Wisconsin has been enjoying some very good winter recreation conditions in the new year, now that most lakes have finally frozen over, and snow cover ranges from half a foot to more than a foot and half across most of the state. More snow was falling Thursday, with the southern half of the state expected to get from 3 to 9 inches or more in some locations.
Snowmobile trails were open in all but one county of the state as of Jan. 7, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR), with conditions ranging from excellent in the north to fair through central Wisconsin. Conditions were expected to improve with this week’s snowfall. Cross-country ski trails are open and have been groomed in almost all state parks and forests, with conditions generally ranging from good to excellent. Most parks reporting this week indicated they planned to re-groom trails following this week’s snow, so conditions should be excellent across most of the state this weekend.
The recent wave of sub-zero temperatures increased ice thickness and frozen formerly slushy areas on many lakes. However, thickness still varies from lake to lake. Dane County officials had to rescue several individuals who fell through the recently froze surface of Lake Mendota this week. Anyone venturing out on the frozen waterways for the first time should check with a local bait shop or other knowledgeable source on ice conditions. Snowmobiles and ATVs that used the lakes when they were slushy made frozen ruts and ridges. Those frozen rutted areas are now causing difficult travel in some areas. There also continues to be some slush under the snow on northern lakes in spots.
The variable weather conditions in the last two weeks have made for some erratic ice fishing. In the north, walleye have been the main species of interest and most anglers report sporadic action. The best action has come on cloudy days, when temperatures reach into the 20s. Panfish anglers have seen some fair action in the north, and some good panfish action has been reported on southern lakes.
Along Lake Michigan, the McKinley Marina in Milwaukee and the Racine and Kenosha harbors have frozen over, and anglers have been taking some browns and rainbows through the ice. Fast moving stretches of the Root River are still open and good numbers of browns and rainbows are still holding in the deeper pools.
The Mississippi River stage was at 7.6 feet at Prairie du Chien this week, where the main channel has frozen over, but travel on it is not recommended. Ice fishing activity has been very spotty, with some of the back water areas seeing some bluegill action.
Great horned owls are calling vigorously. Owls are territorial, and one of the primary reasons that owls call is to verbally defend their territories from other owls of their own kind. Regular bird sightings include gold and purple finches, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, and a variety of woodpeckers. Eagles are congregating along both the lower Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. Spotters counted 98 eagles below the Prairie du Sac dam this week.
And a reminder that candlelight ski events have begun at state parks and forests. Cold temperatures have kept numbers down a bit, and frigid temperatures forecast for this Saturday have already caused the cancellation of an event scheduled at Lake Kegonsa State Park, so remember to always call ahead to confirm events will be held.
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
The recent wave of sub-zero temperatures have increased ice thickness and frozen formerly slushy areas on many lakes in the state. Thickness varies from lake to lake and especially on streams and rivers with currents. Anyone venturing out on the frozen waterways for the first time should check with a local bait shop or other knowledgeable source on ice conditions. Snowmobiles and ATVs that used the lakes when they were slushy made frozen ruts and ridges. Those frozen rutted areas are now causing difficult travel in some areas.
Superior DNR Service Center area
Pattison State Park - The cross-country ski trail was groomed January 6. The trail is in good to very good condition with a 9-inch base and snow cover of about 16 inches in the woods. The park is open for camping year-round.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - Access to the island and park are usually done with the use of the Madeline Island Ferry. As of Jan. 4, the ferry line was still running a limited schedule until complete "ice up." The route taken by the ferry has just started to form some ice along Madeline Island and with the cold temperatures this ice may advance rather fast. When the ferry line shuts down for the season, the "Wind Sled" and ice road season begins. Cross-country ski trails are in moderate shape so far this season. The park has seen a considerable amount of snow; however, the lake has not frozen making our snow disappear on our trails fairly quickly. Crews have been able to press ski trails to maintain a measurable base to start with. At this time crews have been unable to set classic ski tracks due to snow and temperature conditions. As soon as there is another round of measurable snow the plan is to set classic track immediately. Winter camping at Big Bay can be an enjoyable event and or adventure. With the location of our park being on an island on Lake Superior visitors are welcomed to warmer than usual temperatures in the winter with the thermal effects of the open water of the lake. The park maintains and plows 5 of electric sites for winter camping and firewood is available at the woodshed located near the parks office. Camping is allowed on any of other sites that are not maintained but these are only accessible by hiking into them.
