Houses were cleaned out on Monday. By Tuesday, a pair of bluebirds had claimed the house. The bluebirds have been very busy. They have their nest just about constructed. The bluebirds can be seen catching bugs on the ground and bathing in the upper portion of the pond. Young thirteen-lined ground squirrels are now being seen above ground. Orange hawkweed and ox-eye daisy can be seen blooming throughout the park. The Wisconsin Great Lakes Beach testing conditions can be viewed at [http://www.wibeaches.us/traverse/f?p=BEACH:HOME:17041187235832071976].
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan fishing has been generally slow for both shore anglers and trollers alike. The few boats that caught fish over the weekend reported a few chinooks and lake trout caught in 200 feet of water on spoons.
Ozaukee County - Port Washington trollers have been catching chinooks, coho, and lake trout 40 to 70 feet down in 100 to 130 feet of water. Blue and green flies and spoons have been productive.
Milwaukee County - Shore anglers in Milwaukee have been catching fair numbers of perch early in the morning off McKinley and Cupertino piers, as well as near the Lake Express ferry dock. Small minnows and jigging spoons have both been productive. Milwaukee trollers have been taking some chinooks and lake trout on spoons in 80 to 120 feet of water.
Racine County - In Racine shore fishing has been slow, and trollers have had to search for fish as well. Most chinooks, coho, and lake trout have been found scattered in 50 to 150 feet of water.
Kenosha County - Shore anglers in Kenosha have had to struggle to find perch, but a few browns have been caught in the harbor on live alewives fished on the bottom. Kenosha trollers have also found fish to be very scattered, with the better reports coming from 70 to 120 feet of water near the state line.
Inland fisheries team report
Fishing for northern pike has been very good at Long Lake in Fond du Lac County. The northern pike regulations were changed there this year. The current regulation on pike is: no size limit with a 5 daily bag limit. The same regulation applies to Kettle Moraine Lake near Dundee; Crystal Lake and Sheboygan Marsh in Sheboygan County; and Little Cedar Lake in Washington County. Largemouth bass fishing has been fair. No reports have come in regarding panfish action. Trout streams are in good shape for fishing at this time.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Though the Wisconsin River has dropped back down to a normal flow level, Lower Wisconsin and Wisconsin River users are staying away due to DNR warnings of contaminated water. All of the streams in Southwestern Wisconsin have been affected by the flooding, causing wide and braided channels. The floods have scoured silt-laden places and deposited sediment and rock in other. Streams that have been constricted by bridges and culverts have completely blown out or have created large pools downstream. Larger fish are anticipated to have survived, but the number of smaller fish (young-of-year and yearlings) has likely reduced. Shore anglers should be aware that in many areas banks have eroded and may give way underfoot. Strong currents in rivers and streams pose an additional threat.
Military Ridge State Trail - The trail remains closed in two locations because of standing water: 1) Under the second box culvert approximately 2 miles west of the City of Verona, 2) Approximately 1/2 mile east of Klevenville on a section of blacktopped trail.
Lafayette County
Yellowstone Lake State Park - The park is open and the campgrounds is dry. All trails are open to hiking, but the mountain bike trail is closed to biking. All trails have recently been mowed and are in good condition. In the day use area, mowing has been a challenge due to moisture in some low laying spots. Those areas have not been mowed. There is still plenty of room for picnicking in other areas. The lake level is up about 3 inches. There are no motor or wake restriction on the lake at this time. The beach is open for use, minus some sand Fishing has been very good in the lake and below the dam.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - Panfish are still hitting on the Madison chain. The chain is slow, no wake. Trout streams are fishable. Most went up and down pretty quickly, considering the conditions. Small streams recovered especially quickly.
Jefferson County - Fishing has all but ended for now on the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong. The water is currently about 9 feet above its normal summer level. Most public access sites are closed. Entry is by going through County Sherriff or National Guard checkpoints, and only those with businesses or homes are being allowed to pass. Just the same, anglers are fishing in road ditches, miles from the lake and river. Some folks are enjoying the novelty of catching a fish in the middle of a road. Carp anglers and spearers are wading through fields to attack spawning populations of the rough fish.
