Very nice weather of the Memorial Day weekend brought out many people to state parks, forests and trails, with trailheads overflowing with people out hiking and biking and many campgrounds full. Dry conditions over the weekend kept wildfire control staff busy, responding to 63 fires across the state, but rain that fell early this week has finally moderated wildfire conditions. Current fire danger is low to moderate across much of the state, except the far northwest where conditions remain dry and fire danger high. Green up is nearly complete now across Wisconsin, so the spring wildfire season should be coming to an end, but, as always, check on current fire danger levels for your area before doing any outdoor burning.
The warm spell over the weekend increased water temperatures into the low to mid-60s in northern lakes and spurred on a slug of bass and panfish activity. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass have begun their spawning and many dished out areas can be observed in the shallows -- with the males often sitting tight and guarding the nests. Crappies are beginning to finish up their nesting activities, with bluegill and pumpkinseed just starting to congregate prior to their spawning rituals.
The northern zone musky fishing opener was a highlight of this past week. Pressure was mostly moderate but anglers reported many sightings and follows, with only a fair number of hook-ups. Walleye fishing continues to be sporadic, but there have been some reports of some good catches.
The reefs on Lake Winnebago have been producing bag limits of walleyes. The Wolf River was still producing white bass but action on the Fox River has slowed down. And good numbers of carp and other rough fish are being reported in Lake Michigan tributaries. Walleye anglers continue to report good action along both shores of Green Bay. Smallmouth bass fishing remained good this week with lots of big smallmouth taken all along Door County. Trollers going out on Lake Michigan reported limited success for brown trout and some lake trout this week out of most harbors, though there have started to be reports of action picking up on southern waters, with trollers out of Racine and Kenosha reporting action for rainbow trout as well as coho and some chinook salmon.
White-tailed deer bucks are being reported sporting velvet antlers. Increasing numbers of fawns are being seen. Many bald eaglets have hatched and can now be seen and heard calling for their parents to bring them meals. The spring bird migration is winding down, with many warbler species now on nesting territories. Ring-billed gull eggs began hatching last week at the St. Louis River Estuary near Superior in Douglas County. An annual nest count survey of gulls in the estuary found just under 9,000 nesting pairs of ring-billed and a 18 pairs of herring gulls.
Jack-in-the-pulpit, starflower, white water lily, dogwoods and chokecherry are blooming in the north. Apple and cherry trees have been in blossom and yellow lady slipper orchids have been blooming in Door County, and prairie wildflowers including wild lupine and cream indigo are beginning to bloom. Dragonflies have begun to emerge. Mosquitoes have come out in force in the south and black flies were active in the north over the weekend, and good numbers of ticks continue to be reported statewide.
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
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Statewide Birding Report
This should be the final week or so of spring bird migration through Wisconsin. Most of the warbler species are now on territory and remaining migrants tend to be the boreal species and females looking to arrive on territory. Common migrants now include Wilson's, Canada, blackpoll, bay-breasted and Tennessee warblers. Dickcissels are beginning to return to territories in southern Wisconsin grasslands and the mudflats are now home to many species of arctic nesting shorebirds. Rare birds reported in the last week include Swainson's hawks from Polk County, Nelson's sharp-tailed sparrows in Crex Meadows, red knots and whimbrels along lakes Superior and Michigan and laughing gulls in Milwaukee. As always, please report sightings to eBird Wisconsin (ebird.org/WI) to help track migrant bird populations.
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Statewide Wildfire Conditions
After a busy Memorial Day weekend, with fire control staff responding to 63 wildfires between Friday and Monday, recent rains and cooler temps have moderated wildfire conditions. Wildfire danger is Low to Moderate around most of the state, although Douglas and Bayfield counties continue to experience High fire danger due to a lack of significant precipitation. Check the current current statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR Web site for more information. Prescribed burning is winding down. Five burns were conducted this week on 181 acres. Year-to-date prescribed burn totals are 502 burns on a remarkable 18,992 acres!
Firewise Tip: Make sure campfires are made in a fire-safe pit or container and are completely extinguished before leaving. Clear an area around the fire pit and never burn when it’s windy.