Copper Falls State Park - All Cross-country ski trails are open and were in excellent condition as of Jan. 4. The Mellen area has received more than 12 inches of snow over the last few weeks creating perfect skiing conditions. The trails were groomed and tracked on Jan. 4. New to Copper Falls this year is the addition of a 3 km skate loop. The skating loop starts at Park Headquarters and meanders along the edge of the woods. The Friends of Copper Falls State Park, Inc. have assisted with trail development and we are quite excited as we anticipate good use of the trail. The Park will also continue to groom 8 km of classical trail. A new multi-purpose trail has also been established allowing people access to Copper and Brownstone Falls regardless of their preferred way to navigate the snow. The trail will be groomed for use by people on snow shoes and walkers. Follow the Copper Falls Winter Access Sign for parking and Trailhead. Campsites 1-6 are plowed and ready for those wishing to winter camp.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail – The trail is in excellent condition with grooming being done regularly.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice conditions have been fairly stable in the Northwoods and most lakes now have between 8 and 10 inches of ice. However, there are still snow-covered and drifted areas that have much thinner ice and recreationalists should still be very careful when traversing any undisturbed parts of the lake. There is also some slush under the snow and this can be up to 3 to 4 inches deep in spots. In addition, frozen ruts from early season travel have made for some rough conditions on several of the more popular lakes in the area and these can be very hazardous to ATVs and snowmobilers. The variable weather conditions in the last two weeks have made for some erratic fishing. Walleye have been the main species of interest and most anglers report sporadic action, with about one in three trips being successful. The best action has come on the cloudy days, when temperatures reach into the 20s. Small sucker minnows have been the preferred bait, fished in 5 to 10 feet of water in the hour before dark. With many of the lakes in the area having stained water, after-dark fishing has been very slow. Northern pike action has also been generally slow, with only a few anglers reporting any kind of action. Large shiners fished near any green weeds have produced the best success, though most fish have been on the small side. Panfish anglers have seen some fair action, with a few nice crappie and perch being found in deeper water and suspended 1 to 3 feet off the bottom.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – The Escanaba, Madeline, McNaughton and Raven cross-country ski trails were all groomed and tracked on either Jan. 3 or 4 and all were in very good condition.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Cross-country ski trails are groomed and were in fair condition as of Jan. 5.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Governor Thompson State Park - The park’s 6 miles of cross-country ski trails are open and groomed for both classic and skate skiers. The 2.5 mile packed snowshoe trail is open, and it has been seeing some heavy use! Visitors are also welcome to backcountry snowshoe on any of the 10 miles of non-groomed trails in the park. Quite a few ice anglers have been spotted on Woods Lake and Caldron Falls Flowage. Please remember that ice conditions can vary and that the ice is never completely safe. A new enclosed shelter building at Woods Lake is available as a warming area for cross-country skiers, ice anglers and kids using the sledding hill in the winter. The new shelter is also available for rent for family or social gatherings. Construction has begun on the new visitor center for the state park and Peshtigo River State Forest. The new building will should take about a year to be built. This is the first building to be built as part of a $3.5 million construction project at the park. Construction has also begun on the new 50 site campground. Throughout the winter months construction crews are hauling out brush and stumps, and grading in the new campsites and roads. The campground is expected to open for the 2011 camping season. The state park is closed to hunting for the rest of the year.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Potawatomi State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed for Nordic and skate skiing on January 5. Snowmobile trails in the park and surrounding area are open and groomed. All trails are in good condition. There are a few ice shanties on Sawyer Harbor, and a couple 4-wheelers moving about on the harbor. The ice in Sturgeon Bay is in very rough shape after the Christmas meltdown and subsequent refreezing. See attached photo.