Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of June 29, 2006

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

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 children .s 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.

NORTHERN REGION

DNR Forestry officials are asking all outdoor enthusiasts to use extra caution with fire materials this holiday week. A lack of rainfall has recently caused a number of wildfires across northern Wisconsin. Fireworks, ATVs and campfires are a few of the leading causes of summer wildfires. During the Fourth of July holiday, forestry officials also request that firework displays be left to professionals. Two of seven wildfires in the Cumberland area this past week were caused by fireworks. The fire danger is currently between moderate and high across northern Wisconsin

Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest - The Brule Weather station has measured just under 2 inches of precipitation for June. The average precipitation for June is 4 inches. The Bois Brule River is showing the lack of precipitation. The flow as of June 28 was 115 Cubic Feet per second (CFS). This is a record low for this day since 1964 when it was 126 CFS. The 61 year average is 150 CFS. The Hex hatch (Hexagenia limbata mayflies) was going on last weekend on the Bois Brule River. It was reported to be sporadic and would only last 40 minutes. Twin flower, Spreading Dog Bane, Tall Meadow Rue, Water Hemlock and Showy Lady's Slippers are blooming. Fireweed and Milkweed has just started to bloom in areas. The extended forecast calls for high temperatures in the upper 70s. People may have noticed that there has been some of haze west of the Brule area in the past few days. This is from smoke from 50-plus forest fires in Saskatchewan, Canada 1,000 miles away that has been blowing in our direction. The wind direction is expected to shift soon. With the Fourth of July coming up the Brule River State Forest wishes to remind people that it is illegal to set off fireworks in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests. Sparklers are okay to use but anything that goes "boom," is self propelled, or has flames coming out is considered illegal. This law is in effect to protect the fireworks users, other recreationists, and the natural resources. So far for the month of June there have been four fireworks related wild land fires in the Brule fire dispatch area &Please be careful. Archers are reminded that there is an archery trail located at the site of the Afterhours Cross Country Ski Trail just west of Brule along Hwy 2. at the junction of Hwy. 2 and Afterhours Road. The course is a 29 target, walk through course, with shots ranging from 10 yards to 70 yards. Field points must be used on the excelsior backstops. A sand pit to shoot broadheads will be located behind the warming house.

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Seasonal temperatures are forecast through the July 4th holiday with some rain forecast before the weekend. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 70s and fish have moved into deeper water especially during warmer hours of the day where they were being found near drop-offs and weed edges. Success has been better in early morning or evening hours as fish move to feed. Bluegill fishing remained good during the day, though the fish have moved to deeper water. Anglers were having good success catching bass as they aggressively bite on a good presentation. Crappies were being found suspended over deeper water. Anglers were presenting bait at different depths to locate where they were holding. Leeches were being used along with minnows to catch some walleye. Biting flies have been a nuisance on humid days and a little repellant will bring welcome relief. The bull frog .s deep resonating call and the green frog .s low gung-gung-gung calls can be heard in the evenings and create a very mellow mood. Tadpoles are very visible along small water bodies as they grow through the summer. A number of young loons are being seen with their parents on area lakes learning the ways of the world. Be courteous to the loons and keep an adequate distance as you observe their beauty as wildlife can be very protective of their overly dependant young. ATV riders should expect more traffic on the trails this weekend: be courteous and ride safe on the trails. People who venture out on the water to fish or boat this holiday weekend be sure to carry a fishing license and boat registration. Make sure to have the proper fitting PFDs for each person aboard a boat. People enjoying paddle sports should wear a comfortable fitting PFD that does not restrict paddling; that way they will be more apt to keep it on while on the water. Traffic will increase on the lakes this weekend: be alert and avoid distractions when operating boats. Hours of wave action, hot sun and noise exposure can lead to fatigue and slowed response when operating a boat. Combining these effects with alcohol consumption can have a dramatic impact on a person .s ability to safely operate a boat. Avoid alcohol if you intend to be out on the water and have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) -While many areas of the state have had excess rain in the past month, the Upper Chippewa basin continues to experience drought conditions. This has resulted in very low water levels on most rivers and streams and this is starting to hinder recreational activity. 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. Variable weather conditions with scattered thunderstorms and cool nighttime temperatures have made for some erratic fishing in the past week. The most consistent action has been for bass, as both largemouth and smallmouth are settling into their normal summer patterns. Largemouth have been migrating toward thick overhead cover and becoming more apt to be .homebodies . . holding in one/near one piece of cover for extended periods of time. Soft plastics and jig/craw combinations worked in this thick cover have been the most successful baits. Smallmouth bass have also become more active and some larger fish have been showing up near the mid-depths woody cover and under docks. Small plastics and tube jigs pitched to these types of cover have been very successful. Walleye fishing has become a bit more erratic of late with some late Hexagenia mayfly hatches providing some abundant natural food. The best success continues to be on floating jigs tipped with a leech, and fishing deep weed edges and bottom break lines. 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. Panfish success has been fair. Other than a few lingering pumpkinseed, most of the panfish species have completed their spawning rituals. Nicer bluegill have been showing been showing up on the deep weed edges and some nice crappie have been found suspended over deeper cover.

