Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of January 10, 2008

Please check on the "Previous outdoor reports" link if it appears this is an outdated Outdoor Report. The DNR Outdoor Report is updated every Thursday at noon.

Click on State Park Current Conditions Reports to check on current conditions at various Wisconsin State Parks, Trails and Forests.

Click here to reach the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Web site (exit DNR).

For current statewide information on statewide snow conditions, log onto the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR).

GENERAL | Northern Region | Northeast Region | Southeast Region | South Central Region | West Central Region | VHS Update

A major warm-up in the last week has significantly diminished snow cover across the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin and has caused ice conditions to deteriorate on many lakes and flowages across the state. Snow mobile trails are now open only in about the most northern quarter of the state and most counties are reporting conditions as only fair on the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Cross-country ski trails remain open through central Wisconsin but trails are being reported as icy. A candlelight ski scheduled for Lake Kegonsa State park in Dane County has been cancelled for this weekend. As of Thursday two other events were still scheduled but they may just be held as hikes if there is not enough snow. As always, it is best to call ahead to confirm and check on conditions.

Runoff from recent rains has opened many streams and creeks, and weakened ice where they flow into lakes. Recreational safety wardens are cautioning ice anglers to pay close attention to changing weather and plan ahead to make sure they can get ice fishing shelters off the ice before conditions get so bad they fall through the ice or are not able to remove them. Waiting too long can make later removal more difficult and costly if the shelters break through the ice or sink into slush or standing water on the ice and then freeze when colder temperatures return.

In the Northwoods, the snow cover has been reduced to just a few inches on most waters and there is a good amount of slush and water on top of the ice. Combined with the variable ice thickness that has been found on many lakes, any travel with motor vehicles is a dangerous proposition. Walleye and panfish have been the main target for anglers in the past week and action has been fair. Walleye activity picked up a bit with the milder temperatures and a few anglers were reporting some decent catches. Action has been inconsistent, though, with anglers reporting good action one day and very poor action for several days following. Northern pike action has also shown an increase as the reduced snow cover has increased light penetration and bumped up feeding activity. Panfish anglers have seen some fair and steady action, with some nice crappie and perch being caught 1 to 3 feet off bottom in 15 to 25 feet of water.

In the south, panfish action has been good at times. Bluegills had been providing the best action with crappies hitting after dark. Ice conditions are highly variable this year and no southern lakes are considered safe for vehicles. Fair numbers of 30-inch northern pike have been reported from some Waukesha County lakes, and a few walleyes have been caught as well. Ice conditions will improve as the temperatures return to seasonal averages.

Green Bay has extensive ice, but is still not safe. There has been some yellow perch action reported along both the east and west shores of the bay. A few anglers were fishing for northern pike on Little Sturgeon Bay. The record high temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rainfall changed fishing conditions dramatically in southeastern Wisconsin. Lake Michigan tributaries were high and muddy this week, and much of the ice has disappeared. In Milwaukee, the ice has broken up on the lagoon at Lakeshore State Park and in McKinley Marina, and it is not safe for foot travel. Prior to the storms, shore anglers in the inner harbor had been catching good numbers of brown trout.

The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 8.3 feet this week and ice anglers reported good fishing, with nice catches of crappies and bluegills.

The recent warm spell should help wild turkeys and other ground feeding wildlife make it through the winter in better shape. The mild weather also has some waterfowl moving north along the Mississippi River, with Canada geese, mallards, goldeneyes and red-breasted mergansers starting to show up again in the La Crosse area.

Great horned owls are calling vigorously. Owls are territorial, and one of the primary reasons they call is to verbally defend their territories from other owls of their own kind. Great horned owls will continue calling well into February. Egg laying typically takes place from late January through mid-February, and owlets are born about a month later.

An aerial survey conducted this week by DNR staff found about 150 bald eagles in the Lower Wisconsin River corridor between the Prairie du Sac Dam and Lone Rock, so there should be ample birds in the area for the annual Bald Eagle Days scheduled for Jan. 19 and 20 at Prairie du Sac and Sauk City.

