Winter made a brief return to the state this week, with snowfall ranging from 1 to 5 inches reported across parts of southern and northern Wisconsin. Snow melted quickly in the south, but from 1 to 5 inches was still reported on the ground across the north. More snow is in the forecast in the north, but even if it arrives, snowmobilers are reminded that trails are now closed for the season, as trail easements have expired for the year, and state parks and forests will not be grooming ski trails any more this season.
Lakes are now opening up through central Wisconsin with open water reported from the Eau Claire through Waupaca areas. The North and South Forks of the Flambeau River are open. Ice depths still range from 14 to 16 inches on some Northwoods lakes, but access sites are in poor condition and shorelines are beginning to open up on shallow bays. The waters of Green Bay remain frozen, but large patches of open water are now present. Strong winds from the southeast this week shoved large amounts of ice onto the west shoreline of Lake Winnebago, with up to 25 feet measured along the Neenah shoreline.
Ice fishing pressure in the north has been light and panfish success has been limited, with anglers having to move around quite a bit to find active fish. Some crappie have been found in deeper water suspended 4 to 5 feet off the bottom. Perch have been moving up to shallower water and near old weed beds. Although northern rivers open or have open stretches, water temperatures have been holding in the 35 to 38 degree range and sucker runs have not yet begun.
The Menominee River was providing a few early boat anglers with some walleye action at Marinette and shore anglers were getting a mixed bag of steelhead and walleye. Angling pressure picked up on the Oconto River with some success for steelhead. The steelhead run was slower this week on Manitowoc, Twin, Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers. The Milwaukee River remains relatively high, but some steelhead have been caught. Water levels on the Root River are good, but the temperature has dropped down and steelhead have moved into the deeper pools. Boaters have been fishing open water at harbors and have had some success with brown trout and steelhead at Sheboygan, Port Washington, and Milwaukee.
The Wolf River saw a lot walleye action this week and the Fox River was also producing bag limits of walleye. The water temperature in the Wisconsin River below the Prairie du Sac Dam is at 42 degrees. The walleye activity has been increasing with a number of people catching nice fish. Water levels are still extremely high on the Rock and Crawfish rivers and snow-no-wake ordinances remain in effect in Rock and Jefferson counties. Anglers fishing the Rock River have been catching some legal size walleye and white bass were still being caught in below the dam in Jefferson. As of April 1, the Mississippi River stage was at 11.4 feet at Prairie du Chien, up from 10 feet last week, and expected to climb to about 11.7 feet over the weekend. Walleye and sauger action was very spotty this week, but some decent fish have been taken.
Turkey flocks are breaking up with increasing reports of tom turkeys displaying with tail feathers all fanned out.
Skunk cabbage is starting to emerge. With daytime temperatures above freezing and night time temperatures below, conditions have been good for maple sap tapping. Sugar houses have been filled with steam as the sap is boiled down to make syrup. The MacKenzie Environmental Education Center (exit DNR) in Poynette will be holding its Maple Syrup Festival this Saturday, April 4 with guided tours of the center's sugar bush and maple syrup-making process, horse-drawn wagon rides, and, of course, maple syrup tasting.
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
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The below average temperatures of the last week have firmed up ice conditions on most Northwoods lakes and ice depths were ranging from 14 to 16 inches as of March 31. Snow cover is pretty much gone from the lakes, and most surfaces were rather slick and required ice-creepers for walking. Nearly all access sites are in poor condition and ice travel has pretty much been restricted to foot traffic only. Any late season ice anglers should be very cautious as access and ice conditions can change in a hurry with sunny skies and warm temperatures. Late-season ice fishing pressure has been rather light in the Park Falls and Phillips area and panfish anglers have had limited success in the last week. Fishing conditions have been good with the firmed up ice surfaces, but anglers have had to move around quite a bit to find active fish. The few anglers that have been successful have reported that crappie were found in deeper water but suspended 4 to 5 feet off the bottom, with the perch having moved up to shallower water and near old weed beds. Many rivers are showing open stretches of water but water temperatures have been holding in the 35 to 38 degree range and sucker runs have not yet begun.
