Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of October 30, 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Please check on the "Previous outdoor reports" link if it appears this is an outdated Outdoor Report.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 fall color, log onto the
Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report (exit DNR).

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

The first measurable snowfall of the year was reported in Wisconsin this week, with some areas of Iron and Vilas counties receiving as much as 2 inches of snow last Sunday. The snow was brought in by very strong, cold winds that brought down a lot of leaves across the state. Most of the state is now past peak fall colors, but some good colors are still being reported in the Department of Tourism Fall Color Report (exit DNR) throughout the state, including some northwest counties, some central counties and the southern tier of counties. Oaks and hickories now dominate the color in some areas with rusts and red and wetlands are now brilliant with the gold needles of tamarack trees, the only native conifers to lose their needles in the autumn.

The cool, windy and rainy weather kept fishing pressure down in the past week, but some diehard anglers continue to venture out. Musky have been the main target for most late-season anglers in the north, and action has been very good. There have also been a few walleye anglers out and they have been having fair success. The Menominee and Fox rivers were producing some walleye, as were many locations around Green Bay. Chinook continue to be caught on Lake Michigan tributaries, with anglers fishing spawn sacs or fly fishing.

DNR fisheries crews have finished the fall walleye year class assessment on Lake Winnebago. They shocked 30 miles of shoreline and reported that this year's hatch is now about 6 inches in length and is the largest hatch recorded in the last 20 years. And a reminder, that this Friday, Oct. 31 is the deadline to purchase a Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing license for the 2009 spearing season.

Whitetail deer movement has increased significantly in the last week, with rubs and ground scrapes common and buck entering the chasing phase of the rut.

The big winds that took down a lot of leaves over the past weekend have greatly improved conditions for grouse and woodcock hunters, and made it easier for bow hunters to see deer. Fall turkey hunters continue to report good success and plenty of birds to hunt. Coyotes are being heard in many areas calling in the evening.

The colder temperatures and high winds increased bird migration in the past week. Birders along the Great Lakes and the Upper Mississippi River wildlife refuge have reported increased concentrations of many duck species. Waterfowl surveys along the Upper Mississippi refuge found hundreds of thousands of canvasbacks, scaup, ring-necks and other waterfowl including tundra swans. Along Lake Michigan, a number of scoters have been seen among the migrant diving ducks. The common loon migration has begun and numbers are building on larger lakes and Lake Michigan. Raptors are moving through the state with peak numbers of red-tailed hawks and the first larger push of eagles and rough-legged hawks. Good numbers of eagles were being seen along the Mississippi and Kickapoo rivers. The first snowy owls have been reported in the region this past week. This winter may be an invasion year for northern owls as a number of boreal owls have already reported in the state.

Statewide Birding Report:

Colder temps and high winds have moved migration along in the past week. Birders along the Great Lakes and the Upper Mississippi River wildlife refuge have reported increased concentrations of many duck species. Waterfowl surveys along the Upper Mississippi refuge have reported hundreds of thousands of canvasbacks, scaup, ring-necks and other waterfowl including tundra swans. Birders along Lake Michigan report a number of scoters among the migrant diving ducks. Common loon migration has begun and numbers are building on larger lakes and Lake Michigan. Raptors are moving through the state with peak numbers of red-tailed hawks and the first larger push of both eagle species and rough-legged hawks. The first snowy owls have been reported in the region this past week. The winter may be an invasion year for northern owls as banders have already reported a number of boreal owls at banding stations. Northern Wisconsin birders are reporting good numbers of siskins, white-winged crossibills and purple finches this fall. This upcoming week should bring our first influx of redpolls and pine grosbeaks. Rare birds reported this week include golden eagles, black scoters and a Sabine's gull in Stoughton. As always, please report sightings to eBird (www.ebird.org/WI) to help better track migrant bird populations.