NORTHERN REGION

Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest - Warm temperatures over last weekend and early this week has brought the snow depth down to about 11 inches. The Afterhours ski trail still has very good conditions but due to the recent warm temperatures skiing is fast and slick. The National Weather Service Cooperating Station at the Brule DNR office reported December precipitation of 2.38 inches. The December historical average us 1.27 inches. December snowfall was 33.5 inches. The December historical snowfall average is 15 inches. Total 2007 annual precipitation was 29.65 inches. The historical annual precipitation is 31 inches. December turned out to be slightly cooler than average for temperatures. The average high temperature was 21 degrees and the average low temperature was 5 degrees. Historically 26 degrees is the average high and 6 degrees is the average low. For the second year, the Gitchee Gumme Chapter will be sponsoring a youth “Learn to Hunt” turkey hunt on April 4, 5 & 6 for area youths between 12 and 16 years of age. A drawing will be held for fifteen lucky youths to attend the hunt. Youths that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to turkey hunt are especially encouraged to apply. These youths would have first priority. Youth hunters will have to have passed hunter education to participate in this hunt. Entry forms for interested youths will be available at the DNR offices in Brule and Superior, along with Nummi Jewelers and Superior Shooters Supply in Superior.

Hayward DNR Service Center area

Washburn County - There was still snow on the ground as of Jan. 8, but it was very slushy. Snowshoes are advisable for walking in the woods, although they may be difficult to use because of the sticky weight of the snow. Cross-country ski trails have been melting and not in the best condition. It is still possible to ski on lakes.

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Temperatures are forecast to be closer to the average toward the end of the week. Almost all of the snow has melted off area lakes and standing water and slush pockets remain. Ice conditions will improve greatly as the temperatures return to seasonal averages. Use care when accessing are lakes especially if forecasted rains occur and cause flowing water conditions near inlets and outlets. Continued caution is advised for people venturing out on the ice with recreational vehicles for fishing or travel. Remember, most of the ice is averaging about 1 foot in thickness. The snowmobile trails will need snow to improve conditions for travel. Most snow related activities are on hold pending fresh snowfall and colder temperatures. Call the area you plan on visiting to get updated snowmobile trail and ski conditions. Fishing success has improved but still varies across the area. Walleye activity is better toward evening hours and some fish were being caught in water depths of 15 feet or less. Perch have also provided some action for area anglers. Bluegill and crappie action is also fair to good. Bow season ended and all indicators point toward a successful deer season with a healthy population remaining. Fur registration is occurring in the area as trappers report fair success with bobcat otter and fisher. Beaver trappers have had difficult access to beaver ponds with heavy snow and slush to hamper their efforts. Many local winter events are planned check the dates of these events and try an evening ski outing or an ice fishing contest. Get out and enjoy the numerous winter activities.

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the mild weather of the past week, ice conditions have shown some deterioration on lakes and flowages across the Northwoods. The snow cover has been reduced to just a few inches on most waters - but there is still a good amount of slush and water on top of the ice. The milder temperatures and standing water has caused the upper portion of the ice cover to soften up a bit. Combined with the variable ice thickness that has been found on many lakes, any travel with motor vehicles is a dangerous proposition and extreme caution is urged. Walleye and panfish have been the main target for anglers in the past week and action could be termed fair. Walleye activity seemed to pick up a bit with the milder temperatures and a few anglers were reporting some decent catches. The best action has been near dark on the cloudy and milder days, with golden shiners fished near break lines in 6 to 12 feet of water. Most of the walleye have been in the 12 to 16-inch size but fish up to 24 inches have been reported. Northern pike action has also shown an increase as the reduced snow cover has increased light penetration and seems to bumped up feeding activity. Large golden shiners or sucker minnows fished near deeper weed beds or the deep break lines have produced some nice fish, with a few pike up to 34 inches being caught. Panfish anglers have seen some fair and steady action, with some nice crappie and perch being caught 1 to 3 feet off bottom in 15 to 25 feet of water.

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

The state forest trails have poor snow conditions making it difficult for skiing and snowmobiling but ideal for a nice winter hike. Area fishing guides and wardens report that walleye and perch action has been very slow. Bluegill and crappie action is picking up and these fish can be found in the deeper weed beds. Ice conditions vary so continue to pay attention and exercise caution before venturing out onto area lakes. Most lakes have slush conditions to deal with however the recent rain and warm temperatures have settled the snow making travel a bit easier. Warm temperatures continue, which makes ice development a slow process right now. Currently, vehicle ice travel is not recommended.

Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Very mild weather is settling out the snow and slush on area lakes, making travel much more bearable. Little to no slush has been observed and with colder weather coming this week, everything will firm up providing good mobility. Walleye fishing has been okay, but very inconsistent. Anglers report having good action one day, and very poor action for several days following. Most success is on tip-ups baited with medium golden shiners. Northern pike have been dependable, biting most all hours of the day near weedy bays or weed lines along drop offs. Again, tip-ups are the best bet with large golden shiners or suckers as bait. Panfish anglers also report "spotty" activity. Some bluegill and crappie were being caught in areas similar to that of northern pike with small jigs and wax worms. Those with patience and a bit of finesse have been doing well with plastics too. A few perch are being caught early and late in the day, mostly over deeper water on jigging spoons and jigging stick baits.

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – Cross-country ski trails were generally still in good condition as of Jan. 10. The McNaughton and Madeline trails were groomed and tracked Jan. 9 and were in good condition. The Raven trail was groomed last weekend.

Antigo DNR Service Center area

Council Grounds State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Jan. 3, but with the warm weather in the past week are in poor condition.

NORTHEAST REGION

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Oconto County - The majority of the fishing action has been at the Breakwater in Oconto with catches of yellow perch in the 8- to 10-inch size range were kept. Near limits were reported after 9 hours of effort.

Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Brown and Kewaunee counties - There was some fishing action at Red River County Park, Lipsky's and at Bayshore County Park where anglers were accessing the bay by walking down to the boat ramp. Anglers accessing Little Tail Point from Sunset Beach were catching 8- to 10-inch yellow perch but there were no limits reported.

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area

Door County - Fishing pressure has been heavy on Little Sturgeon Bay and light on Riley's Bay. Catches of yellow perch over 8 inches were small in number at both bays. Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club as well as Potawatomi State Park had angler activity for yellow perch. A few anglers were fishing for northern pike on Little Sturgeon Bay. And there were also anglers fishing for walleye accessing Green Bay at Elms Road.

Peninsula State Park – As of Jan. 7, mild weather and rain had melted much of the area's snow cover. Only patches of snow remain. Most sections of the Park's 16 mile cross-country ski trail system are not usable. Snowmobile trails remain closed. The sledding hill is closed. The Bay has extensive ice, but is not safe. Waterfowl sightings are abundant along the shore of Peninsula State Park.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Sheboygan County

Kohler-Andrae State Park - Rain and high temperatures have caused most of the ski trail to melt away. Nature and hiking trails may have snow covered or icy areas. The Towndsend’s solitaire has still been seen feeding near Sanderling Nature Center.

Waukesha County

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit – As of January 7, due to warm temps the last few days and rain, the trails were in very poor shape with grass and glare ice appearing in the open areas. The ski trail lights will not be lit until further notice. The Tuesday night ski lessons and the Wednesday night ski race are cancelled until further notice. In lieu of natural snow, crews will start making snow when cold weather returns.

Lake Michigan fisheries team report

Recent record high temperatures, strong winds, and locally heavy rainfall changed fishing conditions dramatically in Southeast Wisconsin. All area tributaries are high and muddy, and much of the ice has disappeared.

Ozaukee County - In Port Washington the power plant has not been discharging recently, and the water in the harbor is fairly turbid. Brown trout fishing has been relatively slow but should pick up as the water clears.

Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, the ice has broken up on the lagoon at Lakeshore State Park and in McKinley Marina, and it is not safe for foot travel. Prior to the storms, shore anglers in the inner harbor had been catching good numbers of browns on shiners and spoons. The rivers in Milwaukee are now muddy with floating debris, but conditions should improve over the next several days. Boats launching at Riverfront Ramp have been catching good numbers of browns in the harbor. The launch at Bender Park is also open, and good numbers of brown trout can be found near the Oak Creek Power Plant.

Racine County - In Racine water levels on the Root River are very high, and the river is unfishable. Ice in the harbor has broken up and is dangerous.

Kenosha County - In Kenosha shore anglers in the small boat harbor have been catching good numbers of browns on spawn fish under a bobber as well as casting spoons. Anglers fishing near the Holiday Inn have been catching both browns and rainbows on spawn. The Pike River is high and unfishable.