Flambeau River State Forest - Both the South and North Forks of the Flambeau River are open. Local lakes still have some ice. All ski, snowmobile, and ATV trails on the forest are closed for the season. ATV trails will open May 15 providing conditions are dry enough. Both Lake of the Pines and Connors Campgrounds are still closed. Lake of the Pines will open April 15 and Connors the Thursday before Memorial Weekend. A lot of ducks and geese are returning to the Northwoods.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The Menominee River is providing a few early boat anglers with some walleye. Shore anglers are getting a mixed bag of steelhead and walleye. An occasional brown trout can be landed from the Hattie Street Bridge and Stephenson Island, but keep in mind the ice just went out and 'catching' is sporadic. The upper Menominee River is opening up as reported by anxious anglers although some landing areas may have some snow or ice on the ramps. There doesn't appear to be any walleye or steelhead activity on the Peshtigo River yet. Turkey flocks are breaking up with some toms beginning to display on warmer days. Spring turkey season opens on April 15 this year. There are still some tags available for zone 1 and 3, late time periods. There will be a youth turkey hunt the weekend before the regular season, April 11 and 12. As people begin to venture outdoors again don't forget to clean up around birdfeeders and disinfect them. There have been several cases of salmonella around the state thought to be passed at feeders.
Oconto County - There is an increased amount of fishing activity below the Stiles Dam downstream to the Hwy. J bridge area, as anglers search for steelhead. Spawn sacks seem to be the bait of choice. A few hardy souls are fishing the open water of the Oconto Harbor area in search of walleye or whatever happens to hit their lure. Wind can be a big influence on the length of your fishing trip here, so dress accordingly!
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - Fishing was slow on the Manitowoc River this past week. Pier anglers trying for brown trout were concentrated either half way down the south pier or on the north end of the breakwater. Success was limited, with only a couple brown trout harvested. Farther upstream on the Manitowoc and Branch rivers, fishing pressure was light with anglers having very little success in catching steelhead. In Two Rivers, fishing pressure was low all week. A few anglers were fishing inside the harbor for brown trout, but they were not able to land any fish. On Saturday somewhat favorable weather allowed a few boat anglers to troll the shoreline for brown trout in 8 to 15 feet of water running planer boards with stick baits and spoons. Catch rates for trollers were also very low. On the West Twin River, angler pressure was steady all week. Saturday morning saw an increase in angler pressure with many anglers fishing behind the Shoto Conservation Club and further downstream. The catch rate was low although a couple anglers caught their limit of rainbow trout fishing near Shoto dam. On the East Twin River fishing was slow most of the week, but showed some signs of improvement by the weekend. At the Mishicot dam, anglers fishing for rainbow trout were casting spinners or using spawn sacs. Rainbows were active in the morning jumping into the head of the dam, but anglers didn't have much success in landing any fish. A couple anglers picked up a northern pike with the larger one measuring 32 inches in length.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park - As of March 30, scattered patches of snow remain on the ground. Sections of back roads remain snow or ice covered. Shore Road is open to traffic. It's a good time to climb Eagle Tower, visit Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, or hike any of the park's 20 miles of trails. All trails are open to hiking, but closed to bicycling, due to wet conditions. The waters of Green Bay remain frozen, but large patches of open water are present. Do not venture out onto the ice. Flocks of migrating scaup, goldeneye and bufflehead are seen in open waters along the shoreline. Sandhill cranes are back. Watch for bald eagles in the vicinity of Eagle Tower. Only the Tennison Bay campground remains open. Water systems are shut down, though a central drinking water supply is provided.