NORTHERN REGION

Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest - A Radio station was playing "Winter Wonderland" on Monday Oct. 27. Although Brule did not have any accumulation of snow, the snow coming down certainly looked like winter was on its way. On Wednesday, Oct 29, the overnight temperature of 20 degrees was cool enough to make a skim of ice on small ponds. Don't worry though, winter is not here yet...the extended weather forecast calls for milder conditions with high temperatures in the 50s and low temperatures in the 30s to 40s. Recent rain has brought the Bois Brule River back up to it's average flow of 143 cfs (cubic feet per second). Steelhead anglers were still busy fishing for the "big one" before season close on November 15. The Copper Range Campground has been full or nearly full on the last several weekends with the anglers. There has been plenty of space available at the Bois Brule Campground for those campers looking for a little more solitude. Both campgrounds are open year-round. The main loops will be plowed clear of snow, but the sites are not plowed out....therefore winter campers will have to have four-wheel drive vehicles or some good shovels to camp when the snow gets deep. Tamarack trees are still putting on a show with their golden needles. They are beginning to shed their needles though. These trees are sometimes mistaken for dead during the winter because the lack of needles and then cut down. Deer are seeking greens to eat now as killing frosts make the vegetation tastier to the deer.

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The cool, windy and rainy weather kept fishing pressure down in the past week, but a fair number of diehard anglers did venture out to try their luck. Musky have been the main target for most of these late-season anglers and action has been very good. Nearly all have been dragging suckers around and many anglers have been experiencing multiple fish trips. Most of the catches have been of musky in the 34- to 42-inch size, with a few reports of bigger fish being seen. This late-season angling is considered trophy time for musky and big-fish action should get better into November. There have also been a few walleye anglers out and they have been having fair success. Large fathead minnows fished on the break lines in 10 to 16 feet of water have produced a few limits of walleye in the 12 to 16 inch size. Some decent crappie catches have also been made, with the fish being found near the deeper areas of the lakes and suspended 2 to 5 feet off the bottom.

Woodruff DNR Service Center Area

A a truck hit a bridge support beneath an abandoned railroad bridge over Hwy. 51 south of Hazelhurst in Oneida County on Thursday, Oct. 30. The bridge and old rail line is know part of the Bearskin Recreational trail. There was enough damage to close the bridge from use until a determination can be made whether it is safe. A Department of Transportation engineer will be looking at the bridge and determine if the bridge needs to be closed until repairs are made. The bridge is used by pedestrians and bicycles in the non-snow months and snowmobilers.

NORTHEAST REGION

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Marinette County - Whitetail deer movement and increased seasonal activities such as rubs and ground scrapes are common. Leaf fall is almost complete except for oaks, which are still holding. With the cool temperatures and winds of the last week, fishing pressure has been light. Water temperatures at the landings have dropped into the mid 40s. The good news the fish are still biting and it is a beautiful time of the year to be outside. So dress warm and take advantage of the fishing opportunities available this time of the year. The Menominee River is starting to produce some walleye, fishing by the Hattie Street Bridge. Zip baits and stick baits fished in the current with a slow retrieve works well for walleye and browns. Some perch are being caught in the slip behind the Mystery Ship Landing using slip bobbers and minnows. Chinook were still being found behind the library in good numbers although the fish are getting black.

Oconto County - Cooler temperatures are settling in bringing diving ducks out onto the bay. Woodcock are leaving the area along with the closure of the season next Monday. Both Oconto Park II and the Oconto Breakwater landing were producing perch, with minnows and crappie rigs working well as were slip bobbers. This is a perfect opportunity for shore anglers to treat themselves to a perch dinner. Casting for browns from the breakwater in Oconto has yielded limited success but this should get better. Stiles Dam anglers were having success with crappies using small minnows and slip bobbers rigged for near neutral buoyancy.

Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Brown County - On the Fox River of Green Bay, boat anglers have been successfully targeting walleye. Trolling crank baits and jigging have been the two methods working best. Musky were also being caught in the river, but the bite is slow. Success with these two species by shore anglers has been rare. In University Bay at the mouth of the Fox River, the musky bite is fair and inconsistent. Strong winds and rough water have been deterring many anglers from going out. Trolling and casting have both shown some success on musky. River temperature is in the lower 50s and bay temperature is in the upper 40s. Yellow perch were biting well near Bayshore. Search and find is the most successful method, and those with patience and willing to put in the time to move around will usually find good results. The perch seem to be targeting minnows best.