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NORTHERN REGION
Northern Region Wildfire Report
Warm windy weather brought a rise in fire activities in the northwest part of the state last week. The Brule Dispatch group reports 32 fires for the week scorching 48 acres. Fire fighters saved 25 structures but lost eight in these fires. The largest fire reported was in the Mercer Response Unit burning 39 acres (cause is unknown at this time). The Cumberland Dispatch Group reported 14 fires this week, burning 3 acres. Fire fighters saved four structures and had no losses for the week. A good number of the fires were started by equipment. Cool weather and almost no rain this past week will give way to sunny, warmer weather for the weekend. Keeping this in mind, remember to be safe with fire in all your outdoor activities and always check burning regulations and restrictions before any outdoor burning. Two wildfires burned in the Park Falls Dispatch Group and 20 wildfires burned in the Woodruff Dispatch Group this past week. The largest was an 8.45-acre fire in Langlade County. Current fire danger is Low to Moderate across the area. Burning permits are required and burning is only allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight with no burning on Sundays or legal holidays.
Superior DNR Service Center area
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Catherine Khalar Photo
Brule River State Forest - The Bois Brule River is flowing at 138 cfs (cubic feet per second). The 64 year average is 182 cfs. The wild nursery is open all around now. Fawns are being sighted more often, goose goslings are searching for greens with their parents, and in the St. Louis River Estuary: ring-billed gulls eggs began hatching last week. The annual nest count survey of gulls in the Estuary found just under 9,000 nesting pairs of ring-billed and a 18 pairs of herring gulls. Common terns have now began nesting. Great-crested flycatcher and hermit thrush have made their way back to the northland. Blue-eyed grass (iris family), jack-in-the-pulpit, starflower, white water lily, dogwoods and chokecherry are blooming. June 6 and 7 will be a busy weekend for outdoor goers. June 6 there will be a family fun day at the Bois Brule Fish Hatchery and Bois Brule Canoe Landing. There will be catch and release fishing, fly tying and fish filleting demonstrations, gyotaku (fish printing) on t-shirts (bring your t-shirt or purchase one for $5), hatchery tours, canoe trips, turkey calling demonstrations, forestry tool demonstrations, and much more. Activities will take place at the hatchery and the Bois Brule Canoe Landing. For more information or to volunteer call 372-5678 or 372-4820. There will be a National Trails Day event at Solon Springs sponsored by the American Hiking Society and cosponsored by the Brule-St. Croix Chapter of the North County Trail Association and the Friends of the Bird Sanctuary. Visitors will have free admission to all Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Trails during State Park Open House Day on Sunday, June 7, Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7 is Free Fishing Weekend throughout the state. All the waters of the state are open, including state waters of the Great Lakes and rivers bordering Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (or trout or salmon stamps) over these two days. However, all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, etc.) apply.
Pattison State Park - Trails are in very good shape. The beach area is open and weekly water quality testing is on-going. Lilacs and other spring blooms are starting. Several active pileated woodpeckers have been seen in the area.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Changing and variable weather conditions in the past week continued to keep anglers guessing on most waters across the Northwoods. The warm spell over the weekend increased water temperatures into the low to mid-60s on many lakes and this has spurred on a slug of bass and panfish activity. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass have begun their spawning periods and many dished out areas can be observed in the shallows -- with the males often sitting tight and guarding the nests. Crappie are beginning to finish up their nesting activities, with bluegill and pumpkinseed just starting to congregate prior to their spawning rituals. With the Memorial Weekend musky fishing opener was the highlight of this past week. Pressure was mostly moderate but anglers reported many sightings and follows, and a fair number of hook-ups. The fish seemed very lethargic but small jerk baits seemed to produce the most activity, with medium bucktails also getting some interest. Walleye fishing success has been sporadic with reports of some good catches being made. The best success has been on minnows -- either on a slip bobber, a lead-head jig or on a bare hook/split shot rig. Action has been best in the two hours before dark and fish have been most abundant along drop-offs in the 6 to 12 foot range. Anglers seem to be catching good numbers of walleye but the fish have been running on the small side this year, with most measuring in the 11- to 14-inch range. A few nicer walleye have been caught on stick baits cast in the shallows in the hour before dark. Northern pike action has been good with the fish being very active with the warming water temperatures.