Wisconsin experienced some dramatic temperature extremes in the last week, with some areas reporting a 65 degree change within a two-day period earlier this week. Most of Wisconsin had high temperatures in the 40s on Monday with some areas near 50 degrees. Temperatures plummeted on Tuesday and Wednesday with lows in the minus 20s reported in many areas. While most of the state remains snow covered, snow conditions have deteriorated in many areas, especially the south and far northwest. The warm temperatures softened and melted the snow that then refroze to a hard icy crust with the drop in temperatures. Snowmobile trails are not closed in the southern third of the state and in northwestern counties, according to the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report . Conditions are still being reported as good to excellent through north central and northeastern Wisconsin. Cross-country ski trails still remain in fair to good condition in many locations that had enough snow to re-groom trails, but they are poor or closed in areas with minimal snow cover. Additional snow is in the forecast for later this week, so conditions may improve before the weekend.
Ice thickness has been increasing and most lakes now have between 15 and 17 inches of ice. Good numbers of anglers were out fishing last weekend and early this week, but the blast of cold air moved most anglers back inside. Ice fishing continues to be at its mid-winter low. Walleye success has been generally slow and spotty across the north. As such, many anglers were targeting northern pike and panfish, with panfish providing the most consistent action. Along Door County anglers were fishing for pike and perch out of the Peshtigo Harbor with moderate success. There have also been some reported catches of perch out of the Oconto Harbor area. There has been an increase in pressure out of Little Sturgeon Bay this past week. There was open water fishing at the Milwaukee harbor with shore anglers catching a few brown trout and anglers have been catching some browns and northerns through the ice at the Racine harbor.
The Mississippi River has been steady most of the week. Early this week the river was at 7.7 feet, about a foot lower than two weeks ago. Fishing has been spotty, due in part to the changing weather patterns.
An annual midwinter waterfowl survey in northwestern Wisconsin found good numbers of ducks and geese but lower numbers than in previous years. This aerial survey found hundreds of mallard ducks and Canada geese on the open river systems of Barron, Polk and St. Croix counties. The survey also found 227 trumpeter swans in Polk County, one of the largest concentrations of wintering swans in the state.
Winter furbearer track counts, also showed healthy numbers of furbearers. Red and gray fox, coyote, fisher, otter, and eastern timber wolf were all present on the survey. Snowshoe hare numbers seem to be up and were found in higher numbers and more locations than in previous years.
With the short days and stretches of bitter cold it may seem that the grip of winter will never let go. However, some wildlife behavior portends that spring is not too far away. Wild canines such as wolves, coyotes, and fox are now in their breeding season. Their gestation is 63 days before their cubs and kits are born. The beaver breeding season also occurs in January and February. Ravens are building their nests, and great horned owls are staking claim on their nesting territory by calling at twilight and early evening.
Birds commonly being seen include tree sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, cardinals, black-capped chickadees, woodpeckers, horned larks, white-breasted nuthatches, blue jays, American goldfinches, and tufted titmice.
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 - What a difference a day can make in the northland. Between Jan. 28 and 29 the Brule station recorded a 65 degree change in temperatures. Last Monday the temperatures reached a balmy 46 degrees. The conditions went downhill from there as rain and then freezing rain arrived followed by high winds and diving low temperatures, which made for extremely icy conditions. The weather forecast is calling for temperatures to warm up into the 20s for the weekend. Because of the icy conditions the Afterhours Ski Trails are not in the best shape. They are very hard and icy. The groomers are planning on working on the trails when it warms up enough to get the grooming blades to take hold of the icy surface. With the short days and stretches of bitter cold it may seem that the grip of winter will never let go. However, some wildlife behavior indicate that spring is not too far away. Wild canines such as wolves, coyotes, and fox are now in their breeding season. Their gestation is 63 days before their cubs and kits are born. The beaver breeding season occurs in January and February, ravens are building their nests, and great horned owls are staking claim on their territory before nesting by calling at twilight and early evening. So even though winter still has a strong hold on the northland now, new life is already preparing to come forth towards spring. On Feb. 9 there will be a Candlelight Ski from 5-9 p.m. Candles will light two miles of trails. Grills, picnic tables, and a bonfire will be provided. Trail passes not required for this event, which is sponsored by the Brule River State Forest with volunteer assistance from the Brule Valley Ski Club.
