Another winter storm moved across the state this week, dropping from 4 to 6 inches of snow across the southern half of the state. The storm missed the north, and currently southern Wisconsin is reporting greater snow depth than northern Wisconsin, with a foot or more of snow across much of southern Wisconsin and 6 to 10 inches reported from central Wisconsin north. Most state parks and forests have now groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails and conditions were reported from excellent in the south and good in the north. Quite a few counties in southern and far northern Wisconsin have now opened snowmobile trails with conditions ranging from fair to good, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report. Trails in many counties throughout central Wisconsin remain closed as of this week.
DNR conservation wardens and recreational safety specialists are urging all people to be extremely cautious when venturing out on frozen lakes and rivers. Due to the large amount of early snow, ice conditions are not safe in many areas. Though there are reports of ice depths up to 8 inches on some northern lakes, many areas have less then 2 inches, which is unsafe even for foot travel. At this time they are recommending no travel on ice by snowmobiles or ATVs.
Reports from early season anglers indicate fishing has been generally slow, though there have been some reports of good bluegill and northern pike fishing. Walleye action has been slow, with a few lucky anglers icing just one or two walleye in the 12- to 16-inch size. In the south, a few anglers were beginning to catch northern pike on shiners and chubs. Ice is forming in Sawyer Harbor on Green Bay but it is still unsafe for travel.
The Mississippi River is up to 8.1 feet at Prairie du Chien. Ice thickness on the river ranges up to about 5 inches in backwater areas with some good bluegill and crappie action reported at times this week Some of the Main Channel is now frozen over, but conditions are too dangerous for walleye and sauger fishing.
A few ice anglers have been out on the lower Wisconsin River sloughs and bays some bluegills biting. Ice anglers –especially those fishing for northerns and walleyes, are again reminded of the new rules in place intended to help prevent the spread of VHS, a fish disease that threatens Wisconsin fish.
Squirrel and rabbit hunters are having pretty good success now that there is snow cover.
The snow is also useful to see what animals are wandering around. Turkey, deer, red and gray squirrel tracks are abundant. 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.
Sightings at bird feeders include: red-bellied, downy and hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, gold finches, mourning doves and crows.
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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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Last week's snow has remained on the conifers, painting a beautiful picture in the woods. Twelve inches of snow is on the ground making navigating around the woods by foot still relatively easy. The snow is also useful to see what animals are wandering around. Just around the ranger station in the last week turkey, fisher, deer, red and gray squirrel tracks are just some of the tracks that can bee seen. The cross country skiers are certainly happy to see the snow. The trails at the Afterhours Ski Trail are shaping up beautifully. The trails were "touched up" with the groomers Monday, Dec. 10 and the cold night temperatures are helping to firm up the trail base. Updates on the trail can be found at
www.skinnyski.com .
Pattison State Park – The cross-country ski trail is open for the season. There is a 7-inch base, and the trail is in good condition. The winter is an excellent time to view the park. The rocks and cliffs are very evident, and it is easy to see the geologic features. The myriad of animal tracks indicate the amazing number of different animals living in the park that visitors normally would not see.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Snowmobilers are enjoying the recently groomed trails. Conditions are good to very good, though a good wet snow would help to form a better base. Cross-country skiers are enjoying the fresh snow as are the snow shoe enthusiast, finding 8 to 10 inches of fresh snow in the woods. Though ice conditions very greatly, those fishing this early ice are find success on the Eau Claire Chain and Lake Owen catching both walleye and northern. Others were finding success panfishing in the shallows on Lake Namekagon. Caution should be used when venturing out on the ice, due to the large amount of snow on the early ice, ice conditions are not safe, though some report 5 to 6 inches of ice, others are finding less then 2 inches farther out from shore. Vehicle use on local lakes is not recommended at this time; as always, "travel at your own risk", but be prepared by carrying/wearing a life jacket and having a set of ice grips with you, in case you happen to go through the ice, the grips will help you pull yourself onto the slippery ice. Late bow hunters are enjoying the break in cold temperatures, as are the bobcat hunters who are also taking advantage of tracks found in the fresh snow.