Most of Wisconsin received its first significant snowfall of the year in the last week. Heaviest snowfall was in the northwest part of the state with heavier snow also along the western border of the state. The northeast received just a dusting and still has no to minimal snow cover. Snow depths ranged from a foot in Iron County, to 4 to 6 inches in western counties, to 2 to 4 inches through central, southern and southeastern Wisconsin.
With cold temperatures, ice-up was progressing rapidly across the state. Northern lakes have 4 to six inches of ice. Ice is forming on lakes are in central and southern Wisconsin, with some smaller lakes and bays having 2 to 4 inches of ice, but many larger lakes still having open water or minimal ice cover. There were a number of reports of early ice anglers going through the ice this week, including a truck that went through 4 inches of ice on Mirror Lake, an ATV that went through the ice on Lake Koshkonong and an angler going through the ice on Monona Bay in Dane County. Recreational safety specialists caution that ice should never be considered completely safe, but that at least 3 to 4 inches is needed for foot travel, 5 to 6 inches for snowmobile and ATV travel and foot of ice for vehicles. Ice anglers in northwestern Wisconsin should be aware that a number of lakes in Barron, Polk, Burnett, and Washburn counties will have aeration systems operating this winter to maintain areas of open water to add oxygen to water and prevent winterkill of fish. The open water areas will be surrounded by a fence of uprights connected by rope with reflective tape or reflectors.
The first early-season ice fishermen have been creeping out onto a few lakes. However, first-ice success has been generally low for walleye, though bluegill and yellow perch have been providing some fair action. In the south angles were catching panfish on the shallow frozen bays of Madison area lakes. A new ice fishing photo gallery is available on the Fish Wisconsin page of the DNR website.
In general, most state parks and forests have not received enough snow to groom cross-country ski trails, though some parks have begun packing down ski trails. The best skiing so far has been in the far northwest. Pattison State Park south of Superior in Douglas County had groomed trails. Trails had also been packed down at the Brule River and Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine state forests and at Willow River and Blue Mound state park, but with some thin spots being reported. Skiers have been reported out at other parks setting their own trail. Hikers and snowshoers are reminded that once trails are groomed for skiing they are closed to hiking. No snowmobile trails have opened as of yet. For the latest snow conditions, check the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR).
A four-day antlerless deer hunt runs from Thursday through Sunday this week. The hunt is open statewide, but most activity will take place in herd-control and regular deer management units that had antlerless permits available. Skiers, hikers, tree-cutters and anyone else venturing out this weekend is strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing.
Tundra Swans and other waterfowl have grouped up on remaining patches of open water. There are still good numbers of waterfowl on the Madison lakes, Lake Michigan and other rivers. However; the cold forecasted for this upcoming week will push many birds out. Geese will remain so long as they can find food in the fields.
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
Tundra Swans and other waterfowl have grouped up on remaining patches of open water. There are still good numbers of waterfowl on the Madison lakes, Lake Michigan and other rivers. However; the cold forecasted for this upcoming week will push many birds out. Geese will remain so long as they can find food in the fields. Rare birds reported recently include good numbers of unusual gulls. Black-legged kittiwakes were reported in Washburn; Thayer's, Iceland and lesser black-backed gulls have been reported from numerous locations where good concentrations of gulls exist. Other rare birds include a rufous hummingbird in Dane County, Townsend's solitaire at Devil's Lake State Park and Washburn and a Ross' goose in Kewaunee. Bohemian waxwings seem to be in abundance this Fall-Winter. They've been reported into central Wisconsin in the past week. The official Christmas Bird Count season starts on December 14. Check out opportunities near you by going to: [wsobirds.org/wso_christmas_bird_counts.html] (exit DNR).
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest – Cross-country ski tracks were set on some of the After Hours Ski trail on Dec. 7. There is about a 2.5 inch base making for rough and bumpy skiing. The River Trail is the roughest with exposed grass and water seepage. It is still worth coming out with rock skis as it is a beautiful day to be out on the trails!
Pattison State Park – The cross-country ski trail was groomed on Dec. 8 and is in very good condition with a 5 inch base and 11 inches in the woods. The waterfalls are still running, so the views are awesome.
