Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of May 4, 2006

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General | Northern Region | Northeast Region | Southeast Region | South Central Region | West Central Region

Anglers should find some excellent conditions for the opening day of Wisconsin 2006 inland game fish season on Saturday, May 6. As of this week, more than 400,000 people have already bought licenses for the coming season. In the north, water temperatures are in the low to mid-50s and lake levels are about normal. Most northern lakes are about two weeks past the main walleye spawning period and the fish should be fully recovered and getting back to active feeding, with potential for some great post spawn walleye action.

Crappie, bluegill and perch have been active near the shallow warm bays and can also provide anglers with plenty of action. Northern pike should also have recovered from their annual spawning ritual and look for them to be active near any new green weeds that are starting to grow in the shallows. Bass fishing opens statewide, but in the northern zone is catch and release only until June 17. The northern musky zone does not open until May 27.

Department of Natural Resources fish crews have been planting trout for the past few weeks and most of the stocked trout lakes and spring ponds should provide some excellent fishing for opening weekend anglers. The inland trout season opens at 5 a.m. May 6. Many streams in the north are low for this time of year because of the lack of rain, but streams in the southwest have been on the rise and should be in good condition for the opener.

Anglers on the Peshtigo River were catching some walleye at the mouth of the river. Bass are becoming more active along the shore line of Door County and the Fox River. Anglers fishing Green Bay and Lake Michigan should note the perch season doesn't begin on Green Bay and tributaries until May 20 and Lake Michigan and tributaries until June 16. Brown trout fishing continued to be fair to good on both sides of the Door County peninsula. Northern pike action remained good in both Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon.

Fishing from Lake Michigan piers was rather slow this week, with high winds making fishing difficult. On calmer days, a few brown trout continued to be caught at most harbors. Some trollers when able to get out have been catching a few browns and rainbows.

Smallmouth bass have been biting on the Wisconsin River. A few white bass were being caught in scattered areas on the Rock and Crawfish rivers but the white bass run hasn t moved into full swing yet. Some large bluegills were biting on the Mississippi River in the La Crosse area. By the end of last week the Mississippi River stage was at 10 feet.

Much needed rain fell in the north this past week, but fire danger was beginning to climb again this week and was and was at high in some areas as of Thursday. Anglers and campers should check local fire dangers levels and use caution with any fires in areas with high fire danger. Anglers should also note that black flies have begun to hatch out and could be an irritant to outdoor enthusiasts.

Third period turkey hunters were met with some windy and wet weather. Some hunters reported a lot of gobbling action while other areas seemed to be unusually quiet. The hunters who were finding toms were having best success in the morning.

Round leaved hepatica, trailing arbutus, violets, and marsh marigold continue to bloom while bloodroot, and Juneberry have just started blooming, wild ginger is starting to bud and wild leeks are dominating much of the forest floor in the north. In the south, trilliums and anemones are blooming. Morel mushroom hunters are reporting good success in the southwest.

Damsel fly larvae, tadpoles, and salamander larvae are swimming in ponds. Toads have joined the frog chorus with their loud trilling call.

The reintroduced whooping cranes have been spotted throughout the southern and central part of the state. Rose breasted grosbeaks are back and at feeders again. Now is the time to put out hummingbird feeders so they are in place when the birds arrive. Broods of ducks and geese are beginning to show up Great blue heron rookeries are going strong and are very noisy. Some bluebird houses have eggs.

The three tunnels on the popular Elroy-Sparta State Trail have opened and that trail and others has been graded, packed and are in good condition.

