Friday, March 28, 2014

New fishing regulations for 2014-2015 season take effect April 1

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources annually adjusts fishing regulations to ensure that the state’s fisheries' resources are managed properly and to provide the best benefits to anglers and the public.
For the coming 2014-2015 angling year, which starts Tuesday, April 1, the DNR would like anglers to be aware of the following new fishing regulations:

  • Crayfish Possession and Use – Non-native crayfish species, including but not limited to red swamp crayfish and rusty crayfish, may not be possessed or used for bait, whether dead or alive, on any public or private waters of Michigan.
  • Muskellunge Size Limits – Larger size limits for muskellunge are now in effect for Gun Lake in Barry County (46 inches) and Big Bear Lake in Otsego County (50 inches).
  • Hook-and-Line Restrictions – It is now unlawful to fish with artificial bait or minnows in the Clinton River cut-off channel in Macomb County from the spillway weir to the Harper Road Bridge from March 16 until the Friday before the last Saturday in April.
  • Walleye Size Limits – A minimum size limit of 15 inches for walleye is now in effect for Craig Lake State Park waters in Baraga County.
  • Special Regulations Removed – The special regulations and permit requirement to fish at Jewett Lake in Ogemaw County have been removed. General statewide regulations now apply.

In addition, anglers are reminded that the Betsie River spawning closure is still in effect. The lower portion of the Betsie River from the Betsie Valley Trail Bridge west to a line in Betsie Bay between the westernmost dock of the Northstar Marina and the westernmost dock of the Eastshore Marina remains closed to fishing until further notice.
Detailed information on these regulation changes and more can be found in the 2014 Michigan Fishing Guide, now available at all major retailers and on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/fishing.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for March 27, 2014

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

While winter is continuing in the north, the snowmobile season is coming to an end after this weekend. Many snowmobile trails are located on private lands with easements that allow them to be used through March 31. As a result, most counties officially close trails at the end of this month. Using the trails after they officially close is trespass and could result in the loss of easements in the future.

And while cross-country skiing can still be done on trails in the north that have snow, most parks and forests are reporting that grooming is now done for the season.

Snow continues to blanket about the northern half of the state, but spring like weather this week will melt a lot of that snow. In the north, people should be very alert to deer using roadways as the number of car-killed deer has spiked in the past couple of weeks. Due to the deep snow, deer are using roads as a main travel way and are looking for food along road edges. Drivers should slow down and let the deer move off the road onto a game or snowmobile trail instead of exciting them and making them jump into the deep ditches where they can become stuck, causing stress and making them burn energy.

Up to 30 inches of ice continues to be reported on northern lakes with very few ice anglers out. Most are waiting for the melt to trigger panfish activity. As of this week, the ice road was still being used to access Madeline Island on Lake Superior, and ice anglers have been venturing out to the islands in search of lake trout and whitefish. Anglers were still reporting thick ice on Green Bay, but getting out onto the ice is becoming tricky on the west shore with access points breaking up. The east shore has better access but with any sustained warm temperatures that will change quickly. Anglers continue to report success with whitefish and also with some perch.

The ice on the Fox River is breaking up and some small boats have been hitting the water in search for the walleyes. Southeastern Lake Michigan tributaries are opening up and anglers have begun catching steelhead and brown trout on the Sheboygan, Milwaukee and Root rivers.

Turkeys are still grouped up in winter flocks, but there were more reports this week of toms displaying and gobbling so the groups will soon disperse. Learn to hunt turkey events will be held all across the state over the next couple of weeks. To find an event, search the DNR website for "LTH."

Bears are emerging from hibernation and there was a report of a bear walking over the ice from Madeline Island and taking up a temporary residence in a shed by the Onion River.

Turkey vultures returned to the bluffs of Wyalusing State Park this week. With ice slowly retreating from the Mississippi River, waterfowl are rapidly moving in, with diving ducks such as canvasbacks, scaup, bluebills, common goldeneyes, buffleheads and mergansers most prevalent, along with puddle ducks, such as mallards, shovelers, teal and wood ducks, and tundra swans and white pelicans.

The maple syrup season appears to be starting late with only limited sap runs in the south and little to report in runs from central or northern parts of Wisconsin. That could change with this week's warm-up.

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Northern Region

Ashland DNR Service Center area

Bayfield County - The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore ice caves season has come to a close due to warm weather and unpredictable ice. Many people traveled to Bayfield County to see this phenomenon and locals have witnessed the economic boost from all the new visitors. Lake Superior ice conditions near the Bayfield area has held up with recent cold weather with the ice road to Madeline Island still in operation. Ice anglers have been venturing out to Madeline Island, Stockton Island and Basswood in search of lake trout and whitefish. Some ice anglers have been moving into the river mouths off of the Onion, Pike and Sioux river systems catching mostly Menominee and splake using jigs and wax worms. Recent snowfall has left northern Bayfield County snowmobile trails in great condition with base amounts of over a foot. Snow amounts off-trail are still close to 30 inches. Even though spring seems to be out of sight in northern Wisconsin, raccoons and bears have been sighted by locals. One bear had walked from Madeline Island and took up a temporary new residence in the shed of a cabin located by the Onion River. - Lynna Gurnoe, conservation warden, Bayfield

