Fishing pressure was generally moderate to high on waters across Wisconsin for the opening of the general inland fishing season last weekend. Across the Northwoods the heaviest activity was on the managed trout lakes and the larger walleye waters. Anglers found some very good success on the trout lakes with some nice 8 to 10-inch fish caught but a few nice brown and brook trout up to 18 inches were also creeled. Walleye anglers found action to be a bit more erratic and windy conditions also hampered fishing success over the weekend. Some decent catches of 14- to 18-inch walleye were reported on live bait combinations such as jigs and minnows. Panfish action was fair and some nice perch and crappie catches reported in the shallow bays.
In the south, lakes are starting to warm and some largemouth bass have started to move shallow to fan out spawning nests. White bass fishing has been good on the Wolf and Fox rivers. Walleyes were biting on slip bobbers with leeches in the shallow reefs of Lake Winnebago.
Coulee Region trout streams were in good shape with normal to slightly above normal flow and good water clarity opening weekend. Fishing was very good, with many streams producing some very nice brown and brook trout.
Nice weather and good lake conditions had many boat anglers out on Lake Michigan last weekend, with trolling the shoreline targeting brown trout. Despite the large numbers of anglers fishing on Saturday, few successful trips were reported, but fishing success picked up on Sunday. There continue to be reports of steelhead running on some Lake Michigan tributaries, including the East and West Twin, Kewaunee and Door County streams.
The Mississippi River crested May 4 at just over 11 feet at Prairie du Chien and then dropped the next day and a gradual drop is expected throughout the week. The increase in water levels disrupted panfishing to some degree, but walleye and sauger anglers had moderate success targeting wing dams and rocky shorelines.
Fire danger levels have gone back up to High in Northern Wisconsin, but some rain and green-up in southern and central Wisconsin have kept levels at moderate. In the past week, 100 fires burned 94 acres in Wisconsin, with most of these occurring over the weekend and into Monday when the weather was sunny and windy with lower relative humidity. Four structures were destroyed and another 28 were threatened but saved.
Increasing numbers of goose and duck broods are being seen across the state. The first blue birds of the year have hatched in the nest boxes at Wyalusing State Park and the great blue heron rookery at Devil’s Lake State Park is very active with at least two dozen herons coming and going, re-building nests and arguing over the best sites.
The spring Neotropical bird migration is in full swing as many of the birds that winter in the tropics are now returning statewide. Birders are reporting a variety of warblers, vireos, thrushes, orioles, grosbeaks, buntings and other forest birds in their local migration hotspots. This Saturday is designated International Migratory Bird Day and events are planned at many locations.
Butterflies are being seen, including mourning cloak and yellow swallowtails. A wide variety of spring wildflowers are in bloom, including bloodroot, marsh marigold, May apples, wild ginger, hepatica, Dutchman’s breeches, wood anemone and columbine. And the early morel mushrooms have started to emerge.
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
Migration is in full swing as many of the birds that winter in the tropics are now returning statewide. Birders can expect to see warblers, vireos, thrushes, orioles, grosbeaks, buntings and other forest birds in their local migration hotspots. Forested areas with shrubs near water are especially good this time of year. In addition, woodlots with oaks tend to attract warblers. Wetland birds and grassland birds have mostly returned. The first bobolinks are being reported this week. Wetlands with exposed mudflats are good places to see returning shorebirds in the next couple of weeks. Rare birds being reported around the state now include a few Harris' sparrows, white-eyed vireos, summer tanagers and black-necked stilts. If not already in place, now is the time to put out nectar and fruit for the returning orioles and hummingbirds. This is also a good time to consider improving your backyard habitat through native shrub/tree or wildflower plantings. There are many good sources of information about which plants attract the most birds.
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Statewide Wildfire Report
In the past week, 100 fires burned 94 acres in DNR wildfire protection areas in Wisconsin. Most fires occurred over the weekend and into Monday when the weather was sunny and windy with lower relative humidity. Four structures were destroyed and another 28 were threatened during these fires. DNR fire control assisted on several wildfires burning in Co-op areas (parts of the state protected by fire departments). The largest was a 20-acre wildfire near Pittsville in Wood County where a barn was destroyed. The main cause of wildfire the past week was debris burning. Check the current statewide fire danger page for burning permit restrictions and more information.
Firewise Tip: Keep your roof, gutters and yard free of leaf and pine needle debris. Firebrands from a wildfire could easily ignite these fuels which in turn could ignite your home.
