Very scattered snow falls across Wisconsin left widely varying snow conditions across the state, with some areas receiving 8 or more inches and others just an inch or two. As of Thursday, snow depths generally ranged from 1 to 3 inches or less in the south, to a foot in areas of central Wisconsin, to up to 20 inches in the far north. Conditions were expected to change, with rain and winter storm warnings in place for Thursday afternoon into Friday morning.
Snowmobile trails were closed through most of southern and west central Wisconsin, but were open in some central and many northern counties, with snow conditions (exit DNR). generally ranging from poor to good. Cross-country ski trails were still skiable in some areas of the south, including all units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, but rain in the forecast could change those conditions, so call ahead before heading to trails this weekend.
The Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season closed Saturday, Feb. 21, after running for eight days. Spearers took a total of 1,512 sturgeon from Lake Winnebago and the separate Upriver Lakes seasons. The upriver season ran five days and closed Feb. 18. Sturgeon history was made on day two of the season when a Menasha woman speared a 168.8 pound female sturgeon out of her shack on Lake Poygan. It was the largest fish ever harvested by a woman spearer, the largest fish ever registered from the Upriver Lakes, the fourth largest fish by weight on record and the sixth longest fish on record. There were a total of 10,239 licenses sold for both seasons this year.
Variable weather conditions in the past week made for some erratic ice fishing success. Once again, walleye continue to provide the most consistent action in the north, with anglers reporting some fair catches at various times through the week. As is typical in this late-winter period, the clear sunny days produce a more concentrated bite in the hour before dark and the cloudy, milder days produce more prolonged daytime action. Panfish action continued to be on the slow side, with anglers really having to work to catch fish.
Monitoring of winter oxygen levels has indicated that most lakes are holding up pretty well. Some shallow and weedy lakes and flowages were starting to experience some very low levels in early February but the big thaw in mid February helped to alleviate those low levels.
Anglers on Green Bay continue to report success for whitefish and some perch. There is still sufficient ice for foot travel along the McKinley Marina in Milwaukee, and anglers have been catching a few browns and rainbows on spawn sacs under a tip up.
The game fish season on most inland Wisconsin waters closes at the end of the day on Sunday, March 1. The panfish seasons remain open year-round as does the season for certain game fish on select lakes and rivers, including much of the Wisconsin River and its impoundments. Waters that remain open are listed in the “Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations” and on the Department of Natural Resources Web site.
Recent snow melting has exposed more feeding opportunities for wildlife. Notably, deer have been moving around more. Some large groups have been seen lately in farm fields.
There are still lots of winter finch being reported in Wisconsin. New arrivals include the first sandhill cranes and early migratory waterfowl. A few bluebirds and robins have been seen recently. Cardinals and several other smaller birds have begun spring singing. Numerous eagles have returned to the Northwoods to begin their nesting and mating rituals. Flocks of Canada geese can be seen working corn field stubble in the evening hours, and the pairs are beginning to show some courtship behaviors.
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
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Statewide Birding Report
There are still lots of winter finch being reported in Wisconsin. New arrivals include the first sandhill cranes and early migratory waterfowl. The first week of March should bring robins, blackbirds, and some other early migrants.
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NORTHERN REGION
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Ski trails were once again in excellent condition after recent snowfall last week. All ski trails were groomed and tracked on Sunday Feb. 22. More snow in the forecast for the upcoming week along with temperatures in the upper 20s to around 30. Copper Falls State Park is a beautiful place to ski and enjoy a late winter day. Hiking and pets are not allowed on ski trails within the park. For those wishing to hike, walk a pet, or snowshoe; the Red Granite Falls Trail remains open. Snowshoeing has been very popular on this trail.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail – Snowmobile and ATV riding conditions on the trail are fair to poor. Grooming will take place as conditions allow.