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Area lake water temperatures are holding in the 50-degree range. There are a few lakes that have seen water temps hit the low 60 degree mark; however, they have not been able to maintain that level. All fishing action is sporadic as unstable weather patterns dictate the north. Cold rains have kept most fish from moving into the shallows; however, crappies are spawning. Look for a good bite to start with warm and stable weather. Walleye activity varies, with minnows reportedly to be the bait of choice at the moment. However, a few reports of slip bobbers and leeches are taking some walleye on the deeper weed edges. Bass action is picking up with reports of some spawning activity beginning. Bass remains a catch and release season until June 20. The musky season opened this past weekend. Most reported that they had several “follows” but few strikes. There have been several reports of bears on the move and/or causing problems in yards. A simple solution may be the temporary removal of a bird feeder due to the fact that the bears consider birdseed to be quite a treat. Hummingbirds are reported to have returned to the area. Many people enjoy hanging their feeders outside their windows or around their porches in order to catch a glimpse of these fragile creatures. Just remember that hummingbird “juice” is also an attractant to the bears. The first reports of fawns occurred this past weekend. Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 6 – 7 statewide. We continue to remind boaters to wear life jackets. Area Conservation Wardens wish to remind people that with the beginning of summer, more people will be out on area lakes relaxing and having a good time. Don’t let an unnecessary tragedy occur that will ruin a vacation, get-together or outing as a result of injury or loss of life. Remembering the simple safety basics when out on the water (and elsewhere) will insure a happy memory for all: wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol, be courteous to and aware of, others around you on and off the water and keep your speed under control. Ticks are out in full force now. Remember to check pets and yourselves when returning inside from the outdoors. The male ruffed grouse can be heard this time of year “drumming” for a mate. The sound is one of a series of “thuds” performed by the male ruffed grouse. The drumming occurs in a series, with each series lasting about 5-7 seconds in crescendoing beats. It was once believed that the grouse beating its wings against its chest or a log caused the drumming action. This is not the case. The drumming sound is actually caused by the bird cupping its wings and using the breast muscles to move the wings at such an intensely rapid speed that the action produces very small sonic booms.
Florence DNR at the Florence Natural Resource Center
With water temperatures below 55 degrees, there is little or no swimming or tubing taking place on the Pine and Popple. Kayaking and canoeing are very popular on the wild rivers. Water levels have been near average for this time of year Trout have been the fishing target, with anglers using night crawlers, small spinner baits, or fly rods. The trails that access waterfalls on the Pine Popple Wild Rivers Property are primitive and soil surfaced; consequently, the rainy weather has made them somewhat slick with puddles in places. Visitors should have suitable hiking boots and a walking stick. The good news is that the rain raises the water levels, which makes the waterfalls even more fun to visit. Currently, all three river use campsites accessible by the river only are open for use on a "first come" basis. Bird watching is very good right now, with many migratory birds returning to the area. Dragonflies are emerging, the trilliums are starting to appear, and the June berries are in full bloom. Deer and bear, along with their young, are still pretty easy to spot, but as the tree leaves continue to fill in sightings will be more limited to roads and riverbanks. The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center is now open six days a week, M-F 9-5, Sat 9-4 on Highway 70 in Florence. Staff are available for providing more information, and property maps, canoeing guides, field guides, and license sales are available.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Northeast Region Wildfire Report
In parts of the northeast where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 15 fires burned 2 acres this week. Two structures were destroyed and three structures were saved. Current fire danger is Low across the region.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - - Anglers casting large spoons and spinners at the mouth of the Peshtigo River have been producing some fine catches of northern pike and smallmouth. Bottom fishing with crawlers or leaches is producing walleye, bass, sheepshead, and the occasional panfish. The dam in Peshtigo is loaded with huge carp that can test the metal of any anglers who hooks into one. Walleye in the Menominee River during the day were running small but the evening fishing was still producing some very nice fish. Musky and pike are becoming more active in the lower Menominee. Mayfly hatches are due with the warmer weather and water temperatures are warming above the 48 degree range on inland streams. Mosquitoes are out and plentiful be prepared! Several owlets have been rescued in the Peshtigo area as they had fallen from nests. Inland fishing for panfish is picking up with the warmer weather. Apple, pear and cherry are in bloom. Iris are just beginning to show buds and morel mushrooms are finishing.
