A major warm-up last weekend into early this week with some record-breaking high temperatures reaching in the 50s in some areas has melted much of the snow cover across about two-thirds of the state, and left snowmobile and ski trail conditions from poor to fair condition in most areas that still have snow. Snowmobile trails are now closed in all but the most northern tier of counties and open trails were rated as poor in all but portions of Douglas, Iron and Marinette counties which continue to report good conditions,according to the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR).
Cross-country ski conditions have also deteriorated with trails closed in most parks and forests in the southern half of the state. Ski conditions were still being reported as good in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and other locations across the far north. As of Thursday, only one of the nine Valentine’s Day candlelight ski or snowshoe hikes scheduled for this Saturday has been cancelled. Lake Kegonsa State Park in Dane County has cancelled their event, but most other events will be still be held either as ski and snowshoe hikes if there is enough snow or just as candlelight hikes. A complete list of candlelight events is on the DNR Web site and anyone planning on attending an event should call ahead to confirm it will be held.
The heat wave was also bad news for those looking forward to the 2009 Winnebago sturgeon spearing season, which also opens on Feb 14. There were 10,239 licenses sold for the upcoming spearing season. The melting snow and run-off may cause some of the bays on the lakes to loose some water clarity, although reports are still coming in about the excellent water clarity over most of system. The ice is mostly thick and solid, up to 30 inches, but those traveling on the lakes are still advised to take caution as the warmer weather causes shoves and cracks, and current and shoal areas to thin out. More information and video clips on this unique sturgeon population is available on the DNR Web site.
The warmer temperatures of the past week spurred on a slug of ice fishing activity, but action remained only fair. In the north, panfish, walleye and northern pike have all been receiving a lot of attention, but walleye have provided the most consistent success. Perch are beginning to move into the shallower weed edges with both small minnows and jigs producing action. The reduced snow cover and increased light penetration should increase northern pike activity. Bluegill and crappie action remained fair to good on many southern waters with melt water pouring into ice holes and increasing oxygen levels. Whitefish have continued to make up the majority of the catch for anglers fishing off Door County, but some nice perch were also being iced.
The Mississippi River rose close to the 8 foot mark last week at Prairie du Chien but dropped back to 7.6 feet this week. Areas of the main channel have begun to reopen with the warm weather, but ice conditions in the back waters of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers were still in good shape. Ice fishing improved a bit this week, with decent action for bluegill and crappie.
With the warm weather increasing numbers of turkey and deer have been seen feeding in open fields, with some reports of turkey gobbling already coming in. With the warm weather, some black bears were seen emerging from their dens. They will return to dens with colder temperatures. This is the time when black bear cubs are being born.
Flocks of robins were reported recently in Vernon County. Chances are that these robins are not spring migrants but have wintered locally. Robins are regularly present in small numbers during the winter throughout southern Wisconsin. Small numbers of goldeneyes, scaup and mallards were being seen on the Mississippi River at La Crosse. Owls continue to livening up the woods at night with their calls, and great horned owls have now begun nesting. Although it is still the middle of winter, bald eagles are beginning their return to the Northwoods so that they can claim territories and begin repair of their nests.
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 Friday, Feb. 6 the Brule area was treated to a very colorful sunset. The brilliant colors only lasted a short time but it was breathtaking nonetheless.
Sunset over the Brule River
Kevin Feind Photo
February rain and overnight temperatures in the 40s? Did the groundhog really see his shadow on Groundhogs day and predict six more weeks of winter? The sometimes heavy rain and above average overnight low temperatures has opened up the Brule River by the Ranger Station that was closed up tight before. It has also melted quite a bit of the snow depth with the woods base going from 15 inches to 7-9 inches of snow. The conditions at the Afterhours Ski Trails are now considered poor. We are asking that no one uses the trails until the trails refreeze as use right now could damage the existing trail base. Updates will be posted on [www.skinnyski.com].
