With a lack of rain over the past few weeks over much of the state, the dry conditions have water levels on many lakes and rivers extremely low, and wild fire danger has risen across the state, which is unusual for mid summer. Fire danger levels have reached high in south central Wisconsin and are moderate across the rest of the state. Burning permits were suspended in Douglas and Bayfield counties this week. The Wisconsin River is running near historic lows in southern Wisconsin and was at less than half its historical flow for this time of year at Wisconsin Dells. The only main exception to the lack of rain has been in far southwestern Wisconsin. Areas of Grant County received as much as 10 inches of rain last Thursday. The Mississippi River “spiked” up to 7.4 feet at Prairie du Chien earlier this week, but the river quickly settled back to 6.5 feet. The rains caused substantial damage at Wyalusing State Park, which overlooks the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Many trails in the park and some roads were washed out and are closed. However, all campgrounds in the park remain open. Some much needed rain is forecast for later this week.
In the Northwoods, most lakes and rivers are experiencing dropping water levels. Paddling has become difficult on many whitewater rivers. Angling success continued to be erratic with the sunny and hot weather of the past week. Largemouth bass have been providing the most consistent action as the fish are showing much more of a typical summer pattern, with the best success coming from the thick cover. Musky action has improved in the last week, with anglers reporting quite a few follows and sightings. Walleye success continues to be erratic. Panfish action has been fair, with some decent catches of crappie and perch, but larger bluegill have been harder to find. Overall, fishing remained fairly good on southern waters, with bass being active throughout the day. Panfish action has been fair, with bluegills in their summer holding patterns, suspended over deep water.
Fishing on Green Bay picked up some this past week, with a few limits of perch reported. Fishing out on Lake Michigan was phenomenal this week out of some ports. Trollers had success throughout the week with large catches of chinook salmon and rainbow trout. Many boats also picked up a couple lake trout, coho salmon, or brown trout.
Bluegill, walleye and bass fishing was pretty good on the Mississippi River after the water settled back down. Inland trout streams are experiencing low water levels and trout are moving to deeper holes and to upstream reaches in search of cooler waters. Anglers are being asked to practice catch-and-release and be aware the trout are under stress in these conditions.
Shorebird migration is beginning to heat up with many adults and even a few first-year birds staging in Wisconsin on their way to points farther south. Tree swallows are beginning to stage in large groups and sandhill cranes are beginning to flock up in recently harvested farm fields.
After the third consecutive mild winter, state wildlife officials are expecting that excellent white-tailed deer survival and good reproductive rates will result in state deer population between 1.6 and 1.8 million animals this fall. Bucks with very impressive antlers in velvet are also being reported.
Choke cherries, service berries, pin cherries among others are ripening in the Northwoods and wildlife is taking advantage of these food sources. There is a bumper crop of cherries in the Door County orchards this year. Raspberries are plentiful and some moisture would certainly help.
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
Warm dry conditions across most of the state have resulted in low water levels in many rivers and wetlands allowing for good shorebird and marsh bird viewing opportunities. Shorebird migration is beginning to heat up with many adults and even a few first-year birds staging in Wisconsin on their way to points farther south. Good spots to view shorebirds include Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Horicon Marsh NWR, Lake Mills Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh Unit, and the widespread of the Yahara River north of Stoughton. To see a full list of managed areas for shorebirds for this summer go to
www.ebird.org/WI and click on the shorebird link. As we approach August we will begin to see some movement of warblers and other long-distance migrants. Tree swallows are beginning to stage in large groups and sandhill cranes are beginning to flock up in recently harvested farm fields. Rare birds reported this week include lingering black-necked stilt and little blue heron at Horicon, western sandpiper in Milwaukee, and a white-eyed vireo in Arena. As always, please report bird sightings to
www.ebird.org/WI to help track bird populations across the state.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Brule area has had some hot humid conditions for the past few days with temperatures into the upper 80s to 90s. There have been some unofficial reports of temperatures at or over 100 degrees. So far for July there has been just over a half inch of rain which is certainly not helping our continuing drought. Due to the extended drought, burning permits have been modified for Douglas and Bayfield counties until further notice. All permits are canceled and no annual barrel or regular three day permits will be issued. Although northwestern Douglas County received precipitation on Sunday, July 22, the rest of the county remains dry. Permit closures are based on a countywide basis. As of July 23, all regular three-day and annual barrel permits have been canceled for Douglas and Bayfield counties. Regular three-day and annual barrel