Late season snowfall over much of the state in the past week is guaranteed to bring the snowmobilers, skiers and other winter outdoor enthusiasts out for one of the last weekend recreation opportunities of the season. But, with that opportunity comes the need to remind everyone to have their fun safely. This late in the season, the ice on lakes, rivers and wetlands may be weak or slushy and the recent snowfall can hide dangerous areas.
Even with the fresh snow, snowmobile trail conditions can be variable and change dramatically during the course of a day. And, as always, dont drink and drive and travel at reasonable speeds. Trees, fences and other hazards can come up quickly at high speeds leaving you no time to react to avoid the danger.
As is typical of March weather, the temperatures have been on a rollercoaster over the past few days along with as much as 20 inches of snow in the north, and rain and snow in the south. Although this weekend looks like a good one for outdoor activities, its a good idea to call ahead to check out conditions where you plan to go.
Inland gamefishing season is closed, but good panfishing opportunities exist in many parts of the state. Crappie action is picking up on many northern lakes and bluegill and perch action has been good and will get better toward the end of safe ice. In the southern part of the state, the ice is off many smaller lakes and the bluegills and crappies are biting in shallow areas.
Good water levels are reported in the tributaries to Lake Superior, fish are staging at the mouths of the streams, and, if the current trend continues, fishing conditions should be prime for opening day on March 25th. Most of the tributaries to Lake Michigan, especially in the south, are experiencing high water levels and flow, and decent fishing conditions are probably at least a week away. In Lake Michigan, anglers are catching brown trout and steelheads in areas where the water is warmer near river mouths and power plants.
In the Mississippi River, water levels rose slightly during the week and ice conditions in backwater areas are very dangerous. Walleye and sauger action has been slow with occasional spotty periods of good activity.
Licenses for the 2006-2007 season are now on sale and remaining turkey permits will go on sale at noon on Saturday, March 25.
Birds have been returning to most areas of the state. In the north, eagles, hawks and waterfowl have been returning. In the central part of the state, bluebirds, American robins, red-winged blackbirds, finches and sandhill cranes have begun to make their appearance. Turkeys are continuing to congregate in flocks.
Wildlife is also continuing to become more active with skunks and opossums showing up, and red foxes should be having their kits about now.
Further detailed specific report for your area...http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/