Candlelight ski at Brule River State Forest
Catherine Khalar Photo
Although the warm and rainy conditions have put a damper on the snowmobilers and skiers, the grouse and turkeys are taking advantage of the snow free roads and roadsides for the gravel and vegetation. The annual Brule Candlelight Ski last Saturday, Feb. 7 turned out to be a great success (this was before the rain). Between 275 to 300 skiers came out to enjoy the mild temperatures on the candle and moonlit trails. This was a great contrast to the past couple of years when temperatures were in the minus 20s (without wind-chill). When the participants finished skiing they grabbed some hot chocolate or cider and caught up with friends and fellow skiers in the warming house or around the bonfire. Keep in mind that it is never too early in the year to begin looking for hunter education classes. Some classes are starting soon...just in time to get the kids ready for the spring turkey hunt! Another benefit of taking classes early in the year is that there is not a rush to find a class later in the year when the openings fill up much more quickly. Upcoming classes are available on the DNR Web site.
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
Interstate State Park - The Candlelight Night at Interstate Park on Sat Feb 14 will have hiking opportunities no matter the snow conditions. There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides and musical entertainment.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The unseasonably mild weather of the past few days has made for some real sloppy conditions out on area lakes. Ice depths still range from 20 to 22 inches but most of the snow cover has disappeared from the ice surface. This has left 2 to 4 inches of standing water in many areas of the lakes, which makes both vehicle and foot traffic a bit treacherous. In addition, many ice holes have water pouring down them and this has made both jig and tip-up fishing rather difficult in these spots. Cold nighttime temperatures in the next few days should firm up the ice surface and make both fishing and travel much easier by the weekend. The warmer temperatures of the past week spurred on a slug of fishing activity, but action remained only fair. Panfish, walleye and northern pike have all been receiving a lot of attention, but walleye have provided the most consistent success. Walleye continue to be found in a variety of areas, including deep break lines, mid-depth mud flats, and along gravel-rock shorelines. The best action continues to be in the late afternoon period, with suckers or large fathead minnows fished in 6 to 12 feet of water. Most of the fish have been in the 11- to 15-inch size but a few walleye in the low 20-inch range have also been reported. Panfish action has been real sporadic, with most days just producing a couple of fish. Perch have been more consistent than the crappie and bluegill, with small minnows producing fair numbers of 8- to 10-inch perch over the mud flats in 12 to 18 feet of water. Crappie have really been hit or miss, some 11- to 12-inch fish have been reported but numbers have been low. The reduced snow cover and increased light penetration should increase northern pike activity and look for action to be the best in the middle of the day. The best bait will be large golden shiners, fished near weed edges or over the top of any green weeds.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
No recent snow and very warm temperatures have had significant impact on area snowmobile trails. While trails here remain open, conditions are poor. Snowmobilers who choose to venture out should use caution as many areas have exposed mud. Snowmobilers please be mindful of speeds at night as there is a 55 MPH limit in effect. It is very easy to outrun headlights. In other words, by the time your headlights illuminate a hazard you can’t react and stop in time if you’re traveling greater than 55 MPH. Walleyes and crappies are now being found about 2 to 4 feet off the bottom with the walleyes preferring deeper water. Perch are beginning to move into the shallower weed edges with both small minnows and jigs producing action. Although it is still the middle of winter, bald eagles are beginning their return to the Lakeland area so that they can claim territories and begin repair of their nests. In addition, black bear cubs are beginning their entrance into the world. Birds are consuming larger quantities of food this time of year. Help them out by keeping your feeders free of ice and snow. In addition, did you know that the birds feed heavily before a storm? Owls are livening up the woods at night with their calls. Great horned owls are now nesting.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – As of Feb. 9, cross-country ski trail conditions continued to be good despite the warm temperatures early in the week. Escanaba yellow and green loops were cut and tracked Feb. 8 and were in good condition. Raven yellow, green and blue loops cut twice and tracked Feb. 9 and were in good condition. Madeline was last tracked Feb. 5. The McNaughton skate loop was groomed and all other loops cut and tracked Feb 3.. Mostly full track but chunky in spots. The recent high winds have caused drifting on the section along the lake on the skater's loop and debris on the trail in spots.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - In and around the Peshtigo Harbor Area fishing pressure has been moderate to light. With all the water on the ice pike anglers dominate the scene using tip ups and shiners. Success rates have been low up to this point but it is still a good way to pass a warm sunny afternoon. The snowmobile trails are deteriorating quickly with icy patches. The Coleman and Crivitz area trails are closed along with the ATV and snowmobile trails in the Athelstane area until further notice. The Dunbar and Wausaukee area snowmobile trails remain open with the expectation of snow this weekend although icy patches are common. The information line for trail conditions in the county is 800-236-6681 furnished by the Chamber of Commerce. A Hunter Safety Course will be offered at the Lake Noquebay Sportsman Club beginning March 17 to 28. The contact number is 715-856-5027 for class registration. The candlelight hike is tentatively still on for Saturday, Valentine's Day, at the Peshtigo River State Forest - Spring Rapids Trailhead. The state property is located 5 miles west of Crivitz on County Hwy W to Kirby Lake Lane, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Oconto County - Temperatures this past week have been on the balmy side with many anglers taking advantage of the February thaw. Great care should be taken by the anglers venturing out on the ice, with the ground still frozen, the run off is spilling onto the ice. If you are fishing in an area with current the ice can thin dramatically. Landings that are getting heavy use are deteriorating rapidly. Enjoy the weather while it lasts, but remember to use caution when going out on the ice. Fishing pressure has been light with a few perch anglers plying their trade inside the breakwater. Northern pike anglers were also walking onto the ice and fishing the flats using medium to large shiners. Without a wet suit four wheeler travel will be a cold wet experience.