Manitowoc County - In Manitowoc anglers had a fair week of fishing with most of the fishing activity concentrated around the marina and the north pier stub. Most anglers were casting spinners and spoons or using a spawn sac. Anglers were landing a mix of chinook salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout although fishing was on the slow side. A few boat anglers were fishing inside the harbor and landed a few nice rainbow trout. One lucky angler who braved poor weather conditions on Lake Michigan landed a 7-pound brown trout while trolling in 35 feet of water. On the Manitowoc River, anglers had success landing chinook salmon at Mill Road (Hwy R), and at Manitou Park. On the Branch River, anglers had some success fishing lower river segments with spawn sacs or fly fishing. In Two Rivers anglers had a slow week of fishing with only a few successful trips. A couple boat anglers who went out on Lake Michigan and trolled in between 140 and 170 feet of water were able to land a chinook salmon and a rainbow trout. On the East and West Twin Rivers anglers had a fair week of fishing. Most anglers were using spawn sacs, but fly fishers were also able to land a few chinook salmon.

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area

Door County - The weather remained a real mixed bag this week. Like last week some days were cloudy, rainy and cool, wile others were warm and sunny. Like the weather, the fishing this week was pretty much a repeat of last week. There were still good numbers of chinook salmon swimming in the Sturgeon Bay Lake Michigan Ship Canal as well as in all of the harbors. Smallmouth bass action seems to be improving a little, the deeper waters off of the points, as well as deeper off shore structure in 20 to 35 feet of water, were producing increasingly better numbers of smallmouth. Tube jigs and live bait seem to be the baits of choice. For shore anglers, the Stone Quarry County Park was the place for smallmouth. Anglers fishing early mornings and late evenings were picking up a few walleyes under the low light conditions. The best bet for walleyes remains the areas around Sherwood Point, Henderson Point, Dunlop Reef and the flats, along with the shoreline areas off or Potawatomi and Peninsula State Parks, along with the waters around Washington Island. The walleye bite was also decent near Henderson’s and Larson’s Reef. Crank baits, crawler harnesses and stick baits remained the best bets for walleyes. . Anglers trolling the weed edges along the channel between the bridges in Sturgeon Bay were taking a few northern pike in 12 to 18 feet of water. For a chance at some bigger pike try trolling in 23 to 30 feet of water in the area around Washington Island. Near Chaudoir’s dock, the yellow perch bite was very good. There were a number of large perch being caught in this area. In the Little Sturgeon Bay/Sawyer Harbor area, perch were biting. Many anglers were finding perch in 10 feet of water. However, some anglers fishing for walleye were catching perch in deep water near Henderson’sNorthern and musky are still biting but slowly. Drifting and casting has been the method of choice.

Peninsula State Park - Fall colors in northern Door County are past their peak, but many trees are retaining their gorgeous colors! Only the Tennison Bay campground remains open. Water systems will be shut down November 2, or earlier, depending on the arrival of cold temperatures. All trails are open and in very good condition, though somewhat dry and leaf covered. This is a great time to view migrating waterfowl along the western shore of the park (Green Bay). There are no limits to what you could see! Peninsula's will again hold its annual black powder deer hunt November 22-30. About three-quarters of the park is open to hunting, and most back roads will be closed to vehicles. Non-hunters may still gain access to the lighthouse, Eagle Tower, sections of the Sunset Bike trail and may drive though the park. All mountain bike trails will be closed to biking at this time. Peninsula State Park golf course closes at the end of October.

Wautoma DNR Service Center area

Deer have started moving in the mornings and evenings. Most likely because of both the cooler temps and bucks are just starting their chasing phase. Leaves are coming off trees making hunting grouse and woodcock easier as well. Summer birds are going or gone, winter birds such as Juncos and Snow Buntings are beginning to show up. Get in the spirit of the season by celebrating the 30th Annual Harvest Dinner sponsored by Hancock-Coloma American Legion Auxiliary Unit #343 will be held on Nov. 1. Chicken with all the trimmings will be served, 5-7 p.m. at the Hancock community center.