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – Cross-country ski trails have been packed. All loops at McNaughton are packed. Madeline has a packed base on all loops, but there are some ruts due to vehicle driving on trail. All Escanaba loops are packed. At Raven, the Red loop is closed due to logging and will not be groomed this season. All other loops will have base packed Thursday. There are some ruts due to a vehicle driving on trail.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - With the cold weather of the past week, the ice cover on lakes across the Northwoods has thickened and more ice anglers have been venturing out. However, ice thickness is still quite variable as the insulating snow cover has made for some irregular freezing conditions. Some areas of the lakes have upwards of 7 to 8 inches of ice while other areas have only 2 to 3 inches where the snow cover was undisturbed. As such, caution is still urged when venturing out on any lakes in the north -- especially with ATVs or snowmobiles. Reports from early season anglers indicate some generally slow fishing. Walleye are usually the target for most of the early ice anglers and catches have been hard to come by for most. Many anglers have reported only two or three flags per trip, with the lucky ones able to ice one or two walleye in the 12- to 16-inch size. The most productive areas have been the mud/muck flats, with shiners or suckers fished at the 8 to 15 foot depth. Some action is also being seen on the gravel drop-offs and near the hard-bottom break lines, especially if they are near any weed beds. Angling pressure for northern pike is beginning to pick up and success for that species has been fair, as the cloudy and colder weather seems to kept their activity down. Large golden shiners fished near and over any green weeds have provided the best success.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - At this time most snowmobile trails are open although there are some closed gates in areas. The private landowners in these cases will open their properties after the deer archery season is closed in January. Please respect their wishes and remain off the properties. Ice anglers have been catching some panfish on inland waters such as Newton Lake, Cauldron Falls, and the Menominee River sloughs and bays. The ice thickness ranges anywhere from 4 to 10 inches. Caution should be used anytime you travel on frozen waters. The Silver Cliff Town Hall will be the site for an ATV Safety Certification Course on Feb. 9 and 10, 2008, register by calling the instructor at (920) 591-0210. Turkey flocks have moved into sheltered areas and around agricultural/livestock areas. A chance of flurries is forecasted for the weekend weather. Dress in layers for your comfort level when engaging in outdoor activities.
Oconto County - Inland waters are attracting ice anglers, please use caution on any frozen waters. New VHS rules to be aware of when ice fishing require minnows brought back to the shore, whether the water is open or frozen, those minnows may not be taken away live. Check the DNR Web site for other frequently asked questions on ice fishing and VHS fish virus that affects all Wisconsin and bordering waters. A snowmobile safety course is being offered at the Oconto Falls Fire Department on Jan. 5 and 6, register by calling (920) 848-2960.
Shawano County - Local anglers have been taking advantage of early ice fishing opportunities in the area. Ice conditions are still variable and anglers should use caution. Panfish and northern pike fishing has been good in many small area lakes. The annual Christmas Bird Count will be held at the Navarino Nature Center on Saturday, Dec. 15, followed by a potluck social on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. For more information on this and other events you may call the Center at (715) 758-6999.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park – As of Dec. 13, snow cover was 7inches. Most sections of the Park's 16 mile cross-country ski trail system are groomed and in good condition. Snowmobile trails remain closed. The sledding hill is open. The road through the Park is plowed and open. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is not accessible to motor vehicles. Eagle Tower is open and accessible. Waterfowl sightings are abundant along the shore of Peninsula State Park. Water levels in Green Bay and Lake Michigan are still very low, approximately 18 inches below the long-term average. The Bay remains basically ice-free.