Iowa County – The Wisconsin River is coming down and some sandbars are becoming usable. Very bad mosquitoes. Earlier the river was at 12,000 CFS at the Prairie du Sac dam and normally in the summer it is at about 6,000 CFS, with a lot of good camping spots available. As of July 26, the flow at the dam is at 6,680 CFS. So there should be plenty of spots to camp this weekend for folks. They can call 1-800-242-1077 and if the CFS at the Prairie du Sac dam is at 10,000 CFS or less there should be spots camping. Of course water quality is another issue and people need to be aware there is more debris and more contaminants in the river than normal due to the flooding.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Dry weather has restored normal flow and clarity on the Willow River and in the lake. The biggest reported northern pike of the year came in Tuesday at 37 inches. No scale was available but a 40-inch fish from the park is typically 15 pounds. The 37 incher looked all of that. Northerns are not real common here but they are quite heavy for their length. Hot weather has moved in which will raise river temperatures. That generally can spell good fishing for trout anglers and others that fish on rivers. Camping is full for the July Fourth weekend. There are a number of events in nearby Hudson. Fireworks over the St. Croix River may be seen in Hudson and on different nights in nearby cities. Road construction has ended out at the entrance on County Road A. On Friday, June 27 "The St. Croix: A Northwoods Journey" movie will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at the Nature Center. The 18 minute movie will be followed by a talk given by National Park Ranger Bob Downs. Mike Reiter brings his “Skulls and Bones” presentation to the Nature Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Ask to see the deer feet with the odd hooves and learn how it happened. Presentations are free with an annual or daily park pass on your vehicle.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Mississippi River - The river is a high but not abnormal above La Crosse. The river is higher but is going down below La Crosse. Fishing is good and getting better. Be flexible as to your access if fishing below Prairie du Chien, some may have limited usability. Generally look for areas out of high current for fishing, and along aquatic plants for panfish. Channel catfish are moving to find nests and are very catchable now.
Perrot State Park - All the trails are in good condition. All campsites sites are open for camping. All flush toilet/shower buildings are open on the weekends. Only the lower loop buildings are open weekdays. Fishing is about average. The spring wildflowers have faded and summer flowers are appearing. Currently blooming in the park are Solomon's seal, sweet cicely, and puccoon, harebell, spiderwort, butterfly weed, baptisia, yarrow and wood anemone. On June 28, Bridget from the National Eagle Center and her Bald Eagle will be at the park. On July 3-6, Fur Traders Phil and Tom will set up camp near the Nature Center.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. Enjoy the unique character of a recently flooded forest due to high water levels of the Black and Mississippi rivers. The water level is fairly high once again.
Buffalo River State Trail - ATVs are allowed year around on the Buffalo River Trail. Grading has begun on the trail. New surfacing will be laid down between Eleva and Strum - sections may be posted as Closed as needed. Check with counties for their trail conditions and opening dates.
Wildcat Mountain State Park – The park remains closed but is tentatively scheduled to re-open July 3. The entrance road will be finished enough to open the Family and Group camps. The Horse camp will also open up July 3. The horse trails will be open. The conditions of the horse trails are variable. Work will be in progress on the horse trails. Some sections of the horse trails will remain closed. Call the park office at 608-337-4775 for the latest updates.