Inland fisheries team report

Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Panfish action has been good at times on Sheboygan Marsh and Big Cedar Lake. Bluegills had been providing the best action with crappies hitting after dark on Big Cedar. Ice conditions are highly variable this year and none of the local lakes are considered safe for vehicles at this point.

Waukesha County - Ice conditions are currently unsafe. Prior to Jan. 6-8 thaw, reports of nice bluegills being caught on Upper Nashotah. Big Muskego was producing fair numbers of 30-inch northern pike. Average size crappies were being caught on Okauchee and LaBelle using tip-ups with minnows. A few walleyes have been caught on Pewaukee, LaBelle and Pine. In order to repair the ice area lakes will need a few days of very cold weather. Until then it is recommended to stay off the ice.

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area

Grant County

Wyalusing State Park - The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 8.3 feet Jan. 10, down 0.1 from Wednesday. Local ice anglers report fishing as good with nice catches of crappies and bluegills. Cross-country ski trails are in poor condition due to the warm temperatures and rain the past few days. Additional snowfall is forecast for Thursday and Friday with accumulations expected to be less than 2 inches. The walkway to Point Lookout is clear of snow. Most hiking trails are snow and ice covered. Hikers can hike to Pictured Rock Cave from the parking lot for Sugar Maple Nature Trail, but the rest of that trail is not open. Hikers enjoy the frozen waterfall at Pictured Rock Cave. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is now open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout. Wisconsin Ridge Campground remains open. Showers, flush toilets, dumping station and fountains are shut down. A winterized faucet is located in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground next to the shower flush building. Pit toilets are located next to site 145. Park bird feeders are a flurry of activity. At times it seems like an airport with birds taking off and landing constantly. Sightings at or near the feeders include: red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, ring-necked pheasant rooster, gold finches, mourning doves, and crows. A number of squirrels and opossums make good use of the feed scattered beneath the feeders.

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Sauk County

Devil’s Lake State Park - Rain on Jan. 6-7 greatly affected conditions at the park. Cross-country ski trails are without snow in places and are closed. The sledding hill is not fully covered by snow, and the lake’s ice is covered by liquid water and slush. Trails are partly bare, rocky, muddy, with ice and snow in some places. The lake is now ice-covered, and some people have been fishing, though nearer the edges than usual, with no shelters or vehicles on the lake yet this season. The rain created much standing water and slush on the surface. The park does not monitor the conditions, measure the ice thickness, nor do we vouch for the safety of the lake ice.

Mirror Lake State Park - With recent warm temperatures cross-country ski trails are icy. There are no bare spots reported but overall conditions are poor.

Dane County

Lake Kegonsa State Park – Cross-country ski trails were still snow covered as of Jan. 8, but in poor condition. The Candlelight Ski scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 12 has been cancelled.

Governor Nelson State Park - All trails were closed on Jan. 5 until further notice. For most current trail conditions call the park office at (608) 831-3005. The phone greeting will inform callers of skiing conditions.

WEST CENTRAL REGION

Baldwin DNR Service Center area

St. Croix County

Willow River State Park - The cross-country ski trail base has frozen solid. As of Jan. 9, the trails had ruts in the skate lane and variable but iced classic track. Skiing now has promise to be an adventure in speed and questionable control, except for flat areas. New snow is predicted this week. Fishing action has slowed with reports of smaller panfish. Power augers are okay on the lake. Deer are still carrying antlers. Volunteers are needed for the park’s Candlelight Ski and Hike on Friday, Jan. 25. Set up will begin at 4 p.m. Call the park office for specifics (715) 386-5931. The Tuesday and Wednesday evening skiing sessions will continue when trails return to better conditions, or there may be some off trail skiing in flat areas. Call the park office to find out where the skiers will be. Generally, the plan is to ski classic Tuesdays and skate on Wednesdays. Meet at the Nature Center parking lot, 5:30 pm with your gear and a headlamp. Saturday, Jan. 19 will feature a cross-country skiing lesson in the morning and a full moon hike that evening. Sign up in advance for the skiing lesson and bring your own gear, classic or skate. Rental gear is available in Stillwater, MN. The lesson starts at the Nature Center at 9 a.m. and runs till noon. The bird presentation and full moon hike will be at the Nature Center beginning at 7 p.m. A park sticker is required on vehicles for both events. Ski students pay the instructor.