Potawatomi State Park - Hikers and bikers are using the park roads again, but due to melting snow and wet conditions, bike trails are closed for awhile. Most of the snow and ice is gone. Anglers are launching at the Sturgeon Bay launch area, but ice still blocks passage out of Sawyer Harbor.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Male turkeys are trying to look their best to the hens by fanning out their tail feathers and they are also getting loud and vocal. There have been several reports of toms standing all fanned out with big groups of hens looking at them. Sandhill cranes are back in full force along with song birds. Many people are mistaking turkey vultures with eagles. Local lakes are starting to open up with northern pike and walleye spawning soon to follow. If you notice dead fish once the lake ice recedes, please notify your local DNR office. With heavy snow cover and thick ice this winter, the lake may have experienced some degree of winterkill.
Hartman Creek State Park – Cross-country skiing is done for the season, even though snow is predicted for Sunday, April 5. Off-road biking and horse trails will not open until the trails dry out, probably by late April. Flocks of Canada geese and many sandhill cranes can be seen either in the park or just outside the park in open corn fields. Robins arrived a couple weeks ago and many other birds will be migrating through later in the month and in early May.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Strong winds from the southeast this week shoved large amounts of ice onto the west shoreline of Lake Winnebago. In the Neenah area there was an ice measurement of up to 25 feet. The Wolf River from Winneconne up to Fremont is seeing plenty of walleye action this week. The Fox River is also producing bag limits of walleyes. Please be advised that there is a closed area at the Eureka dam, the refuge begins 200 feet downstream of the dam. The fish refuge remains closed for fishing until May 2. If you catch any tagged fish, please report where and when you caught the fish, its length and weight and your name and address. The mailing address will be on the tag itself or you can call it into the Oshkosh DNR Service Center, 920-424-3050. Sturgeon Guard still has a few openings on the schedule. If you are interested in volunteering please email sturgeonguard@wisconsin.gov
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SOUTHEAST REGION
While last week's snow storm may make it seem as if Spring slowed down, the lengthening daylight has kept the birds on course. The first gobblers were seen in full display this week. The snow cover forced the birds up into the crabapple trees. It was not uncommon to see dozens of robins, goldfinches, house finches, starlings and grackles all picking the shriveled fruit from the same trees. And while the migrants are still coming, a few juncos are still hanging around, but they should be heading north to their nesting grounds soon. The goldfinches and house finches are both coming into color and are noticeably brighter than they were just a week ago. The maple trees are flowing! With daytime temperatures above freezing and night time temperatures below, the conditions are perfect for a great season. It is a very busy time for those who tap their maple trees and gather the sap. The sugar houses are filled with steam as the sap is boiled down to make syrup. If you've never tasted real maple syrup right out of the boiling pan, check your local nature center to see if they have any special programs to mark the on maple syrup-ing season.
Havenwoods State Forest - Trails are very soft from recent rains and patches of melting snow.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - As of April 1 the Southern Unit has experienced heavy rain, snow and sleet over the past week. People venturing out on the trails at the forest will find some portions of the Ice Age Trail under water, and the rest of the trail systems thoroughly saturated. Visitors will encounter a fair amount of moisture and mud. Equestrians are asked to refrain from using the trails unit they have a chance to dry out and stabilize. Mountain Bike Trails remain closed and will likely remain closed through this weekend April 4-5. This is the time of year when frost is coming out of the ground making the ground soft and susceptible to damage if it were to be used. The trails will be evaluated each day beginning April 13th to determine when they can be opened for use. For more information contact the forest headquarters at 262-594-6200. Current trail conditions can be obtained at 262-594-6202.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan flows have dropped on the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers. Anglers have been catching a few steelhead on spawn sacs near the Kohler dam and in Esslingen Park. Boaters have been taking browns and rainbows on large crank baits in water less than 30 feet deep. Fishing off the piers in Sheboygan has been slow.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington fishing on Sauk Creek has been relatively slow, but anglers near the power plant, in the harbor, and off the pier have been catching a few browns and rainbows on spawn sacs, minnows, and spoons. Boaters out of Port Washington have also been catching browns on spoons and crankbaits in 30 feet of water.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, anglers fishing the Milwaukee River under the Hoan bridge have been taking a few rainbows and browns. The Milwaukee River remains relatively high, but some steelhead have been caught on flies in Kletzsch Park. Steelheading in the Menomonee River and Oak Creek has been slow. Both anglers fishing from shore in Bender Park and boaters fishing near the Oak Creek Power Plant have been catching good numbers of brown trout.
