Only a couple areas of northern Wisconsin are reporting fall colors at peak on the Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report (exit DNR), but many northern areas are predicting peak colors within a week or so. Southern Wisconsin is reporting peak colors are two to four weeks off.
A strong weather system blew into Wisconsin on Sunday bringing rain and high winds across the state. Once the gusty winds died down, a cool northwest wind followed throughout Tuesday providing ideal migration conditions. The Canada goose population at Horicon Marsh, which had been lagging, likely doubled in one day. Lingering songbirds as well as egrets, white pelicans and blue-winged teal among others took advantage of these same winds to leave Wisconsin.
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 out, and with water temperatures finally cooling down into the low 60s, more anglers have started using suckers but initial success has been rather low. Walleye fishing continued to improve slowly, with greater numbers of fish showing up in the shallows. Bass are becoming more temperamental in their biting. Panfish action has been good and some nice catches of crappie reported. Walleye fishing activity has been good on the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers.
As expected, the rain triggered a salmon run on some Lake Michigan tributaries. Chinook were being caught in the Little, East and West Twin, Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers. Water levels remained low on southeastern tributaries, but the rain did trigger some upriver movement and chinook have been caught on the Sheboygan, Pigeon and Milwaukee rivers with a few being found in the Root and Pike rivers. The cool temperatures and windy conditions resulted in fishing pressure being extremely light on Lake Michigan. Salmon action was only fair for those anglers who ventured out. Smallmouth bass action continued to be good on Green Bay from Little Sturgeon all the way north to Washington Island. Walleye action was reported as good to very good throughout the county. Perch action was fair to good.
Waterfowl hunters had mixed success for the Northern Zone waterfowl opener. Hunters had good numbers of locally produced wood ducks and mallards and these were the number one and two ducks in the bag, with blue-winged teal number three in the bag. There are a lot of Canada geese in the area and goose hunting has been good this fall.
Bear hunters are having good success but a good acorn crop is affecting some of the bait sites. Archery hunters are reporting that deer appear to have moved or are moving into their more normal fall patterns with some nice bucks and antlerless deer being taken. Ruffed grouse hunters are having fair success and success should improve as the leaves continue to drop. Woodcock are also reported to be migrating through the north.
Camping has slowed at most parks, and some parks have begun to shut down seasonal campgrounds and many parks have sites open on weekends now, but this weekend about 3,000 scout and youth campers will be converging on Devil’s Lake State Park for the annual Badger Trails youth camping weekend.
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 fall colors are still not at peak but a couple of days can make a big difference for color change. It should not be long before the area is painted in the fall colors. Hunters are reminded that when out scouting for hunting areas, hunting, and retrieving animals to respect private property. Private land does not have to be fenced or signed…it is up to the person to know where they are. On page 38 in the 2009 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations it states that landowners suspecting that individuals are trespassing on their property should contact their local Sheriff's Department or other local law enforcement agency. Conservation Wardens do not have the authority to investigate trespassing complaints. * Remember: Although hunters are required to make reasonable effort to retrieve game they have killed or injured, hunters may not trespass to retrieve game, even if the game was shot from outside of the private land. Ask first for permission. Anglers are reminded that fishing on the Bois Brule River, Highway 2 and upstream to the headwaters closed Sept. 30. Highway 2 and downstream to the mouth of the River will be open until Nov. 15. Anglers are still reporting a mixed bag of lake run fish being caught.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Bikers riding the CAMBA trails near Cable last week reported scattered color in low spots. Visibility through the forest was improving with some leaves down. The most frequent wildlife sightings were the ground squirrels or the gray squirrels, and a few ruffed grouse. A small mud bog was totally dry.
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
Local waterfowl hunters had good success the opening weekend of the Northern Zone waterfowl opener. Despite dry conditions, there is plenty of permanent water in the form of lakes, rivers, streams, flowages, and beaver ponds that hold ducks. Hunters had good numbers of locally produced wood ducks and mallards and these were the number one and two ducks in the bag. Which was more abundant depended upon the area hunted. Blue-winged teal were number three in the bag. There are a lot of Canada geese in the area and they are congregating in picked grain fields. Hunting for them has been excellent all fall. Bear hunters are having good success but a good acorn crop is affecting some of the bait sites. Bow deer hunters are seeing some nice bucks and antlerless deer are being harvested even though most of the area is no longer in EAB or herd control status. Ruffed grouse hunters are having fair success and success should improve as the leaves continue to drop. Woodcock hunting is primarily locally produced birds and will improve once the fall flights start to arrive in the next week or two.