NORTHERN REGION

Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest - The Dock will be set up Wednesday at the St. Croix Landing...just in time for the fishing opener on May 6. The forecasted weather for fishing opener is partly cloudy with highs in the mid to upper 50s and lows in the 30s. There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms on Sunday night. The Bois Brule River is flowing at 187 cubic feet per second (CFS) The 60 year average is 268 CFS. The northland is starting to look greener now as the trees are leafing out, spring plants are rising above the forest floor, and the grass is growing enough to need mowing. Round leaved hepatica, trailing arbutus, violets, and marsh marigold continue to bloom while bloodroot, and Juneberry have just started blooming. Wild ginger is just starting to bud. Toads have joined the frog chorus with their loud trilling call. A mockingbird was recently observed and photographed on the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area. While mockingbirds are not common in Wisconsin, several are observed each year in the state. The Douglas County WMA is managed for pine barrens habitat, which was once a very common ecosystem in northwestern Wisconsin, but is now very scarce. A swimmer made quite a discovery last summer when he was swimming in Middle Eau Clare Lake in Barnes. What the swimmer thought was a couple pieces of driftwood turned out to be a very large pair of 8 by 6 elk antlers along with several bones. Upon further examination a fluted point (spearhead) was discovered at the site (Silver Beach Elk Site). Fluted points are considered be very old -- roughly 9,000 to 11,000 years old. Dr. Jean Hudson, an archaeologist from the Anthropology Department from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is in charge of researching the find. She has sent in a sample for radio carbon dating, the results are expected back any time now. Matt McKay of the Hayward DNR, who is assigned to the maintenance of the Clam Lake Elk Herd estimated the elk to have a live weight of 1,000 to1,100 pounds. This is larger than the modern bull elk that have a live weight of about 800 to 900 pounds. He indicated that prehistoric elk were larger. Because the elk bones were preserved under water, a special treatment will be necessary to stabilize the bones in a dry environment. Dr. Hudson agreed that every thing possible should be done to eventually put the elk on display for public viewing in the Barnes area. The Barnes Area Historical Association (BAHA) would then act as the curator of the elk. The BAHA is now working hard to get a museum ready for the elk when the scientific investigation is finished in about three years. They are looking for support for their project by people becoming members of the BAHA by contacting Lu Peet, BAHA secretary at peetdd@yahoo.com (715) 795-3065 or making a tax deductible donation for the museum building fund by contacting Linda Oberstar at mloberstar@cheqnet.net (715) 795-2937. More information on the Silver Beach Elk can be found at Dr. Hudsons Blog page at .

Hayward DNR Service Center area

With the relatively early spring and recent light rains the Sawyer County countryside is greening up. Migrant birds have returned and spring turkey hunters in the newly opened Unit 44 are having some success. Black flies have started to come out, but the mosquitoes haven't hatched yet. Elk and deer are visiting roadsides and forest openings, grazing on new grass--please drive carefully! Early spring wildflowers such as bloodroot and marsh marigold, along with wild cherries and Juneberries are blossoming. Wood frogs, chorus frogs and spring peepers are serenading night walkers. Bears have been observed strolling woods edges.

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Much needed rain fell over the Park Falls area this past weekend and continued into the beginning of this week. Green up will be in high gear and should progress quickly this week. The risk of forest fires currently is low in the Park Falls area and fire danger decreased dramatically in the north. The general fishing opener is Saturday May 6. People who will be camping this weekend for the fishing opener should be sure to build campfires in designated sites. Also be sure to extinguish fires when leaving camp. Insects will be a concern this weekend as hatches occur with black flies and mosquitoes increasing in number. Ticks are active; be sure to do a tick check after venturing into the woods or fields and use repellant on clothing as necessary. Warmer weather should encourage more wildflowers to emerge. Currently wild leeks are dominating much of the forest floor in many areas. Hepaticas and wood violets are present and dogwoods and serviceberries are beginning to bloom. Dandelions are also beginning to show in open areas. Do an inspection of your boat and your equipment before launching this weekend. Most importantly inspect your personal flotation devices as the water is cold and wearing a PFD could save your life should you accidentally fall into the water while fishing or boating.

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties)  Anglers should find some excellent conditions for the opening day of fishing season on Saturday. Water temperatures are in the low to mid-50s and lake levels are about normal. Most lakes are about two weeks past the main walleye spawning period, and fish should be fully recovered and getting back to active feeding. In addition, crappie, bluegill and perch have been active near the shallow warm bays and can also provide anglers with plenty of action. Northern pike should also have recovered from their annual spawning ritual and look for them to be active near any new green weeds that are starting to grow in the shallows. DNR crews have been actively planting trout for the past few weeks and most of the stocked trout lakes and spring ponds should provide some excellent fishing for opening weekend anglers. Stream and river levels are generally low for this time of year but should be fully accessible for both anglers and paddlers. One caution -- black flies have begun to hatch out and can be a major irritant to outdoor enthusiasts.

Flambeau River State Forest  There are more signs of spring in the forest, with spring beauties, trilliums, and marsh marigolds all blooming. Turtles are on the move and the red horse have been biting. Grouse are drumming and eagles are busy gathering food. The north fork of the Flambeau River is still low for this time of year even with the recent much needed rains. Leaves are starting to pop and things are greening up. Lake of the Pines campground is open year round and Connors Lake Campground will open Memorial weekend. ATV trails are scheduled to open May 15.

