Despite some frigid temperatures in the last week, conservation wardens and recreational safety specialists are reporting that most lakes are still not safe for any type of ice travel. Some smaller lakes in northern Wisconsin have areas with 3 to 5 inches of ice, but also have areas with just an inch or two. Ice depths can change on the same lake in a very short distance. Larger deeper lakes in the north have just begun to ice over. Some smaller lakes in the south have also iced over and have from 1 to 3 inches of ice, which is not considered safe even for foot travel. Larger deeper lakes in southern Wisconsin are still open and there were even still some open water anglers reported out on Lake Geneva this week.
Snow cover across Wisconsin as of Dec. 8 ranged from about 1 to 7 inches, with most of the state having just 2 to 4 inches on the ground. The greatest snow depths were in northern Iron County in the north and in Richland, Iowa and Sauk counties in the south central and south western part of the state. The only snowmobile trails reported to be open were in the Hurly area of Iron County. Local snowmobile clubs that maintain trails make the determination when trails will open. Snowmobilers are reminded that using trails before they are officially open can damage the trail surface, making future grooming more difficult, and may jeopardize trail easements that clubs have worked very hard at establishing with private landowners. The Department of Tourism snow conditions Web page has a snowmobile section that lists when trails are open.
A number of state park and forests were able to begin packing down cross-country ski trails. In general, most trails were only groomed flat, and do not have any tracks set at this time for classical skiing. The exception was the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, that did set track on the Scuppernong trail only. Other state parks and forests that groomed trails include Mirror Lake, Devils Lake and Blue Mound and the Brule River State Forest in the north.
Ice fishing activity has started on some of the smaller lakes and bays across Wisconsin, but again, conservation wardens are reporting that ice conditions are highly variable and they are not recommending any travel on ice at this time. Those early ice anglers that are venturing out in the north report catches of panfish and a few walleye.
Lake Superior is still ice free. Chequamegon Bay has a covering of ice but conditions are not safe for ice fishing. There is no ice presently on Lake Winnebago. The Milwaukee River near the Summerfest grounds remains free of ice, and anglers there have been taking a few brown trout. The Mississippi River bordering Wisconsin is 90 percent, or so, ice covered.
This Saturday, Dec. 10, is the deadline to apply for the 2006 Wisconsin spring turkey hunting season. Preliminary permit levels for the spring season are set at 200,673 total permits, up from 193,826 permits issued for the 2005 spring season. Application and the required $3 permit application fee may be purchased at any DNR Service Center or license sales location, or with a credit card toll-free by phone or over the Internet through the DNR Web site.
The snow cover and ice formation is moving out most Canada geese and ducks. Increasing numbers of winter migrant birds are being seen, including pine grosbeaks cedar and Bohemian waxwings and snow buntings.
NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - There was four inches of snow on the ground as of Dec. 8. The forecast calls for a chance of snow for the next week with highs in the 20s. On Dec. 6 the low temperature was minus12 degrees. Ice is forming quicker now with the cooler temperatures. The Afterhours Ski trail was rolled Dec. 7. There was some new snow Dec. 6, bringing the trail base up to 2 inches, but it was the lake effect fluff again. The trails are very rough with clumps of grass and woody stems sticking up but it they are skiable. People are out with rock skis, doing what they can with the conditions. Tracks have not been set yet. The Brule River Riders snowmobile trail report for northeast Douglas County is that trails are not open at this time due to windfalls, low snow conditions and unfrozen swamps. Trails are not expected to open in the near future due to these conditions. Some winter migrant birds were seen last week
pine grosbeaks and cedar and Bohemian waxwings (both are around in summer, just not in any number).
