Fall colors are now at or very near peak in northern Wisconsin with some spectacular color being reported this year. Peak colors are still a week or two away in central Wisconsin and three to four weeks away in southern Wisconsin.
Strong winds early this week followed by a cold front that passed through Wisconsin created ideal migration conditions for a variety of birds. The cold weather and good flying conditions took many of the early migrants out of the area and also brought new birds in. White pelicans, great egrets and other birds departed in large numbers from Horicon Marsh, but the same front brought in large numbers of Canada geese and ducks. This could be both an advantage and disadvantage for hunters headed out for the southern zone duck season opener this Saturday, as many blue-winged teal may have migrated already, but northern ducks have begun moving in.
Fall salmon runs are still being delayed by a lack of rainfall, but activities are starting to pick up. A pump that provides supplemental water to Strawberry Creek in Door County was turned on this week, immediately drawing salmon upstream from their staging area in the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. The Strawberry Creek Spawning Facility will be conducting egg collection this week and through the next two weeks. The C.D. Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility on the Kewaunee River is also in the process of egg collection and will be conducting an open house this Saturday, Oct. 4 with guided tours and opportunities for visitors to watch salmon jump up the fish ladder through an underwater viewing room. Wisconsin Great Lakes tributary streams lack the potential to support substantial reproduction, so adult trout and salmon must be collected each year and spawned. About 4.7 million trout and salmon are stocked into Lake Michigan tributary streams to support this internationally recognized sport fishery.
With many hunting seasons open, fishing pressure has really dropped off on the waters in the north. There have still been quite a few musky anglers venturing out and they have been enjoying some excellent success. Walleye fishing has shown some steady improvement and panfish action has been good and some nice catches of crappie, bluegill and rock bass being made in the late afternoon hours. Bass have become less active as the lakes continue to cool and have moved into deeper waters.
Anglers fishing on Lake Michigan continue to focus on near shore activity to take advantage of the trout and salmon staging off tributaries. Angling pressure is still high at piers and harbors and below dams on tributaries.
Archery hunters are reporting that deer appear to have moved or are moving into their more normal fall patterns. Woodcock were reportedly migrating through northern Wisconsin.
Coyotes have been very vocal over the last several weeks. Family groups have established rendezvous sites where family groups meet to socialize and prepare for an upcoming hunt. Pups are especially vocal at this time and will readily respond when howled at.
A few sunflowers, compass plants and cup flowers continue to hang on while the goldenrods, asters and big bluestem prairie grass are in full glory.
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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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The colors around Brule are spectacular now and it is definitely worth a trip to come to view the scenery. We are very close to peak color. Get out the cameras, hiking boots, paddles, picnic baskets, driving maps...whatever you need to get out to see the beautiful colors! A large variety of mushrooms have seemed to have "erupted" lately adding to the fall colors. The Bois Brule River is flowing at 118 cfs (cubic feet per second) The 62 year average is 142 cfs.
Fall colors at the Clevedon fire tower, Brule River State Forest
Catherine Khalar Photo
Pattison State Park – Fall color is was at about 70 percent as of Oct. 2. The peak should be within the next week.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With nearly all of the major hunting seasons open, fishing pressure has really dropped off on the waters in the north. There have still been quite a few musky anglers venturing out and they have been enjoying some excellent success. Most of the fish have been found on the deep weed edges and break lines, with artificial baits such as bucktails, stick baits producing most of the action. Anglers using live suckers have also experienced some good success, with a beautiful 41-inch tiger musky caught and released on Butternut Lake this past week. Walleye fishing has shown some steady improvement and some decent catches of 12 to 16-inch fish have been reported. Jig and minnow combinations worked on the deep edges, and crank baits in the shallows near dark have produced the best success. With the falling water temperatures, bass fishing has begun to get more erratic. Many largemouth bass continue to be found in shallow water around lily pad beds and near woody cover, though they've become a bit temperamental in their biting. The best action has been on soft plastics in the late afternoon hours after the water has warmed up over the course of the day. Smallmouth bass have been a hit or miss proposition, with a few nice fish still showing up in the local flowages and rivers. Some smallmouth were still being caught near cover along the deeper break lines, with small finesse plastics being the favored bait. But look for smallmouth to go deeper and become harder to catch as water temperatures continue to drop with the cool fall weather. Panfish action has been good and some nice catches of crappie, bluegill and rock bass being made in the late afternoon hours. Small minnows have produced the best success, with crappie and rock bass being found along weed edges and near mid-depth cover, and bluegill being found suspended just off the bottom in 10 to 15 feet of water. Anglers are reminded that the general trout season closed on Sept. 30 with most streams, rivers, and spring ponds being closed to trout fishing. However, many stocked trout lakes do remain open and those can be found in the Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide pamphlet.