Pattison State Park - The park cross-country ski trails are in poor condition. The area has not had significant snow in a month, and the recent rains have created icy trails. Access to Big Manitou Falls is still good, and the view is awesome.
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
The annual midwinter waterfowl survey found good numbers of ducks and geese but lower numbers than in previous years. This aerial survey is flown by the Wisconsin DNR in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which coordinates this survey across the county. River systems are the main areas surveyed because they remain open throughout the winter. River systems surveyed include the Red Cedar, Chetek, and Yellow in Barron County and the Apple and St. Croix in Polk County. In Barron County, a total of 732 Canada geese, 269 mallards, and 2 trumpeter swans were counted. Polk County totals were 614 Canada geese, 78 mallards, and 227 trumpeter swans. This contrasts with 3785 geese in Barron County and 5690 geese in Polk County in 2007. A mild winter and more extensive open water conditions may account for the difference between 2007 and 2008, when colder temperatures and much smaller open water areas were present. The large number of trumpeter swans in Polk County, 227 in 2008 and 261 in 2007, is one of the largest concentrations of wintering swans in the state. Winter furbearer track counts, which are run each winter as snow conditions allow, show healthy numbers of furbearers in the area. Red and gray fox, coyote, fisher, otter, and eastern timber wolf are all present on the survey. Snowshoe hare numbers seem to be up and were found in higher numbers and more locations than in previous years. The winter severity index is 30, which is still in the mild range, and snow depths range from 8 - 12 inches in the woods and less in open fields. Deer are still moving freely but are susceptible to vehicle accidents as they move from forest cover to corn fields. Turkeys are able to find food in the wind blown areas of crop fields and ruffed grouse are still able to find plenty of food in the form of aspen buds and hazel catkins. February will be an important month for the survival of some animals and continued cold and more snow could push the winter severity index into the moderate range, which would begin to have some effect on wintering wildlife.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice thickness has been increasing across the area and most lakes now have between 15 and 17 inches of ice. About 2 to 4 inches of new snow cover has been added but the high winds of the last few days has really shifted the snow cover around. With the thicker ice cover and low amount of snow, slush has not been a problem on any of the lakes. Ice fishing continues to be at its mid-winter lows and this week's cold blast of air has kept most anglers at home. Walleye success has continued its generally slow and spotty trend across the area and quite a few anglers have been coming home skunked. A good day of fishing has consisted of one or two flags and a catch of one walleye. The few reports of success have come in late afternoon hours, with suckers fished in the 8 to 14 foot depths. While this tough fishing is often typical for the late-January period, this winter's walleye action seems to be slower than a normal year. As such, many anglers starting to target other species such as northern pike and panfish -- which have provided a little better success. Panfish have provided the most consistent action, with some decent catches of bluegill, perch and crappie being reported from area lakes. Northern pike success has been fair, with some decent action during the mid-day hours on golden shiners near any old weed beds. One side note -- many of the shallow, weedy pike lakes are starting to see lower oxygen levels down near the bottom. The northerns will still be active but anglers may need to move their bait closer to the surface where oxygen levels are often higher. In addition, aeration systems have been operating on many lakes and recreationalists should steer clear of the barricaded areas around these open-water spots.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - McNaughton - Blue, green and yellow loops groomed, tracked well. Raven - Blue, green and yellow loops groomed, tracked well
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Snow depths vary throughout the county as moderate drifting of snow occurred this week due to the strong winds. Temperatures are expected to be near thirty by the weekend. Ice fishermen will again take to the ice once the weather warms. Ice thickness varies averaging at sixteen inches on Lake Noquebay. Extreme caution should be used traveling on any ice. Ruffed grouse are feeding in the aspen tops even through these frigid temperatures. Turkey are still in large flocks and becoming more visible in ag areas.
Oconto County - A snowmobile safety education course will be held at the Oconto Falls Fire Department on February 9th and 10th. Please contact the instructor in order to sign up at (920) 848-2960.
Governor Thompson State Park - As of Monday, Jan. 28, the area has continued to get more snow, and even with the warmer weather the trails were in very good to excellent condition with a 8- to 12-inch base. The park has 5 kilometers of trail groomed for both classic and skate skiing. There is also a 1-mile loop groomed flat for skate skiers, dog walkers or snowshoers. The 2.5 mile snowshoe loop has been machine packed and is awaiting your adventure. The other 4 miles of hiking trails remain open, but ungroomed.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - People are fishing for Pike and perch out of the Peshtigo Harbor with moderate success. There have also been some reported catches of perch out of the Oconto Harbor area. There has been an increase in pressure out of Little Sturgeon Bay this past week. The perch fishing has picked up too with some limits being reported. People are also trying for pike out of little Sturgeon there have been only a few being landed. The white fish action is still going strong off of Lime Kill Road.