Shawano County - The Navarino Nature Center near Shawano will be hosting a snowshoe hike on Saturday, Valentine's Day. The day hike will run from 9 a.m. until noon and a candlelight snowshoe hike will be from 5 until 7 p.m. For more information contact the Center at 715-758-6999.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Fishing was very slow at Potawatomi State Park over the last week. Most anglers are targeting perch in 20-30 feet of water. The fish that have been caught have been small and not worth keeping. There also has been some activity off of the stone quarry, not much success reported. At Little Sturgeon Bay, most anglers have been targeting whitefish and perch off of Limekiln or Henderson’s. The luckiest anglers are finding fish in 30-40 feet of water. Whitefish have been making up the majority of the catch but some nice perch are also being iced. Anglers have been getting the whitefish and perch jigging and on tip-ups. Anglers have reported good success on small jigger rapalas. Rites Cove has been the place to be over the last few days. Anglers have been doing fairly well out in 40-50 feet of water. Most anglers are coming in with 10 or so perch and a few whitefish mixed in. Anglers have had the best success with jigging. Action at Dykesville has been slow over the last weekend most anglers have moved south to Volks or north to Red River. Ice conditions out in front of Lipsky’s has been a somewhat iffy, a large heave has formed and it is hard for truck traffic to cross. Red River has also been slow with most anglers only landing a few fish each day.
Peninsula State Park - Approximately 4 inches of snow remained on the ground as of Feb. 11. Rain and mild weather have dramatically degraded snow conditions. Cross-country ski trails are in poor condition with numerous icy stretches. The sledding hill: is closed. Snowmobile trails are closed. Snow shoe trails are always available for hiking or snowshoeing but they are icy and packed.
Potawatomi State Park – Cross-country ski trails are in poor shape after the recent warm weather. Snowmobile trails are closed, as are all snowmobile trails in Door County. Some ice anglers are pulling their shanties off the ice and into the parking lot until colder weather returns.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
All snowmobile trails for Waushara, Marquette and Green Lake countries are currently closed. The Waushara County Snowmobile Association asks people to please stay off the trails whenever temperatures are greater than 35 degrees. Bass have been reported being caught on Kusel Lake in Waushara County. In Green Lake County, Lake Puckaway's current average ice depth is about 23 inches with bluegill being caught in high numbers. On Big Green Lake, average ice depth is 18 inches and Alpine Lake average ice depth is 15 inches. The Coloma Lions Club's Annual Fisheree and Snowmobile Radar Run is still scheduled for Saturday Feb. 14. It will be held on Pleasant lake from 9-3. For more information call (715) 228-4753. The Fire and Ice races held at the Waupaca County Fairgrounds in Weyauwega are still scheduled, pending the weather. It will be held Feb. 13 thru 15. To check if status changes, go to
www.fireonice.com.