Flambeau River State Forest - As of Sept. 29 leaves were at peak for color and even starting to drop in places. The south fork of the Flambeau River is very low and not recommended for paddling. The north fork is also very low and recent paddlers (using kayaks) reported the need to get out and pull through gravel/rocky areas in quite few spots; canoeist might meet even more frequently with more difficulty. A lot of geese have been seen migrating.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Colors are near peak. Recent wind and rains have accelerated the fall color process. Area conservation wardens and guides report that musky fishing is picking up and walleye fishing has remained steady. Musky anglers are employing the use of sucker rigs and reporting increased success. Anglers are reminded that dragging a sucker behind the boat while using a trolling motor to propel the boat along the shore is a violation of the trolling restrictions and citations will be issued. A few largemouth bass have been caught, although they will become less active as the lakes continue to cool. Smallmouth bass have moved into deeper waters – about 15-20 feet. Perch activity is reported as sporadic but they are being caught on weed edges or in flowages with submerged wood in about 6-12 feet of water. Bluegills are hanging about the weed edges and have been somewhat aggressive. Crappies are beginning to school in shallow weeds. Archery hunters are reporting that deer appear to have moved or are moving into their more normal fall patterns with some nice deer being taken. Concentrate in areas with oak trees as the acorn crop is spotty this year. Waterfowl hunters are reporting success with geese but ducks numbers are down a bit. Grouse hunters are reporting a few birds in the area and are beginning to find them on the higher ground as opposed to the lower edges at the beginning of the season. Leaf drop is beginning making for better visibility in the woods. Woodcock are now reported to be migrating through the area.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The color is peak this week in Marinette County. The occasional walleye, smallmouth, salmon, and panfish was being caught by the Hattie Street Dam. Live bait has been the rule of thumb for everything but the salmon. Cleo's, daredevils, and spinners are producing a few salmon in the 16 to 20 pound range. Anglers fishing the bay side of the lighthouse pier have been enjoying some success catching browns, steelhead, and chinook using heavy spoons. The hot color remains silver/blue followed by silver/green or silver/chartreuse. The night bite at Little River has been quite prolific using spawn sacks fished on bottom. Smallmouth bass have become active at the Peshtigo Harbor, along with some nice northern pike. Jigs and minnows for the smallmouth and spoons for the northern have been working well. Turkey broods are busying themselves in agricultural fields looking for grasshoppers. Deer activity is slightly increased along roadways during dawn and dusk hours. A heavy frost still has not occurred in the north although breezy wet weather is moving in. Archers will soon have more visibility in the woods for hunting.
Oconto County - Oconto Park II fishermen have been coming in this week with some catches of perch. Young's Reef was hot this week as well as the weed beds in 12 feet of water straight out from the landing. Minnows suspended about 6 inches off the bottom have worked well. Walleye have slowed down considerably from a few weeks ago but can still be found in 7 to 20 feet of water using crawler/harness. Some bluegill still being caught by the Stiles Dam but the number of anglers has decreased dramatically.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - In the Fox River of Green Bay, anglers targeting musky have been having slight success when casting. The occasional angler catches walleye along the channel. Shore fishing has been slow for most targeting game species. In the bay, the walleye bite has slowed; though, it seems the night bite may be giving better results. Anglers targeting walleye have been having luck with crawler harnesses and crank baits. Those using launches on the east shore of the bay seem to be having better luck than those using launches on the west shore. Yellow perch seem to be biting more consistently; though, they are still spotty. Crawlers and minnows are both working well. Areas around Bayshore, in approximately 20 feet of water, have shown good results. Chaudoir’s area and north are also good, maybe even better, areas to target perch. Water temperature in the bay is in the lower to mid-60s.