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Opening weekend of fishing season begins on May 6 and will bring with it the potential for some great post spawn walleye action. Early warm temperatures in April sparked an early fish run. Although some of the far northern lakes still have some spawning activity, most other lakes are currently completed. With this in mind, anglers should concentrate efforts in areas that typically hold post spawn fish. The cold temperatures this past week should have put those fish in a holding pattern. The predicted warm weather through the weekend should prove to activate those fish. Crappies should start moving in with the warm weather as well. Bass fishing opens this weekend as well but is catch and release only until June 17 in the northern zone. Musky season in the northern zone does not open until May 27. A reminder to anglers to make sure they have a current fishing license and that the license is their person when out on the water. Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4. Although fishing licenses are not required during those two days, all other fishing regulations still apply. Also, please remember that boaters must have the appropriate and correct number of personal flotation devices in boats. Boater safety courses are currently being given and/or scheduled to begin. A Boating Safety Internet course is available on line. Bear are out and about and moving in to hit bird feeders and garbage cans. We remind homeowners to secure their garbage cans and to remember that bear consider birdseed to be quite a delicacy. Bringing in the bird feeders at night can eliminate a lot of work caused by bears coming in for an easy meal.

NORTHEAST REGION

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Marinette County - Despite cooler temperatures and occasional rain over the week and weekend, anglers were still having some success on the Menominee and Peshtigo rivers. With the walleye spawn coming to an end, anglers were catching some smaller male walleye on the Menominee off of the Hattie Street bridge on jig/minnow combinations. With water levels down, most fish were coming from the deeper holes from the dam down to Stephensen Island. Casting crank baits along bridge pilings in the evening also produced some fish as well. Steelhead anglers started picking up a few fish while fly fishing with yarn flies behind the Marinette Library and near the dam on the Michigan side of the river. Anglers jigging near the mouth of the river were catching small numbers of walleye as well as a few channel catfish mixed in. The most productive bait was jigs tipped with night crawlers with some fish also coming on minnows too. Anglers on the Peshtigo River were catching some walleye at the mouth of the river jigging in the channel with minnows and crawlers. Good catches of northern pike were also being caught near the mouth while casting gold Little Cleo's and dead smelt fished near the bottom. Trollers from the Menominee River down to the Peshtigo River have seen off and on success for walleye in 7-10 feet of water on Rattlin Rogues and Husky Jerks in natural baitfish patterns. Most fish caught were larger post-spawn females 25-31 inches. Wisconsin Public Service has finally received permission to fill High Falls Reservoir up. But water levels will not be at normal levels for the fishing opener. Be prepared to use alternate boat landings as many are not suitable for launching boats yet.

Oconto County - Suckers spawning in the Oconto River have started to disperse back down to the Bay with a good number still left near the Stiles dam. Anglers were catching limits of smaller brown trout from the dam downstream to the County J bridge while fishing with minnows, small spinners, and while fly fishing. Fish were biting throughout the day on spinners and minnows but fly fishers were having more success in the later evenings or early mornings. Walleyes were also making there way back down to the Bay with many fish showing up near the Oconto Breakwater during DNR shocking runs. Anglers were struggling to get fish to bite while jigging near the mouth. Some fish have been caught off of the Breakwater pier while casting crank baits in the evening and into the night. Trollers going out of the Oconto County Park II boat ramp have started picking up fish down to the mouth of the Oconto while using Husky Jerks and Jr. Thunder sticks in chrome/blue & orange/silver colors. Most fish were coming at a variety of depths anywhere from 6-12 feet of water.

Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Brown County - Pressure on the Fox River has come way down. The walleye run has radically declined in the last two weeks, and many anglers have turned attention elsewhere, especially since opening weekend is near. There were still some wandering walleyes being caught in the evening out in the main channel of Fox River and off the shore of Voyager Park and the river mouth. Anglers just had to put in some time; toss a minnow on a swivel rig as far out into the river to get close to the channel. Quite a few walleyes still hang out there after the spawn. Perch season doesn't begin for a few weeks. There have been reports of some random perch being caught with minnows in the Fox. They are not jumping into the boat, but a few is better than none. Those after catfish were trying the deeper holes or the warm water discharges and using crawlers fished right on the bottom. The water still may be a little cold for catfish, but they will start popping up soon. Bass have been becoming more active, and although bass season is not here yet, there has been a few accidental smallmouth caught along the rocky shore from Voyager to Fox Point Boat Launch. Some were also being caught up near the rocky point near the dam by those in search of late walleye. The Suamico River and Duck Creek have not been receiving very much fishing pressure, but that will probably change this week, especially after opening day. Many of the landings on the west shore are still in rough shape even though water levels have come up a bit, but the Suamico landing is okay and some were already using it. There have been a couple of small northern caught off the shore to the north of the river mouth. Duck Creek can be a good place to try for catfish, especially at night, although anglers may catch a lot of suckers or sheephead. There was some northern activity at Duck Creek in the past, but no word on that yet this year. Out on the bay in the past few years there has been some excellent post spawn action trolling for walleye along the west shore from the Suamico River to the Oconto River.