Potawatomi State Park – Cross-country ski trails are groomed and tracked. Park visitors on skis and snowshoes are enjoying the wintery conditions. Ice is forming in Sawyer Harbor. Anglers are bringing in their shanties and positioning them in the parking lot, waiting for the harbor to freeze over. Please use caution when going out on the ice. The era of downhill skiing at Potawatomi is now history. After several years of inactivity, the chair lift, tow ropes, snowmaking equipment, and some buildings were removed during 2007.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Cross-country ski trails are groomed and ready for skiers. The Black trail and beach are open for hiking and snowshoeing.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - All cross-country ski trails at have been groomed and tracked. Ski trails are in excellent condition with 6 to 8 inches of snow for a base.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit – As of Dec. 13, cross-country ski conditions were very good to excellent with the new snow now setting up very nicely. The skating lanes were re-groomed last night, while the classic track was left in place. Plans are to put in a new track on Friday night for the weekend. The ski trail lights will be lit until 10 p.m. everyday except Sundays.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit - The Northern Unit received approximately 3 to 4 inches of moderately moist snow during the day on Dec. 11. The brown, red and green loops at the Zillmer trail were groomed. The classical tracks and the skating lanes setup over night producing excellent conditions. The yellow loop will be groomed on Thursday. The Greenbush trail was also reported as excellent.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - Cross-country ski report: The Scuppernong trail received primarily snow on Tuesday, a little rain, but not as much as farther south in the Kettle Moraine. A total of 4 to 5 inches of new snow fell on Scuppernong. The trail was re-groomed and in really good shape. Temperatures that will be getting lower as well as lower humidity should help dry things out and set the snow up when it gets groomed. Scuppernong is groomed for classical sking only and will have a double classical track set throughout the trail system. The Nordic and McMiller trails received 3 to 4 inches of new snow, rain, and sleet Tuesday. But it finished up with all snow, actually fairly dry fluffy snow on top of all the other stuff. This new snow is on top of a previous 3-plus inches of base of snow -- so the trails are well snow covered throughout the trail system. The trail was re-groomed and in really good shape. The McMiller Biathlon range will not be open until the weekend and there will be a clinic on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Go to WisBiathlonassociation.com for more details.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park - Wyalusing State Park received about 4 inches of snow on Tuesday, Dec. 11 and is truly a winter wonderland. Cross-country ski trails have been groomed, but not tracked. Local skiers report trails are in fair condition. The walkway to Point Lookout is clear of snow. The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 8.2 feet Dec. 13, same as the day before. Fishing activity according to local anglers is reported as slow due to excess snow cover. Trails that were closed due to the heavy rain in mid July remain closed. The road to the boat landing has been repaired and is open. 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. Park bird feeders have seen a flurry of activity. Sightings at the feeders include:, red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, ring-necked pheasant rooster, gold finches, mourning doves and crows. Bald eagles are sighted daily in the park and surrounding area.
Iowa County
Blue Mound State Park - As of Dec. 13, all cross-country ski trails hade been groomed and tracked and are in excellent condition with 8 inches of packed base. A candlelight ski events will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5 from 6 - 9 p.m. and on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 6 - 9 p.m. The two 40-foot observation towers are open year-round, but are not maintained for winter use.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The Dodge County Snowmobile Trail System opened Dec. 11. Snow conditions were favorable and groomers were preparing the trails. Once the Dodge County trails are opened, riders are reminded to stay on the marked trails and to ride safely and responsibly. TEMPORARY TRAIL CLOSURE on the trail section west of Brownsville and north of Leroy from 7 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 to avoid conflicts with wind tower construction and testing. Specifically the closure is expected to affect the trail near Hwy 49 from Hwy YY to Dairy Road and the spur from this section south to Leroy. Watch for signs and barricades and do not try to pass through these closed areas due to potentially hazardous conditions. Additional intermittent closures are possible throughout the season in this area. A temporary closure is currently in place along a short trail section between Astico and Columbia County to accommodate some needed trail work. Riders east of Hustisford along Hwy 60 and Hwy EE need to watch for potential conflicts and hazards associated with utility construction that is currently taking place in this area. Riders are warned to not ignore signage as hazards in these areas are likely. The ATV trail on the Wild Goose State Trail remains open. The 24-Hour Trail Status Hotline is (920) 386-3705 or on the Web at [www.dodgeparks.com].
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - The snowmobile trails are now open in Sauk County. Wardens asked that snowmobilers respect people's property and to be careful on any frozen waters. Sauk County area lakes and rivers are not yet safe for snowmobiling. A few ice anglers are out on sloughs and bays. A few bluegills are biting on Gallus Slough near Merrimac.