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Cold weather has slowed down most activities in the Lake Superior region. Muzzleloader hunters continued to harvest deer. There is snow in the entire area for tracking deer and hunters that could stay out in the cold have had success. Ice fishing activity is starting with some of the smaller lakes having a couple of inches of ice. Catches of panfish and a few walleyes have been reported on inland lakes. Anglers should use extreme caution when venturing out on the ice. Lake Superior is still ice free. Chequamegon Bay has a covering of ice but conditions are not safe for ice fishing. With single digit temperatures the last few days, and predictions of continued cold, ice conditions should improve. First ice is considered the best time for fishing but again it is better to wait for good ice than take a chance on falling through. Anglers, snowmobilers, and other outdoor enthusiasts have to keep in mind that if they get into trouble others will be put in jeopardy to save their lives. Snowmobile activity is limited to areas in Iron County. The season has just started and already complaints of loud machines are coming in. Operators should be reminded that it is illegal to change of modify the manufactures muffler system if it results in the snowmobile being louder than the stock version. Every year wardens encounter snowmobilers that have put on after market exhaust systems. Speed and performance are the reasons given for the changes. Most snowmobiles will do 100 mph or more right out of the box! How fast does one have to go on a snowmobile?
Spooner DNR Service Center area
There is not enough snow for much skiing to be going on yet. Dec. 7 was the last day for the muzzleloader season. It was a pretty cold season but there were many that still were out with their muzzleloaders trying to get their deer.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Unseasonably cold temperatures have persisted in the Park Falls area with a more seasonable reprieve forecast for this weekend. Ice is quickly forming on area lakes and anglers are beginning to venture out on a number of lakes. This weekend should provide ice fishing opportunities on most lakes but anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts should be cautious of the areas where typically the ice may be questionable such as moving water in channels between lakes, where rivers or streams flow into or out of lakes or where springs are known to exist. As always check the ice before travel on any water body. The cold temperatures have provided access to many beaver ponds for winter beaver trappers and little snow makes foot travel easy. Muzzle loader season ended Dec. 7 and the bow season continues to until Jan. 3. Snowmobile trails will open soon and snowmobile enthusiasts will begin a new season. The deadline for spring turkey permit applications is Dec. 10. Three new zones are available in the northern part of the state.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The unseasonably cold weather of the past week has thickened the ice cover on local lakes, with most waters now having 3 to 4 inches of ice. This is still not considered safe for ice travel as there are still many areas with only 1 to 2 inches of ice, especially around any moving water, inlets and outlets, and the centers of the larger lakes. However, there have been a few early ice anglers creeping out onto shallow bay areas, but their success has been generally slow. A few nice catches of early walleye have been reported from the edges of the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, but fish have been hard to come by on most other lakes in the area. Some trout success has also been experienced on Patterson Lake, a few decent panfish catches have also been reported in other area waters.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Currently ice conditions on area lakes vary greatly. Some of the larger lakes have just recently iced over while the smaller lakes already have a few inches. Traveling on the ice is not recommended at this time. Not too many anglers have been out but those that have ventured out are not reporting much action. Muzzleloader season continued with varied reports of success. Cooler temperatures have kept many from venturing out. The snow depth in the area is only a few inches at best so any snowmobiling activity will be on hold until more snow arrives.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - The area is just beginning to see ice anglers venture out. Many of the smaller shallow lakes have approximately 3 to 5 inches of good, clear ice; while the larger deep-water lakes such as Trout and Tomahawk have just started getting full ice cover since the weekend. Panfish are hitting in shallow bays with weeds and anglers were finding walleye and northern pike mixed in with them. Most folks are setting a couple tip-ups and jigging for panfish with the third line hoping to cash in on the "early ice" bite that is providing a diverse catch. Medium shiners were working well on the tip-ups while spikes, waxworms, or plastics tipped on a small rocker jig are the ticket for panfish. The good fishing is expected to continue through the holidays
once mid-January rolls around the action typically slows.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Unseasonably cold temperatures are producing ice on inland waters. Snow cover is minimal at this point with snowmobile trails unopened. The late season T-Zone hunt south of Hwy. 8 will be open on Thursday, Dec. 8 through the 11. Warming temperatures are expected for the weekend. Ice conditions are not safe at this time for recreation purposes.
Oconto County - Snowmobile trails are remaining closed until several more inches of snow have accumulated. Two snowmobile courses are planned for January. The Chase Townhall will be the location for a course beginning Jan. 3 through the 7, contact the instructor at the following phone number (920) 822-4342. The second course will be held at the Oconto Falls Fire Dept. on Jan. 7 and 8, please contact the instructor at (920) 848-2960. The spring turkey applications need to be sent in by Dec. 10, this Saturday, in order to be in the draw for a Spring Turkey tag and license purchase.