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area

Door County - The weather in beautiful Door County was about the same as last week with a mixture of sunny mild days with cool and overcast ones. The brown trout fishing continues to be fair to good on both sides of the peninsula. Orange and gold Rapalas and spoons fished in 3 to 30 feet of water are still producing the browns. Overcast days with off colored water seemed to produce the most fish. The northern pike action remains good in both Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon. Large minnows and jig and minnow combinations seem to be productive along with spoons and stick baits. Starting to see a lot of nice smallmouth bass cruising the shallows, looks like a good season coming up. Little Sturgeon Bay is all set for opening day of bass season. In the mean time, the walleye situation should be approaching at Larson's Reef. No reports yet. Sawyer Harbor should be a great place to try for late northern. A few big ones have been taken trolling the channel, some over 40". They were still not too aggressive, but they struck medium and large crank baits.

Potawatomi State Park - Trails are open to hikers. Mountain bike trails are open. All campground sites are now open for reservations and walk-ins. Two docks are in the water at the Sawyer Harbor launch site. The wooden accessible pier has been installed on the south shoreline. Water levels are about the same as last year. Trilliums are in bloom. The morel hunters are in search of mushrooms. The tower is open. Shower facilities and the fish cleaning station will open the first weekend in May. The accessible cabin is open.

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area

Spring is in full swing and the area finally received some much needed rain. Turkeys and pheasants can be heard calling on quiet mornings and the hens have begun laying eggs. Oak trees are leafing out and warm season grasses are just beginning to poke through the soil. Terns have arrived on Wisconsin wetlands and are beginning to establish nesting sites. The reintroduced whooping cranes have been spotted throughout the southern and central part of the state as they return from Florida looking for nesting areas. If you see a white crane with black wing tips, please report it to your local DNR office. Chorus frogs, spring peepers, leopard frogs, and American toads can be heard singing from wetlands in early mornings and evenings. The spring turkey hunting season is going well and the fourth hunting period opens Wednesday, May 3 and runs through Sunday, May 7. Registration stations report that hunters are harvesting good numbers of jakes and mature toms. DNR wildlife staff have been busy conducting prescribed burning and tree planting on wildlife areas. In addition, staff are conducting pheasant, frog, and waterfowl surveys. The Rush Lake drawdown has begun and the water level will be lowered as fast as the outlet channel can handle. It is expected that by mid-June lake levels will be at their lowest in over 20 years. This should cause a resurgence of aquatic vegetation and wildlife habitat. Stay tuned for more information on this historic project.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Raucous wing-bashing battles between males of various bird species are ever increasing, a sign the migration is well underway.

Sheboygan County - Fishing off of Sheboygan has been rather slow the last few days. Strong easterly winds and rainy cool weather has kept most anglers in doors. On calm days anglers have been catching a few Brown trout trolling in the harbor and out to 50-60 feet of water. Stick baits fished behind planer boards with a 60 to 70 foot lead has been most productive. Shore anglers have also been taking a few browns off of the south pier, shiners or spawn fished off bottom and casting spoons or crank baits have been taking a few fish. The Pigeon and Sheboygan rivers remain low and clear and fish activity is low. Robins are collecting nesting material.

Ozaukee County - Fishing remained slow in Port Washington; high winds have kept the majority of anglers shore bound. The only activity has been from a few browns being caught in the harbor on stick baits or spoons. A few days of calm stable weather and westerly or south westerly winds will be needed to help improve near shore fishing conditions. Hikers going through the meadows near Newburg reported that the prairie-smoke is blooming, and the pasque flowers are past peak. Field sparrows, song sparrows and eastern towhees are warming up their vocal chords in hopes of attracting that special someone. Rose breasted grosbeaks are back and at feeders again. Eastern bluebirds are staking out territories (although no one was singing yet). Along the woodland trails, trilliums and anemones are blooming, and trees are leafing out (if not already done). Maple trees are dropping their flowers, covering the ground with a carpet of gold. In the vernal ponds, damsel fly larvae, toad tadpoles, and salamander larvae are swimming along looking for food and trying not to be seen and eaten. Water striders are out, hopping along the currents. The frogs were very quiet this week with the colder weather. Geese have staked out territory and are on nests; and visitors are NOT welcome!