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

Recent precipitation has greatly diminished the snow cover in the La Crosse area and La Crosse County snowmobile trails were closed as of Jan. 10. Ice fishing action has been very spotty lately in the La Crosse area; however, anglers were catching some bluegills crappie and perch on Lake Onalaska. Great horned owls are calling vigorously. Owls are territorial, and one of the primary reasons that owls call is to verbally defend their territories from other owls of their own kind. Great horned owls will continue calling well into February. On still nights, listen for the deep WHOO, WHOO-WHOO, WHOO-WHOO, WHOO call of the male. Often the female mate will reply in a higher pitched WHOO, WHOO-WHOO-WHOO, WHOO-OO, WHOO-OO. The great horned owl is probably the most widely distributed breeding bird in North America, and it also occurs through Central America into South America. These owls rarely build their own nests. Instead they usually occupy nests formerly constructed by crows, Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, or squirrels. Egg laying typically takes place from late January through mid-February, and owlets are born about a month later. The recent warm spell should help wild turkeys and other ground feeding wildlife make it through the winter in better shape. Declining snow depths improve mobility and access to food. Ruffed grouse, however rely on deep, fluffy snow for secure night roosting.

Mississippi River - Some waterfowl will move north, from Illinois or southern Iowa, as result of more open water. Canada geese, mallards, goldeneyes and red-breasted mergansers are most likely to show up in our area.

Perrot State Park - The cross-country ski trails are in poor condition due to the warm temperatures and rain over the weekend. Ice fishing has been very slow.

Great River State Trail – The trail and all adjoining county trails are closed to snowmobiling due to the warm temperatures and rain. All snowmobile trails within the city limits of Onalaska are closed from 10:30 p.m. until 7 a.m.

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area

Black River State Forest - All snowmobile and ATV trails in Jackson County were closed as of Jan. 10. The cross-country ski trails in the forest are not officially closed, but they are in terrible condition. They still have snow, but not sure for how long, and if the trails keep some snow, they will be hard and dangerous if it gets below freezing again.

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

The area has had unseasonably warm weather for a couple of days. There is still a good base but ski conditions do vary.

Brunet Island State Park - The cross-country ski trails were groomed and in good condition as of Jan. 7. Recent warm weather has hardened the track and made it slick in some areas. There are a few spots in the flat stretches with a thin base. Panfish action has been very good on Perch Lake and in the north campground bays. Anglers were reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.

Red Cedar State Trail - Red Cedar Trail has not been groomed since the warm weather. It still has a good base but conditions are icy.

Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - Hoffman Hills was groomed Wednesday, Jan. 10, and the skating lanes are in real good condition overall. The striding tracks will probably not be reset until there is some additional snow to work with.

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Buckhorn State Park – Cross-country ski trails were still in fair condition as of Jan. 6. Warmer temperatures and rain was in the forecast. Hiking is not allowed on the groomed trails. Some roads are now closed to vehicles due to snow and the snowmobile trail. Ice fishing reports in the area have been great with people catching their limits of crappies and catching nice bluegills and walleyes.

Roche-A-Cri State Park - Parking is available in the winter parking lot on Czech Ave. The cross country ski trails were groomed and in fair condition as of Jan. 6, but warmer temperatures and rain was forecast. Hiking is not allowed on the groomed ski trails. Please hike off to the side of the groomed trail. The stairway is not maintained for winter use

VHS fish disease update for Jan. 10, 2008

Anglers have been contacting DNR fisheries staff asking about using dead fish as bait and acceptable methods for preserving dead fish for use as bait. The science on proper treatment methods to kill VHS in dead bait fish is still in its infancy, but recommendations and specific instructions (pdf) based on existing research are now available online. There is also a new fact sheet on using Dead Fish as Bait (pdf).

New rules to prevent the spread of VHS require that dead bait be preserved by a method that does not require refrigeration or freezing (see pdf linked above) unless the dead bait is going to be used on the same water it originated from or unless it's to be used in Lake Michigan or Green Bay or their connected waters up to the first barrier impassable to fish.