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NORTHERN REGION
Northern Region Wildfire Report
Woodruff and Park Falls Dispatch Groups - In Woodruff and Parks Falls Dispatch Groups, 30 fires burned a total of 36 acres with two structures saved and one structure lost this week. Two debris burning-caused fires burned a total of 24 acres in Taylor County this week. Debris burning and equipment are the leading causes of wildfires in the Park Falls-Woodruff area. The fire danger is Moderate to High across the region. Remember, burning is only allowed from 6 p.m. – Midnight with no burning on Sundays or legal Holidays. Three prescribed fires on 267 acres occurred this week at the Thunder Marsh and Ackley Wildlife Areas.
Brule and Cumberland Dispatch Groups - Intermittent cloudy and rainy periods covered the North last week. These periods produced minimal rain but enough to keep wildfires small. Brule dispatch group reported five new starts, burning 4 acres with no structures threatened. The largest of these was a 2.3-acre fire in the Washburn area; cause was sparks from equipment. The Cumberland dispatch group reported 6 new fires this week burning 5.2 acres – four structures in the path of the fires were saved. We are seeing an increased number of people due to the warmer weather. Cabins are being opened for the summer and campers are already coming out to enjoy the outdoors. This triggers the Forest Rangers to be out meeting with people more, making public contact, with their focus on open burning and Firewise tips for land owners. These tips help the land owners to enjoy the outdoors even more.
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Spring has sprung in the northland. Grass is at the point where homeowners are out mowing lawns. Brown thrasher, savannah sparrows, and yellow-rumped, black and white, and black-throated green warblers are some of the returning birds that can be seen and heard. Upland game birds such as grouse, turkeys, and woodcock are incubating eggs. Geese have been incubating eggs for a couple of weeks now. The goslings should be hatching around 10 more days.
Young ravens when they fledge are not able to fly more than a few feet at a time.
Catherine Alcott Khalar Photo
Ravens are fledging in the Bois Brule Campground. They certainly look grown up but they are not able to fly more a few feet at a time. They also do not get out of the way along the roads very quickly so they are in high danger of being hit by cars. People also question whether these birds are sick as they do not act like a typical adult raven would...they are just raven kids learning about their new world.
Bloodroot
Catherine Alcott Khalar Photo
Flowers in bloom are bloodroot, marsh marigold, common purple violet, and anemone, buffaloberry. Dandelions are popping up through the grass...time to break out the dandelion recipes. According to the wild food cookbook "For Soul and Kitchen" by Alma Christensen, "the best control of dandelions is to eat every part of this nutritious plant. From tap root to the blossom. This consists of coffee (taproot), salad (crown), potherb and salad (leaves), pickle or fritters (buds), and wine or garnish on a salad." They are also full of iron, vitamin C, thiamine, and Vitamin A.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Opening weekend fishing pressure was generally moderate to high on waters across the Northwoods, with the heaviest activity on the managed trout lakes and the larger walleye waters. Anglers found some very good success on the trout lakes and nearly everyone was catching fish. Most of the trout were in the 8 to 10-inch size but some nice browns and brookies up to 18 inches were also creeled. Pressure on trout streams and rivers was rather light and reports of success were hard to come by, as most stream anglers keep their spots and catches to themselves. Walleye anglers found action to be a bit more erratic and windy conditions also hampered fishing success over the weekend. Many anglers sought out shelter behind islands or in protected bays and many had some decent catches of 14 to 18-inch walleye. Live bait combinations such as jig & minnow and slip-bobber rigs seemed to work the best, with crank-bait anglers finding action to be a bit slower with the cool water temperatures. Northern pike action was generally good with the fish hitting most any lure or bait that was being used. Bass action was on the slow side as both largemouth and smallmouth are just beginning to show up in shallow with the warming water temperatures. Panfish action was fair and some nice perch and crappie were reported. Catches were not real high but quality-size perch and crappie were caught on small minnows or a night crawler piece, fished on slip bobbers over the mud flats and in the shallow bays.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