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Weed growth and water temperatures are about normal for this time of year. Walleye action has been fair, with the best action on weed edges in 10 to 12 feet of water. Bluegills are done spawning and can be found on the weed edges in 6 to 7 feet of water. Antler development on deer is now quite visible with the heavy velvet growth. Fawns are abundant and more active so be watchful along the roads. With the recent rains and warm temperatures, there has been a very healthy population of wood ticks. These ticks are larger than the lyme disease carrying ticks common to these areas. A reminder to hikers and others who just like to walk around in the woods .wild parsnip is blooming. This is a plant that people do not want to encounter. Add this plant to the list of items to avoid, along with poison ivy, oak and sumac. 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. Once the plant dies and dries, it ceases to emit the juice and cannot cause a reaction when in that state. The plant is tall with yellow clusters of flowering stems that are about four feet in height. Wild parsnip usually towers above the natural vegetation surrounding it. Area service centers have small, descriptive cards available to the public that will help in identification of this and other problem plants and insects. People who do come into contact with this plant .and no one is immune from its effects . should cover their skin right away until they can wash the affected area with soap and water. To help minimize the effects of the exposure, cover the contaminated area with a cool, wet cloth. Do not rupture any blisters that appear. The blisters usually do not itch, nor do they spread. If the blisters do eventually rupture, let the skin remain over the area for as long as possible. Keep the affected area clean and use an antiseptic cream to help prevent infection. Contact your doctor if you have any questions and for further treatment explanations and considerations.

Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Mayflies have been hatching on many of the local waters for the past two weeks. This has slowed fishing a bit since they have an abundance of food available. The hatch is beginning to wind down and should be complete by the coming weekend. Walleye were being caught on weed edges with the best rig being a slip bobber and leech combination. Since many species of fish are found on the weed edges this time of year, anglers really never know what they're going to catch. Anglers that are fishing specifically for walleye are turning up good numbers of bass, perch, and bluegills as well. Musky fishing has improved recently and many folks have been doing very well, especially early in the morning and evenings with surface baits. The area has been in a fairly stable weather pattern, with no major fronts in the forecast, so expect this good action to continue.

NORTHEAST REGION

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Marinette County - The Cauldron Falls Flowage is a hot spot for musky fishing recently, although reports indicate bass fishing has slowed. Inland water levels on area trout streams have been good, as the are has been receiving some precipitation. Waterfall touring is underway in the county with moderate numbers of visitors at Twelve Foot and Long Slide Falls. Horseshoe Falls in Northern Marinette County should also be added to everyone's list with its cascading falls. As always adequate walking shoes and caution is recommended in these rugged areas. Berry crops are progressing with blossoms showing good fruit coverage. Blueberries should be ready in about two weeks. Turkey broods are being observed with good numbers currently. A Hunter Safety Education Course is scheduled to be held at the Osterberg home in Goodman area beginning July 25 through 29. Please contact the instructor at (715) 336-2685. An ATV Safety Course will be held at the Lake Hilbert Campground on July 20 and 22. In order to attend contact the instructors at (715) 336-3013.

