A lack of rainfall in northern Wisconsin has created some very dry conditions, and fire danger is currently between moderate and high across the north. With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, state forestry officials are asking all outdoor enthusiasts to use extra caution with fire. DNR forestry fire control staff have responded to a number of wildfires in the past week, including several that were caused by fireworks.
Any type of fireworks that explodes, is self propelled, or has flames coming out is illegal in Wisconsin, and fireworks laws are going to be strictly enforced this week in Wisconsin state parks and forests. Additionally, anyone responsible for starting a forest fire in Wisconsin is liable not only for the cost of putting the fire out but also for any damages, and parents are responsible for any fires caused by their childrens use of fireworks.
The drought-like conditions in the north have resulted in very low water levels on most rivers and streams, and is starting to hinder some recreational activity. Many paddlers will find certain stretches of rivers too low for navigation. Lake levels have also dropped to late summer lows and, while not affecting most boating activity, thick weeds and heavy filamentous algae blooms are beginning to show up.
Water temperatures in northern lakes are in the low to mid 70s and fish have moved into deeper water especially during warmer hours of the day where they can be found near drop-offs and weed edges. Both largemouth and smallmouth are settling into normal summer patterns. Bluegill fishing has remained good during the day, though the fish have moved to deeper water. Crappies were being found suspended over deeper water. Walleye fishing has become a bit more erratic of late with some late mayfly hatches providing abundant natural food. Musky action has been improving, with anglers starting to get more hits and fewer follows. Top water baits have begun to see some action, with bulldogs and jerk baits getting fair numbers of strikes.
Anglers on southern inland waters were reporting most fish to be in transition from the inside weed lines to the deep edges of near shore weed beds. Inland fishing in general has been very good, with crappies, bluegills, bass and catfish all hitting. With the warm water temperatures, walleyes and northerns have been sticking to the outside weed line edge. River anglers were also catching some largemouth and smallmouth bass, and walleyes.
Boaters trolling Lake Michigan had a steady week with many chinook salmon, rainbow trout, and some lake trout being caught. Early morning fishing has been more productive than evening trips. Salmon and trout anglers fishing from harbor piers continued to be slow. Smallmouth bass fishing was fair to good all over Door County, with most of the bigger fish coming from deeper offshore locations, and lots of small perch were also being caught.
The Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien June 27 was 8.1 feet. Channel catfish and walleye were biting pretty well before rains raised water levels. Mississippi River bass anglers reported lots of 2- to 3-pound bass being caught. Walleye anglers were also doing well.
Young loons are being seen with their parents on northern lakes learning. Boaters should keep an adequate distance from loons so as to not to force adult loons to dive and leave their young unprotected.
A reminder to hikers and others walking in fields and woods that wild parsnip is blooming. This is a plant that people need to learn to identify and avoid. Wild parsnip contains a juice that causes severe burns to the skin when exposed to the ultraviolet light rays from the sun. The skin reacts by producing blisters that can last for several weeks and produces a brown scarring on the skin that can also last for months, or even years.
Berry crops are progressing with blossoms showing good fruit coverage. Blueberries should be ready for picking in about two weeks in the north
More here
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/