Peninsula State Park - Most sections of the park's 16 mile cross-country ski trail system are in good condition. There remains some thin spots beneath evergreen trees. Snowmobile trails are open and in fair condition. The sledding hill is open. The Bay has extensive ice, but is not safe. Peninsula's Candlelight ski is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9 between 5:30 and 8 p.m. Purchase admission stickers for the event at park headquarters during the day of the event. Only skiing is by participants of this event; however, if snow conditions become marginal, it could be switched over to a "hike." Call the park office at (920) 868-3258 if conditions seem to be changing.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park – As of Jan. 30, cross-country ski trails were icy in many places and in poor condition, with a 12-inch snow base. The Pope Lake Trail was tracked and groomed Monday. The Hillview Trail (ski skating) and the Oak Ridge Trail (diagonal skiing) were packed on Tuesday. Grooming will not be done again and trail passes are not required until we received more snow. Please use caution on the trails as there are branches, pine needles, and possibly other debris down on the trails, especially in the pines area.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit – As of Jan. 30, cross-country ski trail conditions had undergone a significant degradation due to the warm temps and rain. Crews had not had a chance to inspect the total trail system, but the open areas have been reduced to ice and with grassy patches. The only known current skiable area is the 0.7 K manmade snow loop, which was groomed on Wednesday. The hope is to have the rest of the manmade section up and running by early next week, though this is dependent on cold enough temps to make enough snow to complete the remaining 800 foot section.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit – The Greenbush cross-country ski trail has held the snow. All trails were groomed Jan. 30 and some tracked. Blowing snow left a few spots a little icy. Expect snow Thursday/Friday and with typical expert grooming, trails should be great for the weekend ski.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit – After having some of the best conditions of the year this past weekend, cross-country ski conditions at all of the forest trails have deteriorated. The trails suffered through 36 hours of a snow eating south wind earlier this week. After cooling down and some light snow fall trails remain generally well snow covered. The snow is a crusty icy snow and there are some glare ice spots, a lot of tree litter in the pine plantations and some exposed bare spots -- particularly on the overlook loop. All trails were groomed on Wednesday, Jan. 30, successfully chewing up a thin layer of the crusty snow, making the trails skiable. It is an icy snow so conditions are scary fast, and there is no classical track set. Skiers using the Scuppernong trail on Wednesday said they had a good time. The Nordic trail also remains almost entirely snow covered with crusty icy snow and some glare ice spots. There is no classical track set, although the remains of a classical track filled in with new snow can be seen in some areas. The McMiller trails remained generally well snow covered, particularly on the inner loops (red, orange, green and white). There is one thin spot in the pines before the red turn off and the bottom of the downhill past the white turn off is also thin. The remainder of the inner loops are in fair skiing condition for skate skiers with no classical track set. The outer blue loop past the green turn off (3.5K mark) has some extended unskiable sections and should not be skied.
Ozaukee County
Harrington Beach State Park - The trails are practically bare or solid ice. Skiing is non-existent until we receive more measurable snow. Quarry Lake is frozen over. Please take extra safety precautions if you attempt to ice fish it due to the pressure cracks and unknown spring locations.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, open water can be found in the inner harbor. Shore anglers fishing at the MMSD office building have been catching a few browns on shiners and spoons. Some anglers have been ice fishing in McKinley Marina and a few browns have been reported. Ice fishing in the lagoon at Lakeshore State Park has been slow.
Racine County - In the Racine harbor anglers have been catching some browns and northerns through the ice.