Oconto County - Inland lakes and flowages have been producing good fishing action for panfish and game fish. Trout streams such as the South Branch of the Oconto offer great opportunities for fly-fishing enthusiasts. The handicapped accessible sites off of County T on the South Branch of the Oconto and the fishing platform on the Townsend Flowage offer excellent opportunities for fishing activities. Water levels are good on most streams with recent rainfall over the weekend.

Shawano County - Many animal young are being observed. Please leave them where they are so their mothers can care for them. They are not orphaned. Problem aquatic weeds in area lakes have gotten a head start with the early spring. Make sure to clean off boats and trailers before going to another lake when pulling out of an infested one. Zebra muscles are showing up in large numbers in Shawano Lake and are starting to spread elsewhere. Please held to keep these from spreading to other lakes as well. A Hunter Safety Education Course will be offered at the Birnamwood Town Hall beginning June 30 through July 2. This will be a great time to get your certification for the Fall hunt completed. Please contact the instructor for available space at (715) 551-7710.

Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Manitowoc County - In Manitowoc, 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 with the most successful fishing near 175 feet. Salmon and trout anglers fishing the piers put out a lot of effort this week and had little to show for their effort except for a few small brown trout that were caught. In Two Rivers, boats trolling Lake Michigan also had a busy week with good catches of rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and lake trout. Inside the harbor, bullhead angers have had steady action and were also picking up some sheepshead with worms. Along the West Twin River, fishing has been good for rock bass and smallmouth bass anglers.

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area

Door County - For the most part the weather this week in was partly cloudy with temperatures on the cool side, along with scattered showers. Some very nice catches of chinook salmon along with rainbow and lake trout continued to come into Sturgeon Bay and Baileys Harbor. The majority of the action seemed to be coming from 70 to 200 feet of water, 80 to 120 feet down for the chinooks. Rainbows seemed to be out a little deeper over 150 to 300 feet of water and from the surface to 75 feet down. Anglers reported success with a wide variety of spoons along with fly and dodger combinations, with several mentioning having success with green flies. Smallmouth bass fishing was fair to good all over the county, with most of the bigger fish coming from deeper offshore locations. Lots of smaller bass were still to be had from shore. Tube jigs, flukes, jerk baits and spinner baits along with minnows and night crawlers were all producing smallmouth. Lots of perch, mostly smaller fish, were being caught, with Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, Little Sturgeon, the flats in Sturgeon Bay and Chaudoir .s dock all being productive spots. For bigger perch, in the 8 to 12 inch range, anglers were fishing in 25 to 40 feet of water off Chaudoir .s dock and around Snake Island and Henderson Point. Night crawlers and minnows were the baits of choice for perch. Nice catches of bluegills, crappie and perch continued to be reported from Little Sturgeon around the new boat launch at Carmody Park. Walleye action was reported to be fair to good at night anywhere between Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon. One anglers reported catching five walleye between 23 to 27 inches, two brown trout, two smallmouth, and two large sheepshead on Thursday night. He was trolling crank baits in 8 to 25 feet of water in Sturgeon Bay. There were also a few reports of some nice channel cats being taken from 25 to 40 feet of water off of Chaudoir .s dock.

White Fish Dunes Park . The weather has not been summer like to this point. Even on days when the temps have been in the 80s and higher elsewhere it has remained "cooler near the lake." Lake Michigan was warming nicely early in June and had reached 66 degrees along the Whitefish Dunes beach when it made an abrupt reversal and has stayed in the mid to low 50s for the last couple weeks. Accompanying the cooler water temps (and probably because of them) we have had an alewife die-off for the first time in the last few years. To this point the number of dead fish has not been a problem we'll keep our fingers crossed. The beach water testing program is up and running for the summer. The Whitefish beach will be tested four times a week this year for E coli bacteria. To view the test results you can log on to www.wibeaches.us. This website will also allow you to sign up to get test results emailed to you automatically. Young wildlife has made an appearance recently with whitetail fawns reported regularly by park visitors and an adolescent raccoon using the Nature Center deck railing for climbing practice last week. Visitors are reminded to give all park wildlife ample space - never attempt to pick up or move an animal. If you suspect an animal is sick or injured please report it to a park ranger or stop at the park office and let us know. Attention shutterbugs! There is still time to get that shot of a lifetime. Submissions for the Whitefish Dunes State Park Photo Contest may be made from July 1 through July 29. Complete contest information is available at the park Nature Center.