Shawano County - Minimal snow cover in the region has not allowed the snowmobile trails to be opened as of yet. A Snowmobile Safety course will be offered at the Birnamwood Trailriders Club Building on Dec. 15 through the 17, contact the instructor to register at (715) 526-8722.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Most small lakes and channels off the big lakes are frozen with 2 to 4 inches of ice. Fishing reports have been very slim with the cold weather. Warmer temps this weekend should bring heavier fishing pressure, be very careful when venturing onto the ice. Green Lake is still open and there is a lot of waterfowl still using it.
High Cliff State Park - Trails have approximately 1 to 2 inches of snow cover; not suitable for snow shoes or cross-country skiing--hiking conditions only. Horse and Bike Trails are closed until May 1, 2006. There is no ice presently on Lake Winnebago. Winter camping is available, although sites are not plowed; all camping is first-come, first-serve basis-pit toilet facilities open. Water is available at park office only. Winter birding is just beginning.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST REGION
Cold winter temperatures have formed ice cover on all but our deepest lakes. On the deep lakes, only the shorelines are iced-in. Some anglers are venturing out trying the shallow lakes that froze-over first. We advise extreme caution because ice conditions are highly variable this time of year.
There is an interesting and unique fish that is actively spawning, right now, in area lakes. The inland cisco, also known as the lake herring or Tulibee, is a silvery-scaled member of the trout family found in deep, clear-water lakes like Lake Geneva or Big Green Lake. Unfortunately, declining water quality in several of Southeast Wisconsins deeper lakes has caused the cisco to become extinct in those lakes. But, in several area lakes the cisco lives on and is quite abundant. Cisco are spawning now in water from 5-10 feet deep along rocky shorelines. The males arrive on the spawning grounds first, with females arriving within two to three days. Spawning only occurs at night. Cisco like to spawn at the surface, and their splashing often draws attention, especially on quiet nights. Fertilized eggs drift slowly to the bottom where they lay, protected in the gravel, until early April. Adult cisco rarely exceed 16 inches in length; with most spawning-sized fish about 12 inches in length. At one time there was an extremely popular ice fishery for cisco in Waukesha Countys Pine Lake. In the 1950s it was common to observe up to 200 anglers out on the ice bobbing for Tulibees. They used small red and gold beads strung above gold hooks with wax worms for bait; often fishing in water 80 feet deep. The Tulibees could be found any where in the water column, from the bottom, right up to the surface. When a school of Tulibees came through, action got hot. Between schools, anglers traded outdoor stories and liquid refreshments. On Pine Lake, its the anglers, not the fish that have become extinct. Pine Lake still has an abundant Cisco population. But, there do not appear to be any anglers carrying on the Tulibee fishing tradition. Since cisco are very good to eat, that seems unusual. A few other southeastern Wisconsin lakes where the wild cisco still roam are Big Cedar, Gig Elkhart, Beulah, Oconomowoc and Okauchee. The inland cisco occurs naturally in more lakes in northern Wisconsin. Even there, it is a fishery whose time seems to have passed.
Dec. 10 is the deadline to submit your Spring, 2006 turkey hunting applications. For bear hunters, another important date is the Jan. 13, 2006 deadline to submit your bear hunting permit application. Both can be done on-line or at any DNR service center. Just in time for Christmas, 2006, state park admission stickers ($25 regular, $10 seniors), and trail passes ($15) are available at any DNR service center near you. With cross country skiing close on the horizon, both make excellent Holiday gifts. If snowmobiling is for you, you can now purchase registration stickers for your new snowmobile at any DNR service center too.
The cold snap that has hit Wisconsin has caused some ice to form on the slower moving stretches of most area tributaries.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee the Milwaukee River near the Summerfest grounds remains free of ice, and anglers there have been taking a few browns on shiners. Some boaters have reported taking good numbers of browns near the Oak Creek Power Plant, but please use extra caution if you venture out onto the lake this time of year.
Racine County - In Racine water levels on the Root River are decent, and water temperatures are just above freezing. The most successful anglers have been drifting spawn sacs in the deeper pools, especially in the mornings. Both steelhead and browns have been taken from Lincoln Park all the way upstream to the Horlick dam.
