Windy weather and rough conditions made for a tough opening of the Wisconsin game fish season this past weekend. With the strong winds, most anglers sought out shelter from the high waves and whitecaps on many lakes, and there were often heavy concentrations of boats in sheltered bay areas.
The most successful walleye anglers found fish in 6 to 12 feet of water with the best bite in the hour before dark. Panfish anglers experienced some very good success, as the shallow bay areas provided protection from the wind and anglers found good concentrations of bluegill and crappie. Bass anglers have not really gotten started yet, as the erratic weather of the last two weeks has both the largemouth and smallmouth bass wondering whether they should be up in shallow water yet. The most successful inland trout anglers were the fishing the Class I streams, where some decent catches of native brook trout were made.
On Green Bay, brown trout fishing has slowed considerably along Door County as anglers turned their attention to walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Some browns were still being caught out of the Sturgeon Bay shipping canal. Some very good walleye fishing was reported in Sturgeon Bay. Northern pike fishing has also been good. Smallmouth bass anglers were out and starting to have some success in preparation for the Door County Bass Tournament in two weeks.
Near shore water temperatures on Lake Michigan have reached into the 60s, but again fishing pressure has been light to moderate due to strong winds throughout much of the last week. The Peshtigo harbor area was producing some walleye and some walleye were being caught out of the Oconto breakwater. Browns trout were being caught from Two Rivers southward. Pier and harbor fishing was slow at many places because of poor water conditions from the heavy rain over the last week.
In the southeast, fishing was also very slow with little or no angler pressure due to high winds and unstable weather. Water in and around the harbors and marinas was murky and clarity was poor. Tributaries were also cloud with poor water clarity. The best action was for some smallmouth bass on the Sheboygan River near the Kohler dam. The highlight was the arrival of coho salmon at Kenosha, with those trollers braving the high seas reporting success in anywhere from 20 to 60 feet of water south of the harbor. Coho are good size this year and are ranging from 1 to 6 pounds. Fishing should improve as more and more fish move up the lake.
Water levels on many northern rivers, such as the Flambeau, continue to be unseasonably low. Rain in the last week helped somewhat, but paddlers still need to pick their paths carefully to avoid getting hung up on rocks. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail has been graded and packed for bike riding and is in good condition. Many, but not all, state parks are reporting that the modern bathroom and shower facilities are now open for the season. Campers are starting to show up on weekends in increasing numbers. The first reports of mosquitoes hatches have come in, which is also several weeks early, so remember to pack the bug spray.
While the timing of the strong winds in the last week wasn’t good for the opening of the fishing season, it couldn’t have been better for International Migratory Bird day this Saturday. The winds brought in a large influx of Neotropical migratory birds that spent the winter south of the U.S. border, and it appears we are nearing the peak of migration. Birders reported many species of warblers, vireos, thrushes, grosbeaks, orioles and hummingbirds. This past week saw the first broods of mallards and Canada geese and many of the early migrants are now nesting.
Flowers in bloom include: cut-leaved toothwort, hepatica, bloodroot, wood anemone, spring beauty, wild ginger, trout lily May apple, bellwort, bird’s foot violet, and shooting stars.. Apple, plum, and cherry trees are in bloom. Mushroom hunters report the 2010 morel season is coming to an end and that morels were at least a week earlier than usual.
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.
Statewide Wildfire Report
In the past week, 104 fires burned 57 acres in DNR wildfire protection areas. Two structures were destroyed and another 20 were threatened during these fires. The main cause of wildfire the past week was power lines, due to windy conditions. Fire danger can vary from one day to the next this time of the year, depending on weather and dryness of the vegetation. Check the DNR website for current fire danger and burning permit restrictions. Local fire departments and county or area fire organizations have until July 1 to apply for a Forest Fire Protection grant. The grant program provides funds for the purchase of forest fire suppression equipment and training. Applications were recently mailed to Wisconsin fire organizations statewide and are also available on the DNR website.
Firewise Tip: Create firebreaks. Driveways, non-flammable walkways, green lawns and other pathways can halt the spread of a wildfire.