The Lakeland area is finally seeing green grass and budding trees. Opening weekend of fishing season saw many anglers hitting the waters on area lakes. Fishing action was reported as fair with the flowages and smaller lakes producing the fastest action. Anglers had to work hard but were just happy to be back out on the waters. Crappies are reported to be moving in to the shallower warm water. Walleye spawning is varied across the north. Some of the larger lakes may still have spawning walleye while the smaller lakes have post spawn activity. Be sure to get the Ceded Territories Walleye bag limit insert that covers the lakes in the northern portion of the state. Bass are still catch and release only until June 13. Trout anglers found plenty of action on area streams and lakes with brook trout the most common fish in the bag. A reminder to anglers to make sure that you have a current fishing license and that the license is on your person when you are out on the water. Musky season begins on May 23 in the north. Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7. Although fishing licenses are not required during those two days, fishing regulations still apply. Also, please remember that you must have the appropriate and correct number of personal flotation devices in your boat. Boater safety courses are currently being given and/or scheduled to begin. A Boating Safety Internet course is available on line. However, the course is not recommended for children under the age of 14 years. The black flies and the gnats will soon be out. Head netting may be the headgear of choice when working outside on the lawn or in the garden, or even if persons are camping or boating in our area.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Most of the forest boat landings are in good shape. Big Muskellunge, Razorback, and Musky campground boarding docks are not installed due to low water, and Sandy Beach is not in due to high water. Some concrete landing ramps are pushed to the side a bit but very useable. A few of the off-forest landings could not have heavy work done or piers installed due to road weight limits. There are six including Lac Viex Desert and Big Sand in Phelps Township, Oxbow and Van Vliet in Presque Isle Township, and Big Saint and Found in Saint Germain Township.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Northeast Region Wildfire Report
In parts of the region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 19 new fires burned a total of 10 acres. Three structures were destroyed and five others were saved. One particular fire was started from a structure fire, which was a loss, and in another fire a boat house was lost. The leading cause of wildfires was debris burning. Fire danger is currently set at Moderate to High across the region. Weather changes rapidly this time of year, remember to call for conditions, BEFORE burning! A 29-acre prescribed burn was completed at Thunder Mt. Park in Marinette County.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Fishing pressure was moderate to heavy this past week with water temperatures at the boat landings in the mid 50s. Water clarity was good although stained. Sturgeon viewing at the fish refuge in Peshtigo is providing fun for young and old alike. Walleye were being caught in the Menominee River trolling with stick baits and crawler\harness. Vertical jigging in the turn basin is also producing walleye and some smallmouth bass. Steelhead are making their nests in the river channel next to the Stephenson library. Zip lures and twister tails are producing walleye from the fishing walk way at the Hattie street dam. Browns and walleye were being caught by anglers trolling in front of Red Arrow Beach and the flats at Little River. Boats are launching from the city garage in Peshtigo and jigging up some nice walleye down river. Walleye and browns were being caught in the flats at the mouth of the Peshtigo River, speed and depth have been the keys. Turkey hunters are scouting for active toms. Hummingbirds have been spotted in the northern half of the county. Some tick activity has been reported.
Oconto County - Walleye was the fish of choice from the Stiles Dam to Oconto Park II. Boaters filled the landings this weekend trolling in 5 to 10 feet of water for walleye. The bite was slow up until mid morning when the fish turned on in a big way. Boat speed was the key to success, slow trolling (1 mile an hour or less) produced limits of walleye using stick baits, crawler/harness. Color seemed to matter little, depth and speed ruled the day.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Walleyes were being caught on the Fox River by anglers in boats and from shore. White bass are starting to show up in the Fox River at Voyageur Park in DePere and boat anglers and shore anglers are starting to cash in on the fun. As the water warms, it will only get better. Anglers targeting catfish were starting to have some success as well. Anglers trolling the lower Bay of Green Bay for walleye were working hard for their fish but having success.