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 out -- they have been enjoying some real nice weather but action has been on the slow side. The most productive baits have been bucktails and stick baits, with most of the fish being seen along the deep weed edges. With water temperatures finally cooling down into the low 60s, sucker anglers have just started trying their luck. But initial success has been rather low and anglers were finding that it's been hard to keep the suckers alive with the unseasonably warm water temperatures. Walleye fishing has been slowly improving, with greater numbers of fish showing up in the shallows. Jig and minnow combinations worked on the weed edges and mid-depth gravel bars have produced the best success, but casting crank baits in the shallows near dark has also produced some fair catches. Largemouth bass continue to be found in shallow water, though they've been a bit temperamental in their biting. The best action has been in the late afternoon hours after the water has warmed up over the course of the day. Smallmouth bass have still been fairly active and some nice fish are still showing up in the local rivers and flowages. They have still been found near cover along the deep water areas -- but look for the fish to go deeper (and become harder to catch) with the declining water temperatures this fall. Panfish action has been good and some nice catches of crappie have been made in the late afternoon hours. The fish have been found along weed edges and near mid-depth cover, with small minnow producing the best success. Anglers are reminded that the general trout season closed on September 30 with most streams, rivers, and spring ponds closed to trout fishing. Many stocked trout lakes do remain open and those can be found in the Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide pamphlet.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Area conservation wardens and guides report that musky fishing is picking up and walleye fishing stays 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 utilizing 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 pretty good in spots this year. Recent wind and rains have accelerated the fall color process. Colors are soon to be peaking. Waterfowl hunters are reporting minimal success with geese and ducks as no movement of birds has occurred yet. 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.
Iron County - Fall color was over 50 percent in Iron County along Hwy. 77 from Hurley to Mellen and along County GG from Mellen to Clam Lake as of Sept. 28. It was a little spottier from Clam Lake to Cable with more color at the Clam Lake end.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - - Cool temperatures, windy conditions, and rain has resulted in fishing pressure being extremely light, with a few exceptions. Water temperatures at the landings has dropped into the upper 50s. One exception has been Little River. Anglers have still been lining the banks looking to hook into a salmon as they start to make their spawning run. Some salmon were being caught, but the numbers are down from last week. Another exception has been the walleye anglers who have been enjoying good success trolling crawler/harness around Chambers and Green islands (weather permitting). Salmon are jumping in the pocket at the Hattie Street Dam, hook ups have been few.
Oconto County - Some salmon have made their way up to the dam in Stiles but most anglers were still keying on panfish. Susie's Rapids (south) was producing some nice salmon in the 12 to 15 pound range using the triple swivel method. A few browns were being caught by anglers casting spoons from the end of the breakwater at the Oconto Harbor.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - Salmon fishing in Two Rivers and Manitowoc was good early last week, but slowed by the weekend. A few nice sized chinook salmon and an occasional brown trout were caught by anglers fishing the piers or from boats in the harbors. Yellow perch anglers fishing deep water inside the Two Rivers harbor had slow but steady success this week. Most of the perch ranged in length from 6 to 12 inches and were caught using small minnows. On the East Twin River, salmon anglers have had some success fishing at the road crossings on the lower half of the river. Some nice catches were made by drifting spawn sacs or fly fishing in the early morning (AFTER SUNRISE). Salmon fishing success near the Mishicot dam has been slow so far, but on Sunday, one angler fishing the dam landed a nice, very brightly colored, male steelhead. On the West Twin River, salmon anglers were concentrated near the Shoto dam. Friday was a good fishing day for most anglers with many chinook salmon harvested that ranged in weight from 12 to 22 pounds. A few brown trout were also landed on Friday. By Sunday fishing success near Shoto had dropped substantially. Most anglers were using spawn sacs or casting spinners and spoons.