Crawford County - This past week of dry conditions have afforded relief for flood victims in the area. All the river systems in the area are on the decline. The Mississippi River crested last week just over flood stage at around 16.3 feet. It held around flood stage for several days and is now slowly sliding downward. The current stage in the Prairie du Chien area is 13.5 feet. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for steady decline to around 12 feet by this upcoming weekend. The Wisconsin River has dropped a lot also. Currently the river is at 2.85 feet. During the high water period 10 days or so ago the Wisconsin (at Muscoda) did not reach the top 10 historical crests. In 1938 the Wisconsin River crested at Muscoda at 11.48 feet. The Kickapoo River has dropped considerably. On June 9, 2008 in Gays Mills the Kickapoo crested at 20.44 feet, which set a record. It was just under 10 months ago when it crested at 19.79 feet. Currently the Kickapoo in Gays Mills is at 9.75 feet. The Kickapoo in Steuben also set a record this year cresting at 19.15 feet. In August 2007 it crested at 16.9 feet. Currently the river in Steuben is at 9.8 feet. Water clarity on all the river system is still disturbed, but slowly getting better. Most of the boat landings in the Crawford County area are open, although some are difficult to use. All the trout streams in the area are back to near normal conditions. Boaters are urged to be courteous to the plight of those residents that are still flooded. Slow down as to not create a wake. Slowing down is a good idea for a different reason. There are numerous sticks, branches, and trees floating down most of the river systems. Bluegill, perch, and crappie action was pretty slow this week due to high water. Perch action at Lock and Dam #9 was spotty with some anglers catching a few decent fish using a chunk of nightcrawlers fished off the bottom. A few bluegills have been taken at the dam also using the same tactic. Most of the bluegills have been on the smaller size. Crappie action has been slow. Not much for white bass action either. Fishing at Cold Spring was generally slow, with a few reports some bluegill action. Bluegills and crappie being taken there on occasion. Anglers were targeting the shallows because the receding water and warmer temperatures are causing the bluegill to head into those areas. Same thing with the crappie. The boat ramp at Cold Spring is usable and the water has receded out of the parking area. The Ambro Slough complex was slow again this week due to high water. Access to boat landings is much better than this time last week. There has been some bluegill action in the backwaters where the barges park. Horseshoe (McGregor or Sturgeon) Lake is slow because the water was still crossing over-land creating current. Spring Lake was slow. Fishing for sauger and walleye picked up a little late in the week. Try trolling crank baits in deeper water sloughs. Black Slough, Roseau Slough, and Big Lake produced some fish. Another tactic is drifting with leeches or night crawlers. Once a walleye or sauger is caught target that area. The S curve by Harpers Ferry was slow mostly due to a lot of debris coming downstream. Northern pike action had slowed but picked up a bit by the weekend. A few northerns were taken at the dam in slack water. Casting crank baits have worked the best. Look for northerns in medium depth areas without heavy current. Bass (both large and smallmouth) has been fairly good at times. Anglers were targeting flooded areas for largemouth and wing dams for smallmouth. Some pretty good action for bass was found outside Ferryville. Many species of birds including waterfowl are actively tending young. Turtles have been on the move so be cautious traveling the local highways. Many spotted fawns are being seen this time of year. As with any young wild animal, they should be viewed from a distance and not disturbed or picked up. A chorus of frogs can be heard in the river bottoms. A fairly large hatch of mosquitoes and gnats showed up this past week. Mosquitoes have been terrible in the river bottoms and some upland areas. Gnats have also been a nuisance on the higher ground also.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Park trails are generally dry and in very good condition. Fishing in the area has been productive even with all of the rainy weather. Pan fish spawning activity has been sporadic with the swings in temperatures we have been experiencing. Species of birds seen or heard include: rose-breasted grosbeaks, belted kingfishers, ruby throated hummingbirds, scarlet tanagers, a variety of wrens, red polls, bluebirds, lake gulls, golden finches, mallard ducks, common loons, great blue herons, red winged blackbirds, phoebes, Canada geese, sandhill cranes, robins, mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles. The great blue herons, green herons, barred owls, ravens, osprey and bald eagles are on their nests. Visitors are reminded that when if they observe or come across young birds or animals, do not touch them and please 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. The fireflies and a variety of dragonflies and damselflies are out in abundance. Blue flag, marsh marigolds, dog violet, wild columbine, bellworts, false rue anemones, orange hawkweed, wild columbine, ox eye daisy, wooly yarrow, grove sandwort, blackberry and raspberry vines, and common and wood strawberry are in bloom. The wood strawberries are beginning to produce fruit.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Trails and campsites are dry. Lake levels are normal. Mosquitoes are still abundant in the park right now so remember to bring bug spray. Lake breezes kept them away at times at campsites. A black bear was spotted in several areas in the park last week on Wednesday and Thursday (from beach heading to canoe launch and by the group camp dumpster). Please secure your food when camping at the park. Visitors have been enjoying the picnic areas and beaches. Most campsites are reservable and fill up fast for the weekend. There are three non-reservable, first-come sites at the park. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees. Applications are available for the November Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt. Contact the park office at 608-565-2789 for questions or to get an application. The 2008 application is also available on the park website through the DNR internet site. Deadline is on July 15th!
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Campsites and trails are dry. There are many quiet sites available during the week and on the weekend. Three sites are non-reservable. There are some mosquitoes so remember your bug spray. Trails are in great condition for hiking. Wildflowers are blooming in the prairie. If the office is closed, please self-register in the parking lot. If you self-register for an annual sticker, it will be mailed to you.
Last Revised: Thursday June 26 2008
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