Milwaukee County - Again most shoreline and open lake trolling has been affected by the high winds the last week; fishing has been spotty at best with only a few browns being active at the Summerfest grounds and also the Jones island area when weather permits. The fish taken have been caught on shiners fished off bottom or casting spoons and crank baits. On the few calm days trollers have been catching a few browns and Lake Trout on stick baits fished behind planer boards, or off of downriggers. The main and north gaps have been the most productive, it should only be a matter of days weather permitting that cohos and Chinooks begin to show up off of Milwaukee, a few have been taken already in 70-100 feet of water. Orange 00  dodgers and flies or plugs have been most effective. The Menomonee and Milwaukee rivers remain low and fishing pressure minimal with only a few crappies and bass biting in either Estabrook park or behind the MMSD building, crawlers and small minnows have been the bait of choice. Just a reminder that there is a 14-inch size limit on both large and smallmouth bass in Lake Michigan and its tributaries. Also yellow perch season on Lake Michigan and its tributaries is closed until June 16 and when it opens there is a daily bag limit of five fish.

Racine County - Fishing pressure remains low along the Racine shoreline. Some trollers when able to get out have been catching a few browns and rainbows on spoons and stick baits in 20 to 80 feet of water. Some calm west wind days should improve fishing. The Root River remains low and clear.

Kenosha County - Shore fishing remains slow except for an occasional brown or steelhead caught in the harbor on spoons or spawn fished on the bottom. Boat trollers when able to venture out have been doing well getting a mixed bag comprised mostly of cohos and some Chinooks, hot set ups have been orange dodgers and flies fished from 70 to 200 feet of water, spoons and stick baits have also been productive.

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit  Newly hatched Canada goose broods have been seen. Baltimore orioles just started showing up at feeders. The turkey season has been good so far with a large number of birds being registered, although some rainy days made hunting conditions less than ideal last weekend. Woodcock peenting surveys are being run, as are pheasant crowing counts, turkey gobbling counts, ruffed grouse drumming counts, and other breeding bird surveys. Mourning dove call-count surveys will begin shortly. The burning season is winding down due to "green up." Crews will be done with most prescribed burns by mid-May. Trails are all open to hiking at this time. The campground and dump station are open for the 2006 season. Swim buoys will be installed the week before Memorial Day weekend. The warmer temperatures and spring winds are bringing many migration birds back to the area. Some spring flowers such as marsh marigolds and bloodroots are in bloom throughout the forest the ground.

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit  As May 3, the mountain bike trails were open; however, there was a possibility of rain in the near forecast. If it rains, trails may be closed. For the current conditions please call the hotline number at (262) 594-6202.

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area

Grant County - Fishing has been slow throughout the county this past week and weekend due to the continued rainfall. Turkey hunters also reported minimal turkey activity and subsequent hunter success. The woods vegetation is "greening up" quite well providing more hunter concealment. A few individuals have reported finding small, early morels. The Mississippi River water levels were on the decline prior to the recent rainfall which will prolong the level for a few more days.

Wyalusing State Park - Trails should be in good hiking condition. The Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead Campgrounds are both open for camping. The shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open and water is on throughout the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. There are a few electric sites open for this weekend. New bird arrivals in the last week include: golden-winged warbler, Tennessee warbler, Nashville warbler, northern parula, yellow warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, cape may warbler, black-throated green warbler, blackburnian warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, ovenbird, Louisiana waterthrush, common yellowthroat, solitary vireo, warbling vireo, henslow s sparrow, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, barn swallow, northern rough-winged swallow, least flycatcher, chimney swift, solitary sandpiper, peregrine falcon, merlin, broad-winged hawk, pied-billed grebe, wood thrush, scarlet tanager, Baltimore oriole, woodcock, and last but certainly not least, the hummingbird. Hummingbirds arrived at the office feeders on Friday, April 28. The woodcock are performing their nightly skydance near the park office. The performance begins at dusk and is hard to see. Spring arrivals to the park so far include: eastern kingbird, tree swallow, cerulean warbler, prothonotary warbler, northern waterthrush, yellow-rumped warbler, winter wren, phoebe, brown creeper, song sparrow, field sparrow, white-throated sparrow, eastern towhee, hermit thrush, chippng sparrow, yellow-bellied sapsucker, robin, bluebird, red-winged blackbird, sandhill crane, killdeer, meadowlark, flicker, great blue heron, double-crested cormorant, belted kingfisher, and turkey vultures. Visitors to the park's feeders include: tufted titmice, chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, junco, house finch, goldfinch, purple finches, red-bellied woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, downy woodpecker, crow, cardinal, blue jay, mourning dove, and ring-neck pheasant. one red-headed woodpecker has been frequenting the office feeders. several red-headed woodpeckers have been spotted in the wisconsin ridge campground. oranges have been hung on the feeding tree in anticipation of the arrival of orioles and catbirds. Wild Flowers In Bloom include: Dutchman s breeches, jack in the pulpit, wood anemone, rue anemone, false rue anemone, spring beauty, wild ginger, wood sorrel, nodding trillium, cutleaf toothwort, bellwort, hepatica, purple violet, Bishop s cap, bird s foot violet, hoary puccoon, tall buttercup, early buttercup, downy yellow violet, amethyst shooting star, columbine, and May apple. Kentucky redbud, wild plum, and wild cherry trees are in blossom. The morel mushroom season is here, as well as the mushroom hunters. Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien as of May 4 is 10 feet, the same as yesterday. The park concession stand will open this Friday, May 5, weekends only until Memorial Day. There will be a guided bird walk at La Riviere Park on Saturday, May 6, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The bird walk will be lead by Dennis Kirschbaum, retired Crawford County Warden. La Riviere Park is located on Vineyard Coulee Road, one mile east of U.S. Highway 18. Meet at the barn.