Hartman Creek State Park - Cross-country ski trails are now in POOR condition, due to the warm temperatures over the past week. There was rain and temperatures in the 50s Tuesday. We will need more snow and colder temperatures in order to groom the trails.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Recent warm weather produced an ice shove on Merrit Street that has created havoc for ice anglers trying to access Lake Winnebago from Oshkosh. Use much caution on the ice as there are soft spots, open holes and a lot of water on the lake. The heat wave is bad news for those participating in the 2009 Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing season which opens on Feb 14 at 6:30am. The Lake Winnebago Sturgeon information number is 920-303-5444. Daily harvest numbers will be recorded on this line as they are tallied. The melting snow and run-off may cause some of the bays on the lakes to loose some water clarity, although reports are still coming in about the excellent water clarity over most of Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes. There were 10,239 licenses sold for the upcoming spearing season – 9,596 resident licenses and 153 non-resident for Lake Winnebago, 482 resident and 8 non-resident (out of a total 4,031 lottery applicants for the Upriver Lakes. The ice is mostly thick and solid, up to 30 inches, but those traveling on the lakes are still advised to take caution as the warmer weather causes shoves and cracks to work, and current and shoal areas to thin out. The following links provide some additional information and video clips on our upcoming sturgeon spearing season, our sturgeon management program, our Sturgeon History book to be released in October, and the IMAX Movie Mysteries of the Great Lakes which features our Winnebago lake sturgeon program and population (currently running at the Milwaukee Museum Omnimax Theatre until March 19, and opening at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry this week).
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Big Foot Beach State Park - A warm up in temperatures over the last several days has eliminated most of the snow cover. Cross-country ski trails are now closed. Visitors may continue to hike, but please be aware that trails are muddy and may have several slippery areas due to freeze and thaw cycles. Ceylon Lagoon and Geneva Lake are frozen over and ice anglers have had sporadic success.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The cross-country ski trail is in poor condition. There are many icy and bare areas. Nature trails and hiking trails contain snow covered and slippery areas.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - Due to the warmer temperatures earlier this week, very little snow remains at Wyalusing. Some trails may still be snow those covered in places, especially those that are wooded. Cross country ski trails are unsuitable for skiing until we get more snow. Mississippi River level at Prairie du Chien is 8.3. Ice anglers are taking advantage of the more seasonal temperatures and reporting good catches of crappies. Park office bird feeders remain a popular spot for winter residents. Dozens of cardinals brighten the wintery landscape, providing an excellent photo opportunity. A small flock of cedar waxwings are occasional visitors to the trees near the feeders. Approximately 6-8 red-bellied woodpeckers can be sighted at a time, preferring to feed on the suet blocks. Recent bird sightings this week include: gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, tree sparrows, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. A pair of broad winged hawks has been frequenting the area just north of the park office.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Devil’s Lake State Park - Temperature hit a record high Feb. 10 – in the 50s! And there was rain also. That spells doom for sledding and skiing. Cross country ski trails are closed and the sledding hill is in poor shape. Since it is still early February, there is still hope for some more snow to satisfy winter enthusiasts. The surface of the lake is frozen and ice anglers have been out on the lake. Keep in mind that the park does not monitor the thickness or condition of the lake’s ice, and does not vouch for its safety.
Governor Nelson State Park - All cross-country ski trails are closed for skiing due to the lack of snow.
Lake Kegonsa State Park - All cross country ski trails are in poor condition. Trails are open for hiking, however many areas are very icy. The Candlelight Ski scheduled for February 14 has been cancelled due to poor snow conditions.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Warm, wind, rain, and above freezing temperatures have put skiing to a temporary halt. In fact, when normal temperatures return, what is left on the trails will be little more than sheets of solid ice and frozen puddles. That does not translate into trails open for hiking. Opening trails for hiking and then closing them again when snow comes in just creates confusion for visitors and staff alike. In the best scenario we get enough snow fall and wind over a two or three day period to restore optimal skiing with full classic track. Truth is, we are back to starting all over again to build a skiable base. It could be that the next snowfall provides cover enough to ski, but not enough for cutting track. If that situation arrives, experienced classic beginners have a great opportunity to add skills in less than ideal conditions, if so motivated. You’ll be skiing instead of sitting it out. Trout anglers have got to be happy. If the present weather trend continues (mostly dry) until the opening of catch and release season, anglers might find low water conditions; not even normal. The recent warm up has raised the level of Little Falls Lake a couple of inches which should not last long. Anglers continue to not report in. Rangers checking anglers last weekend reported slow fishing.