permits were still being issued for Ashland and Iron counties. Please read your signed permit carefully before burning. The lack of precipitation has not been helpful for the Bois Brule River Conditions either. The flow as of July 26 was 108 cubic feet per second (cuffs) The 62 year average is 135 cfs. Choke and pin cherries are beginning to ripen. Bunchberry and clintonia berries are also adding some red and blue colors to the forest floor. Goldenrod, evening primrose, marsh milkweed, and fleabane flowers are now blooming. Tree swallows are grouping up and leaving their nest grounds. Robins and mourning doves should be hatching their second broods. Mourning doves can have two or more broods, depending on climate, year, and location. Late nesting birds such as goldfinches should be hatching their young now. They will time their hatches when thistle and wild sunflower seed is most available. Ducks and geese are beginning to fledge and will soon be more visible as they start traveling more often. The geese will begin to group up in feeding areas. The Brule Sportsmen's Club and the DNR will be working on a stream rehabilitation project this Saturday July 28 on Sandy Run. The area of stream that will be focused on is approximately 1,800 ft. beginning where the Little Brule and Sandy Run meet working up stream towards Hwy. 27. The goal of the project (which will take more than one season to complete) is to reclaim the original stream bed by removing debris from the channel and removing tag elder over growing the banks. The day will begin at the Brule Park for coffee at 9 a.m. People interested in volunteering are asked to contact Brule Sportsmen's Club member, Ron Gaare at (715) 363-2534 or ifsh4u@yahoo.com to sign up. Items to bring are waders, gloves, and shovels if possible. It is requested that dogs and young children (pre-teen) not come along to the work site for safety reasons. The DNR has a display at the Head of the Lakes Fair in Superior. It is located by the fair entrance in the brown cabin. Free educational items will be available for kids. The Fair runs through Sunday July 29.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Hot humid weather is in the forecast with a much needed chance of rain as well. Wter levels are very low and much more rain is needed. Panfish continue to be found in deeper water. Walleye fishing has been slow, but a few fish were being caught after dark. Bass fishing remains fair and fish were being found in shady areas or near structure on sunny days. Anglers were catching some musky but mostly smaller fish were being caught. Boating and water recreation activity continue at a busy pace. Please be sure to have life vests available to all passengers on your boat and have all children wear them while on the water. Fields and wood edges are filled with various colors of wildflowers creating a colorful landscape. Purple is a dominant color currently. purple loosestrife, fireweed, and spotted knapweed all lending their colorful display Choke cherries, service berries, pin cherries among others are ripening in the forest and wildlife is taking advantage of these food sources. Raspberries are plentiful and some moisture would certainly help. Some nice berries can be found along forest roads and openings. Some nice bucks with velvet covered antlers are being seen along roadways and many sightings of bear are being reported. Take some time to enjoy what nature offers, slow down during the extreme heat and drink plenty of fluids.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The Upper Chippewa Basin has received just light and scattered rainfall in last few weeks and nearly all streams and rivers are at very low levels. Most natural lakes are also at a low level and many of the flowages are beginning to experience a drop in water levels as well. Emergent vegetation such as wild rice, bulrush and water lily seem to be at typical densities, and submergent weed growth has been variable -- with many areas having abnormally light densities for this time of year and some areas having higher densities. Initial observations indicate that there were good hatches of both largemouth and smallmouth bass this spring. Angling success continued to be erratic with sunny and hot weather of the past week. Largemouth bass have been providing the most consistent action as the fish are showing much more of a typical summer pattern. The best success has been coming from the thick cover -- in the down wood, near the bog edges, in the thick lily pad beds and under mats of vegetation. Soft plastics and top-water frogs have been the most productive lures and the key has been to work them slowly through the cover. Smallmouth bass have been a little tougher to find as it seems that the low water levels and warmer temperatures have kept most of the fish in deeper water. A few nice fish have been caught on a slow presentation of small plastic finesse baits -- worked on the deep edges near weeds or wood in 6 to 10 feet of water. Musky action has also improved in the last week with anglers reporting quite a few follows and sightings. But most of the catches have been of smaller fish in the 26- to 36-inch size and the bigger fish seem to be holding off in deeper water yet. Slow top-water baits, medium-size spinner baits and smaller bucktails have been the favorite lures. Walleye success continues to be erratic. Some days the fish have been hard to come by and others have produced some real good catches. The best success has been with night crawlers on slip bobber rigs, fished on the mid-depth rock humps and the deep weed edges. Panfish action has been fair. Some decent catches of crappie, perch and rock bass have been reported but larger bluegill have gotten tough to find. .