Northern Region Wildfire report- The fire danger is Moderate to High across the region. In Woodruff and Parks Falls Dispatch Groups, 33 fires burned a total of 12 acres with 2 structures saved this week. High winds and downed powerlines were the leading cause of wildfires in the Park Falls-Woodruff area. A barn was lost due to a 1.2 acre grass fire in Taylor County. The cause is under investigation. Remember, burning is only allowed from 6 p.m. – Midnight with no burning on Sundays or legal Holidays. Prescribed burning is under way for the season with 6 prescribed fires taking place on 223 acres. The Brule Dispatch Group fire danger level has been at Moderate. Burning with annual permits is allowed Monday through Saturday, 6pm to Mid-night. Four fires were reported this week, burning 0.28 acres and one mutual aid fire that burned o.01 acres near Lake Nebagamon. The largest fire happened in the Gordon Fire Response Unit at o.25 acres. Early detection by the fire towers and quick initial attack by Rangers Braasch and Stanek, while operator Jones plowed fire line around the blaze, made quick work of containing this fire and saving the cabin and outbuilding in the fire’s path. Cumberland’s fire danger is still at High with burning permits still suspended in Burnett, Polk and Washburn counties. Despite elevated fire danger and continued drought conditions, the Cumberland dispatch group reported only one fire having burned 0.10 acre this week. One prescribed burn was accomplished last week on 15 acres. In Barron County, burning with annual permits is allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight following all restrictions listed on the permit. Recent rain amounts have been very light and people are hoping for a good area-wide soaker to help push us into green-up and out of spring fire season.
South Central Region Wildfire report - Fire danger levels are at Moderate across the region. Burning permits are required for burning after 6 pm in DNR protection. Make sure to notify your local sheriff’s department of when you are starting burn and when it’s out. Any day time burning must have a special burn permit from the DNR Fire Control Ranger. Green up and recent wet weather have slowed wildfire activity in the region. This week, three fires burned 0.3 acres. Two structures were threatened in a Columbia County fire caused by debris burning. Prescribed burn requests are still coming in, the majority now focusing on woods burns.
West Central Region Wildfire report- In the parts of the region where the DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 14 fires burned approximately 2 acres in the last week. Four structures were saved due to fire suppression response. Five railroad fires occurred over a 6 mile stretch in Adams County as the result of carbon build up in one of the engines. The largest of the fires was about a half acre in size. A couple of the fires were quickly extinguished by DNR resources arriving on scene. A couple others burned into the surrounding woods and grasslands. The DNR patrol plane assisted in suppression by providing directions to arriving firefighters. In Wood County, a fire nearly 1 acre in size burned through oak woods on private property as a result of improper ash disposal. The fire occurred two days after the ashes were dumped outside. The fire was spotted by DNR fire tower personnel. The property owners were not at home and no 911 call was ever made. Fortunately the fire was burning away from the home when firefighters arrived on scene. Tractor plows and a drop from a Single Engine Air Tanker assisted in suppression of the fire. Wednesday, May 5, was the fifth anniversary of the Cottonville Fire, which burned more than 3,400 acres and 90 structures in Adams County. A 7 acre prescribed burn in the Lemonweir Bottoms State Natural Area occurred in the last week with the goal of maintaining and promoting warm season grasses at the site by setting back cool season grasses and invading brush. The burn was considered a success. The burn site is adjacent to some recently planted prairie that will be incorporated into future burn plans.
Northeast Region Wildfire report- Fire danger is currently set at Moderate to High across the region and burning permits are suspended in some areas. Weather changes rapidly this time of year, remember to call for conditions, BEFORE you burn! While much of east central Wisconsin was under tornado warnings and receiving heavy rainfall Tuesday evening, northern Marinette and Florence Counties hardly received a drop of rain. Fire crews remain fully staffed, burning permits remain suspended (Marinette & Florence Counties only) and a Single Engine Air Tanker has been repositioned to Crivitz. High winds again on Wednesday, May 5 blew many more trees and limbs into power lines resulting in additional fires, including a five acre blaze north of Wausaukee and a one acre fire along hwy 141 north of Abrams. In parts of the region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 35 new fires burned 41 acres this week. Most of the fires were caused by powerlines during high wind events. On Thursday April 29, 12 fires, mostly power line related, occurred in high winds in the Peshtigo Dispatch Group. One fire burned 0.67 acres on an island in the Menominee River which forms the boundary between Michigan and Wisconsin and had to be accessed by boat. A downed power line started a fire in the early morning hours of Friday, April 30, in Florence County, burning 3 acres and destroying a garage with all its contents including a boat and several snowmobiles. Hardly any rainfall fell over the May 1 weekend well to the north of Green Bay. On Sunday, May 2, a fire near Deer Lake Road, northwest of Crivitz burned 8 acres in a mixture of oak and jack pine after a small campfire on private property escaped control. Several homes were threatened but the fire was contained before reaching any buildings. At the same time, another fire south of Goodman burned 3 acres in a swamp conifer stand of spruce, cedar and balsam fir. The fire started when a tree limb fell on a power line. Both fires burned very intensely with torching of trees, many burning snags and spotting downwind which made control difficult. Sunday staff in the Wautoma Fire Response Unit responded to a fire in a wildland urban interface area that burned 1 acre of woods and was caused by a landowner using a torch to burn forest tent caterpillar nest out of trees. This was the fifth fire this spring in the Waupaca Dispatch Group from this cause – one homeowner ignited his field on fire and it burned his neighbor’s barn. Tent caterpillars are native insects, and although they make unsightly nests, they rarely kill trees. Soapy water in a spray bottle is an effective substitute. A fire near the previous day's fire south of Goodman in a remote area burned 16 acres. The suspected cause was a spot fire which deposited hot embers 1/4 mile downwind from the previous day's fire. This fire, as well as several others, required several days of mop-up to ensure it was completely extinguished.