Kinnickinnic State Park - Cross-country ski trails are icy and new snow is needed to restore skiing. This does not mean all trails are open to hiking. Opening ski trails for hiking and then closing them again when snow comes in just creates confusion for visitors and staff alike. Visitors can walk to the overlook at the end of the road. It is a beautiful walk down along the St. Croix in winter also, accessed from the last parking lot. Trails east of the sled hill are open for multiple uses including skate skiing. West of the sled hill is the ski trail system for classic skiers. In the best of scenarios, we get a multiple day snowfall, the grooming work occurs as the snow adds up, and new track gets cut. Otherwise, if we get skiable snow, the ski trails will be groomed only with the home made trail pup until there’s enough depth to cut track. The pup does a good job of packing and it has a comb like most commercially made devices. It does a decent job of making a skate surface on the east trails. Learning to classic ski without track or on skied in track is beneficial to experienced beginners. The lower Kinnickinnic River was running about three feet above normal on Tuesday and falling on Wednesday. That section is very flashy with the fast rise and fall. The upper river, above River Falls, should be in decent condition for the coming catch and release season for trout.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
La Crosse County snowmobile trails are closed. Snow has melted off much of the south facing ridges but hiking these areas remains difficult with frost at or just below the surface these areas remain very slippery. Snow has melted on the surface of the ice and refrozen making it very slippery in ice fishing areas. Mississippi River ice can be very dangerous and deceiving with ice thickness and strength changing over short distances depending on what is happening under the ice. ATVs and snowmobilers have been traveling over areas with 1 to 2 inches of ice during the colder weather. Many of these areas are becoming opened water and ice travelers are cautioned that areas they traveled last week may be open water now or have substantially weaker ice especially in areas where there is more current. Flocks of robins were reported recently in Vernon County. Chances are that these robins are not spring migrants but have wintered locally. Robins are regularly present in small numbers during the winter throughout southern Wisconsin. Wintering robins have also been recorded in every county except Vilas, Florence, and Forest. Wintering robins feed mainly on fruits and berries of wild and ornamental trees and shrubs. Eastern bluebirds have also been observed. This makes sense, as robins and bluebirds are related, both being members of the thrush family. Robins also wintered in and around La Crosse. Increased numbers of bald eagles are showing up as are small numbers of goldeneyes, scaup and mallards.
Crawford County - The snowmobile trails throughout the county are now closed. The warming trend late last week caused substantial loss of snow on trails with south facing slopes and on the ridge tops. If or when the trails reopen non-resident snowmobile trail passes are available at the Holiday Gas Station and the Crawford County County Clerk’s Office. As of Feb. 9, the Mississippi River stage was at 7.6 feet. Last week the river rose close to the 8 foot mark by slowly settled by the end of the week to its current stage. Mississippi River water stages are several times daily throughout the winter, however no forecast is available. This weeks warming trend affected the ice in those areas with current. The majority of the main channel is still frozen over; however, some open areas are starting to develop. The ice conditions in all the back waters of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers are still in good shape. Areas of concern would be below the dam, the main channel, and sloughs with current as these areas did see moderate ice loss due to the warm weather and run off. Most of the back water areas with no current flowing through them have around 24 or more inches of ice. Fishing improved a bit this week. Fishing on Sturgeon Slough produced a few decent bluegill and crappie this week, but success was spotty. Ice conditions there are good. McGregor Lake (aka Sturgeon or Horseshoe) has started to produce a few bluegill and crappie but like Sturgeon Slough it too was spotty. A few more anglers have ventured out there. Cold Spring’s ice conditions are pretty good except the area around the channel by the boat landing. Most anglers are still accessing Cold Spring from the southern lobe at the handicap access site while others walk from the boat landing along the creek to the railroad bridge. Caution is advised in the area near the rail road bridge. Bluegill and crappie action at Cold Spring has been very slow and most anglers are targeting the south lobe’s east shore line and northern end. A few reports of spotty bluegill action was reported. Cold Spring is considered inland water, not boundary waters. Different fishing regulations are in effect there and non-residents must possess a non-resident fishing license. Fishing on the Ambro Slough complex improved a little bit this week. Anglers are crossing over the Ambro Slough from the DNR boat landing. The USFWS boat landing on North Ambro Road became even more dangerous because of the warm weather. Mill Coulee Creek enters there and open water or very thin ice exists. This area should be avoided. Mud Slough improved a little this week as some decent crappie were taken. Bluegill action and been spotty. Tilmont Lake is still very slow. Like last week, not many anglers fishing on Tilmont Lake. Some anglers are fishing on the Ambro Slough and No-Name Slough across from Ambro Road but action was slow. Anglers have been avoiding Gremore