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Hot dry weather continues adding to the drought like conditions across the area. Flowages and lakes are really showing the impacts as their levels continue to drop creating some navigation hazards. There continues to be a great bite for muskellunge with this past weekend’s reports indicating numerous good size fish being boated. Bass anglers are reporting success throughout the Lakeland area along the deep side weed edges with leeches the preferred bait. Walleye are also reported to be in and around any weed growth with both leeches and crawlers temping them to bite. Weed growth and water temperatures are about normal for this time of year. Raspberries are beginning to turn ripe and they appear to have a good crop but could fall prey to the dry conditions without some measurable rain soon. As you travel the area, be cautious of deer crossing the roads, more often than not the fawns are close behind. The recent warm summer weather has brought out numerous recreational boaters. Please use caution when traveling about and respect the rights of others.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The inland trout streams are experiencing low water levels with the absence of much needed rain. Trout are moving to deeper holes and to upstream reaches in search of cooler waters. Overcast days will bring greater success for inland trout anglers. Area lakes are seeing more use as the temperatures climb. Please remember to knock off the lake weeds from boats and equipment at the landings. The raspberry crop is ripe with blackberries soon to follow. Sandhill cranes, eagles and blue herons are commonly seen along the Menominee River. The Peshtigo Harbor Wildlife Area is teeming with birds associated with water also. There have been reports of kingfisher, heron and occasional white pelican. Turkey poults have been observed of varying size from small chick size to bantam size. Whitetail bucks are growing racks in velvet, some of good size already.
Oconto County - The weather brought showers early in the week followed by sunny skies and wind for the weeks end. The temperatures were moderate all this week ranging in the 70s and 80s. The fishing action has been slow all week with the high seas on Green Bay. Few boats reported catching salmon and trout in the northern end of Green Bay. However, those salmon caught seem to be nicer in size. The perch seemed to be still spread out in varying depths ranging from 12 to 50 feet of water; a few “limit” catches were reported out of Oconto Harbor and Park 2 in Oconto County. Anglers were catching the perch on minnows, worms and leaches. The walleye action has been slow over the past week with more sheepshead and perch being caught while trolling for walleye. The walleye that are caught are boated mainly on harnesses.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - The fishing on the bay picked up some this past week. A few limits of perch were reported outside of Bayshore and Chaudoir’s parks. Anglers have been starting shallow and working their way out to 25 to 30 feet in the early mornings. Minnows still seemed to be the best bet. Walleye action was fairly slow this week, although some fish were still being caught off the reefs south of Bayshore. Slow trolling with blue variations on spinner rigs seem to be the best bet. Some nice smallmouth bass were caught outside of Sturgeon Bay around the state park area, with a few perch being reported out of the canal. The Fox, Duck, and Suamico rivers were all still producing sheepshead, catfish and some walleyes. The occasional musky anglers have been showing up, although the action has been slow.
Manitowoc County - In Manitowoc, anglers had another great week of fishing. Anglers trolling on Lake Michigan had success throughout the week with large catches of chinook salmon and rainbow trout. Many boats also picked up a couple lake trout, coho salmon, or brown trout. Most chinook ranged from 10 to 16 pounds with a few pushing 20 pounds and rainbow trout ranged from 5 to 8 pounds with larger ones pushing 12 pounds were landed this past week. Anglers fishing off the piers had a great week angling as well with many nice catches of chinook salmon and a few rainbow trout reported. Most success was in early mornings or late evenings while casting spoons from the end of the north or south pier. In Two Rivers, fishing was excellent this past week. Anglers trolling on Lake Michigan had large catches of chinook salmon, and rainbow trout. A few lake trout, coho salmon, and brown trout were also scattered in the catch. Successful morning and evening anglers fished in 30 to 60 feet of water while afternoon anglers fished deeper in 60 to 90 feet of water. Anglers had the most action with dipsys with a spoon or J-plug, while the fly and dodger combination seemed to produce a little slower action. Anglers fishing off the north and south piers also had a great week, landing many large catches of chinook salmon with a few rainbow trout as well. Success off the piers was split between casting spoons or fishing off the bottom with an alewife for bait. Most chinook harvested ranged between 16 to 18 pounds and the rainbow trout were between 8 to 10 pounds.