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
A number of lakes in Barron, Polk, Burnett, and Washburn counties will have aeration systems operating this winter. The systems are operated by governmental units or lake groups and cause areas on the lakes to remain ice-free. Snowmobilers, anglers, and other lake users should use extra caution on these lakes because of open water. The open water areas should be surrounded by a fence of uprights connected by rope with reflective tape or reflectors. These systems add oxygen to the water all winter and help prevent winterkill of fish and other organisms. The lakes with public access that have aeration systems include: Antler Lake, Bass Lake (McKinley Township), Coon Lake, Diamond Lake, Ice House Lake, Camilia Lake, King ake, Largon Lake, Little Butternut Lake, Lotus (East) Lake, Mckeith (McKeith?) Lake, South Twin Lake and Vincent Lake in Polk County. They also include Chain (Twin) Lake, Desair Lake, Kirby Lake, Prairie Lake, and Staples Lake in Barron County. In Burnett County, there is Green, Point and West Elbow lakes. Washburn County has Little Long in Bashaw Township, Spring Lake in Stone Lake Township, Camp Lake, Ike Walton Pond in Chicog Township, and Priceless Pond in Madge Township.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The cold weather of the past week has thickened the ice cover on local lakes, with many waters now having between 3 and 5 inches of ice. However, some of the large, deep lakes in the area were still reported to have large expanses of open-water and all recreationalists should be aware of the variable ice conditions. As such, any early season anglers should be extremely cautious when traveling on any water body and be especially wary around inlets, outlets, the centers of the larger lakes, and around any moving water. With upwards of 4 inches of ice on some lakes, the first early-season ice anglers have been creeping out onto a few lakes in the area. However, first-ice success has been generally low for walleye, though yellow perch have been providing some fair action. A few catches of smaller walleye have been reported from the edges of Butternut Lake, the Phillips Chain, and the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, but for the most part fish have been hard to come by. Action should improve by the mid-December period, as thicker ice and a bit of snow cover seem to make the fish less spooky. Walleye anglers should target the deep edges and mud flats in 6 to 10 feet of water, and concentrate their efforts in the low-light periods (early morning and late afternoon hours). For bait, use small-size suckers or golden shiners, and fish them 4 to 8 inches off the bottom. Northern pike anglers should try to find old weed beds and then suspend a large golden shiner just over the top of any green weeds that are found.
Flambeau River State Forest – The Flambeau Hills Ski Trail has only about an inch of snow and is not open.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Ice fishing was pretty much in full swing beginning this past weekend. Below normal temperatures and lack of snowfall have helped form some great early December ice. Most lakes have 4-6 inches but as usual, check conditions locally and be extra cautious for the next week or two. Most anglers have been fishing weedy bays and not venturing too far out over deep water. A few bluegills have been caught as well as some walleye, and action is just beginning here. Between now and Christmas is some of the best ice fishing to be had, before things typically slow into January. Remember to fish as light as possible - 1 or 2 lb. test line for panfish; 6 lb. leaders for walleye; and 20 lb. leaders for pike. Mono or fluorocarbon is best.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Early season snows have occurred, but it is mostly from Lake Superior snow squalls and is the light fluffy snow. As of Dec. 7 there was 3to 4 inches of snow on trails. Trails have not been packed down yet.
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NORTHEAST REGION
No reports.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Havenwoods State Forest - Trails have 3 inches of snow. Deer, squirrels, raccoon, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, cooper's hawk, owls, mourning doves, nuthatch, juncos, chickadees, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpecker, song sparrows, bluebirds, and mallards have been seen.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit - The first snowfall of the year left about 3 inches snow last Saturday. Cross-country ski trails have been packed and are skiable, though coverage is thin and sticks and twigs are apparent. Rock skis are definitely recommended, especially on the upper trails. No track has been set. Conditions are poor due to thin coverage. The ski trail lights will be on tonight until 10 pm, but are not lit on Sundays. Snowmaking has begun at Lapham Peak.