Iowa County - Turkey season is it full swing, and turkey hunters are reporting mixed success. Some believe the weather this spring is to blame for the toms being hard to come by. The hunters who are finding the toms were having good success with locating calls in the morning. Remember to know your target and beyond. Something to keep in mind while in the woods is to try to stay away from wearing red, white or blue as some people may mistake it for a tom. The morels are starting to show up in warm locations. Smallmouth bass have been biting on the Wisconsin River.

Lafayette County

Yellowstone Lake State Park - All trails open to hiking. All campsites in the park are now open and available on a first come-first serve or reservation basis. All water has been turned on. Showers and flush toilets are open. There has been heavy boating activity. Crappies have been biting very well for anglers fishing from boats. Shoreline fishing is picking up as the panfish begin to come to shallow water to spawn. Fishing below the dam has been spotty. A few nice walleye have been taken. Yellowstone Lake has very specific regulations regarding fishing. Prior to fishing in the lake, make sure you know all the rules and regulations. These regulations can be found in the 2006 - 2007 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations booklet. You can also stop at the park office for information. Two new accessible fishing sites have been created on the shoreline of the lake. We have received several very good comments about the accessibility and the fishing enjoyment at these sites. Birding is still exciting. Migratory birds of all species are passing by and stopping to visit. Then Bluebirds are nesting. Many Bluebird houses have eggs. There is a pair of nesting bald eagles in the park. Morel (mushroom) hunters are showing great success. The weather has been exceptional for this activity. For up to the minute information regarding Park and Trail conditions, contact the park office at 608-523-4427.

Horicon DNR Service Center area

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - This spring has seen rather warm temperatures, but persistent easterly and northeasterly winds. As a result, the ground temperatures are warming up and wildflowers are well in bloom. In east-central Wisconsin the blooming appears to be ahead of schedule by about a week. The leafing out of the trees is also a bit advanced with black willows greening up quickly and others following. If this continues to proceed ahead of schedule, bird watching for the migrant warblers will be a challenge this year. These tiny Neotropical migrant birds (those that nest in Wisconsin and Canada and spend their winter in the tropics of Central or South America) are always a thrill to those that watch birds. They tend to peak in the second and third week of May in Wisconsin, when the leaves are normally just beginning to open. With an advanced leaf-out these tree-top feeders may be difficult to observe in the abundant foliage this spring. At this time birders are still awaiting the arrival of the orioles, hummingbirds, rose-breasted grosbeaks, indigo buntings and other spring songbirds. While a few individuals may have arrived in southern Wisconsin, the main flock is yet to make its showing. These birds are usually in southern Wisconsin by the first week of May. With a warm front and southerly winds all this could change literally over night as favorable winds will provide the conditions for a good migration. It is not unusual for the spring migration to be marked with advances of birds in one week followed by stalled out progress of migration in the following week, as winds shift from a southerly direction pushing birds north and then turning to the north holding back all progress. Over the next two weeks expect the winds to again turn to the south putting migrations back on schedule. By the second weekend in May, which has been designated at International Migratory Bird Day, the area should be experiencing an influx of spring birds that have come back from the tropics to nest again in Wisconsin.

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Sauk County

Devil s Lake State Park - The great blue heron rookery at the group camp is going strong! The bad news: it s noisy! There are several nests atop the tallest pine trees above the campsites. Adult herons have been repairing nests and laying eggs; soon chicks will be hatching and the noise will increase as they constantly vocalize their demands. Turkey vultures are back, as are sandhill cranes, gulls, robins, red-winged blackbirds, and many other birds. The spring mating call of the chickadee is heard, while deep in the woods baby owlets are already growing strong. Hiking trails are open, though there are plenty of wet, muddy, and slippery spots. Mountain bike trails were still closed as of May 1. Call the park for the most up-to-date information. Generally, mountain bike trails are open sporadically (weather and condition dependent) about half the time during April, May, and June at Devil s Lake. Trails usually will be open almost continually during July through November. State trail passes are no longer required for mountain bikers. All 409 campsites in all four campgrounds are open. Water facilities are now operable for the season, although some running water restroom/shower buildings will be closed at times since park attendance and staffing levels do not allow for all facilities to be opened and maintained. Pit toilets will be available where the water facilities are still closed. Fishing season for trout and all game fish at Devil s Lake is closed until May 6. Fishing for panfish is still allowed. All concession operations, souvenir and food sales, and boat rentals are closed for the season. Concessions will re-open on May 5.