Oconto County - Fishing pressure this week was light to moderate despite being a holiday weekend. Many families with children were fishing from shore and having a great time. Water temperatures at the landings are in the low to mid 60s, anglers out on the bay were finding temperatures in the mid 50s. Trout are still present in the Stiles Dam area and were being caught with flies, spinners, and garden tackle. Along with trout, smallmouth bass were also being caught as well as a few bluegills. The Pensaukee River was still producing some fine walleye fishing in the 5 to 10 foot range on crawler/harness and stick baits. Oconto Breakwater Harbor shore anglers were scoring some nice walleye during the evening hours casting raps, and plastic bodied spinner baits. Trolling out of the harbor has been producing some fine catfish, sheepshead, and of course walleye. Oconto Park II shore anglers were catching bullheads fishing off the bottom or using bobbers and night crawlers. Boaters are catching walleye by trolling crawler/harness (willow leaf blades) in 7 to 10 feet of water.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Anglers that have been fishing the Fox River have been doing well on rough fish. The most action has been coming at the mouth of the Fox or up by Voyager Park. At Voyager Park a few walleyes and northern pike were being caught as well. Walleye anglers on the bay, have been doing well on both sides. Most action is coming around Suamico or Dyckesville. Anglers have been using crawler harnesses and stick baits. The most action in both places has been coming in 10-20 feet of water. A few anglers have targeted deeper water with moderate success. Some perch have been caught out of Dycksville over the last week. Minnows seem to be the bait of choice.
Manitowoc County - Fishing in Manitowoc over the past week was slow. Despite the long holiday weekend, fishing pressure on the piers and boat ramp was low. A few boaters that were trolling the Lake Michigan shoreline in 10 to 20 feet of water and targeting brown trout had little success. Anglers fishing on the south pier with spoons or crank baits caught very few trout and salmon this week. In Two Rivers, fishing was also slow this past week. A couple boaters that were trolling the shoreline targeting brown trout and chinook salmon saw very little action. Anglers fishing inside the harbor have been casting spoons or stick baits but have caught very few trout and salmon. A little farther upstream on the East Twin River, a couple anglers were landing some nice smallmouth bass that ranged in weight from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds. Carp anglers have been reporting some good carp activity while scouting areas in the harbor for the derby next weekend.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Mostly sunny days and cool temperatures made for a decent week weather wise. Nothing much has changed this week. There have still been reports of a few brown trout and lake trout continuing to be taken south of the canal and up around Baileys Harbor; however, there don’t seem to be a lot of anglers out there targeting them. An occasional brown was being taken by anglers trolling for walleyes on Green Bay. Walleye action continued to be good with anglers trolling at night with stick baits and jerks in 8 to 15 feet of water. Henderson Point, Sherwood Point, the Sturgeon Bay flats and Dunlap Reef, and the area around Fish Creek and Peninsula State park were all producing fish. Daytime action also remained good for walleyes with reports of some nice fish being taken from the area between Henderson Point and Chaudoir’s dock, trolling in 8 to 30 feet of water. Smallmouth bass fishing remained good this week with lots of big smallmouth taken all over the county. Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay and the Sturgeon Bay flats, along with the shoreline off Potawatomi State Park continued to produce nice smallmouth. Tube jigs, stick baits, grubs, and Katelands remain the baits of choice. Up north, Anderson’s dock in Ephraim, as well as Baileys Harbor, Rowley’s Bay, Egg Harbor and Sister Bay were all producing smallmouth. Anglers looking for northern pike continue to have decent success fishing along the channel in the area between the bridges in the Bay of Sturgeon Bay, as well as Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay and Sawyer Harbor.