Manitowoc County - Anglers fishing off of Manitowoc on Lake Michigan had a fair week for trout and salmon this past week. Boat anglers had some good trips over the week that produced good catches of chinook salmon and a few coho salmon. The most successful anglers were trolling in 20 to 75 feet of water using J-plugs in the early morning. Fishing inside the harbor was concentrated around the north end of the marina and the river mouth. Anglers were casting spoons and crank baits with mixed success. Catch rates were on the slow side with harvested chinook ranging between 11 and 18 pounds. A few anglers that rigged up with a bobber and worm caught a few smelt about 5 to 9 inches in length from the north pier stub and inside the marina. In Two Rivers, anglers also had a fair week of fishing. Weather conditions were not the most productive, but that did not keep many fishermen from putting in long hours inside the harbor and the south pier. Inside the harbor fishing was a little slow, but anglers were still able to harvest some nice chinook salmon. Anglers had the most success in the early morning, casting spoons and stick baits. On Sunday evening a couple anglers on the south pier also picked up a couple of brown trout casting spoons. Boaters trolling Lake Michigan in 20 to 50 feet of water had some success landing mature chinook salmon, a couple coho salmon and a few brown trout. On the West Twin River, angler pressure was high around the Shoto Dam. Anglers were casting spoons or drifting spawn sacs for chinook salmon and rainbow trout. Chinook salmon have been ranging in weight from 12 to 18 pounds. A few boaters who launched at the Shoto Public Launch and traveled upstream were using stick baits and spoons were able to land a few nice chinook salmon that weighed 15 to 18 pounds. On the East Twin River, anglers pressure at the Mishicot dam was moderate over the weekend. Catch rates were a little slow and few visible chinook were noted at the dam. Anglers fishing further downstream at Maplewood Road or Hillcrest Road had some success during the week catching chinook salmon.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County – In the Little Sturgeon Bay/Sawyer Harbor area, northern pike have been biting well. Many types of lures have been working while both casting and trolling. Both trophy-sized and “good eating”-sized are plentiful. Musky were also biting in the area. Many trophy-sized individuals have been seen throughout this system. Casting seems to be the best approach for musky at this time. The yellow perch bite has been somewhat spotty but good in this system. Many little fish were caught but larger fish were also available. For walleye, the night bite on Larson's Reef seemed to be the best. There are currently many trophy walleye available in this system. Trolling or drifting with crank baits has been working best. Salmon and trout are moving into the system and providing good opportunities for those targeting them. The smallmouth bass bite seems fairly slow. Water temperature is in the low to mid-60s.
Peninsula State Park - Colors are at approximately 30 percent in northern Door County. Expect the peak colors in mid October. Weather has been dry but recent rains have greened things up. All park facilities are open and in good condition. All trails are open and in very good condition, though somewhat dry. Watch for pelicans, cormorants and eagles over the waters of Green Bay. Interesting wildflowers include the fringed gentians along the park's shoreline. Asters are their peak. Peninsula's Spooktacular Hike will start at 5 p.m. on Oct. 11. Stop at Park Headquarters for details. All campgrounds are open through the middle of October.
Potawatomi State Park - Fall colors are just starting. Run Wild, the annual 10K run/walk sponsored by the Friends of Potawatomi, will be held this Saturday, Oct. 4. The half-mile Ancient Shorelines Nature Trail now has interpretive signs and a crushed limestone surface. The signs explain geologic features in the park, including the Niagara Escarpment and what once was the shoreline of a tropical sea. Four group campsites are under construction and scheduled to during 2009. Two of the group sites can accommodate trailers and motor homes; the other two sites are for tent campers. Solar panels will light the pit toilet buildings and power the wells.
Strawberry Creek Spawning Facility - Despite some recent rainfall events, the natural flow at Strawberry Creek has remained rather low and only a few chinook had "crawled" their way upstream as of Sept. 29. The pump that provides supplemental water to Strawberry Creek was started Sept. 29 and the chinook that had been staging responded almost immediately and have started their upstream movement and are piling into the pond. Fisheries crews plan to conduct the first salmon harvest on Thursday, Oct. 2, and are tentatively planning additional harvests for Oct 6, 9, 13, and 16. Crews will likely be at the pond by 8:30 a.m. on harvest days but not likely to actually start fish processing until about 9 a.m. Depending on the number of fish and the amount of help we have on any individual day crews will likely be processing fish through at least 11 a.m. and frequently until noon or later.