Racine County - In Racine water levels on the Root River are good, but the temperature has dropped down. Steelhead have moved into the deeper pools, and drifting spawn sacs or white tube jigs has produced fish. Fly anglers have also caught steelhead; and egg pattern flies, black or olive colored scuds, and wooley buggers have been the most productive. DNR crews processed fish at the Root River Steelhead Facility on Monday, March 23. Chambers Creek strain steelhead were spawned, and 171 steelhead were passed upstream. Fish will be processed again this week.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, both shore anglers and boaters fishing in the harbor have been catching some browns. Spawn has worked well from shore, and spoons have produced fish for those fishing from boats. Fishing on the Pike River has been slow.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Badger State Trail - Recent rains and flooding have left the trail surface soft with erosion in some areas. Repairs will not be possible until there is warmer, dryer weather. We request that the trail not be used by bicyclists or pedestrians whenever the surface is soft enough to leave ruts and tracks.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Most of the ice is out on the marsh and with the appearance of open water the ducks and other waterbirds are arriving. At this time we are at the peak of the Canada goose and sandhill crane migration. Also the majority of duck species known to Wisconsin are currently on the marsh. This is the best time of year to observe waterfowl as they are in their brilliant breeding plumage and quite visible on the open water. Ducks and geese will remain in the region in good numbers until the third week of April when the northern nesting birds tend to depart. At this time, great blue herons, coots and other early migrants have arrived with early sightings of white pelicans and great egrets as well, and over the next several weeks we should a continued influx of other marsh birds as southerly winds and warming temperatures provide opportunities for them.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - The water temperature in the Wisconsin River below the Prairie du Sac Dam is at 42 degrees. The walleye activity has been increasing with a number of people catching nice fish. The fishing activity will be good over the next couple of weeks. Anglers are reminded that the musky season is closed on the Wisconsin River until the general opener in May. Angers catching musky should release the fish and handle them with care. Bluebirds in the area have been back and they are starting to build nests. The turkeys are starting to gobble in the morning hours.
Jefferson County - Anglers are catching some bluegill on the marsh on Rock Lake and in the pond at the Sandhill campground south of Lake Mills. Many of the fish are small but some fish up to 8 inches were being caught mostly on waxworms and red worms. On the Rock River anglers have been catching some legal size walleye on jigs with a minnow and twistertails. Most of the fish are males but some nice sized females have been caught. The fish were being caught throughout the Rock River in Jefferson County. White bass were still being caught in Jefferson below the dam by the bridge on twistertails. The emergency slow-no-wake ordinance on all the rivers and streams in Jefferson County is still in effect. The river is expected to crest later this week and will hopefully start to recede shortly thereafter.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - The last few days of ice fishing were reported as very good by one angler. The Willow River is at normal flow and clarity for catch and release trout fishing. Trails are drying out. There are no trees down across trails. There may still be small pockets of snow in well sheltered areas. The campground may be open by the week of April 15. The ground needs to dry out completely before we allow vehicles in. If you plan to camp before then, you will have to carry your tent in from the campground entrance. Wheeled campers may use the parking lot by the beach with electric hookup. No tents are allowed there. Water may be picked up at the service building. The dump station will be open in May. Interstate Park, 40 miles north, is usually ahead of Willow with camping open to vehicle traffic (715) 483-3747. The new office building is open. Visitors may purchase stickers from vehicles at the window when the office is staffed. If the office is closed when there is a self registration station near the entrance door.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Crawford County - After last Sunday’s snow storm very little snow is left in the area. The frost is coming out and travel in fields is improving. As of April 1, the Mississippi River stage was at 11.4 feet. Just over a week ago the river was at 9.6 feet. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for a steady climb to about 11.7 feet over the weekend. Then, barring any rain, it will level off for a few days then start to drop. The Wisconsin and Kickapoo rivers are in pretty good shape regarding spring flooding. The Wisconsin River at Muscoda is showing a reading of 3.0 feet and steady. At the Muscoda gage station, flood stage is considered 9 feet. The Kickapoo River in both Gays Mills and Steuben is on the rise, however well below flood stage (13 feet and 12 feet respectively). The river stage in Gays Mills is at 8.5 while Steuben is at 8.4. Ice fishing is over because the increasing water levels have taken out the remaining ice in the backwaters. A few anglers have been out in boats searching for bluegill, crappie and perch. Success has been slow, mainly due to the cold and rising water. Shoreline fishing at Cold Spring has been slow for bluegill and crappie. 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. Additionally the game fish (except panfish) season is now closed at Cold Spring. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay below LD #9 is still open, however anglers will have to keep an eye on the rising water as it might hamper launching/loading boats. Walleye and sauger action was very spotty this week. Some decent fish have been taken, but generally action below the dam was slow. However those who arrive very early in the morning are catching some decent fish. Water temperatures are starting to rise slowly and reports of temperatures in the low 40 have been reported. Anglers fishing the East Channel in Prairie du Chien are finding tough sledding. A few small sauger and walleye have been taken with a few keeper sized fish. All the boat landings in the Prairie du Chien area are open. Many bald eagles have returned to the Mississippi River and are actively tending nests. A few Eagles have been hanging around the open water of St. Feriole Slough and below the dam at Lynxville. Turkey gobbling and displaying activity is picking up. Most of the migratory birds have returned to the area. There is some great waterfowl viewing on the Mississippi River up in Pool 9 right now (Lynxville to Ferryville).
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The warm weather and rains have brought the ice fishing season to a close. Sugar maple tapping is in progress throughout the area. With the weather conditions, it may be a short season this year. The sandhill cranes, Canada geese, robins, and blue birds have begun to arrive. The bald eagles are moving back into the area and have been seen feeding along the roadsides. The barred owls have been aggressively trading territorial calls during the early night hours. Other birds seen or heard include: goldfinches, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red headed and pileated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, mourning doves, and blue jays.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - - Ice is out on some of the Reserve lakes and none are safe to traverse. Fishing has slowed down and not much luck is being reported either on Reserve lakes or lakes within the area. Trails within the Reserve are muddy and are still slippery in shady areas. Trail conditions are generally posted at the trail head. We anticipate wonderful trail conditions for the upcoming April 26 Wooly Mammoth 50K Race. Last years runners were treated to 6 inches of new snow on morning of the race. Blue birds, robins, and great blue herons are back. Red-winged blackbirds are starting to sing and Great blue herons have begun to arrive and are busy fixing up last years nests. Sand hill cranes have been seen for several weeks. Beaver have been seen sitting on the edges of remaining lake ice in the park, with the two-year-olds now leaving home to find new territories of their own. Mortality is generally high, as predators including bears, wolves, dogs and coyotes often take these vulnerable young adults. Maple sap collecting has been adequate, but sap collected has been very good in taste. Skunk cabbage is starting to emerge.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The lake is opening up quickly with the warmer weather and rain. People have been shore fishing by the Buckhorn bridge and some have launched small fishing boats at launch C, although the lake is still low due to the draw-down. Ice is off the kids fishing pond and was stocked last fall with hybrid bluegills, catfish and bass. Park along Cty G across from the park entrance to hike the short turtle trail to the pond. The roads by the group camp and to the canoe launch are now open! Sandhill cranes have returned to the park! There are openings for the handicapped accessible cabin in May, June, Sept, Oct and a few single nights in July. Please call the park at 608-565-2789 for more information. Applications for the 2009 Youth Deer Hunt are available now from the park or online.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is still closed. Parking is allowed in the Czech Ave lot. Trails may be muddy with warmer weather and rain.
Last Revised: Thursday April 02 2009
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