Manitowoc County - Anglers fishing the East Twin River had a fair week. Fishing was good early in the week but slowed later in the week. On Tuesday a couple steelhead anglers were able to land a few nice fish that ranged in weight from 4 to 7 pounds. Anglers were mostly using spawn sacs. On the West Twin River, anglers had fair fishing this past week. Most anglers were fishing around the two Shoto dams. Fishing was slow at times but anglers still were able to land some nice steelhead. Most anglers were drifting spawn sacs, casting spinners, or fly fishing. In Manitowoc nice weather and good lake conditions had many boat anglers out on Lake Michigan. Most boats were trolling the shoreline targeting brown trout in 7 to 15 feet of water. Many anglers were running planner boards to spread out lines that were rigged up with stick baits or spoons. Despite the large numbers of anglers fishing on Saturday morning, few anglers had successful trips. Fishing success picked up slightly on Sunday evening with anglers bringing home brown trout that weighed between 6 and 13 pounds. Pier fishing was slow over the weekend. On Saturday, one angler landed a nice 12-pound brown trout casting a spoon off the south pier. Anglers fishing the Manitowoc River were concentrated at either Lower Cato Falls Park or Manitou Park. At Cato Falls anglers had some success in catching northern pike using spinners. Several anglers reported that a few smallmouth bass were also caught.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County – The weather improved considerably this week. Most days were bright and sunny with temperatures on the cool side and moderate breezes. Walleye action has been good to very good with anglers continuing to report success trolling at night in 8 to 15 feet of water with stick baits. Daytime action has also improved for walleyes with reports of some nice fish being taken out of Little Sturgeon Bay and off the flats. Shore anglers fishing off the rocks at Bayview Park, Stone Harbor and the Stone Quarry County Park have also reported taking some walleyes. Farther north walleye anglers should try the area around Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park. Anglers fishing for northern pike continue to have decent success fishing along the channel in the area between the bridges in the Bay of Sturgeon Bay. The Lake Michigan tributary streams, such as Hines, Hibbards, Whitefish Bay and Stony creek were all producing some steelhead. Good numbers of brown and lake trout continue to be taken on the big lake.
Potawatomi State Park - Mushroom hunters are gathering morels in the park. Cranes, red-winged blackbirds, and spring peepers are being heard. Anglers and campers enjoyed the warm spring weather this past weekend. Boat launching piers and the accessible fishing pier are now in the water. The fish cleaning station is up and running. The next big wave of anglers in the area is expected May 15-17 for the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament. The shower building is open for the season, with final work on the remodel continuing. Work continues on the new group campsite area, which will be open by Memorial Day weekend. All campsites in Daisy Field are open. The sanitary dump station is also open. Canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals will be available when the park store opens. The store will be open by Memorial Day weekend, and possibly sooner. Call the park at 920-746-2890 for more information.
Kewaunee County - A week of milder weather this week made fishing conditions much easier this week. Some light rain hit the area in the beginning of the week, which was followed up with milder conditions that made for some excellent fishing weather for the weekend. The drier weather this week helped to bring the water levels in the rivers down a little bit, but there is still some good flow most of the rivers. Anglers that have been fishing the Kewaunee River are still reporting that some steelheads are being caught. Spawn sacs and spinners seem to be the baits that have been performing the best. Anglers were catching some fish in the near shore areas of the lake near Algoma and Kewaunee. Browns and steelhead were being caught in water under 15 feet on trolled stick baits and spoons. Anglers fishing off of the piers in Algoma and Kewaunee have also had some success catching browns and steelhead.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Lakes are starting to warm and largemouth bass are starting to move shallow to spawn. The male largemouth picks a good spot near cover and fans out a nest. He then waits for a female to arrive. Eggs are laid and the male fertilizes them. He then continues to fan the nest to keep the eggs clear of any silt. Eggs hatch in around seven days, less if water warms and more if water cools. The male bass defends his nest, eggs and fry until they are large enough to disperse into near shore cover.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
White bass are plentiful on the Wolf and Fox rivers. Anglers were starting to catch more white bass than walleyes on the Winneconne bridge. Walleyes were biting on slip bobbers with leeches in the shallow reefs of Lake Winnebago.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
One brood of mallard ducklings was seen parading through a parking lot with mother leading them towards water and the first gaggles of Canada geese goslings are beginning to appear around city park ponds. As tempting as it might be to approach a nesting goose, even if just to take a photograph, be wary of the gander as he will protect his mate. Geese will use their wings to strike at people who approach too close to the nest, and the spurs on the "wrist" can cause cuts. Heed the warning signs! If a goose hisses at you, you are too close! The migration of song birds continues to build. white-throated sparrows, house wrens, barn swallows, eastern phoebes, rufus-sided towhees and rose-breasted grosbeaks have all been spotted during the past week. One can also anticipate the return of other birds, taking cues from what else is happening. When the apple trees blossom, watch for the northern orioles and when the oak leaves are the size of mouse's ears, the warblers will soon be back. Come May 15 one can hang out the hummingbird feeders. This year's magnolia trees seem to be especially brilliant. With mild weather, the blooms have put on a good show. Marsh marigold is now beginning to bloom in the marshes while the anemones can be found in the woods. In the gardens, the bleeding heart and hyacinths are adding color to the yard, with a promise of more coming from the peonies. And of course, small children will have "butter" under their noses after they smell the dandelions.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan a few brown trout have been caught from south pier on spoons. On good weather days, Sheboygan trollers have also been taking browns near shore on spoons and large crankbaits.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, anglers fishing off the pier and near the power plant have been catching a few browns on spoons and minnows.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee shore fishing has been slow, but boaters fishing either the Oak Creek Power Plant or the Milwaukee harbor and around the gaps have been catching decent numbers of browns.