Inland fisheries team report
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - As expected, some anglers are reporting poor success, others are doing very well on area lakes. Big Cedar has produced some nice perch and Crystal Lake in Sheboygan County has produced some nice panfish as well. The abundant small northerns at Crystal Lake have been robbing jigs. It seems that horizontal jigs have been more productive overall. Kettle Moraine Lake in Fond du Lac County has produced good numbers of small pike. The 26-inch size limit is still in effect there until the opener in May. Pike Lake has not been very productive despite anglers seeing fish on cameras.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park - Temperatures on Monday of this week “soared” into the upper 40s causing considerable thawing. Due to the warm temperatures, strong winds, and below zero temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, trails are snow and ice covered. Cross country ski trails were groomed on Saturday of last week but with the thawing, strong winds, and severe temperature drop, cross country trails are icy and in poor condition. With the heavy snow and cold temperatures, park bird feeders are a constant source of activity. The bright red of the male cardinals against the backdrop of falling snow provides a beautiful winter scene from the warmth of the office. At times, especially close to dark, there have been as many as 2 dozen male cardinals at one time. It is quite common to see 10 or 12 cardinals perched in 1 tree near the feeders. Sightings at or near the feeders include: red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, bluejays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, gold finches, mourning doves, rooster pheasant and crows. The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 7.8 feet Jan. 31, same as the previous day. With the cold temperatures of the last few days, ice anglers have been few and far between. With the warmer forecast for this weekend, ice fishing should be better next week.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County – The County Snowmobile Trail System closed as of Jan. 28. The warm temperatures and rain forced closure of the trails. Additional snow is expected this week with colder temperatures which may allow the trails to be reopened. The ATV Trail on the Wild Goose Trail in Dodge County reopened effective Wednesday, Jan. 30. Please note the signs on the trail may not be able to be switched from “closed” to “open” until Thursday. For current conditions call the 24 Hour Trail Status Hotline at (920) 386-3705.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil's Lake State Park - Cross-country ski trails are passable, but in fairly poor condition. Grooming is unlikely until significant additional snow falls. When trail conditions are adequate and staffing is available, ski trails will be groomed before each weekend and after any significant snowfall. Many people bring their sleds and tubes to enjoy the hill behind the Nature Center. 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 ice-covered, and some people have been fishing, though nearer the edges than usual, with no shelters or vehicles on the lake yet this season. Rains and melting of early January, along with early snow this winter have insulated the lakes ice, ensuring a poorer than usual surface for ice fishermen. The park does not monitor the conditions, measure the ice thickness, nor do we vouch for the safety of the lake ice.
Mirror Lake State Park - All cross-country ski trails are open with a 10- to 12-inch hard-packed base. Conditions for skate skiing are good. Conditions for classical skiing are fair. With recent high winds expect some leaves, needles and small branches on the trail. Groomers are removing branches from the trail as they go.
Dane County
Governor Nelson State Park - All cross-country ski trails are icy and are in poor condition. The Oak Savanna Trail is unadvisable to ski on due to the skate lane having large ice divots from skis and the hills have bare spots. Please use caution.
Lake Kegonsa State Park - Cross-country ski trails are still open to skiing but are covered in ice and in poor condition. These trails are still closed to pets and hiking.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - As of Jan. 31, cross-country ski trails have become a sheet of rock hard rutted ice. That’s the view from the road crossings and trail heads. Snow flurries were in progress Thursday morning and do not appear to be enough to affect and change in trail conditions. People who plan to ski over the weekend, may want to look farther east, south, or north by 50 miles or more. Snow is in the forecast for next week. Hiking trails are not much different except they are not as smooth as a ski trail. Hikers could bring ski poles or some other type of pole for the extra “point of contact” which may prevent a fall. The sled hill should be fast but hard. The cub scouts got a couple of keeper northern pike on tip ups. The small one was a 31 inch, 7-1/2 pounder. Panfish action has been slow, other than small perch. Deer have been easily visible, even in the daylight hours. The antler shedding has started.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Tree sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, cardinals, black-capped chickadees, woodpeckers, horned larks, white-breasted nuthatches, blue jays, American goldfinches, and tufted titmice are the majority of songbirds currently active in the area. Many people who feed songbirds have reported steady feeding activity at their feeders this winter, as snow and cold has restricted songbird feeding activity. People who feed songbirds during the winter have been able to experience the enjoyment that winter feeding provides. The frequent fresh snowfalls this winter provide a very good opportunity to find out what kind of critters are living in your yard or favorite place outdoors. Small mammal sign may not be as easy to spot until spring when snow depths decrease since many of them spend the bulk of their time under the snow. Otter slides and tracks along streams are particularly noticeable now since they are more active because their breeding season stretches from January into April.