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Ski trails were groomed and re-tract on Tuesday, January 5. Heavily wooded trail sections remain littered with some debris and are in fair condition, while more open sections of trail are in good condition. Skiers are asked to follow the ski trail etiquette when using the park. Most trails are one-way. Double track trails are two-way; please ski on the right-hand side of the trail. Safety: remain on groomed trails. Do not obstruct ski trails or intersections. When resting, move to the side of the trail. Do not stop where you are not visible to oncoming skiers. If you fall, get to the right side of the trail and then fill in your divots. Current snowshoe trail conditions are that snowshoes are not needed due to compacted snow. The Black Trail and beach are open to hikers and snowshoers. There is no hiking or snowshoeing allowed on any ski trail (Red, Yellow or Green). The Brachiopod trail does not make a continuous loop during the ski season; those wishing to see the wetland are asked to return on the Black trail. There is no hiking or snowshoeing on the side of the ski trail. Wildlife is abounding at the park during the winter with bald eagles soaring along the shoreline searching for a meal to diving ducks bobbing in the bay. In the forest, the whitetail has been seen along the Black trail and the porcupine is evident along the Red. Wood peckers of many types and sizes can be seen enjoying the standing dead and downed trees. Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in some areas of Whitefish Dunes.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Lake Winnebago has up to 12 inches of ice in some areas, clubs have begun marking roads along portions of the east shore, and expect to have bridges out on the west shore by this coming weekend. Once roads have been marked on the west shore of Lake Winnebago in the Oshkosh area people can call the Otter Street Fishing Club in Oshkosh at 920-233-6101 for recorded information on the status of their ice roads and bridges. As always, make sure you know how much ice is in the area you would like to travel on before you venture on the ice. You can use the ice reports, but check for yourself to make sure, as ice conditions can change rapidly due to wind and water currents. The walleye population is booming in Lake Winnebago so there are lots of nice fish for anglers to go after, but the forage base (shad, emerald shiners, and trout perch) is also booming which may make catching walleyes through the ice a challenge this winter. Also - reminder - you can keep one sauger a day now while fishing Winnebago, but if you do keep one, you can only keep four walleye in addition to your one sauger. There is no size limit on walleye or sauger on the Winnebago System. Perch and bluegills are booming as well on the Winnebago lake system, so if can't get the walleye to bite, you might try some of the bays for panfish.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak Unit - Up to 6 inches of snow is expected by Friday morning. The lighted loop will be packed late Thursday afternoon and the trails will be groomed Thursday night and perhaps during the day. Then Friday night the trails will be groomed again for Saturday. Conditions should be very good on Saturday. Prior to the snow, the lighted loop had a solid, flat base, with a nice layer of transformed, loose snow on top that makes for a perfect skating surface. These was a nice track along one side for striding, with little to no debris. Snowmaking operations are in progress on the north end of the warm-up loop. There was a full parking lot and an overflow crowd for the Tuesday night lessons this week. The first of two candlelight skis will be held on Saturday Jan. 9 ( again Feb. 13) from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Homestead rec area. Indoor, heated shelter. live music, and bonfire.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit – All cross-country ski trails remain in good skiing condition. Nordic was entirely regroomed and a new classical track set on Monday. Conditions at Nordic were very good. McMiller skating lanes were regroomed on Wednesday. Scuppernong was to be regroomed on Thursday or Friday depending on how long it snows this week. It is a Quiet Weekend at McMiller this weekend Jan 9 & 10. All ranges will be closed (except the biathlon range) so that skiers can enjoy the trails without the background sound of the shooting ranges. The warming building will be open both Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a newly installed fireplace burning brightly.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Ozaukee County - – In Port Washington open water anglers have been catching browns and occasional rainbows near the power plant discharge. Both spawn and casting artificials have produced fish. The west slip has open water, and the north slip is mostly open.
Milwaukee County - McKinley Marina in Milwaukee has approximately 5-7 inches of ice. Anglers there have been catching occasional brown trout, and tip ups have produced with both shiners and spawn. Anglers open water fishing the Menomonee River at the MMSD offices have been catching a few northern pike; and the river behind the Summerfest grounds is open, but fishing has been slow.
Racine County - In Racine, fast moving upstream stretches of the Root River are still open. The river is holding good numbers of browns and rainbows in the deeper pools, and drifting spawn sacs has proven effective. The Racine harbor is ice covered, but use caution as the ice thickness varies considerably. Water clarity in the harbor has been somewhat poor, but both browns and rainbows have been caught.