Walworth and inland Racine and Kenosha counties - Recent cold weather has created some ice but it is only 1 to 2 inches thick and dangerous. Ice fishing on most lakes is not recommended. Anglers are open water fishing on Geneva Lake and are catching yellow perch and black crappie along the shorelines on waxworms and minnows. Walleye and northern pike are hitting trolled lures in 15 to 20 feet of water after dark.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Anglers are starting to venture out on some lakes to check ice conditions but few were actually fishing on the weekend of Dec. 3 and 4. The shallow lakes are generally ice covered and also have a blanket of snow that is insulating them somewhat from freezing quickly. Conditions vary a great deal between the lakes. The deepest lakes such as Big Elkhart and Big Cedar are still mostly open. The deep water in those lakes takes much more time to cool down to the point of making ice. There were a couple of anglers on the South Ditch of Sheboygan Marsh on Dec. 5. The expected cold weather should help build ice over the coming days. BE CAREFUL out there!
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - The area received a light dusting of snow Wednesday Nov. 30. No where near enough to ski on, however. All trails are open for hiking. Most trees have lost their leaves for the season so it is a great time to see some of the glacial land formations that are normally hidden by vegetation. The campground and dump station are closed for the season.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - The Southern Unit received 4 to 5 inches of snow last weekend. The Scuppernong trail is groomed for only the classical style of cross-country skiing. The trail was packed and a track was set. The conditions are considered as poor. The Nordic trail, which is groomed for the skating style of skiing and usually has a track for classical, is just packed at this time. The condition remains in fair to poor condition. At the McMiller trail system, which is usually also groomed for both skating and classical, was only packed for the skating style and the condition remains in poor condition. Once the trails are groomed for cross country skiing, hiking and pets are no longer allowed. Hiking and mountain biking are allowed on the John Muir, Emma Carlin, and the Ice age trail. As for the snowmobile trails the gates now are open, but more snow is needed. We would like to remind all trail users, mountain bike, equestrian, cross country skiers that a trail pass is required. We are now selling the 2006 passes they are valid for 2005-2006 season, the daily is $4 and the Annual is $15. 2006 Stickers Resident are $25 and Non-Resident $35. They will be valid for the rest of 2005 and all of 2006. Remember that they make nice gifts too. We also would like to remind all trail users that Southern Kettle Moraine is in the 77C CWD HRZ zone for the gun deer season, which is open through Jan. 3, 2006. All hunters are required to wear blaze orange. We encourage all trail users to also wear bright colored clothing (blaze orange). For current snow, and trail conditions please call the trails number at (262) 594-6202. Lapham Peak is closed to hunting, and they do have nice trails. Lapham Peak is located on Hwy C just South of the City of Delafield and Hwy I-94, and North of Hwy 18. Ottawa Lake Campground remains open year round.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - Rabbit hunters have reported good hunting conditions and success with the past snowfalls. Ice fishing is tenuous at this time due to the thin ice conditions and heavy snowfalls. Ice anglers should check on ice depth prior to accessing any backwater areas. Muzzleloader deer hunters reported seeing many deer a field with several nice bucks sighted. The recent snowfalls have greatly enhanced the contrast in the woods for viewing deer. In the last two days, many flocks of Canada geese have been observed late in the afternoon headed south. The majority of the Mississippi River is ice covered. There are several flocks of diving docks visible off of Potosi Point and downriver at the Corps of Engineers campground.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The Dodge County ATV Trail on the Wild Goose State Trail from Hwy. 60 to Hwy. 49 opened effective 8 a.m., Dec. 7. The trail will remain open as long as the trail surface remains frozen and not subject to damage from riding. Updates to the Trail Status can be heard on the TRAIL STATUS LINE at 920-386-3705 (24 hours/day). The trail status line should be checked prior to riding the trail. Also the Dodge County Trails website will carry updated trail conditions during the week.