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County – Warm and sunny days and pleasurably cool evenings combined to make for a most enjoyable week. Fishing out on Lake Michigan has been phenomenal this week. Warm water on the big lake seems to have forced the fish out into slightly deeper waters. Out of Sturgeon Bay, anglers fishing the early morning bite on the Bank Reef reported excellent success on fly and dodger combinations fished 90 to 125 feet deep. Later in the day, the action seemed to move out into deeper water with anglers fishing in 160 to 300 feet of water. Fly and dodger combinations along with spoons and J-Plugs – just about anything in the tackle box -- were producing limit catches of salmon and trout. Off Baileys Harbor, the action remained very good. Like the Sturgeon Bay area the action has moved out into the deeper waters. Rowley’s Bay, Ellison Bay, Sister Bay and Washington Island were all reporting lots of nice fish. Lots of small smallmouth bass were being caught from shore; however, the bigger fish seem to have moved out into deeper waters. Look for big smallmouth on structure in 15 to 25 feet of water. Tube jigs and goby imitation baits were taking some nice smallmouth. In early morning anglers were fishing with top water lures and spinner baits in 5 to 15 feet of water. There was a report of some nice smallmouth being taken off of Anderson’s dock in Ephraim this past week. Perch fishing has slowed down a little; however, the southern shore of Green Bay, along with Little Sturgeon and Riley’s Bay were producing some perch, although the fish are scattered. The majority of the walleye seemed to remain in the southern area of Green Bay. However anglers were picking up some fish on crank baits and night crawler harnesses trolled over Larson’s Reef and Monument Shoals along with the area around Chambers Island and Peninsula State Park. Northern pike and musky action was slow this past week with the fish scattered.
Peninsula State Park - The upcoming month will be very busy as Door County is now in its peak season. There is a bumper crop of cherries in the orchards this year. Weather has been quite dry. Water levels in Green Bay and Lake Michigan are still very low. Prevailing east northeast winds occasionally create a build-up of cladophora algae along the park's shoreline. Swimmers are advised that algae may be present along the first 10 to 20 feet along the waterline. When the weather heats up, visitors should be aware that sometimes Nicolet Bay Beach reaches capacity. When all parking spots are filled, no more vehicles are permitted into the beach areas. Solution: Plan on bicycling to the beach! Trails are in very dry condition. Some of the more interesting and commonly seen summer birds: white pelicans, cormorants, wood ducks, mergansers, bald eagles, osprey. All campgrounds have been full on weekends and on most other days. Peninsula State Park golf course is open and tee times are generally available. Visit the Golf Course website at
www.peninsulagolf.org or call 920-854-5791. American Folklore Theatre’s summer season is underway. Three GREAT programs are being offered. Visit
www.folkloretheatre.com for details.
Kewaunee County - Some nice weather over most of the week made for some a nice week of fishing. There was some rain at the start of the week, but not enough to hamper the fishing over the week. The winds have been very favorable over the entire week. Anglers fishing off the pier and in the harbor in Kewaunee had another good week of fishing. Kings and some browns have been caught on silver spoons and live bait. Anglers fishing off the piers in Algoma have reported very slow fishing over the last week. Anglers trolling out on the lake have been coming in with some good catches of kings and rainbows. Anglers have also been catching a few lakers, browns and cohos as well. Many good catches of fish have been coming in throughout most of the week, but it has slowed down some over the weekend. Anglers started the week fishing in shallower waters, but move to deeper waters in an attempt to find the fish. Most anglers were fishing in water depths of about 60 to 120 feet. Fish are being caught anywhere from 70 to 100 feet. The fish have started to move deeper as the water temperatures have been rising. Anglers have been reporting that the best tackle to use has been various combinations of flashers and flies.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, shore anglers fishing both the north and south piers have been catching a few chinooks in the early morning hours. Blue or green spoons have taken the most fish, although alewives fished on the bottom have also produced. Trollers off Sheboygan have been catching mostly chinooks, along with occasional rainbows and coho. Fish have been found 60 to 70 feet down in 90 to 120 feet of water.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore fishing has slowed considerably, with only a few chinooks caught off the pier. Trollers out of Port Washington have been catching mostly chinooks and a few coho and rainbows 50 to 70 feet down in water 70 to 100 feet deep. Spoons and flies have both taken fish.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, shore fishing shut down after nearshore waters warmed up again. Milwaukee trollers have been catching good numbers of chinooks, along with a few coho, lake trout, rainbows, and browns. Most fish have been caught on spoons and J-plugs 70 feet down in water 100 feet and deeper.