Devil’s Lake State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in very good condition after a minimum total of 12 to 15 inches of snow fell in several snowfalls in early December. Trails have been groomed and tracked. When trail conditions are adequate and staffing is available, ski trails will be groomed before each weekend and after any significant snowfall. Visitors are using a hill in the north shore area for sledding. Access may be from the bottom, in the Quartzite Campground, or from the top near the Nature Center (closed). If you’re a geology buff, keep in mind that you’re sledding down the face of the terminal moraine left by a glacier more than 10,000 years ago. Pit toilets are available near the bottom of the hill, but no heated building is conveniently available. A warming fire may be built in a campfire ring of a Quartzite campsite at the bottom of the hill. The lake is now ice-covered, but it is very early in the season. Most ice anglers will not attempt fishing for a few more weeks. The park does not monitor the conditions, measure the ice thickness, nor do we vouch for the safety of the lake ice. Gun deer season is now closed in the park. There may be a few bow hunters present, but it unlikely that you’ll even notice any bow hunting.
Mirror Lake State Park - Cross-country ski trails are open and groomed in excellent condition with a 5 to 7 inch base. Winter camping is available at sand stone ridge campground sites 58-76. The shower building is closed for the season and water is available outside the park office.
Dane County
Capital City State Trail - The Capital City State Trail is plowed in the winter, but no salt or sand is added. Please take extra precautions for slippery and icy spots. This is particularly true now with the heavy winter weather over the last several weeks.
Governor Nelson State Park – Cross-country ski trails are in excellent condition and have been groomed and tracked. Snow base estimate about 10 to 12 inches. Lake Mendota still has open waters. Swans, (trumpeter, tundra and mute) can be seen from the park.
Lake Kegonsa State Park – Cross-country ski conditions are good for both classic and skate. The trails were groomed Dec. 12 for both classic and skate. The classic tracks looked great. The pack for skating was on the soft side.
Jefferson County - A few anglers are beginning to catch northern pike in the marsh on Rock Lake using shiners and chubs. Ice conditions on the marsh range from 8 inches down to about 5. The snowmobile trails are open in Dodge and Jefferson counties with a few corridors remaining closed due to sign posting problems. The trail condition hotline in Jefferson County is 920-699-SNOW and in Dodge County it is 920-386-3705. Snowmobilers are reminded to call daily to ensure the trails are still open. The rivers are hazardous especially at this time of year for ATV/snowmobile travel. Three snowmobiles have broken through the ice on the Rock River in the last week in Jefferson County. Two individuals died as a result. Snow continues to fall aiding coyote hunters in locating their quarry. Pheasant hunters are still having some success on the stocked public hunting grounds. The birds have moved to heavier cover.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail - The western portion of the trail was groomed Dec. 12 for snowmobiling; it is in good condition.
Aztalan State Park - Cross-country ski trails are groomed but not tracked. The Aztalan upper and lower parking lots are plowed.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
All snowmobile trails in the counties of St Croix, Dunn, Pierce and Pepin are still closed. Some have been groomed to establish a good base but are closed. Ice conditions are very spotty with some waters and bays of larger lakes seeing about 6 inces of ice. Extreme caution is needed and no snowmobiles or ATVs recommended yet. Cross-country ski trails at area state parks are open and groomed in fair shape.