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Statewide Birding Report
Neotropical migrants are returning and we are now entering the peak of spring bird migration! Things are a bit early this year, even for Neotropical migrants, which are usually cued by photoperiod and not weather. However; strong southerly flows this past weekend have brought in a large influx of migrants that spent the winter south of the U.S. border. Birders can expect to see many species of warblers, vireos, thrushes, grosbeaks, orioles and hummingbirds. Shorebird migration is still a bit early but there are large numbers of the earlier migrants in appropriate habitats. This past week saw the first broods of mallards and geese and many of the early migrants are now nesting. Rare birds reported this week include both white-faced and glossy ibis, black-necked stilts, summer tanager, white-eyed vireo, Franklin's gull, yellow rail, and the Jackson County chuck-will's widow which has returned for the fifth year in a row. The weather forecast for the next week indicates rain so the migration should slow down a bit. Birders should expect to see good diversity of birds in all habitats right now. Shorebird watching has been very good in Dane and Columbia counties in flooded agricultural fields. Please enter your sightings into Wisconsin eBird [www.ebird.org/WI] (exit DNR) so that we can better track our birdlife as it moves through the state.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Spring phenology sightings keep trickling in as spring progresses. Wild ginger, barren strawberry, polygayla, blueberry, and Juneberry are blooming. Grass (and dandelions) are growing enough where landowners are starting to mow their lawns. Canada geese eggs are now hatching and Upland Sandpipers have returned…their 'wolf whistle' call is quite distinctive. Regular burning permits have once again been reinstated…keep in mind though that this can change as humidity's drop or fuels start drying again. Make sure to check daily after 11 a.m. before you burn by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) or check online at [dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire]. It is important to note that burning with a regular annual permit is not allowed until after 6 p.m.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Windy weather and rough conditions made for a tough fishing opener this past weekend -- and fishing success was not what most people were hoping for. Overall, weekend angling pressure on waters in the Upper Chippewa Basin was light to moderate, and the heaviest use was noted on the larger flowages and walleye lakes. With the strong winds, most walleye anglers sought out shelter from the often 1- to 2-foot high whitecaps, and there were often heavy concentrations of boats in many of the sheltered bay areas. Success was highly variable and most anglers reported very little action during the morning and afternoon hours. The most successful anglers found walleye in 6 to 12 feet of water and the bite was concentrated in the hour before dark. Live minnow combinations were the most productive, though casting artificial baits in the shallows just before dusk did produce some nice catches. Inland trout anglers on the managed trout lakes experienced very poor success, as most of the waters did not receive their spring quotas of holdover brook or rainbow trout due to VHS concerns and State budget cutbacks. The most successful trout anglers were the ones fishing the Class I streams, where some decent catches of native brook trout were made. Panfish anglers experienced some very good success, as the shallow bay areas provided protection from the wind and anglers found good concentrations of bluegill and crappie in 1 to 3 feet of water. Bass anglers have not really gotten started yet, as the erratic weather of the last two weeks has both the largemouth and smallmouth bass wondering yet whether they should be up in shallow water.
Flambeau River State Forest - Both the south and north forks of the Flambeau River are very low. The recent rain has helped, but paddlers on the north fork will need to pick their path carefully to avoid getting hung up on rocks. The south fork is not regulated by a dam and fluctuates with the rain fall. The wild flowers are blooming such as spring beauties, bloodroot and trilliums. Marsh marigolds are up and starting to bloom and the maple trees are leafing out. ATV trails open May 15. Lake of the Pines Campground opened April 15. Connors Campground will open at noon the Thursday before Memorial Weekend and closes after Labor Day
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Trilliums are blooming, and goslings have been spotted on the river. The campground is open on a first-come/first-serve basis please self register at the flag pole. However, the flush toilet buildings will not open until the middle of May. The docks are in at the boat landing.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Water temperatures at the landings are in the mid 60s with good water clarity. Fishing pressure has been light to moderate due to wind day after day.