Dane County

Lake Kegonsa State Park - All trails are open to hiking and in good condition. Depending on weather conditions, trails may become wet and slippery. Please use caution. The campground and dumping station are open for the season. The shower building is currently closed for repairs and will not open for at least a week. To check the shower building status, please contact the park office at (608) 873-9695.

Jefferson County - Anglers were catching bullheads on the Rock River in the city of Watertown by the upper dam and at Riverside Park. Most of the fish were small and were being caught on night crawlers. A few catfish were being caught on the Crawfish River by Hubbleton and at the boat landing at the end of Garden Road in Dodge County. The fish being caught have been biting on night crawlers. A few walleye have also been biting on the Crawfish River below Aztalan State Park, mostly on jigs and minnows. Success is rather slow. A few white bass were being caught in scattered areas on the Rock and Crawfish rivers mostly on twister tails. The white bass run hasn t started in full swing yet. Broods of ducks and geese are beginning to show up in Jefferson County especially in the city limits of Watertown and Lake Mills. Much needed rain over the past weekend helped alleviate fire concerns as well as brought water levels back up on the area rivers.

WEST CENTRAL REGION

Baldwin DNR Service Center area

St. Croix County

Willow River State park - The Willow River should be at normal flow and color for the regular season fishing opener. There has been rain but it was a slow soak in type. Some panfish action has been reported from the dam area of the lake. The campground is open. Flush toilets, and showers are open along with the dump station. People who want an electric site should have reservations, since there are only 19 of them in the 72 sites of the main campground. Trails are going to have some damp areas. The next Full Moon hike and bird lectures is scheduled for Saturday, May 13. Meet at the Nature Center at 8 p.m. The event is free but regular vehicle admission rates apply.

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

Wet weather and cool temperatures had few people out fishing recently in the La Crosse area but those who did go out fishing for bluegills found some very large bluegills in the Goose Island and Stoddard areas. Bass anglers reported poor success due to cool temperatures. The cooler wet conditions also hindered turkey hunters during the third period.

La Crosse County - The first broods of Canada geese hatched last week. Orioles and warblers have started arriving. Marsh marigolds began blooming about two weeks ago. Allergy sufferers know that tree pollen levels have been very high.

Vernon County - Toads and gray tree frogs are calling. House wrens, upland sandpipers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks are some of the recent songbird arrivals. Hummingbirds, orioles, bobolinks, and many warblers will be arriving soon. Now is the time to put out hummingbird feeders so they are in place when the birds arrive. Fill hummingbird feeders with a nectar mixture of four parts water to one part cane sugar, which is boiled and left to cool. Turkey hunters are reporting below average success. Two-year old gobblers appear to be less abundant than normal due to a bad hatch in 2004 caused by an extensive period of cool, wet weather.

The 14 annual Volunteer Mississippi River Clean Up occurred on April 29 at five sites in La Crosse and Vernon counties. There were 240 volunteers who seized the opportunity again this year to give back to the resources all people enjoy by helping clean up the Mississippi River. Sponsors of the event make disposal and recycling of the debris possible. During the four-hour event volunteers cleaned up approximately 5 to 6 tons of garbage, which will go to the landfill and collected about 5,000 pounds of metal, 220 plastic 55-gallon barrels and two appliances for recycling. Following the clean up volunteers joined at Copeland Park in La Crosse for lunch, a video of past events and prizes. A 2006 River Clean Up T-shirt was presented to each participant with their lunch. During the 14 years or 56 hours of events, volunteers are credited with 105 tons of debris being land filled, 1,235 tires, 1,345 plastic barrels, 11 batteries, 31 appliances, and two barrels of hazardous waste being recycled. Volunteers wonder where all this garbage comes from and hope their efforts raise awareness for others to help keep our environment clean.