Racine County - In Racine perch fishing for shore anglers has been slow overall, with only a few caught near the mouth of the boat launch at Pershing Park. Crab tails have provided the only action. Boaters have been catching perch off and on at the breakwall. Both minnows and crab tails have taken perch there. Racine trollers have been catching good numbers of chinooks and a few steelhead. Most fish have been taken on spoons and J-plugs in over 100 feet of water.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha perch fishing from shore has been fairly good in the mornings, but the window of opportunity has been short. Minnows and crab tails have produced the most consistent catches. From the boats, perch have been hit or miss, but the lake side of the breakwall has generally produced perch in the mornings. Shore anglers fishing the Kenosha harbor for brown trout have been catching a few each day, mostly on white tube jigs. Kenosha trollers have been catching chinooks and coho in 80 to 120 feet on spoons in a variety of colors.
Inland fisheries team report
Overall, fishing remains good in the region. Bass have been active. Walleyes have been biting at night. Rivers and streams are very low. The whole region needs some rain.
Milwaukee County - The Milwaukee River has been giving up a few smallmouth and walleyes below the dam in Estabrook park, most anglers have been fishing deep holes with crank baits and spinner baits, best times seem to be at dusk. The Kletzsch park area has also been producing a fair number of smallmouth bass. Smallmouth are running small and less than the 14-inch minimum. Similarly, smallmouth and a few small northern pike are being taken in Ozaukee and Washington counties. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release. In response to the long term drought, water levels are low, so fishing deeper is key.
Waukesha County - Bluegills have been providing some action as of late, best catches coming from Pewaukee, Pine, and Beaver lakes. Bluegills were in their summer holding patterns, suspended over deep water about 11 to 17 feet down. Musky action has been spotty at best. Some anglers have been speed trolling smaller cranks over shallow weed cuts on Pewaukee, Oconomowoc and Upper Nemahbin lakes. Walleye fishing has been excellent on area lakes after dark on large golden shiners and suckers on slip rigs over rock humps.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Fishing action slowed a bit during the last week. Some anglers reported catching small bluegills on area lakes. Bass fishing has still been very good, with some catches coming from the thick weed cover on floating frogs and other baits that are snag less. Trout streams are in fairly good shape considering the lack of rain.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - Wyalusing State Park and surrounding area received approximately 6 inches of rain on Tuesday, July 17. Some trails are closed due to washouts and mudslides. Trails that are closed include Bluff Trail, Sand Cave Trail, Flint Ledge Trail, Old Wagon Road Trail, Walnut Springs Trail, Sugar Maple Trail, and Indian Trail. Trails that are open are Whitetail Meadow Trail, Turkey Hollow Trail, Sentinel Ridge Trail and Mississippi Ridge Trail. Hikers can hike to Pictured Rock Cave from the parking lot for Sugar Maple Nature Trail, but the rest of that trail is not open. The walkway to Point Lookout is open. The road to the boat landing is now open, but Homestead Hill Road remains closed. The Wisconsin Ridge, Homestead and Outdoor Group Campgrounds are open for camping. The heavy rain did not due any damage to the camping areas. The Mississippi River level at Prairie du Chien, remains at 6.5 feet. Recent bird sightings include: robins, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, pileated woodpeckers, cerulean warblers, prothonotary warblers, warbling vireos, yellow-throated vireos, Acadian flycatchers, Kentucky warblers, yellow-throated warbler, northern orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, scarlet tanagers, bluebirds, bald eagles, turkey vultures, and hummingbirds. A northern saw whet owl was heard at the west end of the Homestead Campground last weekend. Hummingbirds are visiting the park office feeders with a vengeance. Dozens of hummers go through about 2 gallons of sugar water a day. Hummingbirds are most active in the early morning and just before dark. Cerulean and prothonotary warblers, warbling vireos, yellow-throated vireos and orioles can be found at the boat landing in the park. The Acadian flycatcher might be spotted about 300 feet from the boat landing on Sugar Maple Nature Trail. The Kentucky warbler and the yellow-throated warbler have been sighted near the Homestead Picnic Shelter on the southern loop of the Turkey Hollow Trail. The prairie is beautiful! Flowers blooming in the park office prairie include: purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed, purple prairie clover, dwarf St. Johnswort, tall bellflower, cardinal flower, blazing star, royal catch fly, poppy mallow, jJe pye weed, evening primrose, culvers root, upland white aster, and hoary vervain. Cabbage white, Milbert’s tortoise shell, red admiral, tiger swallowtail, comma, painted lady, and hackberry butterflies are being seen. Black rat, fox, bull, eastern hognose, and prairie ringneck snakes have been seen in the park. On Saturday, July 28, there will be a program, “On A Monument To The Pigeon,” in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Passenger Pigeon Monument at the park. Friends of Wyalusing President, Ken Knowles, will read “On a Monument to the Pigeon” from Aldo Leopold’s “A Sand County Almanac” at 4 p.m. at the Passenger Pigeon Monument. At 7 p.m., Ken Lonnquist, a funny, enjoyable songwriter from Madison, will perform “earthy songs” about nature and ecology at the Peterson Shelter. This will be followed by an astronomy program at 7:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Huser Astronomy Center located just past the park office on the right side of the road.