Kewaunee County - The salmon run is still the main attraction for anglers fishing Lake Michigan and its tributaries this past week. The piers in both Algoma and Kewaunee are still seeing the bulk of the fishing pressure and coho and chinook salmon are still being caught here and there. Some trolling anglers are still cruising the shoreline with variable success. Water temperatures were in the low 60s inshore. Others have gone out as far as 120-150 feet and found some success catching younger, non-spawning salmon and a few rainbow trout. As far as stream action goes, the Kewaunee River was busy this past weekend as anglers found success fishing deeper pools where salmon congregated. Spawn sacs were a common bait which produced success. The salmon run should continue to be the main focus into the coming week.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Havenwoods State Forest - All trails are clear. Deer, coyote, bluebirds, geese, ducks, owls, turkey, hawks, and meadowlarks are being seen.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Rivers are generally low in Southeast Wisconsin, and rain is needed to help trigger salmon movement.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan anglers fishing off the piers and in the marina have been catching a few chinooks and coho on spoons and spawn. In the Sheboygan River some chinooks have been caught near the Kohler dam on flies. Sheboygan trollers have been catching a few browns, coho, and chinooks in and around the harbor.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers have been catching a few chinooks and browns in the harbor and near the power plant on spawn. Trollers in Port Washington have also had some success fishing near the harbor.
Milwaukee County - Shore anglers in Milwaukee have been catching a few chinooks and browns off McKinley pier. Spawn has produced the most browns, while chinooks have been taken on glow in the dark spoons before sunrise. Fishing on the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers and Oak Creek has been slow. Milwaukee trollers have been catching a few chinooks in the gaps and around the harbor.
Racine County - In Racine shore anglers have been catching chinooks and rainbows near the mouth of the Root River and off the south pier. Glow in the dark spoons fished at dawn have provided the most action. Racine trollers have taken mature chinooks inshore near the mouth of the Root River on J-Plugs. Water levels on the Root River are low, but anglers fishing the river have caught some chinooks and browns in Washington Park. Small flies and spawn have taken the most fish. The Root River Steelhead Facility is not yet in operation, but the facility should be running once we get some more rain. Please check back for updates.
Kenosha County - For shore anglers in Kenosha, a few chinooks have been caught in the harbor and off the piers on crank baits. Kenosha trollers have been catching chinooks and a few lake trout. Most fish have been caught from 60 to 80 feet of water, but some chinooks have also been caught off the mouth of the Pike River.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - The strong winds and cold front that passed through Wisconsin on September 30 followed by northerly winds created ideal migration conditions for a variety of birds. The cold weather and good flying conditions took many of the early migrants out of the area and also brought new birds in. The white pelicans, great egrets and several other birds departed in large numbers from Horicon Marsh and with the few stragglers left behind these birds will be difficult to find in the area. The same cold front brought in large numbers of Canada geese and ducks bringing their numbers closer to the fall peak populations. Sandhill cranes are gathering in large flocks and among the woodlands and thickets fox sparrows, white-throated sparrows, yellow-rumped warblers and even some early winter birds have made their way into the area. This is a time of rapid changes in bird populations in wetlands and the periodic passing of cold fronts and northerly winds bring continuous changes to the birds in the area. As a result, those interested in observing migrant birds need to get out every week or so in order to keep track of the regular changes as early migrants depart and later migrating birds arrive and pass through the area. Those who wish to enjoy the fall migration at Horicon Marsh will also find the fall colors beginning to develop. Peak colors should arrive within the next two weeks. In order to see the large flocks of Canada geese that gather at Horicon Marsh each fall, visitors should be aware that the geese fly out to surrounding farmland and uplands to feed during the day and return to Horicon Marsh as the sun goes down. Therefore, visitors need to plan their trip to stay until the end of the day in order to see the spectacular flight of thousands of Canada geese that migrate to Horicon Marsh.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - Hummingbirds are starting to leave the area. The walleye activity on the Wisconsin River has been good with a number of nice catches. Bow hunters are seeing deer movement in the woods as the deer eat acorns. The fall color is starting in Sauk County.