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Variable weather conditions in the past week made for some erratic fishing success. Once again, walleye continue to provide the most consistent action with anglers reporting some fair catches at various times through the week. The best success came from tip-up anglers using suckers in 8 to 12 feet of water. As is typical in this late-winter period, the clear sunny days produce a more concentrated bite in the hour before dark and the cloudy, milder days produce more prolonged daytime action. Most of the walleye have been in the 11- to 16-inch size but a few up to 22 inches have also been reported. With the changing weather, fishing for northern pike has also been variable. Catches have generally been low, though a few pike up to 32 inches have been made. Panfish action continues to be on the slow side, with anglers really having to work to catch fish. That means a lot of moving around and searching for the active fish. The few nice perch and crappie that have been caught have been found suspended off the bottom in the deeper parts of the lake. Ice conditions continue to be very good, with most lakes holding at 20 to 22 inches of solid ice. Snowfall in last week has added about 2 inches of light snow to most lakes, and several days of strong winds have created some drifting. But this has had minimal impact on travel and many vehicles are still being seen traversing the lakes. There are still no reports of any major slush spots and with the generally slow panfish action, many anglers have been exploring new areas and/or lakes for fishing. Monitoring of winter oxygen levels has indicated that most lakes are holding up pretty well. Some shallow and weedy lakes and flowages were starting to experience some very low levels in early February but the big thaw of February 10 to 12 helped to alleviate those low levels. However, another prolonged period of cold and snowy weather could again cause oxygen levels to decline and they could reach the point where some winterkill may occur. Many of these lakes already have aeration systems on them and most of these systems have been in operation for several weeks already.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Snow is needed in the area to improve the snowmobile and cross-country ski trails as they have experienced lots of traffic since the last snowfall. Walleye action is improving with most fish relating to shallow water weed edges. Perch continue to provide good action in the shallow water weeds. Crappie and bluegill reports are not real positive at this time. The game-fish season is winding down with the closure March 1, 2009. Anglers are reminded that ice shanties must be removed by March 15 north of 64. Portable shanties may continue to be used but must be removed when not occupied. Please remember to exercise caution if you are planning on driving out onto the lakes with any type of vehicle. As we have mentioned before, ice conditions are not always consistent on individual lakes, as well as in areas on the lakes. Lakes should be assessed for safety before driving out. Numerous eagles have returned to the north to begin their nesting and mating rituals. Boat registration renewal notices are being mailed out now from Madison so be on the lookout and make your renewals now so that you don’t have to deal with registration right before you want to use your boat. A further reminder with reference to hunting and fishing licenses: Current licenses expire on March 31, with new licenses going on sale beginning March 10. Conservation Patrons will not receive reminder notices to renew their licenses.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – Cross-country ski trails were in generally good to very good condition as of Feb. 23. The Raven yellow, green and blue loops were cut and tracked Feb. 23 and were in good condition. All Escanaba loops were cut and tracked Feb. 22 and were in very good condition. McNaughton was groomed Feb. 22. Skating conditions were excellent; classical conditions very good. Madeline was last tracked Feb. 20. Conditions were very good with full track set, but crumbly in low snow areas and under conifers and there was significant leaf debris on trail.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - It was a week of unsettled weather with snow, cold and wind. Fishing pressure was light in most areas and ice conditions have changed in some locations. Check the ice before venturing out. This Saturday is the Lake Noquebay Fish-a-Rama, which will be headquartered off the Lake Noquebay Park. Good ice conditions exist in the area but as always, be cautious on ice at all times. A candle light ski will be held at the Tommy Thompson State Park Saturday Feb 28 beginning at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. A warming fire and hot chocolate will be available for hikers and skiers. Heavy snowfall is expected by the weekend which will improve snowmobiling trails.
Oconto County - Geano Beach is seeing some success for perch and whitefish 2-plus miles out from the landing. Oconto Breakwater Harbor is producing some white fish and the occasional northern off the end of the breakwater.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park – As of Feb. 25, there were approximately 8 inches of snow on the ground. Four inches of snow fell on Saturday. Ski trails are groomed and in good condition. Avoid trails in southwest sections of park. Skiers should use Lot 5. The sledding hill is open. Snowmobile trails were currently open.
Potawatomi State Park - After about 10 inches of new snow over the past week, the snowmobile trails are once again open. Park snowmobile trails were groomed Feb. 23 by the Door Drifters Snowmobile Club. Ski trails were also groomed Feb. 23 and were in very good condition.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Recent snow melting has exposed more feeding opportunities for wildlife. Notably, deer have been moving around more. Some large groups have been seen lately in farm fields. A few bluebirds and robins have been seen recently. Bald eagles are nesting. Cardinals and several other smaller birds have begun spring singing. Currently five snowmobile trails are closed in Waushara County. They are: Aurora, Berlin, Eureka, Neshkoro and Poy Sippi. The rest were open as of Feb. 25. Nordic Mountain will be holding Customer Appreciation Day March 1. Lift tickets will only cost $10 a piece.