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park – Cross-country skiing continues at the park with all trails open, groomed and tracked. Conditions are very good with some scatted spots to avoid. Trails were fast on Wednesday night after grooming. More snow is needed before any further grooming is done. Some of the classic track can get filled in from skiers snow plowing on the down hills, especially with heavy weekend use. Normal track on the shallow slope of a hill may not be there once the hill gets steep. Skiing lessons are being offered by members of the Willow River Nordic Ski Association on Saturday, Dec. 15. Call the park office to register in advance and get more details (715) 386-5931. The Tuesday and Wednesday evening sessions continue at 5:30 p.m., expect more skiing than actual training drills. Meet at the Nature Center parking area with skiing gear (classic or skate or both) and a headlamp. All of ski trail groomers are volunteers. Ice fishing is in progress on the lake. Leave big minnow buckets at the vehicle and take just what you need for minnows on to the lake. The sled hill is open. Snowshoers have been making their own paths in the park. Hiking trails to Willow Falls are open from River Road and the parking lot on County Road A; pets are allowed. Hikers may also use the disc golf course with pets. The Mound trail is open to hikers but it has no winter maintenance. The park road is a good hike on weekdays with low traffic, and usually some deer are around. Look for the deer to herd up in the hollow just down the hill from the office. Pick up a Winter Trails Map at the office or at various locations in the park and at the River Road parking lot. Coyotes have been seen at night by the ski trail groomers. Archery hunting for deer remains open in undeveloped parts of the park north of the Willow River and some land to the east. Hunters may pick up a map at the park office. Participation in the archery hunting season is normally very light.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
If snow falls during the night, one need only step outside to find that visitors have been to our 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, mouse, 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.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River is on a slow rise once again. Late last week the river was around the 7.5 foot mark but is now up to 8.1 feet. The Wisconsin River is also on the rise. The Kickapoo River is at normal water flow for this time of year. Ice conditions vary greatly throughout the area. Travel upon the ice is dangerous this time of year especially with the snow cover and increasing water levels. Ice thickness ranges from “zero” to about 5 inches. Much of the Main Channel of the Mississippi River is frozen over as is the Wisconsin River. Most of the back water areas are frozen over, however dangerous to travel on. Ice conditions on the Mississippi River are too dangerous for walleye and sauger fishing. Bluegill and crappie action this past week was pretty good at times. Cold Spring was spotty however some anglers report taking some nice bluegills on the south end. Angler are crossing over the Ambro Slough to fish Mud Slough where the fishing has been pretty good. Some reports of limits of bluegills coming off Mud Slough, but some of the fish have only been average size. There has been limited action on the Wisconsin River backwaters. Most of the action has been smaller bluegills so far. There is about 6 inches of snow covering the area. As of Dec. 11 snowmobile trails are closed. Local clubs are working to sign the trails in anticipation the trails will open soon. The four-day antlerless gun deer season closed last Sunday. Many hunters took advantage of this season to harvest additional antlerless deer for the freezer or to donate to local food pantries. Some hunters reported a fair number of deer sightings while others found action pretty slow. Squirrel and rabbit hunters are having pretty good success now that there is snow cover.
Wildcat Mountain State Park – Cross-country ski trails are in excellent condition; trails were re-groomed Dec 11.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Brunet Island has received enough snow to groom and track the cross-country ski trails. The trails are quite firm, providing moderate to fast conditions. There are a few spots in the flat stretches with a thin base. Panfish action has been moderate in the north campground bays. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell Flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and caution is urged when venturing onto the ice. An area to the north and east of the main office, including part of the Nordic Trail system, is open to a limited antlerless archery season, with special access permit only through Jan. 6. The park’s islands are not open to hunting. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, black capped chickadees, phoebes, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles. Most of the Canada geese have left with the open water area freezing closed.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park – Cross-country ski trails will be packed by the end of the week. Hiking is not allowed on the groomed trails. Some roads are now closed to vehicles due to snow and the snowmobile trail. The park is open for late bow seasons. Deer can be registered at the park office when it is staffed. New hunting maps are available at the park office and on the park website for parkland, Buckhorn wildlife area (formerly area A), and yellow river wildlife area (formerly area B). The yellow river wildlife area (area B) is open to everything in the regulations. Buckhorn wildlife (area A) is open for small game, waterfowl, trapping, and deer bow hunting. Sites 8, 9, 16 are open year-round, sites are first come and drinking water is available at the park office. 2008 park stickers are on sale now and make great gifts!
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VHS fish disease update as of December 13, 2007
DNR Conservation Warden Tom Van Haren describes some of the strategies anglers are using to comply with new rules to prevent the spread of VHS in a press release issued Dec. 11.
Information and outreach
Answers to anglers' questions about how the new VHS rules affect their use of live bait fish and dead bait fish are now available online in a new brochure, "Minnows as Bait." (pdf)
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/#top