Devil's Lake State Park - Foliage is only about 5 to 10 percent turned to colors. Mountain bike trails are open. The south shore boat landing is open. At the north shore boat landing, only small boats may be launched by hand, but barricades may not be moved and vehicles and trailers may not by-pass the barricades. Concession operations are open through October, including boat rentals. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., possibly later on Friday nights and weekends. Parfrey's Glen is closed and will remain closed until repairs can be done, likely at least throughout the fall, winter, and spring. Barricades are posted at the entrance. No admittance is allowed, including walking in on foot. The annual Badger Trails youth camping weekend (more than 3,000 Scouts and youth campers) is this weekend Oct. 3-5 this year. That weekend, only Quartzite Campground is open for public camping. The Aldo Leopold Half-Marathon and 5K Run will be held at the park on Saturday, Oct. 25. Up to 500 backcountry runners will experience the broad vistas and spectacular trails of Devil’s Lake while under the duress of running 13 miles. This event is sponsored by the Aldo Leopold Foundation and Great Lakes Endurance. The middle two weekends are usually your best bet for prime fall colors.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Leaf color is progressing. There has not been a howling wind to pull leaves down early so the coming peak of color season should be good if the winds stay down. Ash leaves are a mottled mix of lighter green to yellow. The sumac is bright red. Some maples are showing color. Box elder has a yellow hue. Little Falls Lake is at its clearest condition of the year right now. A large school of panfish have gathered in the flow on the dam apron. Construction work is in progress for a bypass road so the new office building can get started. Eventually, the bypass will be the outbound road to the entrance. Work is also in progress on the campground north of the road. Cross-country ski training is in progress Tuesdays and Thursdays. Meet at the Nature Center parking lot near the Purple Trail at 5:30 p.m. Training goes till 6:30-7 p.m. depending on the pace and distance. The trainers saw several white-tail deer on the last session. There were no bucks observed. The ski trainers tend to go unless there’s a downpour or worse weather in progress. All flush toilets and showers are closed for the season. Pit toilets are open in the campground, boat launch, group camp, and near the beach. Water fountains and the dump station water have been turned off. Campers may load water tanks at the service building just down the hill from the park office. The dump station will remain open for another month to unload only, no rinse water. Most electric sites in the main campground are reserved for the next two weekends. Canoe and kayak rentals have ended for the season.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Large flocks of migrating bluebirds, robins, sparrows, and catbirds are winging through the area. These migrating birds make many multi-day stops, fuel up on readily available foods, and continue their leisurely, southward migration. Small, fleshy fruits are especially attractive foods for these hungry birds -- elderberries, dogwood berries, Virginia creeper berries, grapes, crabapples. Wild turkeys have also been very active recently, feeding heavily on grasshoppers, crickets, acorns, and other seeds. The shortening day length, or photoperiod, coupled with strong cold fronts this week will cause many birds to migrate. This migration could be either an advantage or disadvantage to hunters headed out for our duck season opener on Oct. 4. Many blue-winged teal may have migrated already, although good opportunities should still exist. Coyotes have been very vocal over the last several weeks. Family groups have established rendezvous sites. These are typically open areas including old log landings, abandoned quarries or grassy hillsides, where family groups meet to socialize, and prepare for an upcoming hunt. Pups are especially vocal at this time and will readily respond when howled at.
Merrick State Park - All trails are in good condition. Although the bluffs show no change in colors, individual trees in the park have exceptional color. Panfish are hitting along the wing dams. Duck season opens Oct. 4. Hunting is allowed in the back waters so campers should be prepared to hear gun shots. The flush toilet/shower building is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and will be closed for the season on Monday, Oct. 13. Reservations are accepted through Oct. 31.
Perrot State Park - All trails are in fairly good condition. Fishing is fast or slow depending on the day and your perspective; the water level is low. Birds continue to migrate through although bird activity is spotty and weather dependent. Fall colors are mediocre although individual trees are exceptional. Duck season opens Saturday, October 4, and occasional gunshots may be heard near areas of open water. All sites are still open for camping. Campsites 51 through 86 are closed to reservations, but are available as walk-ins; the upper flush toilet/shower building is closed during the week but is open on the weekends. The lower flush toilet/shower building is open every day. The dump station is open and potable water is available. Water shut off is scheduled for October 15 unless a hard frost is predicted before that date. Canoe and kayak rentals continue to be popular ways of appreciating the fall weather and colors and the water in Trempealeau Bay is perfect for a lazy paddle. Rentals are available until Trempealeau Bay freezes.
Great River State Trail - The trial is open and in good condition. The remnant prairie character of the old railway beds is dominant on the landscape right now with the prairie grasses stunning to behold. A few sunflowers, compass plants and cup flowers continue to hang on and the goldenrods are in full glory. Hunting is allowed along the Great River Trail and occasional gunshots may be heard.