Crawford County - All the snowmobile trails in the county are open. Almost 8 inches of snow fell last week and the trails are groomed and in good shape. The Mississippi River has been steady most of the week. Early this week the river was at 7.7 feet, about a foot lower than two weeks ago. The Wisconsin River rose about 6 inches this week and continues a slow rise. The Kickapoo River is steady. Ice conditions vary greatly throughout the area. Travel upon the ice is dangerous in many areas this time of year especially on the Mississippi River. Ice thickness ranges from less than an inch to over a foot of ice. Most of the Main Channel of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers is frozen over. Most of the back water areas are frozen over and are in pretty good shape. However, back water sloughs that have current flowing through them can be dangerous. Additional snow fall has created problems traveling on the ice. Those unfamiliar with ice fishing in the Crawford County area should not venture out alone or travel in areas where others have not been. Deep snow on the ice is hampering travel somewhat. Bluegill, perch, and crappie action this past week was spotty, due in part to the changing weather patterns. Cold Spring was very spotty with a few days producing some decent bluegill and a few crappie. Shoreline fishing was poor as the cold weather caused ice to close in and the fish were not as active. Those fishing through the ice have had some success using a variety of jig colors. Many used bait to include wax worms and spikes. Anglers are still crossing over the Ambro Slough to fish Mud Slough and Tilmont Lake. Fishing really shut down last weekend for the most part. The changing weather patterns may be to blame. There were a few days with some pretty good catches of perch, crappie and bluegill there. Anglers are using a variety of baits and on some days need to change colors frequently to find what is working best. Some anglers have ventured up to Fish Lake and the Lower Doubles where bluegill fishing was spotty. Action further up at Little and Big Missouri and the Upper Doubles has been spotty also. Ice conditions on the Ambro Slough upstream from the USFWS landing is a bit dangerous because of the feeder stream that enters the slough. Caution is advised in that area. Ice fishing on Sturgeon Slough was slow last week. Once the water settles down fish activity might pick up. Some anglers ventured out to McGregor Lake. Fishing there was generally slow. The lower bottoms outside Prairie du Chien have not seen much fishing activity due to access problems. Airboats or hoover craft is the best and safest way to access this area. Some anglers have been fishing through the ice below the Lynxville dam for walleye and sauger. The weather became colder creating some ice near the long wall of the dam. Fishing has been spotty. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is frozen in. Bald eagles can been seen along the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers near open water areas. Many reports of eagles being sighted further inland searching for food. Deer and turkeys have grouped up in search of food also. Squirrel, rabbit, and coyote hunters are having pretty good success with the snow cover.
Wildcat Mountain State Park – The park has a good base for the ski trails even after the warming temperatures. The cold snap hardened the trail. However the area received new snow on top of the base Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. All the ski trails will be re-groomed before Friday. With moderate temperatures expected for this weekend the cross-country skiing should be good.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Cross-country ski trails were groomed Tuesday, Jan. 22, and had been in excellent condition with a base of 10-12 inches. That was followed by rain later in the week and then extreme cold. The trails will be groomed again Friday, Feb. 1. The annual candlelight ski will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 6-9 p.m. at the Smrekar parking lot trail head. Trail passes will be waived that day and food will be available for purchase. The event is a fundraiser for the Black River Forest Trail Foundation. This is a great chance to check out our new warming shelter at the Smrekar parking lot. This is a full log building with a wood-burning stove and tables and chairs. The building was a result of a generous donation to the state forest from the Black River State Forest Trail Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to improve the quality of the ski, hike, and bike trails. ATV and snowmobile trails were groomed on Wednesday, Jan. 23, and were in great shape with a similar base. With the rain and cold, these trails also will not be groomed until just before the Feb. 2-3 weekend.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park – As of Jan. 28, the cross-country ski trails were groomed and in very good condition. Snowshoeing in other areas of the park is much improved with the new snow covering the older crusted layer. Panfish and game fish action has been good on Perch Lake and 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 we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: hairy and downy flickers, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Cross-country ski trails are snow covered, skiable, and in fair condition. A dense ice base is present, with 1 to 2 inches of powder over the top. The campground and facilities are currently closed for the season, but the park remains open for day use. Roche-A-Cri is accessible through the winter parking lot on Czech Avenue, the southern border of the park. The stairway up the Roche-A-Cri Mound is open, but not maintained for winter use. The Roche-A-Cri Woods state natural area east of state highway 13 is open for hunting and trapping.
Last Revised: Thursday January 31 2008
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