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - Trail conditions (type and surface condition, whether any are closed): Pike Lake got its first snow of the season December 3-4. There is not enough snow yet to groom the cross country ski trails. When trails are snow covered hikers, snowshoers, and dogs are not allowed on trails east of Powder Hill Road (groomed ski trails). Pets are not allowed on the Black Forest Nature Trail and must be on a leash 8' or less at all times in other areas. The accessible trail pier has been removed for the season.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit - The Southern Unit received between 2 and 3 inches of new snow on Friday night and Saturday morning. The Nordic trail received the most snow with a little more than 3 inches. That trail has been packed and is generally snow covered, but with a thin base do not use your best skis. McMiller trails received about 3 inchesw and the trails are packed. There are sections that are fairly well snow covered but it would be a stretch to say that they are skiable . Scuppernong received closer to 2 inches of snow. The trails are packed but it is a thin layer of snow.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - Ice has begun to form on the slower moving stretches of the Sheboygan River, but there is still open water in the faster moving areas.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers have been catching a mix of browns and a few rainbows on spawn in the north slip and near the power plant.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee shore fishing has been relatively slow along the lakefront, but a few browns have been taken on spawn sacs fished under the Hoan Bridge.
Racine County - On the Root River in Racine water temperatures are in the 33 to 35 degree range, clarity is very good, and water levels are decent. Fishing effort has dropped dramatically, but those anglers who are out have been successful at times. Most have been picking up coho salmon and brown trout, along with a few steelhead. The highest concentration of fish has been at the Horlick dam, and both small flies and drifting spawn sacs have been productive. The last processing day at the Root River Steelhead Facility was Tuesday, November 16. A total of 3,334 fish were handled at the facility this fall, including 1,508 chinooks, 1,682 coho, 65 steelhead, and 79 brown trout. DNR crews spawned 756 coho at the Root and collected 890,000 eggs. The facility has been shut down for the year.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County – The area received 10-plus inches of snow in southwestern Grant County near Cassville with varying amounts of snow to 3 inches in other eastern portions of the county. The snowmobile trails are not yet open due to landowners waiting to open the trails after this weekends antlerless deer season and time to allow snowmobile clubs to complete the trail signage. Check with the Dept of Tourism website for trial openings or contact a local Grant County snowmobile club for further information. Ice fishing season has begun with a few bluegills being caught at River of Lakes and Bertom Lake. Caution is advised with early ice conditions and the heavy snowfalls which slows ice production.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The migration of ducks have moved through Horicon. Canada geese are working toward the fields. Some White fronted geese and snow geese have been seen migrating through the Horicon area.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - Despite receiving almost 4 inches of snow last weekend snowmobile and ski trails within the county are not open as of midweek. This may change later in the week if additional snow is received. Trail users can call Dane County Parks at 242-4576 for trail opening and closing information and updates. Ice has been forming on the bays of Madison Lakes and anglers are out on Monona Bay and some of the bays and harbors. Good numbers of geese are still around for those that can brave the snow and cold temperatures to hunt them. Goose season in the south portion of the Exterior Zone runs through December 16th.
Blue Mound State Park - Cross-country ski trails are open. As of Jan. 6, coverage was a little thin in spots. The trail was rolled but no tracks have been set. Rock skis are recommended. Conditions change daily, please call the park at 608-437-5711 for current ski conditions. Hiking, snowshoeing, leashed pets allowed on single track mountain bike trails and Indian Marker Tree Trail. There will be a candle light ski, hike, and snowshoe event from 6-9 p.m. on Jan. 1.
