Additional snowfall across northern Wisconsin in the last week continued to keep snowmobile and cross-country ski conditions in the north ranging from good to excellent. Less snow fell in central Wisconsin, and conditions there range from fair to good. With no significant new snow in the south, snow conditions have deteriorated and most southern snowmobile trails are closed, and ski trails have become icy, with some thin to bare spots.
Ice conditions are good in the north and slush is at a minimum. Ice conditions in the south continue to vary greatly with many of the southern most lakes still having areas of open water.
South of Highway 64 permanent ice shelters must be removed by Sunday March 5, if they have not been removed already. North of Highway 64 shelters must be removed by March 15. After those dates, portable shelters may be used, but they must be removed when not occupied.
In the north there were reports of improved walleye action along shallow water weed edges. Perch continued to provide good action in the shallow water weeds. Anglers were finding good numbers of panfish, but the bite has slowed considerably.
In the south, cold weather created fishable ice on some lakes but others still have areas of open water and no ice fishing is recommended there. Even where there is enough ice for fishing, success was slow. A few walleyes were reported with an occasional northern pike. Since northern pike are within a few weeks of their spawning at ice-out in the south, anglers may want to consider releasing any female northerns.
The game fish season on most inland lakes closes on March 5 so many anglers will be attempting to catch a few walleyes this weekend before the closure. Some major rivers such as the Wisconsin and Mississippi remain open year-round for game fish, as do some inland lakes. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations for waters that remain open.
Along Green Bay, a few anglers were catching some yellow perch near the mouth of the Oconto River near Little Tail Point and in Sawyer Harbor. Small northern were being caught at Sturgeon Bay and Little Tail Point. Walleyes in the 16 to 18-inch ranger were caught on the Fox River at DePere.
The Mississippi River stage started to rise again this week and was at 8.8 feet in Prairie du Chien mid week. Ice conditions continue to be very dangerous. The Main Channel of the river is starting to open up again. Pool 9 is still mostly frozen over. Bluegill action was fairly good on some days. A few people have been venturing out in boats again, but fishing reports have been spotty, with some reports of a few sauger being taken.
The early catch and release trout season opens this Saturday, March 4 and runs through April 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks are allowed and all trout must be immediately released. Fish biologists are reporting strong trout populations in waters open for the early season, despite some stress due to last summers drought.
The sale of remaining spring turkey permits that were not issued through the drawing has been delayed until noon Saturday, March 25. Originally the permits were to be issued beginning March 10, but DNR licensing officials have delayed the sale to ensure that all license outlets will be able to sell the permits. This is the first time remaining permits have been sold on a first come-first serve basis. In the past if the number of spring turkey permits exceeded the number of applications for a specific zone and time period, remaining permits were issued through a preference drawing.
More than 40,250 permits across almost all units in the May hunting periods are available. The permits will be available at 1,450 locations around the state or can be purchased on line through the DNR Web site or by phone at 1-877-945-4236. A complete list of units with the number of permits is available on the DNR Web site or contact at DNR service centers. Hunters must purchase their spring turkey license and stamp before being able to purchase a permit.
Further more regionaly specific reports here...
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/