Racine County - In Racine the Root River remains high, but it is fishable. Steelheading has been slow, but a few fish have been taken below the Horlick dam. Chartreuse or orange yarn has been the most productive. The Root River Steelhead Facility has been shut down for the season after DNR crews met this year’s egg taking goals. This spring a total of 902 steelhead were passed upstream. Trollers in Racine have been catching decent numbers of brown trout in shallow water south of the harbor.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, fishing has been slow overall, but both shore anglers and boaters near the harbor have been catching a few browns and rainbows. Minnows or tube jigs have worked best from shore, and spoons have produced for those fishing from boats.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
South Central Region Wildfire Report
Green up and recent wet weather have slowed wildfire activity. This week, 14 fires burned 12 acres. One structure was destroyed in a Sauk County fire and five others were threatened in four different fires. The main cause of fires this week was debris burning. Fire danger levels are currently at Moderate across the region and burning permits are required. The DNR wants to remind everyone to be careful with anything that can start a wildfire when you’re out fishing, hunting, camping, or looking for mushrooms.
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - There were almost as many birdwatchers in the park this past weekend as there were returning spring migrants. Additions to the bird checklist this past weekend include: red shouldered hawk, peregrine falcon, American woodcock, ruby throated hummingbird, great crested flycatcher, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, house wren, winter wren, golden-crowned kinglet, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Swainson’s thrush, wood thrush, gray catbird, brown thrasher, solitary vireo, yellow-throated vireo, blue-winged warbler, Tennessee warbler, orange-crowned warbler, Nashville warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, yellow-throated warbler, palm warbler, cerulean warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Louisiana water thrush, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, tree sparrow, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Savannah sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, white-throated sparrow, northern oriole. Resident bird sightings include: blue bird, robin, meadowlark, red-winged blackbird, purple finch, house finch, chickadee, junco, brown creeper, tufted titmouse, white breasted nuthatch, Eastern phoebe, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, pileated woodpecker, turkey vulture, bald eagle, and oriole. The humming birds returned to Wyalusing State Park on Thursday, April 30. The “swarm” of humming birds has not yet arrived. There are only about 6 at the office feeders, with about another 40 that should arrive in the next week or so. Spring wildflowers in bloom include May apples, wild ginger, sharp-lobed hepatica, Dutchman’s Breeches, blood root, wild oats, cut-leaved toothwort, skunk cabbage, rue anemone, violets (bird’s foot, white, yellow) wood anemone, false rue anemone, early buttercup, marsh marigold, large flowered bellwort, wild blue phlox, bastard toad flax, violet wood sorrel, early meadow rue, wood betony, showy orchid, columbine. Butterflies are being seen, including mourning cloak, yellow swallowtail, Milbert’s tortoise shell, comma, question mark. There are 10 bluebird boxes in Wyalusing State Park. As of Sunday, May 3, one remains empty, two have bluebird nests, six have bluebird eggs, and one has bluebird young. Currently there are 25 eggs and 3 young. Homestead Campground remains closed until mid May. The shower/flush building in Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open. The concession stand is open on weekends only until Memorial Day. Trail crews report that tread digging continues on Sugar Maple Nature Trail. Most of the work being done now is above Pictured Rock Cave. The Friends of Wyalusing May meeting will take place on May 11 at the Peterson Shelter. Upcoming events this Saturday, May 9 include: Spring Wildflowers, 10 a.m. at the Boat Launch; Indian Mound Walk, 1 p.m. at Passenger Pigeon Monument; Geology Hike, 3 p.m. at Homestead Picnic Shelter; Evening Program – Mr. Gizzard 8 p.m. at The Peterson Shelter; and an astronomy program presented by The Starsplitters of Wyalusing 8:30 p.m.