Hartman Creek State Park – Cross-country ski trails are in good condition due to the 3 to 4 inches of snow received on Saturday. The Oakridge Trail and the Pope Lake Trail systems were tracked Sunday, Feb. 22 and were in good shape, with some icy spots. The Hillview Trail (for ski skating) was packed also.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
The Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season closed Saturday, Feb. 21, after running for eight days. Spearers took a total of 1,512 sturgeon, including 301 juveniles, 615 adult females, and 596 males. Those totals include harvest from Lake Winnebago and the separate Upriver Lakes seasons. The upriver season ran five days and closed Feb. 18. Sturgeon history was made on day two of the season when a Menasha woman speared a 168.8 pound female sturgeon out of her shack on Lake Poygan. It was the largest fish ever harvested by a woman spearer, the largest fish ever registered from the Upriver Lakes, the fourth largest fish by weight on record and the sixth longest fish on record. This season, 4,031 people applied for the Upriver lottery; 500 licenses were authorized and 490 Upriver licenses were sold. There were an additional 9,749 licenses sold for Lake Winnebago, bringing the total license sales to10,239.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Despite the comings and goings of cold, snowy weather, the birds are telling us Winter has lost its fast grip on the countryside. During the week of Feb. 23, large flocks of male robins have been congregating on the crab apple trees in southeastern Wisconsin, with an especially large flock seen just west of the State Fair grounds. Flocks of Canada geese can be seen working in the corn field stubble in the evening hours, and the pairs are beginning to show some courtship behaviors. A pair of sandhill cranes was seen at Johnson Creek on Feb. 26. The lengthening daylight is stirring more than the birds -- a chipmunk was seen in Milwaukee gathering up dropped birdseed, no doubt to restock the larder for a few more weeks of sub-terrain living.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit – As of Feb. 26, the man-made snow cross-country ski loop was still in good condition, although conditions on the rest of the lighted loop had started to breakdown, with bare spots starting to emerge in South Field, the top of Hoot Owl Hill, and at the base of Magic Carpet just before it joins the man-made snow loop. The upper trails, with the probable exception of the purple trail, were in better condition. Rain is forecast Thursday, with a chance of some snow later, in the 1 to 2 inch range, with cold temps expected for the weekend. At this point, it looks like the best bet for skiing opportunities at Lapham Peak this weekend will be the man-made snow 1.2k loop. The last Wednesday Night Series Race was held Feb. 25 for the first time solely on the man-made loop with the racers doing three laps. It was a big success, with the racers getting quite a workout. A big thanks to Race Director Kris Maki, the Friends of Lapham Peak volunteers, the Peak Nordic Team and their coaches, and the racers for a very successful and enjoyable season.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit - The state forest received approximately seven inches of snow on Saturday, Feb. 21. As of Feb. 24, the cross-country ski trails were in very good to excellent condition. The Greenbush Trail system has been groomed for classical and skate skiing. The skate lanes a still a bit soft. The Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club (NKMNSC) volunteers groom this nine mile ski trail system for classical and skate skiing. The Greenbush Recreation Area also has a heated shelter, snowshoe trail and sledding hill. For more information call the NKMNSC hotline at (920) 467-2099 or visit their website [exit DNR]. The Zillmer Trail has also been groomed for classical and skate skiing. The skate lanes were renovated Feb. 23, and have firmed up. Snowmobile trails remain closed.
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - Cross country ski trails were groomed and tracked on Sunday, Feb. 22 and were in very good condition. Please call 262-670-3400 for the most current conditions. As a reminder, the only groomed trail that hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers are allowed on is the red trail, located to the south of the beach area.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit - As of Feb. 23, the Southern Unit had good winter recreation conditions, with 6 inches of new snow falling on Saturday Feb. 21. All three cross-country ski trail systems at the Southern Unit, Scuppernong, McMiller, Nordic have been groomed and were in very good skiing condition with a few thin spots but generally good coverage. Scuppernong is for classical skiing only with a double classical track set around the entire trail. McMiller and Nordic are groomed for both classical and skate skiing. The Biathlon range is open for use at McMiller. For more information contact WisconsinBiathlon.com. Snowmobile trails in the forest were snow covered and opened for use. Outside of the forest, the Waukesha and Jefferson county snowmobile trails were open as of Feb. 23. For more information contact the forest headquarters at 262-594-6200. Current trail conditions can be obtained at 262-594-6202.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The area received about 6 inches of snow on Saturday, Feb. 21. The cross-country ski trail is snow covered. Visitors were making their own track on Sunday, Feb. 22. The ski trail will not be groomed this week as rain is in the local forecast. Nature trails and hiking trails contain snow covered and slippery areas. Mourning doves, juncos, blue jays, black-capped chickadees, goldfinches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, and cardinals are all daily visitors to the office feeders. Common red polls have also been seen this week. Visitors have been reporting bald eagles at the park and in the Sheboygan area.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore anglers have been catching occasional browns and rainbows. Spawn sacs have taken fish at the power plant discharge, and spoons have caught fish off the rocks at Rotary Park. Sauk Creek has some ice on it, but that should melt with the warm up forecasted over the next few days.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, some ice has formed again in the river under the Hoan bridge. In McKinley Marina there is still sufficient ice for foot travel, and anglers have been catching a few browns and rainbows on spawn sacs under a tip up.