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Farmers are harvesting their second crop of hay for the year. These cut fields should be excellent areas to look for wild turkey broods. Cut hay fields are frequented by hungry broods searching for abundant and nutritious insects. Deer fawns are roaming farther away from their mothers. In fact, do not be surprised to see fawns by themselves, especially during the day. This is normal and does not mean the fawn has been abandoned by the doe. Although many young birds can fly, many others are not old enough, so it is still very important to keep cats and dogs indoors or otherwise confined. Birds that can not fly yet are either from species that will renest if earlier nest attempts are destroyed or from the relatively few species that produce more than one brood. Late litters of cottontails, squirrels and other small mammals which produce multiple litters may also be out and about.
Crawford County - All three major rivers in the Crawford County area are very low even after the heavy rain last week. The Mississippi River “spiked” up to 7.4 feet early last week because 10 inches of rain fell south and west of Prairie du Chien. However the river quickly settled back to 6.5 feet. A substantial amount of debris was washed into the river but most of it has settled on shorelines or washed downstream. The low water on the Mississippi River creates numerous navigation hazards. Boaters who are unfamiliar with the river need to use extra caution because wing and closing dams, dead heads, logs, mud flats and sand bars are exposed or very close to the surface of the water. Boaters using the Mississippi River are urged to slow down when traveling outside the main channel. The Wisconsin River is very low also. Navigation on the Wisconsin is tricky. Numerous sandbars are exposed creating idea camping and relaxing areas. The Kickapoo River is very low and is full of downed trees and logs. Navigation with any type of motorized craft is very difficult. All the trout streams in the area in good shape. Fishing action was interrupted a few days by the heavy rain. However once the water settled down activity picked up. Bluegill action remains very good. Bluegills have been biting on the Mississippi River. In the Prairie du Chien area anglers are having very good success on wing dams and in deeper slow moving sloughs and even on the Main Channel. The Ambro Slough Complex continues to produce some nice bluegills in downed trees. However the low water is causing navigation problems. Some very nice catches of bluegills have been reported in the East Channel near Indian Isle and along the Iowa side of the main channel. Many anglers are “dead lining” bluegills in deep water while other use small jig heads tipped with pieces of night crawler. Wing dam action has been very good for bluegill also. The best tactic is to move around until you find decent sized and active “gills”. Crappie and perch action was spotty. Perch have been biting on St. Feriole Slough along the weed edges. The perch fishing action in Pool 9 near the Ferryville wasn’t bad but anglers have to search for active fish. Some crappie action has been reported in backwater areas around downed trees or along deeper water drop offs. Walleye fishing was pretty good. Anglers are primarily targeting wing dams. Trolling or working wing dams with crank baits have produced some nice fish. Some anglers have had success using jigs tipped with night crawlers or leeches. Another tactic is dead lining above the wing dam. Walleye action in the McDonald Slough area and the Lynxville dam have been spotty. In the area of the “S” curve near Harpers Ferry many anglers have been drifting with a jig and night crawlers or leach or trolling with fair success. Some anglers are drifting or trolling the west shoreline below Harper’s Ferry slough in about 10 feet of water. Saugers and walleyes have been active outside Cold Spring on some days. The best baits have been chartreuse crank baits or live bait rigs. Bass fishing on the Mississippi River remains very good. Anglers are catching decent fish using plastics, crank and spinner baits. The bass seem to utilizing weed or wood cover in backwater areas. Wing dams have produced smallmouth and largemouth bass. Catfish continue to bite fairly well. Most cat anglers are using cut bait, stink bait or night crawlers. Like any other fishing it is best to move if the cat fishing is slow. The best bullhead action has been in shallow backwater areas of both the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River. The Lower Wisconsin River has been producing some very good smallmouth bass. Trout anglers report a pretty good action. Many of the local trout streams produced decent brook and brown trout. Trout fishing is becoming a bit more difficult due to the heavy vegetation and insects. Poison ivy and stinging nettle, deer and horse flies and mosquitoes are out in force. Some of the parsnip is starting to die back, however it should still be avoided. The mayfly hatch on the Mississippi River in the Pool 10 is over. The Wisconsin Trappers Association along with the DNR will be holding a trapper’s education course at the Boscobel Sportsman’s Club off STH 133 East on August 25 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and 26 (8 a.m. to noon). Camping will be available. The course fee is $8 and pre-registration is required. Contact Alan Krieg at 608-875-6251 or Warden Mike Cross 608-326-2915 for additional information.