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Devil’s Lake State Park - The milder days have brought out the first swimsuit-clad beachgoers, though no one has braved the water quite yet. Trees are uncurling their tender leaves. Mountain bike trails will remain closed to bikes as long as trails are muddy and easily damaged. The trails will likely be opened to bikes sometime in May. Flowers blooming include Dutchman’s breeches, wood violets, toothwort, spring beauties, hepaticas, bellwort, rattlesnake plantain (leafing but not flowering), and bloodroots. Some loons have been frequenting the south shore of the lake on their northbound migratory stopover. As many as four ospreys have been fishing in the lake this week. A bald eagle was seen snatching a fish as well. The great blue heron rookery in the park is active with at least two dozen herons coming and going, re-building their nests for the year, arguing over the best sites, and preparing for the spring egg-laying, hatching, nestling, and fledging times. If you visit wear a hat! Underneath the nesting area, the ground is littered with splashes of “white-wash” (bird poop). You'll also find plenty of feathers, along with some turquoise colored shells, and a few bones from last years' unsuccessful fledglings. The air is filled with a cacophony of squawks, grunts, and toots–general heron conversations. The overall noise will only increase in the next three months as the chicks hatch and begin vocally demanding food. If the heron sentinels spot a hawk, the noise ratchets up a notch as guardian volunteers fly up and tell the raptor “we're watching you, bub!” All campgrounds are now open. The North shore concessions facilities and boat rentals are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The south shore concession will open May 16. The Ice Age Store will open May 16 just for the weekend, then daily beginning May 22.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
West Central Region Wildfire Report
In the parts of the West Central Region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 32 fires burned over 74 acres in the last week. During a warm, dry day last weekend, a 13-acre fire in Chippewa County threatened three structures. The fire was caused by a brush pile ignited the night before that the responsible party failed to extinguish. The fire burned through mixed hardwoods, swamp grass and corn stubble. On the same day, a 22-acre fire in Wood County caused the destruction of an old barn. That fire was also caused by debris burning. Remember that debris burning is the number one cause of wildland fire in Wisconsin. No one ever thinks that the fire they light will get away, but it happens! On May 5, the four year anniversary of the Cottonville Fire which burned more than 3,400 acres in Adams County, a 7-acre fire in Juneau County threatened three structures. The fire burned on the forest floor through oak leaf litter and was contained by tractor plow line. The cause is still under investigation. Fire danger is currently at Moderate. Two prescribed fires, for a total of 8 acres, were completed on the Sandhill Wildlife Area in Wood County to maintain grass openings for wildlife habitat. The DNR assisted on the Wazee burn with Jackson County Forest
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Crawford County - Area river systems are settling down after last weeks rain. The Mississippi River crested May 4 at 11.04 feet, and dropped to 10.98 feet May 5 and was falling. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for a gradual drop in water levels throughout the week. The Mississippi River received a lot of run off water last week, which caused poor water clarity and a substantial amount of floating debris. The Wisconsin River crested on Sunday at 4.89 feet and is falling. The river stage at Muscoda was 3.32 feet May 5, which is well below flood stage (9 feet). The Kickapoo River in Gays Mills and Steuben have crested with river stages of 8.05 and 8.07 respectively. Flood stage in Gays Mills and Steuben are 13 feet and 12 feet respectively. All trout streams in the area are in good shape with normal to slightly above normal flow. Trout stream water clarity is good. The increase in water levels disrupted panfishing to some degree. Bluegill, crappie and perch fishing has been spotty throughout the river system. As the water continues to drop and warm up anglers will be searching for bluegills in the backwater area. Horseshoe (aka Sturgeon, aka McGregor) Lake normally produces some good early action as does the Ambro Slough complex north of Prairie du Chien. Anglers fishing off the long wall at the Lynxville dam have taken a few decent perch and bluegill using a chunk of night crawler. Perch have been taken “dead lining” a piece of night crawler off the bottom while bluegills have been caught using hook and bobber. Fishing at Cold Spring has been slow for bluegill and crappie, but that should change in a week or so as the water warms. Walleye and sauger anglers have had moderate success. Anglers have been targeting wing dams and rocky shorelines or clam beds. Fishing up by the dam has been spotty. Some of the best action has been early in the morning and late in the day. Anglers fishing the East Channel in Prairie du Chien are finding tough sledding. A few small sauger and walleye have been taken with a few keeper sized fish. Some anglers have ventured down to the mouth of the Wisconsin River with mixed results. Anglers are starting to fish the Roseau Slough and having some success there. Some are trolling while others are drift fishing using live bait. Night crawlers have been the best live bait so far. Trout fishing this past opening weekend was very good. Many local streams produced some very nice brown and brook trout. The third spring turkey hunting season ended last Sunday. The fourth season will open this Wednesday. Second season hunters were met with a variety of weather conditions from pleasant to hot temperatures and light rain. Hunters are reporting average gobbling activity but lots of Toms have been seen in the fields displaying to the hens. Last weekend’s rain did have a few benefits however. Trees are budding out and early season grasses are greening up rapidly. The rain also reduced the fire danger so some degree. A few morel mushrooms are starting to show up. The smaller “little grays” are beginning to show up.