Kenosha County - Ice anglers in Kenosha have taken a few browns on minnows and spawn in Southport Marina.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - Ice fishing remains the most popular activity in the winter. Ice anglers try their luck on the frozen waters of the mighty Mississippi every day. With the recent plummeting temperatures, ice fishing activity has dropped substantially. The warming trend forecast for this weekend is expected to entice the anglers once again. All trails are snow covered. An additional 2-6 inches of snow is predicted into Thursday evening, with blowing and drifting possible. Forecast for Thursday and Friday remains cold and blustery with a high temp on Thursday near 16 and wind chill values near -7 degrees during the day and as low as -17 degrees on Thursday night. Weekend temps will rise into the double digits during the day reaching a high of 9 degrees above zero on Friday, 11 degrees on Saturday and a sunny 21 degrees on Sunday. As of Jan. 7, both the Whitetail Meadows and Turkey Hollow Cross Country Ski Trail are in fair condition. The expected new snowfall and additional grooming should put the trails in good skiing condition by this weekend. Trails are expected to be groomed by this weekend, but skiers are welcome to call the park office at 608-996-2261 for updated weekend conditions. 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, red breasted nuthatch, white breasted nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. Eagles can be found in the area, especially anywhere there is open water. A good spot to look for bald eagles this time of year is between Prairie du Chien and La Crosse on Highway 35, south of Wyalusing State Park, near Cassville and Nelson Dewey State Park. Another popular spot for bald eagles is north of Prairie du Chien on Highway 27 where it intersects with County Highway N to the west. There is a commercial fisherman who lives at that intersection. The fisherman spreads the parts of the fish he does not use on a field near there. This is a huge attraction for the bald eagles and it is possible to see between 50 and 70 bald eagles feeding there. The birds are very visible from Co. Highway N. The field looks like an airport for eagles, with them landing and taking off, roosting in the trees and feeding on the ground. It is a sight to see! Please note, these birds are only in that area if there has been food spread there recently. But if you happen to be there at the right time, it is truly worth the trip. County Highway N is about 5 or 6 miles north of Prairie du Chien off Highway 27. The next meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing will be Saturday, January 9 at the Bagley Community Center. The meeting will start at 3:00p.m. and will be followed by the Wyalusing Work Unit Holiday Party.
Blue Mound State ParkM - All cross-country ski trails were groomed and new classic track set Jan. 1. The base is firm, and there's firm, solid track—good to very good classical conditions. All trail will be groomed and tracked following the snow that is forecast for Wednesday night and Thursday, and should be in excellent condition for the weekend.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Devil's Lake State Park - The lake is completely frozen over, and ice anglers have been testing the limits in pursuit of catching a northern pike or brown trout. Skiers are enjoying the trails, snowshoers are out on the summer hiking trails, and sledders scream their way to the bottom of the Nature Center hill. Parking lots are cleared at the north shore Visitor Center, south shore boat landing, south shore picnic area, C.C.C. parking lot, and Steinke Basin. The Visitor Center is open daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. See Winter at Devil's Lake for more information about winter recreation at the park. Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Monday, January 4 and were in fair to good condition. There is a hard packed base of snow and ice. Hiking trails are not maintained for winter use, though they are not officially closed to entry. Visitors may hike or snowshoe the trails if they choose, but may not walk on the cross-country ski trails when those trails are snow-covered.
Mirror Lake State Park - As of January 7, 2010 all cross country ski trails are groomed, tracked and in good to very good condition with a 4 to 5 inch base. Trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing. The park was receiving new snow Thursday and will re-groom trails for the weekend of January 9-10.
Dane County - All Dane County snowmobile trails are open as of Thursday January 6. With the additional 6 inches of snow received Jan 7, they should be in excellent condition. Caution is advised when travelling on or near area lakes. Local authorities were involved with several ice rescues of pedestrians walking on thin ice yesterday on Lake Mendota. Mendota and Monona froze over very recently and people traveling on the ice may encounter pockets of open water and thin ice. Most of the bays have enough ice to support ice anglers on foot. Most of the ice fishing activity for bluegills has been on Monona Bay and the south end of Lake Waubesa. Local cross country ski trails are in good condition and scheduled for grooming following the recent snowfall.