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Continued hot and dry weather is keeping the fire danger at the moderate to high level. Be careful in the out of doors. Campfires need to be attended at all times and put out before leaving.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The open water game fish action has been good this past week. Bass action on spinner baits has been productive, and there has been good musky action on Cornell flowage and below the Cornell dam. Species of birds seen or heard include: scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, towhees, golden finches, ravens, rose-breasted grosbeaks, loons, robins, red polls, a variety of wrens, phoebes, Canada geese, turkey vultures, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great blue herons, green herons, barred owls, ravens, osprey, bald eagles and belted kingfishers. Harebell, common milkweed, water smartweed, rabbits foot clover, marsh hedge nettle, wild bergamot, brown eyed susans, lesser daisy fleabane, the water lilies, some of the aster varieties, orange hawkweed, wild columbine, ox eye daisy, wooly yarrow are flowering.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - - Although lakes are at an all time low, anglers are reporting good luck with catching bass in and around the reserve lakes. Stop at the Interpretive Center for a free lakes book detailing access, type, and lake information. A vehicle sticker is required at the North and South Shattuck boat landings, as well as the parking area west of the interpretive center on Hwy M. Now is a good time to hike as trails are in great condition, but deer flies can be bad so bring bug spray and wear a hat. The trees are lush and green and there are lots of animals and birds to be seen. Visitors have seen baby mink, baby otters, and a Canada Goose with seven goslings on surrounding Reserve lakes. White-tail deer with fawns, red fox, woodchucks, and porcupines and black bear have been seen. A mix of birds seen almost everyday include red-bellied, downy, hairy and pileated woodpeckers, blue jays, northern cardinals, and scarlet tanagers Dozens of ruby-throated humming birds feast at the center’s feeders daily and red headed woodpeckers frequent the reserve. Colorful wildflowers are in full bloom and nature is letting us know that fall is close at hand. Black berries are starting to ripen.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park – Warmer weather has been great for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Many visitors have been using the beach in the park. Park users have been catching fish off the pier and at the kids fishing pond. There is starting to be algae in the lake -- it blows around with the wind. There is a cold water rinse shower in the beach picnic area. Mosquito activity is moderate - remember your bug spray!! Check out the new signs on the barrens nature trail. Take photos of the wildflowers, wildlife, sunsets, people using the park, etc. for the annual photo contest. Deadline for the photo contest is Sept 30th. There will be a Wisconsin whooping crane presentation by Dan Peterson of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, July 28 at 8 p.m. in the park amphitheater.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Many summer wildflowers are in bloom in the woodlands and prairies, including wild bergamot and black-eyed Susan. Take a hike through the prairie to try and catch a glimpse of the Karner blue butterfly. Deer and turkeys have been abundant throughout the park. Take an evening hike and listen to the owls, coyotes, and turkey vultures of Roche-A-Cri. The 2007 photo contest is underway - remember your camera to catch great summer photos for the contest.
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VHS Update
as of July 26, 2007
VHS prevention rules slated for public hearings in August
Public hearings for proposed permanent rules to help prevent the spread of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) are set for August 14, 15, 16, 20 and 23 at locations across the state. The proposed rules would make permanent emergency rules now in place that affect boaters, anglers and other water users as well as the bait industry.
Boater and angler compliance
At Chequamegon Bay, the first citations have been issued for boater failure to comply with emergency rules aimed at preventing the spread of VHS to new waters. The emergency rules went on the books in early April. This year as in past years when new laws or rules go on the books, DNR’s conservation wardens take an educational approach in the first year and typically issue citations only for flagrant, intentional violations.