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area

Fish crews have just finished the fall walleye year class assessment on Lake Winnebago. The crew shocked 30 miles of shoreline and reported that this year's hatch is now about 6 inches in length and is the largest hatch recorded in the last 20 years. The gizzard shad hatch appears to be down, which could affect this year's sturgeon harvest. During years with a good shad hatch sturgeon are actively feeding especially on the south shore of Winnebago. With fewer shad, the sturgeon will be more spread out and harder for spearers to locate. The deadline to purchase a Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing license is Oct. 31. Crappie fishing is excellent on the Wolf River near New London and Shiocton. Anglers were having success using minnows and pinky jigs. Wildlife staff worked on bog removal this week at Rush Lake. With higher water levels the roots of emergent vegetation sometimes weaken and cause mats to break off. They may then float downstream and create an obstruction where water will back up and possibly flood that area. Drawing down the water in the spring allows these plants to sink down and re-root. Based on a Public Service Commission order the water level of Rush Lake should be maintained at 1.4' on gauge MAX from Aug. 15 to March 15, and .7' on gauge MAX, March 15 through July 15. With the rut just around the corner, please remember to drive carefully all times of day and night.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Lake Michigan fisheries team report

Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan anglers fishing off the piers have been catching a few browns and steelhead on spawn and spoons. In the Sheboygan River some coho, chinooks, and browns have been caught on flies near the Kohler dam and in Esslingen Park.

Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers have been catching a mix of browns, coho, and chinooks on spawn near the power plant. Water levels on Sauk Creek are relatively low, but anglers have been catching a few rainbows, coho, and chinooks on both flies and spawn.

Milwaukee County - Shore anglers in Milwaukee have been catching a few browns and chinooks on spawn and spoons near the base of McKinley pier and near the Milwaukee Yacht Club. Anglers on the Milwaukee River have reported a few salmon below the falls in Estabrook and Kletzsch Parks. Fishing on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek has been slow. Brown trout have been seen near the Bender Park ramp, but effort there has been minimal.

Racine County - In Racine water levels on the Root River remain relatively low, but coho, chinooks, browns, and steelhead can be found throughout the river. Fishing has been slow overall, but small natural flies have taken some fish in faster current, and drifted spawn has caught fish in the deeper holes. The Root River Steelhead Facility is running, and fish were processed on Monday, Oct. 27. So far this season, 1,238 chinooks, 377 coho, 133 browns, and 9 rainbows have been passed upstream of the facility. The next processing day will be Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Kenosha County - For shore anglers in Kenosha, a few browns have been caught in the harbor and off the piers on spawn and tube jigs. Fishing on the Pike River has been relatively slow, and water levels are low.

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Sauk County

Devil’s Lake State Park - Autumn foliage is past peak color and leaves are about 60 percent fallen. Hiking is ideal: cool and breezy with scrunching leaves underfoot, and open vistas that one doesn’t see in the summertime. November and December are the most hushed and serene months at. Visitors are likely to see few people, though Wisconsin’s most popular state park is never abandoned by all visitors. The fall colors are well past peak, the cross-country ski trails are barren of snow, and the ice anglers are just beginning to look forward to their time atop the lake. Northern Lights and Ice Age campgrounds are now closed for the season. Quartzite Campground remains open until snow plowing is required. From then on, 14 campsites are kept open throughout the winter. The Aldo Leopold Half-Marathon and 5K Run was held on Oct. 25, with 300 runners competing in the 13-mile half marathon, 68 runners in the 5k race, and 11 in the 2k children’s run. Runners from age 4 to 72 experienced the broad vistas and spectacular trails of Devil’s Lake State Park.

WEST CENTRAL REGION

Baldwin DNR Service Center area

St. Croix County

Willow River State Park - Big wind took down a lot of leaves over the past weekend. With leaves down, it is easier to see more of what’s out there. The white-tailed bucks are beginning to show themselves a bit. Two were observed near the road Tuesday evening before ski training and others were seen while the trainers were on the trail. Ski training continues Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Bring your headlamp, ski poles, good trail shoes, and hydration. Meet at the Purple trail head lot at 5:30pm. The session is generally done by 7 p.m. The Orange/Knapweed Trail re-routing has started on the south side of the road. There’s still some work to do in there yet. Sunday, Nov. 2, a work crew of climbers will be re-routing around the area for the new campground north of the road. The climbers will be doing some clean up work in the Willow Falls area also. There’s still other trail work to be done. To volunteer, call (715) 386-5931. All campsites are first come Oct. 31 until May 2009.