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The weather this week was more seasonable, with occasional showers producing some much needed rain. Temperatures were seasonably pleasant and the winds were mostly calm. The salmon action on Lake Michigan was only fair again this week. Anglers trolling out deep with spoons and fly and dodger combinations in the top 60 to 80 feet over 100 to 300 feet of water were having some limited success. Action off the piers at the Coast Guard Station and from the shore along the canal was best described as fair. Spoons and crank baits were producing a few fish for anglers trolling in the canal. Farther north, anglers continued to report taking a few fish out of Baileys Harbor, Gills Rock and the waters around Washington Island. Smallmouth bass action continued to be good on Green Bay from Little Sturgeon all the way north to Washington Island. The reefs and points are all producing some smallmouth. Tube jigs, stick baits, grubs and Katelands fished in 8 to 15 feet of water all were producing a few fish. Top water lures, spinners and crank baits fished in 2 – 10 feet of water near structure were also productive. Walleye action was reported as good to very good throughout the county, especially at night and under low light conditions. Anglers trolling over Henderson Reef and Monument Shoals as well as around islands such as Chambers and the Strawberries reported some success, mostly on crank baits and crawler harnesses fished in the 12 to 15 feet of water. Perch action was fair to good this week. The usual areas off of Chaudoir’s dock, the weed beds in Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon Bay, the flats and the area between the bridges in Sturgeon Bay all were producing some perch, minnows and night crawlers fished in 8 to 15 feet of water remain the baits of choice. Northern pike were cooperating with anglers casting off the points and along the weed edges in Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon.
Peninsula State Park - Fall color is just starting to emerge. Roadsides are filled with many species of goldenrods and asters. Look closely for fringed gentians in the Weborg Marsh. Waterfowl are on the move, but most species, including white pelicans, are still around. Expect peak colors on or after Oct. 15. Trails are in good condition. Enjoy the Sunset Bike Route early and late in the day, as use will be extremely heavy from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. over the next few weeks. The Pumpkin Patch Festival in Egg Harbor is Oct. 10-12. Expect heavy traffic in the County all weekend.
Strawberry Creek Egg Collection Facility - The Sturgeon Bay area received 0.8 inches of rain Sunday night to Monday morning. This was enough rain to slightly increase the flow of Strawberry Creek for a short period of time and a few salmon made their way up Strawberry Creek and jumped into the pond. The flow has since dropped and the number of salmon coming up the creek has slowed. Current plans are for a Thursday, Oct. 1, start up of the pump that supplies supplemental water to Strawberry Creek. Based on past experience there will likely be a near immediate response by the fish and the pond should be full of chinook by Monday morning Oct. 5. Crews are planning to conduct a chinook egg harvest on Monday. Staff will be at the pond by 8:30 a.m. setting up but given that this is the first harvest of the season crews may not be in full operation mode until 9:30 or later. Visitors are always welcome. School groups planning a visit to Strawberry Creek and people wanting to volunteer to help at Strawberry Creek are asked to contact Paul Peeters paul.peeters@wisconsin.gov or Scott Hansen scott.hansen@wisconsin.gov to coordinate those activities.