Kewaunee County - The weather this week has been mostly sunny with a few rain showers. The barometric pressure has dropped with in the past couple days; water temperatures remained in the upper 50s, and scattered rain showers are forecast throughout the week. Overall, anglers trolling Lake Michigan for salmon and trout had mixed results throughout the week. Boats this week seemed to be focusing in depths of 100 to 180 feet of water. Chinook have been active anywhere from the surface to 100 feet down in the early hours and then moving into deeper depths in the mid-afternoon. Rainbow trout have been caught from the surface to 60 feet of water. Dodger/fly combinations and spoons continue to produce equally. Green, aqua, chartreuse, flies continued to be the hot colors this week. Spoons in orange, blue, or any other dark colors have been producing. Shore fishing for salmon and trout has been slow overall throughout Kewaunee County.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Milwaukee DNR Service Center

Inland anglers were reporting most fish are in transition from the inside weed lines to the deep edges of near shore weed beds. Anglers were fishing the inside edge early and switching to the outside (deep) edge as the sun comes up or goes down. Inland fishing in general has been very good, with crappies, bluegills, bass and catfish all hitting. With warm water temperatures at the inside weed line; walleyes and northerns have been sticking to the outside edge most of the time. Most of boat landings have being filling up by 8 a.m. or earlier. Over on the mammalian side of the outdoors, lots of white-tailed deer fawns have been being killed on area roads. These young deer are just venturing out of heavy cover, and are not used to traffic. They have not yet learned to .be careful out there. . Drivers are cautioned that fawns will, in most cases, cross the road in front of them--especially if their mothers have already done so. Let .s give these youngsters a chance and slow down immediately when we see them on the road shoulder!

Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan fishing off the piers has been slow for perch, but occasional brown trout have been caught at night on alewives fished on the bottom. Sheboygan trollers have been catching mostly rainbows and chinooks, with a few coho mixed in. Most fish have been taken in 80 to 120 feet of water on dodgers and flies or spoons. Green, blue, and white have been the most productive colors.

Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore fishing has been slow, although off the pier occasional perch have been taken at dawn and dusk on small jigs. Trollers have been catching chinooks, along with a few rainbows and coho. The majority of fish have been taken in 90 to 140 feet of water on blue or green flies or spoons.

Milwaukee County - At the Milwaukee lakefront shore fishing has been slow overall, but at Jones Island a few browns have been taken on silver spoons. Perch fishing has been relatively slow from shore. Boaters have been taking a few perch on minnows at the main gap, and boats launching from Bender Park have been catching perch at the boils. Trout and salmon fishing has been tough recently for Milwaukee trollers. The majority of fish taken have been coho and chinooks caught in 90 to 140 feet of water north of the harbor.

Racine County - In Racine, a few rainbows have been caught off the piers, but perch fishing from shore has been slow. Trollers off Racine have been catching mostly chinooks and coho in 60 to 130 feet of water. Silver, green, or purple spoons have been effective 30 to 50 feet down for coho; chinooks and a few lake trout have been found deeper.

Kenosha County - In Kenosha, perch anglers fishing from the south pier or at the mouth of Southport Marina have been most successful early in the day. Boats looking for perch have found some along the break wall in front of the harbor and at the bubbler. Whether from shore or a boat, minnows and small jigs have consistently produced the most perch. Kenosha shore anglers have also been catching good numbers of browns in the harbor on chartreuse or silver spoons. Trollers out of Kenosha have been taking a few coho and chinooks in 60 to 80 feet of water.

Walworth and inland Racine and Kenosha counties - Fishing has been good almost everywhere. Largemouth bass were biting on night crawlers, leeches, or plastic worms. Anglers fishing with suckers were catching northern pike in 18 to 22 feet of water. Smallmouth bass were found in 12 to 25 feet of water and were biting on night crawlers or plastic worms. Crappies were spread out and biting on minnows or jigs. Bluegill anglers were using leeches and helgramites in 14 to 16 feet of water. Catfish have been very active on the Fox River, and anglers were catching good numbers. River anglers were also catching some largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleyes.

Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Fishing for largemouth bass has been very good on area lakes. Long Lake in Fond du Lac County and Pike Lake in Washington County have been good producers of bass lately. Panfish action has been mixed. Some decent perch and bluegills were being reported from Big Cedar Lake. There was a report of a 420inch musky caught on Big Cedar Lake, despite the fact that none have ever been stocked there by Wisconsin DNR or any organized fishing club. Anglers should be aware that putting fish into any waters without a permit is both illegal and ill advised. Certain species can be harmful to a fish community if they become established.

Waukesha County - Warmer water temperatures will be moving fish into deeper water. Look for bluegills to move out of the shallower areas and start suspending. Largemouth bass fishing has been good over the past week, with the best action on Nagawicka, Pewaukee, and the Phantoms lakes. Best catches were coming from 3 to 16 feet of water on plastics. Northern pike have been biting well on Beulah and Okauchee by anglers working crank baits around weedy drop-offs.

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area

Grant County

Wyalusing State Park . The Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien June 27 was 8.1 feet, up 0.3 of a foot from Monday. Fishing has been good with nice catches of bass and bluegills being reported by anglers. Trails may be wet due to the recent heavy rainfall. As of mid-week, it was sunny and warm, so trails should dry out quickly if the area doesn .t receive any more rain. Cardinals, towhees, various sparrows, goldfinches, indigo buntings, and rose-breasted grosbeaks still frequent the area near the Visitor Center. Hummingbird activity has decreased substantially at the office feeders. Female hummingbirds drive the males away from the territories so they can raise the young on their own. There have been many deer sightings within the last few weeks, including does and fawns. The howling of coyotes is a familiar sound in the Homestead Campground. Young rabbits are often seen feeding along the roadsides in the park. Raccoons are frequent visitors to campsites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Campers are reminded not to feed raccoons, and to take their garbage and recycling to the dumpsters each day. Flowers in bloom include: Ohio spiderwort, purple coneflower, columbine, cow parsnip, black-eyed susan, bergamot, oyster plant, ox-eye daisy, sunflower, rattlesnake master, harebell, showy tick trefoil, wild quinine, compass plant, pale purple coneflower, white false indigo, rosin weed, purple milkweed, poke milkweed, common milkweed, butterfly milkweed, mountain mint. Wild parsnip is now in bloom. Caution . if plant juices come in contact with the skin in the presence of sunlight, a painful burn or blistering can occur resulting in a skin discoloration for several months. Basic identification: The first year .s rosette has 6 to 18 inch compound leaves. The flower stalks grow about 4 feet tall and have umbrella-like clusters of yellow flowers that from large flat seeds. Big poplar sphinx moth, Pandora sphinx moth, hognose sphinx moth, luna moth, polyphemus moth, giant swallowtail, black swallowtail, tiger swallowtail, red-spotted purple, and monarch butterflies have been seen.

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Dane County

Lake Kegonsa State Park - Dane County has placed a Water Quality Advisory on Lake Kegonsa. The water may contain blue-green algae capable of producing toxins that can be dangerous to humans and pets. These conditions may change on a daily basis. For your safety, if the water is cloudy, looks like green paint or pea soup, or has a floating scum later or floating clumps: do not swim or swallow water; do not allow pets to swim or drink; do not allow children to play in scum later from shoreline; and rinse off after swimming. For more information, please contact the Dane County Division of Public Health at (608) 242-6515.

Jefferson County - Anglers have been catching a few keeper bluegill on Rock Lake. The fish are beginning to suspend out in the deeper water and were biting on small jigs with a fly or waxworms. The size of the fish being caught has decreased over the past couple weeks. The best success has been by anglers drifting in approximately 15 feet of water. Nice-sized rock bass have also been biting off the shorelines on Rock Lake on leeches and worms. Some largemouth and smallmouth bass were biting throughout the lake as well on an assortment of baits and lures. On the Rock River anglers were catching some nice sized catfish in the 1 to 3-pound range below the lower dam in Watertown. Several flathead catfish have been caught and released as well. The channel catfish have been biting on night crawlers whereas the flatheads have been biting on small bluegills the anglers have been catching next to shore. Fourth of July fireworks sales are picking up as well as debris from the fireworks being left behind in the parking lots on the public hunting grounds. Fireworks are prohibited on state properties due to fire dangers and garbage problems associated with them. A recent fire on the Mud Lake public hunting grounds in Dodge County may have been started by fireworks found in the adjoining parking lot. Recent rains have brought the river levels back up slightly and decreased any fire dangers in Dodge and Jefferson counties.