Capital Springs Centennial State Recreation Area – Cross-county ski trail were in good to excellent condition and groomed for both classical and skating as of Jan. 5. Either a Dane County or State Parks trail pass is required. Dane County trail passes can be purchased at the self-registration stations located at the E-way, Heritage Center and shelter #1 trail head kiosk. Please note hiking, snow shoeing and pets are prohibited on the groomed ski trails. Hikers are encouraged to use the park shelter road located at the shelter #1 gate.
Capital City State Trail - The trail is open year round. The trail is plowed in the winter when more than 1 inch of snow has dropped. No salt or sand is added. Please take extra precaution for icy and slippery conditions. A state trail pass is require for individuals age 16 year old or older using a bicycle, roller blades or roller skies and can be purchased at the self-registration stations along the trail or Lussier Family Heritage Center.
Lake Kegonsa State Park - Due to the predicted frigid weather conditions for Sat. Jan. 9, the candle light ski has been cancelled. Although there will likely be sufficient snow, the temperature and wind chills are predicted to be extremely cold. For the protection of staff, volunteers and visitors, the event will be cancelled. Another candlelight event is scheduled for Feb. 13.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Recent cold snap has slowed fishing activity. Some panfish were being caught in St Croix County on Pine Lake, Little Falls Lake and Squaw. Walleye activity on Cedar Lake has been slow with a few fish hitting around dusk. Daytime bite has been real slow, but a few nice crappies are being caught in deeper water near cribs. The cold snap has eliminated open water fishing on the Mississippi River at Redwing for now. The cross-country Ski trails at Willow River State Park are in good shape and have been groomed several times. Snowmobile trails are open in St Croix, Pierce, Dunn and Pepin Counties, but are pretty rough. More snow is needed for the groomers to work well.
Willow River State Park - Cross-country Ski Trails were groomed Jan. 5 (skate lanes only). The predicted snowfall should help the classic track. For updated reports, see Skinnyski.com. The multiple use trails are available from the River Road access. For cold weather snowshoers and hikers, the cold spot with a north wind is from the River Road trail head to the first hill. With ski trails open, hikers are reminded that they need to stay on the multiple use trails and not use the groomed ski trails. Ski trails are limited to skier use only, no hiking or snowshoeing on ski trails. Winter trail maps are available at the park office and in some parking areas. Skiers may see the wintering robins along the Purple trail after 3 p.m. Look for them below the Willow Falls as daylight fades. The robins feed in the springs below the bridge on the left side looking down river. Skiers at night may also hear coyotes along the Purple trail. Other bird sightings include Canada geese, bald eagle, and trumpeter swans. Anglers have reported slow action. Anglers using a “spring bobber” have had better luck detecting a light hit.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Great horned owls are calling vigorously. Owls are territorial, and one of the primary reasons that owls call is to verbally defend their territories from other owls of their own kind. Great horned owls will continue calling well into February. On still nights, listen for the deep WHOO, WHOO-WHOO, WHOO-WHOO, WHOO call of the male. Often the female mate will reply in a higher pitched WHOO, WHOO-WHOO-WHOO, WHOO-OO, WHOO-OO. The great horned owl is probably the most widely distributed breeding bird in North America, and it also occurs well south through Central America into South America. These owls rarely build their own nests. Instead they usually occupy nests formerly constructed by crows, Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, or squirrels. Egg laying typically takes place from late January through mid-February, and owlets are born about a month later.
Wildcat Mountain State Park – Cross-country ski trails were last groomed Dec. 31 and were in good to excellent condition. Trails will be groomed again after the snow falling Jan. 7. The park will hold a Torch Light Ski and hike is Jan. 9 from dusk to 9 p.m. Night sky viewing through telescopes begins at 7 p.m. with astronomers Professor Bob Hirschy, and John Heasley. Hot chocolate and snacks will be available in the indoor heated warming area. The trailhead is located at the park office.