Kewaunee County - Weather this past week was more seasonable with some rain in the middle and end of the week. Winds were calm out of the south and the east for most of the week, but they did pick up toward the end of the week. Salmon are continuing to get darker as the fall spawning run gets closer, and there are many fish being spotted and caught up the Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers. Anglers have been reporting some success casting spoons for trout and salmon off of the piers in Algoma and Kewaunee. Most of the fish were being caught at sunrise and sunset, but some were being taken during the day. Anglers that have been going out on the lake had limited success this week. Kings, steelhead, and lakers were all being caught this week. Water temperatures are still been holding in the upper 60s on the surface this past week. Most of the fish that are being caught are being found in water depths between 75 and 125 feet with most anglers fishing over water that is in the 125 to 200 feet range. Anglers have also been fishing in the near shore areas around the mouth of the harbors and in the harbors and have also been finding a few fish.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Anglers looking for white bass have reported the key is to zero in on the seagull activity and anglers will find good fishing. Just follow the flock. High winds this week have made for some turbid water and rough fishing. Good size bluegills and crappies have been the pay off for persistence in weed beds and often times in open water. Maple trees, sumac and prairie grasses are showing their fall colors in Winnebago County. New England aster and goldenrod are the current bloomers. The migrant Canada geese are coming down from the north. The deadline to purchase a Winnebago System sturgeon spearing license is Oct. 31. Additional turkey permits for zone 3 are still available for purchase.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Washington County - Flocks of migratory Canada geese have begun arriving from Canada in larger numbers on Theresa Marsh and other areas in southeast Wisconsin. Recent rains have improved water conditions, although levels remain low in many areas. The water level on Theresa Marsh will be similar to past duck season openers for the Oct. 3 opener. Good numbers of wood ducks, mallards and teal have been observed, especially in areas where cattail control has been done during the past three years. During the waterfowl season, Theresa Marsh is open to non-motorized boating only. Work continues in Washington County to try to control populations of a new, destructive crayfish found in a subdivision pond in late August, and shown in a new online video available on the Invasive Species page of the DNR Web site. State fisheries and invasive species officials call on citizens to be on the lookout for the red swamp crayfish in other waters, hoping to prevent the toll the crayfish has taken in other states where it's been introduced: decreases in native fish, amphibian and crayfish populations and destruction of the aquatic plant beds fish need for habitat. People who think they have seen or caught the red swamp crayfish in southeastern Wisconsin can contact Heidi Bunk at (262) 574-2130 or Heidi.Bunk@wisconsin.gov. Elsewhere in the state, people can contact Laura Herman with the University of Wisconsin-Extension (715) 8998 or call the DNR hotline, 1-800-TIP-WDNR.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan fishing has been generally slow for anglers off the piers, but a few chinooks and rainbows have been taken. Sheboygan trollers have been catching chinooks and rainbows from the harbor out to 135 feet of water. Most fish have been taken from 20 to 70 feet down on spoons. Water levels remain low on the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers, but in the Sheboygan chinooks have been caught as far upriver as the Kohler dam. Northern pike and smallmouth bass have also been hitting small spoons and spinners in Kiwanis Park.
Ozaukee County - Shore fishing has picked up in Port Washington. Anglers have been catching browns and chinooks near the power plant and in the north slip. Spawn and glow spoons have produced the most fish. Fishing on Sauk Creek has been slow, and water levels are low.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee trollers have been catching chinooks 60 to 80 feet down in 100 to 140 feet of water; and a few browns and chinooks have also been taken by boaters in the harbor and around the gaps. A few chinooks and rainbows have been taken out of Oak Creek, but water levels are low. Fishing on the Menomonee River has been slow, but some chinooks have started to move up the Milwaukee River. Chinooks can be seen jumping in Kletzsch Park, and there have also been reports of steelhead caught just north of Capitol Drive.
Racine County - Shore anglers fishing off the Racine piers and shoreline have been catching a few chinooks on spawn, and trollers working in front of the harbor have been catching them on spoons and crank baits. Water levels on the Root River are still on the low side, but rain over the weekend has triggered upstream movement of chinooks. Fish can be found from the river mouth up to the Root River Steelhead Facility. Wooley buggers have been productive for fly anglers, and spawn sacs and skein have both produced as well.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha shore a few chinooks and browns have been taken in the harbor on spawn sacs and white tube jigs, and other chinooks have been taken on spoons near the mouth of the Pike River. Water levels remain relatively low on the Pike, but some chinooks have been seen in upstream stretches.