Racine County - In Racine water clarity in the harbor has been improving, and ice anglers in Reefpoint Marina have been catching some browns, rainbows, and northerns on tip ups or jigging spawn. Flows have been dropping on the Root River, and there is some slush and ice in the water. Browns and rainbows have been downstream of the Root River Steelhead Facility in Lincoln Park.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha fishing has been generally slow. Ice has moved into the harbor near the north and south piers. There is some open water near the hotel, but water clarity there is poor. Anglers continue to ice fish near the boat launch, but only a few browns have been caught.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - The area received about 4 inches of snow last Friday into Saturday morning. Due to the warmer temperatures earlier this week, very little snow remains at Wyalusing. Some trails may still be snow those covered in places, especially those that are north facing and wooded. Cross country ski trails are unsuitable for skiing. Freezing rain and snow are forecast for Thursday night. Mississippi River level at Prairie du Chien is 8.4. Ice fishing is reported as good with nice catches of crappies being reported. Both the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers are starting to break up. . Recent bird sightings include: one robin, one ruffed grouse, red polls, gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, tree sparrows, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. A pair of broad winged hawks has been frequenting the area just north of the park office.
Iowa County - Anglers have reported that the bluegill and crappie fishing have slowed down at Birch Lake. Some nice sized crappies have been caught in the past week at Long Lake west of Spring Green. The fishing has slowed down at Helen Lake off of Hwy. 14 as well The northern have been biting at Helne Lake off of Hwy. 14 and at Bakkens pond as well.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The entire Dodge County Snowmobile Trail System and the ATV Trail on the Wild Goose Trail closed, Wednesday, Feb. 25. The warmer conditions on Wednesday forced closure of the trails to prevent damage to the underlying fields and ground surfaces. Trails have deteriorated in several areas already due to warmer temperatures. Riders out on the trails prior to the closure are cautioned to avoid any areas that have already deteriorated. Call the 24 Hour Trail Status Hotline: 920-386-3705 for current conditions.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Devil's Lake State Park – The park received 4 to 7 inches of new snow on Feb. 20 and 21. Cross-country ski trails were opened again, but have not been groomed. Conditions were moderate. With the new snow, you can still have some fun on the sledding hill this winter. The surface of the lake is frozen and ice anglers have been out on the lake. Keep in mind that the park does not monitor the thickness or condition of the lake’s ice, and does not vouch for its safety.
Lake Kegonsa State Park - Cross Country ski trails were in fair to poor condition as of Feb. 25. There were many bare spots on the trails, especially in open areas. Conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate over the next few days with warm temperatures and rain in the forecast.
Mirror Lake State Park - The area received about 6 inches of new snow on Saturday, Feb. 21. All cross-country ski trails were groomed and were in good condition as of Feb. 24. Snow cover in a few spots is thin and bare spots may appear if temperatures rise above freezing.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Wildcat Mountain State Park – Cross-country ski trails were groomed Monday Feb. 23. The ski trail was in fair condition. The trail base is thin on the Southern exposures. The tracks have been set shallow. There is some debris in the tracks on the Southern exposures. The skating lane is good. Remember the conditions are changing daily this time of year.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - The state forest received about 3 inches of snow over the weekend, which resulted in modest conditions for winter recreation. Up to 6 inches of snow is forecast for Thursday in the Black River Falls area. If this happens trails will be open, freshly groomed, and in good shape for winter recreation. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing from Thursday though Tuesday of next week and then begin to warm. This may be the last hurrah for winter enthusiasts! As of Feb. 25, snowmobile trails were open but in fair to poor condition depending on location. There are some icier patches so please ride with caution. In open areas there is patches of bare ground. ATV trails remain closed but will reopen pending decent snow on Thursday. Cross-country ski trails were packed on Tuesday with the exception of the Norway and Wildcat trail. No track was set and conditions are fair at best. Trails will be groomed on Friday pending Thursday expected snowfall. The ridge trail and the east half of the north loop are closed for this winter to accommodate a timber sale.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park – As of Feb. 23, cross country ski trails had icy conditions throughout but were skiable. Snowshoe conditions on the island trails are good. Fishing action on Perch Lake and in the north campground bays has been hit and miss, with crappies and a few small bluegills being caught. Species of birds seen or heard include: goldfinches, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red headed and piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, and blue jays.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park – As of Feb. 22, the county snowmobile trails were closed. Cross-country ski trails were in poor condition. The park received several inches of snow on Friday, but not enough to regroom and the new snow is already melting. People ice fishing are still accessing the lake from the launch in the park.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Ski trails are deteriorating with the warmer weather and are in poor condition, even with the new snow on Friday. The main gate remains closed. Parking is allowed in the Czech Ave lot. A volunteer is plowing the parking lot and grooming the cross country ski trails.
Last Revised: Thursday February 26 2009
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