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

Bald eagle sightings have been increasing steadily during the past several weeks as the fall bird migration progresses. Good numbers of eagles can be seen along the Mississippi River and Kickapoo River. Eagles, however, are not confined to traveling exclusively along river corridors, so keep a sharp lookout wherever you go. For example, bald eagles have recently been seen flying over Viroqua in central Vernon counties, 20 miles from the Mississippi River and 15 miles from the Kickapoo River. Fall turkey hunters have been reporting good success and plenty of birds to hunt. Turkey hunters should be aware that the acorn crop is smaller than that of the past several years. Therefore, wild turkeys may be spending less time feeding in the woods and more time in harvested grain fields.

Perrot State Park - All trails are in fairly good condition. The water is turned off in the campground. Shower and flush toilet buildings are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available in the campground and drinking water is available at the Park maintenance shop. The dump station will remain open for dumping through Nov. 2, but there is no water at that location. Fishing is fast or slow depending on the day and your perspective; the water level is low. Birds continue to migrate through although bird activity is spotty and weather dependent. Some trees are hanging onto their leaves so there are still some colors to see: oaks, aspens, and hickories are bringing yellows, rusts, and reds to the area. The first of the Tundra Swans have been seen in Trempealeau Bay and adjacent at the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge. Duck season remains open and occasional gunshots may be heard near areas of open water. Canoe and kayak rentals continue to be popular ways of appreciating the fall weather and colors and the water in Trempealeau Bay is perfect for a lazy paddle. Rentals are available until weather conditions turn too cold.

Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. The remnant prairie character of the old railway beds is dominant on the landscape right now with the prairie grasses stunning to behold. Birds have been migrating through the area. Tundra Swans have been seen in the area and can often be viewed on Lake Onalaska. The toilet buildings at Trempealeau and Lytle's Landing are still open. The water fountain at Trempealeau has been closed for the season. Hunting is allowed along the Great River Trail and occasional gunshots may be heard.

Buffalo River State Trail - ATVs are allowed year round on the Buffalo River Trail. The trail has been graded and is in good condition. All hunting seasons apply along this trail. Adjoining county trail systems may be closed to ATV's for the year. Check with local counties for specific information.

Wildcat Mountain State Park - The oaks are still hanging onto their leaves so there is still some color. For the hiker and horse back rider there still is a lot to see. Coyotes can be heard in the evening. For the birder our mature timber has a good population of pileated woodpeckers. Deer are moving more because of the rut be careful driving at night.

400 State Trail - Bridges on the 400 State Trail damaged during the June 2008 flood have been replaced ahead of schedule. The trail is now open and in good condition for its entire length from Reedsburg to Elroy. This is good news for bikers, hikers and horse back riders who still have some nice weather left to get out and enjoy it. Snowmobilers will be able to use the trail as usual during the winter months. The new bridges have been widened to accommodate snowmobile trail groomers.

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

Brunet Island State Park - Fall colors are rapidly fading in the area with only the oaks providing color. There has been some musky action on Cornell flowage. Panfish action has been increasing in the bays as the water temperatures drop. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, phoebes, nuthatches, piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, and bald eagles. Park trails are in good condition. Brunet Island State Park north campground is open with pit toilets and hand water pump. The south campground is open with electric sites, pit toilet, and hand water pump. The park dump station is now closed.

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Buckhorn State Park - The park is open for early and late season for bow hunting (no special hunting permit is required). New hunting maps are available for the park and wildlife areas. Small game, waterfowl and trapping are allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and in Buckhorn Wildlife Area only, not in the park. Deer can be registered at the park office when it is staffed. A few nice sized bucks were seen in the park this weekend and a 7pt buck was registered Sunday. All other hunting is allowed in Yellow River Wildlife Area. Visitors have been enjoying the fall weather hiking, fishing, camping and checking out sites for future visits. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees.

Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is now closed. Parking is allowed in the Czech Ave/Prairie lot and vehicle stickers are required there. Visitors have been hiking and enjoying the fall weather. Camping is now closed for the season. Hunting is not allowed in the park. There is a hunter parking lot on Cypress Ave for the Roche-A-Cri natural area east of Hhighway 13.