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - A strong weather system blew into Wisconsin on Sunday and continued to produce northerly winds throughout the follow days. Once the gusty winds died down, a cool northwest wind followed throughout Tuesday providing ideal migration conditions. The Canada goose population at Horicon Marsh had been lagging for the fall season, but as of late morning on Tuesday and continuing throughout much of the day the geese flew above the marsh at high altitudes announcing the new arrival of migrant birds. It is likely that the fall goose populations doubled at Horicon Marsh on this day alone. As the same time, a number of lingering songbirds as well as egrets, white pelicans and blue-winged teal among others took advantage of these winds to leave Wisconsin. The change in the season came quickly with such a strong weather system and provided good conditions for migration. Waterfowl numbers are building on Horicon Marsh and surrounding wetlands as northern birds are heading into Wisconsin and joining others that have been present. This trend will continue throughout October and with the periodic passing of cold fronts the bird populations will change with the season as one group of birds departs and other arrive on these same winds. Public naturalist programs are being conducted on the weekends at the new Horicon Marsh International Education Center to help visitors better understand the marsh, its wildlife and management. A full schedules can be found at
www.horiconmarsh.org.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Devil’s Lake State Park - Badger Trails youth camping weekend will happen Oct. 2-4. There will be when about 3,000 youth campers taking over all but one campground, and hike the trails that Saturday. Autumn colors were about 10 turned as of Sept. 30. The peak of autumn color season is impossible to predict. Timing depends on night time temperatures, humidity, soil moisture, intensity and duration of sunlight exposure, and perhaps the width of the ring around the middle of the wooly-worm caterpillar. Usually the best bet for a day excursion to see fall colors are the middle two weeks in October. Mountain bike trails at Devil's Lake are open. If the trails get muddy after heavy prolonged rains, they may be closed to mountain bikes as long as they remain wet and easily damaged. Bike trails will remain open until the first snowfalls of the season. The Northern Lights and Ice Age Campgrounds will be open Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights of Columbus Day weekend, October 9, 10, 11; then it will be closed completely until next spring. Quartzite Campground will remains open. Water facilities (showers, running water restrooms, water taps, RV dump/fill stations) will close in early October. The Nature Center will be open through Oct. 11 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays (through Oct. 15) from noon to 2 p.m. The Chateau (north shore concessions and boat rental) will remain open seven days a week through Oct. 12.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
The northern zone waterfowl opener was quite slow. Water levels are still way down, especially on local Waterfowl Production Areas and State Wildlife Areas. Wood ducks were providing the most action on river bottoms. Canada goose activity seems to have improved and will get better as crops get harvested. Recent warm weather has made for bug infested evenings in deer stands, but a recent cool snap has things improving. A very strong acorn crop has effected deer movement and archery hunters should target oak stands and ridges. Zone C bear hunters have reported seeing an increase in activity and a real nice bear was harvested in Pierce County. Walleye fishing activity has been good on the Mississippi River, St. Croix River and Cedar Lake.
Willow River State Park - Water will be shut off and all flush toilets-showers closed for the season by the weekend of Oct. 9-10. This includes both campgrounds and all day use areas. Pit toilets will be open in the campground near site # 63, at the boat launch parking lot, and near the beach building. Campers may pick up water at the service building down the road from the office. Campers may unload water into the dump station but there is no rinse water after turn off. Self-registering campers are limited to two nights. Flocks of eastern bluebirds have been around the office this week. There is a Full Moon Hike scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 at the nature Center starting at 7 p.m.. The event begins inside with a presentation on birds, then a hike outside afterward. The Willow River Nordic skiers will begin dry land training Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 5:15 p.m. Meet near the Purple trail head. Bring sturdy shoes, classic length poles, and a head lamp. The group will train Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. until snow flies. The dry land sessions tend to be more maintenance or tune up rather than a strength building workout. The group has occasionally split if some want a faster pace. Most of the past participants are endurance event competitors. Adults wanting to prepare for the coming cross-country ski season are welcome. The session is generally over by 6:30 p.m. The usual route is the Purple trail, up the Brown, around the Red main stem, and back down the Brown to the Purple and out. During snow season the group will skate one night and classic stride on the other. A park sticker is required on your vehicle for the Full Moon Hike or the ski training sessions.
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. Waterfowl numbers are increasing along the Mississippi, primarily coots and teal. The number appears to be less than other years at this time. Wild rice is especially abundant this year. Although it is often a good place to locate ducks in hunting season, wild rice often makes retrieval of downed birds more difficult. Beginning this year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, on the Upper Mississippi, will require immediate retrieval of waterfowl shot by hunters, unless the bird is dead and in plain view of the hunter.