Peninsula State Park – The park was extremely busy over the Memorial Day weekend. Trail heads overflowed with hikers and thousands of bikers explored park trails and back roads. Apple and cherry orchards were flowering as were trilliums and yellow lady slipper orchids. Golfers had the chance to see and enjoy the recently renovated clubhouse, while Eagle Bluff Lighthouse opened for daily tours. Over the next two weeks, park staff and volunteers will be busy preparing for the Park's 100th birthday Re-dedication, scheduled for June 7 at 1 p.m. in the park's amphitheater. All are invited. See the Friends website at
www.peninsulafriends.org for details.
Kewaunee County - A week that was filled with mild temperatures during the day, but still some cooler nights was the norm for the weather this week. Anglers, however, were still catching some fish in the near shore areas of the lake near Algoma and Kewaunee. Anglers have been reporting some success in the morning casting spoons for browns and rainbows off of the piers in Algoma and Kewaunee. Anglers that have been going out on the lake have been met with very limited success. Some fish are still are being caught in water 10 to 20 feet on trolled stick baits and spoons. Surface water temperatures out on the lake have been holding in the upper 40s to around 50.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
The reefs on Lake Winnebago have been producing bag limits of walleyes. Many anglers were using leeches with slip bobbers. The Wolf River has still been bringing in white bass but the Fox River in Omro has slowed down. May apples and wild geraniums are blooming. Eastern tent caterpillars are very abundant this year. They are native to Wisconsin but, you may want to remove them from your ornamental trees by removing the silk tents.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan a few browns have been caught from south pier on spoons. Trolling out of Sheboygan has been slow overall, but a few chinooks have been taken on spoons in 40 to 60 feet of water.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, anglers fishing off the pier and in the harbor have been catching a few browns on spoons and minnows. Trollers out of Port have been catching browns in 30 feet of water on spoons.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee shore fishing has been relatively slow, although a few anglers have reported chinooks taken off McKinley pier after midnight. Trollers out of Milwaukee have been catching chinooks out deep, from 135 to 160 feet of water.
Racine County - In Racine anglers fishing off the piers have been catching occasional browns on spoons, but action has not been consistent. Trolling out of Racine has started to pick up, with reports of coho and rainbows in 100 to 150 feet of water.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, trollers working 20 to 50 feet down in 120 to 160 feet of water have been catching mostly coho, along with some chinooks and rainbows. Small dodger and fly combinations as well as small spoons have been productive. Shore fishing in Kenosha has been slow.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Governor Nelson State Park - All facilities and piers are now open for the season. All trails are open for hiking. Pets are welcome on all of our trails as long as they are on a leash no longer than 8 feet and under control at all time. The park also has a pet swim area which is a leash area unless your pet is in the water.
Military Ridge State Trail - The trail is in very good condition. There is some street re- construction occurring on Church Street in the Village of Barneveld. This construction also entails some alterations to the Military Ridge State Trail on each side of Church Street. This area is located near the village park along the trail. Trail users should be able to walk their bikes around the construction area. Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. Horses and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not allowed on the Military Ridge Trail corridor.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in dry condition. Prairie wildflowers are really beginning to bloom and wild lupine and cream indigo are the current standouts! Bathrooms at Trempealeau and Lytles Landing are open.
Perrot State Park - The boat dock has been installed. Water levels are very low, especially for this time of year. Trails are in good condition. Wildflowers blooming in the park include: anemones, jack-in-the-pulpit, baneberry, all violets, puccoon, buttercups, wild ginger, columbine, woodland phlox, trilliums are fading to pink, wild geranium, Virginia waterleaf, showy orchids, spiderwort, wild lupine and cream indigo. The barred owl family has moved from the campground out into the park. A multitude of toads and frogs are singing with jubilation! The Great River Trail is also covered with blooming prairie plants now and a bike ride is a great way to view those.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - A section of ATV trail from Campground Road to the Clay School Parking Lot is closed due to several areas with excessive water covering the trail and trail damage due to heavy ridership on Memorial Day weekend, including some illegal off-trail use.
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