Northern Wisconsin received some much needed snow this week, with from 1 to 4 inches falling across about the northern third of the state. Some northern state parks and forests were able to re-groom cross-country ski trails, which were generally being reported in fair to good condition. Snowmobile trails in the northern tier of counties ranged from fair to excellent condition, with some trail sections still closed because of open water or poor ice on lakes. Most of the southern half of the state has no snow remaining; however, there is a possibility of snow in the forecast for late this week.
Temperatures continued well above the normal this week, though nighttime temperatures were lower, which may help improve ice conditions. Many of the states rivers are open and unsafe ice can be expected on those rivers that appear ice covered. Most northern lakes have a foot or less of ice and vehicular ice travel is still not recommended. In the south, most lakes have significant areas of open water and there is little, if any ice fishing going on.
Fishing has been slow on Lake Superior with the only good ice in Chequamegon Bay. Usually this time of year anglers are bobbing for lake trout amongst the Apostle Islands but this year there is no ice. Fishing activity on northern lakes has been slow and anglers have been working hard to locate and catch some fish to take home. Some crappies were being caught but the action is not consistent and anglers are focusing more on the morning and evening bite. Walleye activity improved and was better toward evening hours, though many smaller fish were being reported.
Green Bay creel reports showed no one on the ice in the Marinette, Peshtigo and Oconto areas. Near limits of yellow perch were caught at Dykesville and near Potawatomi State Park early in the week. A few white fish were incidental catches in Dykesville. Small northerns pike, less than 20 inches, were being caught at Sturgeon Bay.
Some southern lakes remain ice-covered with anglers out on them, while others, mostly the shallow lakes, have open water along some shorelines. Some southern anglers have returned to open water fishing on rivers, with boats reported out on the Wolf and Mississippi rivers. The Mississippi River water level has dropped to 7.9 feet. The lower Wisconsin River also dropped this week. Ice conditions continue to be very dangerous. Most of the backwater areas are still frozen, but access is very difficult. Bluegill action on the backwaters was spotty this week with some average to good days and some very slow days.
Great horned owls are calling vigorously as they are in their mating season. Owl are territorial, and one of the primary reasons that owls call is to verbally defend their territories from other owls of their own kind. Egg laying typically takes place from late January through mid-February, and owlets are born about a month later.
The mild winter conditions have resulted in some unusual wildlife activity and some trouble for certain wildlife species. In the south hermit thrushes and bluebirds are being seen and there have been reports of snakes emerging from den sites and unconfirmed reports of some frogs calling. In the north, DNR wildlife health specialists are investigating numerous reports of dead goldfinches, purple finches and pine siskins near bird feeders. Biologists believe an outbreak of salmonella a more common occurrence in March -- is responsible for the deaths. Dead birds have been sent to the Wildlife Health Center in Madison for a definitive diagnosis. Anyone who discovers dead birds near their feeders should remove the feeders and dispose of the food. Feeders should be disinfected with a bleach solution and people should consider refraining from feeding birds until colder weather returns.
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