Marinette County – The Peshtigo harbor area was still producing some walleye for anglers drifting using jig and minnow, also some nice catch and release smallmouth have been observed in the last few days. A second run of sturgeon can be observed in the fish refuge at the Peshtigo dam. The Menominee River walleye bite continues to be good both in the river and the bay. Small flat fish trolled in the river between the Interstate bridge and the turn basin has worked well. For shore anglers, both the Government pier and the Lighthouse pier have been producing nice walleye during the periods of low light. One bait of choice has been the plastic gobie attached to a 3/4 oz jig head casted and retrieved very slowly off the end of the lighthouse pier.
Oconto County - Brown trout were still being caught at Stiles on small spinners, natural baits, and bead headed nymphs. A few bluegill were being caught by the Stiles Dam on slip bobbers and garden tackle. Pensaukee has been a hot spot for walleye trolling in 4 to 8 feet of water using just about anything. Nice limits of walleye in the 20- to 24-inch range were being caught on crawler/harness, stick baits, and plastics, color and size seems to be a non issue to the fish. Some walleye were also being caught out of Oconto Breakwater and Oconto Park II, anglers were having a little harder time of it, so Pensaukee wins the spot of the week. Some sunfish, bluegill and bullheads were being caught in the slip at Oconto Park II.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - The heavy winds that have caused havoc so far this spring for anglers continued into May. Strong northerly winds switched to the south by mid-week and continued through the weekend and warmed water temperatures to the lower 60s throughout the area. Heavy rain late in the week slowed shore anglers with dirty, fast flowing waters, but anglers on the open water still had success. Angling pressure for brown trout remained slow this week, but only a few fish were landed. A small number of brown trout were still being caught just north of Two Rivers in 8-12 feet of water, with several lake trout and an occasional king salmon. Browns continue to be caught from the Two Rivers southward to Hika Bay in the same depths. A variety of stick bait color combinations have had success, so don’t be afraid to throw anything out in the water. White and orange over orange Pro King spoons have had success taking the few lake trout and salmon. Pier and harbor anglers came out in both ports throughout the week, but poor water conditions from the heavy rain over the last week limited their success. With the opening of bass fishing on Saturday, bass fishing looks hot near the Shoto and Mishicot dams despite the high, murky waters. Using a bobber with live bait or crayfish crank baits were landing some nice smallmouth bass. Northern pike fishing has picked up lately at Cato Falls on the Manitowoc River using casting spoons and spinners. At Cato Falls and Manitou Park, carp and suckers have been landed using night crawlers on the bottom. There has been limited angling pressure due to little fishing success at the Little Manitowoc and Branch rivers.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Blustery conditions continued into the last week of April accompanied by sunshine and some warmer weather. Winds mainly from the North have kept water temperatures cool around most of the county. Rain fell at the end of the week, but it didn’t keep anglers from hitting the water. Brown trout fishing has slowed considerably county wide as the attention has turned towards walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Some browns were still being caught out of the shipping canal in Sturgeon Bay and along the shorelines towards Potawatomi State Park. Fishing in 4 to 20 feet of water with stick baits and spoons has been the most productive. Fishing the deeper water outside of Baileys Harbor and Rowley’s Bay has produced some fish too. Great walleye fishing was had by many anglers in Sturgeon Bay from the bridges out toward the stone quarry. Clown colored stick baits were popular for artificial baits, jigging minnows produced good catches for live bait anglers. Northern pike fishing has also been good between the bridges in the shipping channel. Two anglers targeting pike reported catching and releasing a 30 pound musky taken between the bridges, a very impressive catch. Trolling stick baits was the popular choice as well as jigging minnows along the edges of the channel. Smallmouth bass anglers were out and starting to have some success in preparation for the Door County Bass Tournament in two weeks. Tube jigs were a popular choice along the flats in Sturgeon Bay out towards the Stone quarry.