Crawford County - The Mississippi River crested over two weeks ago and ever since the water level had continued a steady decline. By the end of the week the Mississippi River stage was at 10 feet. Last weekend saw quite a bit of rain and at time heavy rain. Both the Wisconsin River and the Kickapoo River saw a substantial rise in water levels especially at the end of the week. Most of the trout streams are also on the rise. Bluegills appear to be on the up swing now that the water is dropping. Most of the back waters that were difficult to fish due to high water and current are starting to see more action. Fishing from boats has been slow at Cold Spring probably due to the cool water. Anglers fishing on Cold Spring are reminded that this area is considered general inland waters were the bag limit for panfish is 25 in aggregate. Additionally the general game fish season will re-open on May 6. Panfishing near the Prairie du Chien was fair this week. Anglers have been finding some bluegills throughout the Ambro Slough complex to include Big Lake, Fish Lake, Tilmont Lake, Spring Lake and the Lower Doubles and on the Sturgeon Slough complex. Most anglers have been targeting the shallow water areas. Earlier in the week when the water was up to the Ambro Road, some decent catches of bluegills were taken by anglers standing right on the road and fishing in the flooded backwaters. At the Falling Rock/Gordon s Bay landing fishing has been moderate. Many were trying their luck for walleye and sauger. Now that most of the walleyes have spawned anglers were concentrating on wing dams and rocky shorelines.

GENERAL

400 State Trail - The trail has been graded and packed. It is in good condition. Many ephemeral wildflowers are bloom now--marsh marigold, blood root, Dutchman's britches, spring beauty, and wild blue phlox. Visitors are likely to see sandhill cranes, wild turkey, blue and green herons, snapping turtles, deer and muskrat. The entire trail is closed to hunting. A separate 7-mile-long horseback riding trail runs parallel to the surfaced trail between Wonewoc and La Valle. Horses must stay on the grassy portion and are not allowed on the limestone surfaced trail. Wetlands, sandstone bluffs, rolling croplands and pastures are just a few of the sights visitors can enjoy on the 400 Trail as it repeatedly crisscrosses the Baraboo River. The entire length of the trail follows along the river valley.

Elroy-Sparta State Trail - The three tunnels on this trail opened May 1. The trail has been graded and packed. It is in good condition. Trilliums are in bloom just east of the Summit Rest Area. Both the Elroy and Sparta walk-in primitive campgrounds are open. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Trail information, bike rental and trail passes are available at the Kendall Depot Trail Headquarters. For information call (608) 463-7109. The depot is open 7 days a week.

La Crosse River State Trail - The trail was recently graded and packed. It is in good condition. The La Crosse River State Trail has been developed from abandoned Chicago and Northwestern Railroad between Sparta and La Crosse. Prairie remnants, farmlands, trout streams, hardwood forests and wetlands are found along the trail. There are mileage markers every half mile between La Crosse and West Salem. A bridge at Medary crosses an active rail line running parallel to the trail. This bridge connects the La Crosse River State Trail to the Great River State Trail to the north. A bicycle/pedestrian/snowmobile bridge over Interstate Highway 90 in Sparta connects the La Crosse River Trail to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail on the east end.

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area

Monroe County - The recent wet and unstable weather has shut down fishing activity for the time being. Much needed rain will refill some cranberry ponds that were tapped during recent frost watches and irrigation activities. Crappie action has been spotty but there is still time to catch some of the action. Minnows and jigs were working best. Turkey hunters were seeing success but many hunters complained that hens have been active and toms have been difficult to pull away from them. The landscape is rapidly turning green with the wet weather and area foliage is erupting everyday as spring progresses.

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

Brunet Island State Park - Bluebirds, red winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, nuthatches, phoebes, crows, robins, mallards, loons, and pileated woodpeckers, have been spotted recently. Hikers have many great opportunities within the park. Whether it s using the island s trail system, exploring the wilder areas of the park, or a brisk walk on the park road, you re sure to enjoy these beautiful woodlands. The North Campground will reopen for the season on April 28. The South Campground is currently open with electric and pit toilet facilities available.

Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - Hiking trails are generally in good condition, but with frequent spring rains, may be slippery in spots. Some of the spring wildflowers that can be seen along the trail include bellwort, wild oats, wood anemone, trilliums and hepatica. Red-berried Elder shrubs are also in blossom. The start of fishing season formally opens this week with some success being reported earlier for panfish. Some of the shallower kettle lakes within the Reserve periodically winter kill. The Great Blue Heron rookery has over 60 nests within it! Not all are in use, but there is plenty of action with the birds returning and leaving on their feeding missions. Located along the trail, you will most likely hear them before catching a glimpse of them. Rose-breasted grosbeaks and ruby throated hummingbirds have returned in the last few days. Orioles should be arriving any time.

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Buckhorn State Park - Fishing was a little slower with the cooler weather and wind last week. The boarding pier at launch A in the park and fishing pier are in. Canoes are available for rental. Sandhill cranes and a variety of other birds and wildlife have been seen and heard in the park. The osprey are starting to build nests on the platforms by launch C and the railroad tracks.

Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is open for day use, but the campground is still closed at this time. The campground will be open May 19 but could open sooner.