WEST CENTRAL REGION

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

Fish habitat work on the La Crosse River below Lake Neshonic in West Salem is attracting many shore anglers. Channel catfish and walleye have been biting pretty well before heavy rains raised water levels. Shore anglers were happy with the habitat work despite it still being under construction. Mississippi River bass anglers reported lots of 2- to 3-pound bass being caught. Walleye anglers were also doing well with a 26-inch walleye caught in the channel just off the Stoddard boat landing. Bluegill fishing has been a little challenging with anglers finding them in deeper water. People fishing near the Dresbach dam were catching some small lake sturgeon, which are protected on the Mississippi River. People who do not know the difference between a lake sturgeon and a shovel nose or sand sturgeon should simply release the fish. For more information on how to tell the difference between lake and shovel nose sturgeon stop at the La Crosse DNR service center. La Crosse area black raspberries and mulberries are ripening. Elder berries are in full bloom

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area

Recent rainfall has eased the forest fire danger in the Area. The Forest Fire Danger is expected to return to the Moderate Level should dry weather remain for the weekend and the July 4th holiday. Campers and outdoor users need to be careful with campfires and any ignition sources that could cause a forest fire wile enjoying outdoor activities. Fireworks can be an ignition source for forest fires. People who choose to use legal fireworks such as sparklers and snakes should be sure to supervise children and light fireworks in a safe place.

Monroe County - Anglers have been pulling in some nice bluegills, crappies, and bass on area lakes and ponds. Panfish spawning is complete in most areas. Water levels are back up with recent rains and the mosquitoes and deer flies are plentiful. Young geese are just about in full colors. Grouse are becoming more visible along roadsides and some chicks have been seen appearing only days old. Many deer and fawns can also be seen during all times of the day.

Mill Bluff State Park - Despite the uncertain weather, the swimming at Mill Bluff has been good. The man-made spring fed pond is in good condition. The water quality is tested on a weekly basis and has always been in excellent condition. As a reminder, there is no fishing allowed in the pond. The hiking trails are open and in good condition. Flowers blooming in the park now are spiderwort, butterfly weed, and many others. Even some of the columbines are still holding their flowers. Mosquitoes have not been too bad but the little gnats can be annoying. A lot of the baby birds are leaving their nests. The chipmunks, rabbits and the squirrels are plentiful through-out the park. A newly remodeled gazebo awaits those who enjoy a beach-side picnic. It is on the first come-first served basis. The park has a large A frame shelter that is reservable and has electric service in it. Many dates are still available. Call the park (608-427-6692) to check for dates.

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

Brunet Island State Park - Fishing on the Cornell Flowage has been productive with walleye, northern pike, and panfish being taken. 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. Red winged blackbirds, Canada geese, phoebes, crows, robins, mallards, loons, and pileated woodpeckers, have been heard or spotted recently.

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Buckhorn State Park - Campsites have been filling up on weekends. Canoes and single person kayaks are available for rental. There is still an opening for the accessible cabin on Sept. 4-7, 2006. Orange and yellow hawkweed, puccoon, cinquefoil, lupine, and spiderwort are blooming in the prairies and along roads. The mosquitoes have been bad in parking lots and shaded trails but are better than previous weeks. Campers got some relief from the cooler weather and breezes from the lake. A cold water rinse shower for washing off sand and algae is in the beach picnic area. Youth deer hunt applications are now available - the deadline is July 15.

Roche-A-Cri State Park - There have been plenty of available campsites during the week and on weekends. Very few mosquitoes have been out in the park. Wildflowers are blooming on the prairie. The picnic shelter by the kiosk/stairway is reservable and has electric, volleyball court and horseshoes. Great weather for hiking the many trails!