Through this week, the small corps of state-paid water craft inspectors and the Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteers working boat launches around the state had inspected 13,000 boats for invasive species and talked to 24,000 boaters to show them how to prevent the spread of VHS and other aquatic invasive species. Approximately 90 percent of the boaters surveyed at the landings said they had taken prevention steps. Erin Henegar, who coordinates the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program for the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin-Extension, says those statistics are in line with what she saw and heard during a recent weekend at boat launches on Lake Winnebago. “Boaters are very much aware of VHS. Only one of the 40 I talked to had not heard of VHS,” Henegar says. “Most of them seemed concerned. A lot of them said, ‘I don’t want to be the one to spread that.’” She also noted, however, that some boaters thought that since no new VHS infested waters had been found recently, the worry is past. It is important to note that VHS remains a serious threat to Wisconsin’s native fish. Fish kills and positive VHS test results have slowed due to weather conditions -- fish are better able to fight off the disease with warmer water temperatures. As water temperatures cool in the fall and then in the spring after enduring the stress associated with spawning, more fish kills and infected fish are expected. Though the toll of fish killed by the disease is still very low, it has had tremendous costs and triggered tremendous changes in DNR’s fisheries management program and has triggered changes for boaters and anglers. DNR is in the process of replacing laminated VHS signs posted at landings and with more permanent metal signs.
Stocking update
Private stocking of fish into state waters by lake associations, sport groups or other parties is undergoing greater scrutiny as a result of the discovery of VHS in the Lake Winnebago system and in Lake Michigan. DNR Fisheries Director Mike Staggs reminds folks who want to apply for a permit to stock public waters that they must have the proper testing and documentation as required by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. So far, many of the fish stocking permit requests DNR has received have had incomplete information, leading to a delay in the permit being issued, or its denial. DNR continues to follow its routine process for issuing permits if the fish have been broadly tested for disease and if the fish are destined for those specific waters where VHS has already been found – Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Winnebago, and Little Lake Butte des Morts. For private stocking intended to go to any where else – including tributaries or connecting waters to those lakes where VHS has already been found -- DNR and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection are considering permits on a case-by-case basis. The risks of stocking fish raised in private hatcheries are the same as those in state hatcheries – they could have been exposed to VHS through their water supply, the forage fish fed to larger fish, or from wild fish being transferred or spawned to produce the hatchery fish.
Forage Sampling
DNR continues making changes to minimize as much as possible any risk that DNR hatchery operations could inadvertently spread VHS. No VHS has been found in any DNR hatchery fish tested, their parent fish, nor the lakes or rivers providing clean water to their rearing ponds and tanks, but DNR is making substantial adjustments after the viral disease was discovered in fish from the state’s largest inland water, Lake Winnebago. Starting this week, DNR hatchery staff began VHS testing of forage fish that are fed to larger game fish being raised at state hatcheries. The purpose of this new forage testing plan is to provide assurances that the cool-water fish being stocked into Wisconsin's waters this fall are VHS-negative. Under the process, one month before harvest operations begin, forage (little minnows) will be purchased and brought in for stockpiling. From each truckload, 60 minnows will be tested for VHS while the remaining minnows will be stockpiled or fed directly to coolwater fish including muskies, northern pike and walleye fingerlings. One month before harvest begins, 60 of each group of fingerlings being fed the forage will also be tested. It takes 28 days to receive test results on VHS, so the fish scheduled for harvest will be switched to the stockpiled forage while the lab processes the samples. If more forage is needed during this time, DNR will only purchase VHS tested forage. The hatchery fish will only be stocked if both they and the forage they were fed test negative for VHS.
Most frequently asked question of the week
The emergency rules ban the movement of live fish from one waterbody to another. Is this really a problem? How many people really move from lake to lake to boat or fish?
Lake hopping is very common among boaters and anglers. Boating or trying your luck at fishing on different lakes on the same day or same week can be part of the fun. But it’s a big problem if these frequent fliers don’t take the necessary steps to avoid accidentally spreading VHS to new waters. So far this year, 47 percent of the boaters surveyed at boat landings by state-funded watercraft inspectors or volunteers trained through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program indicated that they had last used their boat within the past five days. Fully 47 percent of those boat operators last used their boat in a water infested with some sort of invasive species. So enjoy exploring Wisconsin’s 15,081 lakes and 44,000 perennially flowing rivers miles, but make sure you never move live fish from one water to another, that you always drain your boat, bilge, bait bucket and live well, and that you always buy minnows from Wisconsin bait dealers.
Last Revised: Thursday July 26 2007
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/#top