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devils Lake State Park - There is 4 to 5 inches of snow, just enough to cross-country ski on some trails. The trails have been packed, but not tracked, and are in barely useable condition for those skiers who are eager enough for a first-of-the-season experience. The lake is 90 percent or more frozen over on the surface, but the ice thickness is very thin. Venturing onto the ice is strictly a your judgment, your choice, your risk activity. However, it is fairly clear that it would be somewhere between hazardous and foolhardy to go onto the ice in its present state this early in the season. The sledding hill is snow-covered but not thickly covered or packed. Now that the first snows have come to stay (maybe?) for the season, hiking trails are now officially become undesignated as safe-use areas. People may hike (non-ski) trails, but only as a your choice, your risk activity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Ice fishing has not started yet on Little Falls Lake. A visitor reported just over an inch of ice on the weekend. Park staff does not monitor ice conditions. The first ski trail work has been done with the roller to start a base. Four inches of fluffy snow did not pack down to much of a base. Grass, dirt, and rocks are poking through the rolled trails. Any rough spots are bumpy. Skiing is possible on all the trails. There is no classic track cut. Skiers should note there are additional loops on the Purple and Red trails. The purple trail's new loop along the meadow is quite bumpy and it will take a lot of snow to make it passable for grooming equipment. When the trails are opened for skiing (signed as open to skiers only) designated ski trails will be closed to hikers and pets. Hikers, snowshoers, pets and skiers will have the multiple use trails, roads, and parking areas open to them including access to Willow Falls from two trails. When adequate snow cover exists, snowshoers often hike off trail. Winter trail maps will be available at the office. As snow comes on, so will the snowplow. Roads are plowed first, then the open parts of three parking lots. Visitors who arrive and find a partially plowed lot should park in the plowed area so the snowplow can finish that lot. If it's not plowed, please park on the same side as others. The lots are at the office, the boat launch, and the Nature Center. The Nature Center lot will have the most room and the boat launch has the least. The gun hunting season for deer in the park is over for 2005. Zone 60M, which surrounds and contains the park, remains open for gun hunting until Dec. 11. Deer hunting is open for archery in parts of the park. From Dec. 8 to 11, hunters in the park may take antlerless deer only. Hunters must wear blaze orange in the park until the end of gun hunting in 60M. The 2005 deer hunting map is available at the park office. The park rangers have the maps in their vehicles also. Daily or annual stickers are required on vehicles in addition to a deer hunting license in order to hunt deer on park property. Open hunting areas are posted as such. Trails bordering or within open hunting areas will be posted with information including a map showing the open hunting zone. Participation in the archery season is always very light.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Looking for some late season hunting opportunities? How about setting your sights on squirrels? These abundant mammals are found statewide and offer plenty of challenges for beginning and advanced hunters alike. Squirrels remain active throughout winter but will hole up for several days during the nastiest winter weather. With a daily bag limit of five and an open season that runs through Jan. 31, there are numerous opportunities for hunters. A snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca) has migrated into the La Crosse area. Snowy owls spend most of there time in the arctic and come winter they will move southward into Canada and northern United States. Some years they may go further south into mid to southern U.S. when food becomes scarce.
Mississippi River - The Mississippi River bordering Wisconsin is 90 percent, or so, ice covered. Most waterfowl have migrated. Large tundra swan migrations occurred last weekend. Sizable numbers of bald eagles are present, especially in the vicinity of Lake Onalaska.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park The park has a minimal amount of snow cover at the moment. Not enough for strapping on the skis yet. The inlet bays around the islands have frozen over and the local ice anglers have been starting to venture out. Water levels on the flowage do fluctuate during the winter, so stay cautious when traveling on the ice.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The lake is starting to freeze. The park does not monitor ice conditions. Campsites 8, 9, 16 are open for winter camping. Site 8 is a drive-in site and has electric for $5 per night. These are shore sites so they are $3 more per night. All other sites are closed. Get drinking water at the office during open office hours or in the group camp. 2006 park stickers are in! Buy them at the park office or self register for them and they will be sent to you. Check out the new badger mount in the park office. The 2006 photo contest started on Oct. 1.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The park's main gate and campgrounds are closed for the season. The park may be accessed through the hiking/skiing trailhead located at the winter parking lot, just off of Czech Ave, at the southern end of the park. Visitors who self register for 2006 annual park stickers will receive stickers by mail.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/#top