Kewaunee County - The beginning of the week saw beautiful weather for Kewaunee County but as the week progressed, winds began to pick up and a few storms moved through the area. These high winds made it rather difficult to get onto the lake as there have been a few small craft advisories due to large waves. The Kewaunee ramp saw a few boats launch earlier in the week before the winds picked up but those boats did manage to come away with a few brown trout that were caught on stick baits. The Kewaunee pier has seen very little fishing pressure and according to the anglers, there have been no reports of success. The area behind Brummer Park has seen moderate fishing pressure with a few reports of steelhead still being caught on flies and spawn sacs. The Algoma ramp and pier have seen very little fishing pressure this week due to the high winds but the people that have managed to try their luck so went away empty handed. Stony Creek is the only stream that has seen any fishing pressure this week but there have been no reports of any fish being caught there. Above the Forrestville Dam, people are catching some larger perch with some occasional largemouth bass strikes on minnows.
Potawatomi State Park - All hiking and biking trails are open. The tower is also open. Trilliums are budding, but not yet in bloom. Sandhill cranes are in the area. The launching piers are in place for the season, and the accessible fishing pier is now in the water. The fish cleaning station is open for the season. The campground is open for the season. The accessible cabin is also open. All facilities, including the shower building, and sanitary dump station are now open for the season.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - Fishing in Sheboygan was slow over the weekend, with little or no angler pressure, high winds and unstable weather may have been the cause for the little activity. Water in and around the harbor\marina area was dirty and clarity was poor. The only action reported was from the Sheboygan River near the Kohler dam, the water there was 58-60 degrees and anglers were catching a few smallmouth bass and suckers on flies fished in the current breaks. The Pigeon River and Weedens Creek were flowing high and muddy.
Ozaukee County - Port Washington anglers were met with high winds, rain, and dirty water keeping most trollers off of the lake. Water in the harbor was muddy and fishing was slow over all. The power-plant discharge area was still muddy and un-fishable; the power-plant is currently not pumping any water. Aside from a few undersized browns being caught the only action reported was from the lake side of the pier where a few whitefish were caught on small jigs and spoons fished near the bottom early or late in the day. Sauk creek was high and muddy.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee trollers found a few brown and lake trout off of the filtration plant before the high winds and storms moved in. Trollers working 40-70 feet of water had decent action on spoons and crank baits fished off of either down-riggers or planer boards. Stable weather will be needed to calm the lake down and improve fishing. The Milwaukee River remains high and still a bit cloudy. Anglers found a few smallmouth bass and suckers using flies around current areas. Overall, shore fishing remains slow. Smelt anglers have been taken a few smelt from the Jones Island area when weather has been good.
Racine County - Trollers in Racine had little to no action to report. Rough conditions and bad weather made the lake un-fishable. Better stable weather should improve fishing out of Racine this week. The Root River is still rather low and clarity is poor. A few steelhead do remain in the river and anglers using flies have been having luck early in the morning fishing gravel, and current break sections of the river. Aside from a few suckers and small brown trout fishing has been slow. Look for coho to show up soon off of Racine as fish have been taken in good numbers in Kenosha this week.
Kenosha County - Coho have arrived and trollers fishing out of Kenosha have had great success fishing anywhere from 20-60 feet of water just south of the harbor. Orange dodgers and small flies, crank-baits, and spoons, fished high in the water column were all taking fish. A few kings have also been mixed in. Coho are good size this year and are ranging from 1-6 lbs. Fishing should improve as more and more fish move up the lake. Early mornings have been best as the bite usually shuts down an hour or two after sunrise. The Pike river was flowing high and fast. Shore fishing in Kenosha remained slow.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park – Many spring migrants returned Friday, April 30 after the afternoon storm went through. Early returning spring migrants include: fox sparrow, bluebirds, robins, killdeer, sand hill cranes, turkey vultures, red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, pelicans, song sparrows, American woodcock, kestrels, golden-crowned kinglet, belted kingfisher, chipping sparrow, rufous sided towhee. A few cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, gold finches, blue jays, juncos and nuthatches can still be found at the office bird feeders. New spring arrivals include: greater yellowlegs, lesser yellowlegs, solitary sandpipers, spotted sandpipers, yellow-billed cuckoo, common nighthawks, ruby-throated hummingbirds, great crested flycatcher, tree swallows, rough-winged swallows, barn swallows, brown creepers, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Swainson’s thrush, wood thrush, solitary vireo (blue-headed), yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, Tennessee warbler, Nashville warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, yellow-throated warbler, pine warbler, palm warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, northern water thrush, Louisiana water thrush, Kentucky warbler, common yellowthroat, Wilson's warbler, scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, vesper sparrow, Savannah sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, Baltimore oriole, catbird, and brown thrasher. Henslow’s sparrows can be found just past the Astronomy Center. Yellow-throated warblers can be found near Homestead Picnic Shelter near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail, in the pines along the roadway to Homestead Picnic Shelter and in the pines at the intersection of Long Valley Road and the road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter. Spring migrants that nest in Wyalusing State Park include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, eastern wood peewee, Acadian flycatcher, least flycatcher, eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, eastern kingbird, house wren, eastern bluebird, veery, wood thrush, American robin, catbird, brown thrasher, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana water thrush, Kentucky warbler, common yellowthroat, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, eastern towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole. Flowers in bloom include: cut-leaved toothwort, sharp-lobed hepatica, bloodroot, wood anemone, false rue anemone, spring beauty, wild ginger, yellow sweet violet, trout lily Mayapple, nodding bellwort, bird’s foot violet, yellow sweet violet, rue anemone, meadow rue, amethyst shooting stars.. Kentucky redbud, apple, plum, and cherry trees are in bloom. Kentucky redbuds are unique in the fact that they will flower before the leaves appear. According to the “shroomers” who regulary camp at Wyalusing State Park during the mushroom season, the 2010 mushroom season is coming to an end. Morels were at least a week earlier than usual. “Shroomers” are like anglers – they usually say they aren’t finding any and they will never give away the best spots. The next meeting of The Friends of Wyalusing may be postponed to the following Monday, May 17 due to a conflict in a work schedule. Upcoming Park Events include: Saturday, May 8 – Guided Canoe Trip – Bruce Klang and Randy Paske, 9 a.m. – Meet at the boat landing. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the park concession on a first come first served basis; Saturday, May 8 – Astronomy Program – Starsplitters of Wyalusing, 8:30 p.m. – Astronomy Center; Sunday May 9 – Monarch Butterfly Program, Peterson Shelter – 7 p.m. If the weather is cold, the program will be held in the nature center which is totally enclosed and has a fireplace.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Fishing reports are few with the unsettled weather of late. The Willow River continues to run at summer level and clarity. Canada geese have their young out on Little Falls Lake this week. A recent report included seven goslings with the pair that nested at Hidden Ponds. Wild turkeys were observed from the office out in the bare dirt area on a couple of occasions this week. All flush toilets are open in the 300 campground and in the day use areas. The dump station is open in the 300 campground. Water is on at the group camp.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - ATV trails will open for the season on Saturday May 15. An early spring has allowed crews to complete several ATV trail improvement projects north of the Highway 54 parking lot. Crews are now focusing repairs on the section south of the Highway 54 lot to Wildcat road. This section will be closed from Monday through Thursdays until all repairs are completed. This section will be completed no later than June 30. These improvements protect the long term integrity of the trail system and should significantly reduce weather related trail closures. The state forest and Jackson County will not be participating in the UTV pilot this year but are considering it for 2011. This year we will be assessing our trail for the feasibility of adding UTVs in the future. At a minimum we would need to improve signage and to establish a speed limit for the trail system. Reservations for Castle Mound campground can be made for dates from May 14 through Sept. 23. For the first time reservations can now be made for East Fork campground. Twelve of the campgrounds 24 sites are on the reservation system from the Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. The other twelve sites are first come first served. The group camp has also been added to the reservation system and is available year round for use. To make a reservation use the Web or call (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275. Pigeon Creek and the horse camp are first-come, first-served.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail - The trail has been graded and packed for bike riding. It is in good condition. The two walk-in campgrounds and are open. The Sparta Depot is open Mondays through Fridays. The Kendall Depot and Elroy Commons are open. Trail information, bike rental, driver service and trail passes will be available at the Kendall Depot Trail Headquarters.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Osprey are back to their nests. Mosquitoes have hatched in the group camp area and have been found around other areas of the park too! Yes, they have emerged about three weeks early, so remember to pack the bug spray. Trails are in great condition for hiking with the warmer weather and many visitors have been camping, picnicking and fishing. Boat boarding piers and the accessible fishing pier are in! Many shorter walk-in sites are open to camping and are non-reservable - please check with the park office for sites that are available. Sites did not fill up this past weekend. Spring Turkey season is now closed in the state park and will continue in the Yellow River Wildlife Area ( Zone 1 ) for the last three periods. The park is taking reservations for the picnic shelters for this summer
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is now open and the first loop of camping is open. The second loop of the campground will be closed until the last weekend of May.
Last Revised: Thursday May 06 2010
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