Devil’s Lake State Park – The park received about 5 inches of snow on Saturday, December 4. Not enough to groom on the ski trails, but enough that it now looks like winter. There is still almost no ice on the lake.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - Ice is getting thicker on lakes, but ATV and snowmobile operators should wait a while before venturing out on to the ice. An ATV went through the ice on Lake Koshkonong over the weekend near Bingham Point. Anglers are having some luck catching bluegills near Charley Bluff on Lake Koshkonong. Coyote hunters had success over the weekend with the few inches of snow to aid in finding tracks. Some deer hunting is still going on with the muzzleloader season being open over the weekend. The snowmobile trails are not open in Rock County. For information on trail conditions, refer to the Rock County website or contact the snowmobile trail hotline at 608-757-5458.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Ice fishing for panfish has been good. Plenty of parking has been plowed out for anglers. The ski trail groomer tried to cut classic track but he pulled out relatively soon. There’s just not enough base yet. The track that exists is from the groomer access point on the Orange and out on to the Red. There is some track but it was down to grass and dirt in some places according to Tom. The cold snap has hardened the trails up so that cutting your own track will not always work. Conditions now favor skaters on a below zero morning. Stay up to date with conditions on the skinnyski web site. Winter trail maps are out in boxes at various access points. It’s a shrunken copy of the old map since that is currently under revision. Some of the landmarks have changed but the trails are essentially the same. With ski trails open, non skiers are to use the multiple use trails. Hiking on a ski trail damages the surface so please do not hike on a trail that looks like a lot of skiers used it. Multiple use trails include: the Burkhardt Trail, The Willow Falls Hill, Hidden Ponds, and Mound trails. Snow shoers off trail are allowed. It is okay to cross a ski trail on snowshoes but do not walk down the trail. Other hiking options include the park road, beach-dam area, the old disc golf course, and the angler paths accessed from Trout Brook Road. Archery hunting for deer continues in the park on areas north of the Willow River and some land out to the east.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Waterfowl viewing opportunities still abound along the Mississippi River. Although much less numerous than they were about a month ago, a variety of waterfowl including bluebills, canvasbacks, mallards, coots, and tundra swans remain in the area and can be viewed from numerous areas along Highway 35, especially in the Lynxville area. Binoculars or a spotting scope will greatly improve viewing. Keep a sharp eye out for bald eagles, golden eagles, gulls, and other birds. When snow falls during the night, one need only step outside to discover that visitors have been to the yard, garden, fields, or woods. Though none may be in view, their footprints in the snow are evidence that they have been there: a grouse, sparrow, crow, squirrel, fox, weasel, or deer perhaps. All prints tell a story if we know how to read and interpret them. Prints in the snow are best studied when freshly made in newly fallen snow, for later when snow has become packed or blown about, prints become distorted. Check out a tracking book from your local library to assist you with track identification.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest – The forest received about 3 inches of snow on the trails last weekend. As of Dec. 6, the trails were not skiable and at least 3-4 more inches of quality snow is needed to groom trails. Skiers will notice that there has been a fair amount of timber sale activity along the trails this year. Motorized trails will open December 15 as long as the ground is frozen. Current conditions and the forecast are favorable for trails to open.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - There is snow on the trails but there currently is not enough to groom or track them. One trail is closed for the season due to storm damage.
Red Cedar State Trail - There is snow on the trail but there is not enough for grooming or tracking.
Wausau DNR Service Center area
Rib Mountain State Park - Trails are in excellent condition, we are working on developing new trails in the quarry area. Lots of deer, woodchucks and even an occassional turkey can be seen. The road leading into the main portion of the park is now open. Please make note that construction activities are still taking place at the top of the mountain as we begin work on the new Public Entrance and Visitor Station. Please park in parking lots that are plowed for winter use. Granite Peak Ski Area has begun to make snow in anticipation of the 2010-2011 ski season, please visit [www.skigranitepeak.com] for more information.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park – The park received 2-3 inches of snow this week. Ski trails will be groomed when there is more snow. Walking on trails when groomed is not allowed. Snowshoers must stay off to the side of trails and not on the groomed trails. Campsites 8 (accessible site with electric), 9 and 16 are open for winter camping. The park and wildlife areas are open to late bow deer season. Buckhorn is a REGULAR unit, not herd control. For does you must purchase a 54A doe tag. During the December 9-12 antlerless hunt you must use a unit specific tag (ex. 54A antlerless). The "T intersection" gate and gates on 22nd Ave and 33rd are now closed - vehicles are not allowed on the closed portions of roads.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The campground and main gate are now closed for the season. Parking is available at the winter lot on Czech Ave and that pit toilet is still open. Hunting is not allowed in Roche-A-Cri State Park.
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