Lake because it too has been very slow. The “bottom end” of Gremore Lake near the Ambro Slough/Big Lake produced some bluegill and crappie, but like other areas action was spotty. Fish Lake and Little Missouri have produced bluegills but the action has been slow and the size has been small. Many anglers are venturing up to Big Missouri and the Upper Doubles. There has been reported bluegill and crappie action there but it has been spotty and the fish have been on the small size. The Fennimore Cut was producing some nice crappies but it slowed down late in the week. Spring Lake was spotty but did produce a few decent bluegill and crappie. Those using ATVs or other vehicles to travel on the ice are reminded that USFWS law prohibits operation on any shoreline, island, or upland area within the Refuge boundary. Sauger and a few walleye were biting below the Lynxville dam. As of last Saturday anglers are reporting ice conditions below the dam are deteriorating rapidly due to the warm weather. Traditional fishing spots below the dam are now unsafe to fish on. Ice conditions near the center of the channel are extremely dangerous and ice conditions vary from less than an inch to a few inches. Also, access is becoming dangerous as the heavy current at the end of the long wall is eating away at the ice. Anglers should seriously consider the dangers before heading out there. Coyote and rabbit hunters are finding hunting conditions deteriorating to some degree because of the snow melt. Avid coyote hunters are still finding plenty of hunting opportunities this time of year. Bald eagles have dispersed from the Mississippi River but the warming trend may open some area of the Mississippi River thus allow their return. A few Eagles have been hanging around the open water of St. Feriole Slough. There has been a substantial amount of snow loss in the county this past week. Turkey and deer have been sited out in open fields feeding. Some reports of turkey gobbling already coming in. Song birds like chickadees, juncos, goldfinches, and several species of wood peckers are still actively coming to bird feeders, but like the deer and turkeys many song birds are finding additional food now that the snow is beginning to melt.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - All ATV and snowmobile trails are closed due to the warm weather and rain this week. We will evaluate trails at the end of this week to see if they can reopen for the weekend.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The Brunet Island cross country ski trails are groomed with fair to icy conditions throughout. Snowshoe conditions on the island trails are good. Chippewa County has closed snowmobile trails. Fishing action on Perch Lake and in the north campground bays has been good with crappies and a few small bluegills being caught. 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. Species of birds we have been seeing or hearing include: Goldfinches, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red headed and pileated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, and blue jays. No bald eagles have been seen lately.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - - The Chippewa Moraine has lost much of its previous 10 inches of snow this week, with 4 inches of snow remaining in wooded areas. Trails are ice covered and slippery in spots so use caution if you are hiking. Snowshoeing is still possible but until more snow falls, will provide only adequate opportunities. Although outdoor hiking may not be the best right now, the visitor center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day. If you’re looking for something fun to do with the whole family, try your hand at one of the many indoor scavenger hunts, enjoy one of the many nature videos or try holding a snake. Most of the lakes within the Reserve have standing water on top of the ice and are extremely slippery. Use caution when walking on ice. Some action has been seen in crappies and bluegills, but its spotty. Most lakes still have a good amount of ice, but take caution whenever venturing out, especially in these rapidly changing conditions. Some of the smaller lakes within the Reserve are prone to winter die off, and we expect this year to be somewhat worse than in other years because of the early and heavy snow accumulation. Resident red-headed woodpeckers are seen daily at the feeding stations at the Chippewa Moraine and “Drifts” of snow buntings are common along the driveway as they search for weed seeds. In the last few days, many sightings of bear have been reported. An increase of ruffed grouse and ring-necked pheasant has been noted this year. The second of our popular 'Snowshoeing by Moonlight' hikes was held on Friday, Feb. 6, with a well attended turnout of 175 people walking.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park – The county snowmobile trails are now closed. Cross-country ski trails are in poor condition and deteriorating with the warmer weather. Remember, snowshoers, pets and hikers must stay off the groomed portion of trails. Snow is melting fast around the park! Many people ice fishing are accessing the lake from the launch in the park. Warmer winter weather has made snow camping more pleasant. Launch C and lot D will not be plowed this winter. Think spring - we are starting to plan the summer interpretive schedule. If you would like to help or have an idea for a program, let us know. The Friends of Buckhorn will be meeting again soon and are always looking for new members.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Ski trails are deteriorating with the warmer weather and are in poor condition. The main gate is now closed. Parking is allowed in the Czech Ave lot. A volunteer is plowing the parking lot and grooming the cross country ski trails.
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