Great River State Trail – Surface maintenance is being done on a 5 mile trail section from the Trempealeau Refuge to 1/4 mile south of Trempealeau. The surface may be soft in places and the loose material may be difficult to bike on. A resurfacing project is also underway. Two sections of the trail will be receiving a new layer of surfacing material this fall. Look for heavy equipment and loose limestone screenings about 1 mile north of Midway and also north of Lytles Landing. Work will be done only on weekdays. Other sections of the trail are open and in good condition. Watch for the reds of sumac and Virginia creeper as you ride along. Hawks and waterfowl are beginning to migrated down the river valley. The bathrooms at Trempealeau and Lytles landing will be closed on October 19. Please report any damage or problems on the trail to Perrot State Park (608) 534-6409.
Perrot State Park - Water levels are low and fishing is slow. Trails are in good condition and are carpeted with fallen leaves. The park is probably about half way through its fall color season, thanks to the drought. Maples and Sumac continue to blaze red, although the leaves are dropping rapidly. A few asters are still hanging on in the woods and prairies. The bay is beginning to open up as the sedges and arrowhead die back for winter. Sandhill cranes are still heard in the bay area and pelicans are flying over in large flocks now. Juncos have appeared at the Nature Center and migrant warblers are found in the shrubs. Woodchucks also seem to be packing on the pounds and are still seen waddling around the park. All campsites are open. The shower building in the Upper Loop will be closed Sunday afternoons through Friday morning, but will be open on weekends. Water shut-off is scheduled for October 15, but may happen earlier if freezing weather approaches. Reconstruction of Sullivan Road from Trempealeau into the park has begun. Lane restrictions and road closures can be expected through the end of October. Campers should consider taking the North Road into the park. Call the park (608-534-6409) for details.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Leaves are starting to turn colors. The park should be at peak color within a week to 10 days. Water levels are still good for canoeing. Canoe rentals are available nearby in the Village of Ontario. Many asters are blooming. Hiking trails are in good condition.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest – The all-terrain vehicle trail system was groomed one week ago and is in good condition. This will be the last grooming cycle for this season. All ATV trails will close on Oct. 15. The section of ATV trail from Campground Road to the Clay School parking lot is temporarily closed again due to excessive water on the trails and riders going off trail to avoid these sections. During this time of closure a temporary route has been authorized with the Town of Komensky, Please ride with the utmost respect on this new route. ATVs must stay on the roadway at all times and be mindful of speed. Work is complete on upgrading the wetland crossings on a 1.1-mile section of trail from Wildcat Road heading west. There is some top dressing to be done on the crossings; this work will be done the week after the trails close for the season. As soon as we receive the necessary wetland permits we will begin work on the section that is now temporarily closed. Four fatal ATV accidents have occurred on the Jackson and Clark county trail systems this summer. These are unfortunate reminders of the need to practice safe riding at all times. All campgrounds are open for the rest of the season on a first come first served basis. Getting a site this time of year is very easy even on weekends.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The park and wildlife areas are open for the early bow deer season and deer can be registered at the park office. Waterfowl, small game hunting and trapping are allowed in the Yellow River and Buckhorn Wildlife Areas only. Fall turkey hunting is allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and is not allowed in the new park land for fall. New maps are available at the park office that show the parkland that was acquired last fall which is now state park land and has the hunting rules on them. An accessible deer hunting blind and two accessible waterfowl blinds can be reserved by persons with disabilities. If not reserved, they are first come, first served. The accessible fishing pier is located by the north shelter. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting at the park and many visitors have been enjoying them. We have an adapted kayak for use by people with disabilities. People have been hiking all over the park and taking pictures for the photo contest. GPS units are available to check out as well as a binder of geocaches at Buckhorn and Roche-A-Cri. Some campsites will remain open for the weekend and are non-reservable. Check with the park office on availability. Sites 8,9, 16 and sites in the group camp, A1-A4, A6-A8 and B1-B3 are reservable through Oct 12.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Camping is now closed for the season. The weather is perfect for taking photos for the annual photo contest and hiking the trails. Hunting is not allowed in the park. There is a hunter parking lot on Cypress Ave, east of Highway 13 at that hunting area.
Last Revised: Thursday October 01 2009
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