Buffalo River State Trail - ATVs are allowed year round on the Buffalo River Trail. The trail has been graded and is in good condition. All hunting seasons apply along this trail. Adjoining county trail systems may be closed in the middle of October.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Fall colors are between 25 and 50 percent in the area. The ash trees are dropping their leaves quickly, some of the maples are turning, the sumac are in full red color. Park trails are in good condition. The open water game fish action has been good this past week. Bass action on spinner baits and float baits has been productive, walleye action has been spotty. There has been good musky action on Cornell flowage and below the Cornell dam. Pan fish action has been increasing in the bays as the water temperature begins to drop. The South (electric) campground road paving project has been completed. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, loons, robins, a variety of wrens, phoebes, piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, and bald eagles. Brunet Island State Park north campground is open with pit toilets and drinking water available. The south campground is open with electric sites, hand water pump, and a campground shower facility. The park dump station is open. As the park office is not regularly staffed at this time of year, please use the yellow self registration pay posts located at the office and in each campground.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - - Leaf color is beginning and will be at its peak within a few weeks. Trails are scenic with the red of the maples and yellow leaves of the aspen trees. Hikers can pick from several loop trails or hike the linear trail just outside of Cornell. All views from the trail are beautiful. Stop into the visitor center for a trail map but don't delay too long for the best color. Motorized vehicles, bicycles and horses are not permitted anywhere within the park, but well behaved dogs are. Please leash them when around the visitor center. Fishing has been good, depending on weather conditions. Some anglers have been having success on some of the larger lakes in the area with bass and pan fish. Several good size northerns have been caught this summer. Canada geese have started their fall migration and at almost any time of the day or evening a flock can be seen or heard on their way back to warmer climates. Other wildlife seen in and around the park include fisher, white-tailed deer, black bear. Several varieties of blue asters are vibrant in the prairie as is the big bluestem prairie grass. The rain garden, provided by the C.D. Besadny foundation, has done amazingly well, even though planted late last October. The three primitive walk-in campsites have been very popular this summer. The sites are isolated, close to water, and very scenic. The Townline Lake site is accessible by canoe only, while the North Shattuck and Unnamed Lake sites are just a short hike in. Campsites have an outdoor privy and fire ring.
Wausau DNR Service Center area
Rib Mountain State Park - Fall is here, leaves are turning. Fall color is at about 30 to 40 percent as September draws to a close. Peak is anticipated by the Department of Tourism in one to two weeks. Trails are in good condition. Plenty of deer can be seen while in the woods along with other wildlife such as turkeys, fox, woodchucks, etc. Volunteers are working on improving the trail system, removing rock and resurfacing. Please be aware of this as you use the trails. Please note that Mountain Bikes are not allowed on the trails at Rib Mountain. Mountain Bike trails are available at the nearby Nine-Mile County Forest Recreation Area, this facility is managed by Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry. Camping is on a first-come basis. The campground is scheduled to be open until the end of October. The Friends of Rib Mountain and Rib Mountain State Park have entered into an agreement with UW-Stevens Point Park and Recreation Association to create a new trail to the old quarry area on the west end of the park. This new trail is almost complete, trail markers are yet to be installed and final surfacing of woodchips is scheduled yet for this fall. If you are interested in assisting with this project please contact the park at 715-842-2522.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Fall colors are starting to change along Hwy 58 between Mauston and the park. The park is open for early and late season for bow hunting (no special hunting permit is required). New hunting maps are available for the park and wildlife areas. Small game, waterfowl and trapping are allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and in Buckhorn Wildlife Area only, not in the park. Deer can be registered at the park office when it is staffed. All other hunting is allowed in Yellow River Wildlife Area. Visitors have been enjoying the picnic areas and beaches and renting canoes/kayaks. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees. We have a couple openings for the youth deer hunt - contact the park office for more information. Campsites will be closed to reservations after Oct. 6. Some campsites may be open as first come sites, depending on the weather. Please check with the office to see what is available. 8, 9, 16, A1-A8, B1-B3 will be open longer.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Fall colors are just starting and should be nice in the next few weeks. Camping is now closed for the season and the main gate will be closed Oct 27. Hunting is not allowed in the park. There is a hunter parking lot on Cypress Ave for the Roche-A-Cri natural area east of highway 13. This years pumpkin walk is on Oct. 18.
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