Crawford County – As of January 4, all the Crawford County snowmobile trails were open and groomed. The very cold temperatures that settled in just before the new year helped make “good ice” on local waterways. The Mississippi River has been slowly dropping since last weeks mark of 8.3 feet. As of Jan. 4, the river stage was at 7.6 feet. Ice conditions improved this week because of the cold temperatures. Most of the popular ice fishing spots have upwards of 8 to 10 inches of ice. Even though, ice conditions vary greatly and are considered unsafe. Ice fishers are urged to use caution when traveling out onto the frozen waters. The main channel of the Mississippi River is frozen over, but travel on it is not recommended. Ice fishing activity has been very spotty. Some of the back water areas along the Wisconsin River are seeing some bluegill action, but reports are that small fish are being taken. The Prairie du Chien area is seeing some fishing activity with some success being reported. The Sturgeon Slough and McGregor Lake areas has been very spotty this week. A few crappie and bluegill have been caught, but for the most part it has been slow. Anglers are venturing out across the Ambro Slough to Mud Slough and Tilmont Lake. Spotty action has been reported. Once again, dangerous ice conditions exist on the Ambro Slough just upstream from the USFWS boat landing. Open was existed there only a few days ago. Cold Spring has developed some decent ice. Dangerous areas still exist near the boat landing. Success has been spotty. Last week the ice went out below Lynxville. Currently, dangerous ice conditions exist there. Small game hunters are finding favorable hunting conditions, with the exception of the cold temperatures. Squirrel, rabbit, and coyote hunters are finding ample hunting opportunities. Many home owners are gearing up for winter song bird feeding. Many species of birds are coming into feeders now that snow is covering the ground and cold temperatures have settled in. Deer and turkeys have been seen in standing corn or corn stubble fields searching for food.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest – As of Jan. 6, cross-country ski trails were in fair to poor condition. The trails were groomed last this past Saturday. A track is set but it is not the best. The base that is present is very firm. Crews will groom the trails again on Friday pending the predicted snowfall. All snowmobile and ATV trails in the state forest are open and in fair shape. They were last groomed on Monday January 4. The base is not very deep but what is there is very firm with some areas potentially icy. Trails will be groomed again on Friday if we get the predicted snowfall. Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek campgrounds have a limited number of sites kept open for winter camping. Pigeon Creek campground is not plowed in the winter, but visitors are welcome to hike back to sites if they would like. East Fork is closed for the season.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - With the recent snows, cross-country ski trails were in good condition as of Jan. 4. Skiing speeds are moderate with occasional fast stretches. Panfish action has been good in the north campground bays. Northern pike were being taken in the channels around the islands. 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 been seen or heard include: ravens, crows, cardinals, flickers, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles. The park has some campgrounds open for winter camping with electric sites, hand water pumps, and pit toilets.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - - It’ s a great time to be outdoors, so bring the family and head out on a pair of our snowshoes. Snow conditions are good with more snowfall expected this week. Some of the established hiking trails have been packed and are good to walking, but may be slippery in spots. Otherwise, make your own trail on snowshoes. Call ahead if coming on a weekday, as our many visiting school groups may be using them. Visitors may call to reserve them for any weekends. With the recent cold temperatures, ice fishing has been at a minimum. Some success of area lakes has been reported for walleye and panfish. Call the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Center at (715)967-2800 for details, directions to the Visitor Center, or to reserve snowshoes.
Wausau DNR Service Center area
Rib Mountain State Park - Recent snow fall has made for excellent snowshoeing opportunities. Trails are in good condition. Plenty of deer can be seen while in the woods along with other wildlife such as turkeys, fox, and woodchucks. The campground is currently closed for the season
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Even with cooler temperatures, park visitors were out ice fishing, we had one camper on the weekend, and a couple skiers. Three miles of cross-country ski trails are packed and were in good condition for skiing as of Jan. 5. Hikers and snowshoers must stay off the groomed trails and can walk on the sides of those trails or on ungroomed trails. Several roads are closed to vehicles and snowmobiles now as they are not plowed. These roads have gates across them. The snowmobile trail has been rerouted and does not go through the park or on roads closed to vehicles. Access to the lake from 19th and G to the drive-in campsites on the water (site 28) is still open for snowmobiles only. Other lake access is from Launch A in the park. Park staff do not monitor ice conditions. The park office now has a bin for recycling old/broken fishing line and spools from the line. These items will then be sent to the Berkley company for recycling. Look for collection tubes at the park and wildlife area boat launches and fishing pier later in spring /summer .
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate and campground are closed for the season. This is a seasonal park so the winter parking lot will not be maintained this winter and ski trails will not be groomed.
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