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Virginia blue bells are starting to bloom. The park picnic area on the Kickapoo River and the surrounding flood plain have a considerable number of Virginia blue bells. The trilliums should not be far behind.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - ATV trails open for the season on May 15. All campgrounds are now open. Renovation of all-terrain vehicle trails within the forest will begin this week. Small segments of trail will be closed on weekdays during the project. The plan is to upgrade one wetland crossing a week with the affected section of trail ready to ride again by the weekend. The first area to be affected is the 2.2 miles of trail between State Hwy. 54 and Bartos Road. Once these six crossings have been improved, work will begin on the eight crossings to the south between 54 and the state forest border. During the past decade ATV ridership has greatly increased. The large number of riders, combined with inadequate trail engineering, has created environmental problems. Engineering the wetland crossings is a crucial step in the long-term plan to improve the trails to modern standards. After Labor Day, phase two will begin with work on remaining crossings just south of Highway 54 followed by the six crossings between East Seventh Street and Cranberry Drive. ATV trails are open from May 15 through October 15 and from December 15 through March 15. For additional information please call the Black River State Forest staff at 715-284-1406.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The fishing opener was very productive on Saturday morning with bass and northerns being taken, afternoon winds shut the action down. Sunday went much the same. Park trails are generally dry with occasional muddy areas. The maples and birch have begun to leaf out. Marsh marigolds and hepaticas have begun to bloom. Trilliums are emerging from the leaf litter. Species of birds seen or heard include: belted kingfishers, loons, red winged blackbirds, bufflehead and mallard ducks,bald eagles, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, flickers, red headed and piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, mourning doves, sandhill cranes, blue birds, Canada geese, great blue herons, robins and blue jays. The north campground is open with pit toilets and hand water pump available. The south campground is open with electric sites, pit toilet, and hand water pump. The park dump station will open when weather permits.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - - Trails are in great condition and May is a perfect time to enjoy a quiet hike. Hepatica is starting to bloom along with spring beauty and bloodroot. Ferns are in the fiddlehead stage and have started to emerge. Trees are beginning to leaf out, and the different shades of green make an interesting show of color. Fishing has been good within the Reserve and area lakes. Bass and northern have been caught, along with crappies and bluegills of varying size. A variety of birds have been seen including Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Tree Swallows, and Purple Finches. Others include, Fox, Chipping, and Song Sparrows. Spring peepers have been making a cheerful chorus and painted turtles are sunning themselves on downed logs in the many small lakes and ponds on the Reserve. Canada geese and wood ducks are nesting, as are Great blue Herons. Take a short walk in from the west parking lot to view the extensive heron rookery. Bear have been seen on the Reserve, along with deer, wild turkey, skunks, white-footed mice, and otters. To deter hungry and opportunistic bear, many area residents take bird feeders in at night or risk having to replace them. Spotted fawns are starting to be seen.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - People are taking advantage of the nice weather fishing, boating and hiking. Crappies, perch, white bass, stripers, northerns, walleyes, bass and catfish are being caught. All campsites will be open as of Friday, May 8. There are three non-reservable, first come sites. Boat boarding piers and the accessible fishing pier are in! Canoes and kayaks are available for renting at the park. 2 picnic shelters are available for reservations. Kids will want to check out the stocked kids fishing pond across from the park entrance (park along County Highway G and hike in).
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is now open. Parking is also allowed in the Czech Ave lot. Camping is still closed for the season and the first loop will open May 15. The second loop will be open for the Memorial holiday weekend. Spring is a great time to take photos for the annual photo contest. The picnic shelter by the mound/kiosk is reservable and has volleyball net and horseshoe pits.
Last Revised: Thursday May 07 2009
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