Hayward DNR Service Center area

Sawyer County - For the wild turkeys that have managed to survive the harsh winter this year, the males are starting to strut around females and gobbling is become more frequent, especially in the morning and evening. Due to the deep snow deer are using roads as a main travel way. Drivers should slow down and let the deer jump off the road on a game trail instead of exciting them and making them jump into the deep plowed ditch lines where they can become stuck. Only a few individuals continue to ice fish. Slightly warmer days with cold nights are making the travel better, putting a crust on the surface. Travel should still be done with caution as even though the weather is staying cold, springs, creeks and areas around rock piles and points still will open due to the longer days and the strength of sun. Those fishing are catching panfish, but still no heavy action as is typical in spring when the thaw begins. Maybe once a thaw starts, the fish will become aggressive. - Thomas Heisler Jr., conservation warden, Winter

Spooner DNR Service Center area

Burnett County - The Grantsburg area snowpack is slowly melting away. With future forecasted temperatures reaching the upper 40s by the end of the week, it won't be long now. Wildlife viewing will be improving when the snow pack recedes. Ice conditions and slush vary across the county with 30 plus inches on most lakes. Use caution when traveling on any frozen lakes, ice conditions can change rapidly this time of year. - Christopher Spaight conservation warden, Grantsburg

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the long, cold and snowy winter continuing its icy grip, conditions pretty much remain unchanged on lakes across the Northwoods. Ice thickness continues to be in the 22 to 30 inch range on the lakes, with the upper third of that being packed snow and frozen slush. Access continues to be very difficult and there have been very few anglers even attempting to get out onto the lakes, especially given the cold and windy conditions of the past week. With virtually no ice fishing pressure, reports of any success have been scant and most anglers are waiting for a break in the weather before even giving the late-ice panfish bite a try. - Skip Sommerfeldt, senior fisheries biologist, Park Falls

Price County - Motorists and snowmobilers should be especially careful for deer on or crossing roads and trails at this time. The number of observed car killed deer has spiked in the past couple of weeks. Many deer are looking for food along road edges where the sun has melted the snow down to the ground on south facing slopes. Packed snowmobile trails are also being heavily used by deer due to the deep snow conditions in the woods. If snowmobilers encounter deer on the trail they should continue as slow as possible not to chase the deer and make them run, which expends large amounts of energy. The deer will usually run down the trail until they find a packed trail where they can get into the woods. If the deer happen to jump into deep snow and appear to be stuck or distressed, the best thing to do is leave them be and continue on your way. You may feel like trying to help the deer out of the deep snow but you are likely causing much more stress on the animals by trying to help them. - Dan Michels, conservation warden, Park Falls

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Northeast Region

Northern Lake Michigan fisheries team report - Compiled by David Boyarski, fisheries supervisor, Sturgeon Bay

Marinette County - Some northern pike were caught south of the Peshtigo Harbor on large shiner minnows and dead smelt. Anglers on the fishermen's walkway at Hattie Street on the Menominee River caught some walleye and trout using spawn, fly's and yarn, twister tails and stick baits. - Kevin King, fisheries technician, Peshtigo

Oconto County - Geano Beach anglers had success catching whitefish and walleye on the reef south of the landing. Swedish pimples tipped with minnow heads or wax worms and clown and fire tiger colored #3 jigging stick baits worked well. Northern pike fishing from the Oconto Breakwater Park to Oconto Park II produced some fish and whitefish were caught near Young's reef using Swedish pimples and jigging stick baits. - Kevin King, fisheries technician, Peshtigo

Door County - Despite temperatures into the 30 to 40 degree range good ice fishing conditions still remained but the number of anglers was low at Dykesville, Red River, Volk's Landing, and Bayshore Park. At Lime Kiln, little to no action was seen while at Big Rock Place and Sand Bay resort there were some 16 to 22 inch whitefish were caught. Most fish are being caught in 30 feet or deeper water using wax worms on small jigs, Stick baits, or spoons. - Adrian Meseberg, fisheries technician, Green Bay

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Marinette County - More signs of spring have appeared this week. The snow is slow to recede, but small stretches of some rivers have opened up, giving early arriving geese and ducks a place to rest. Sandhill cranes and red-winged blackbirds have begun to appear in extreme southern Marinette County. Turkeys are still grouped up in large winter flocks, but gobbling has begun and soon the groups will disperse and birds will be seen in many more places. Conservation organizations across the state are gearing up to host Learn-To-Hunt turkey events for first time hunters. Most of the LTH events will be held during the first weekend in April. The ice on area lakes remains thick but soon fields will be open and wetlands will be filled with water and singing frogs! - Aaron McCullough, wildlife technician, Wausaukee

Snowmobile trails are open in northern Marinette County. Trails in the south are closed. - Dave Oginski, conservation warden, Wausaukee

Peshtigo River State Forest -

Shawano County - The sandhill cranes showed up this past weekend. It's unknown what they were thinking with single digit temperatures overnight and most of the fields still snow covered and frozen. There have been some robins too. Hopefully they know something we don't, like spring is just around the corner. Fishing has been pretty good with ice conditions making it easy to travel around the lakes with most snow cover melting but with plenty of ice. Take caution around pressure cracks and the landings especially on the north side of lakes. Panfish have been biting. Some turkeys have been seen in display, but most are still really grouped up. - Jim Horne, conservation warden, Shawano

Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Brown County - The ice fishing continues well into March on southern Green Bay but it is not without some problems. The west shore access points are breaking up so getting out onto the ice is becoming tricky. The east shore has better access at this point but with any sustained warm temperatures will change quickly. Remember that no ice shacks can be left on the ice unattended. The ice on the Fox River is breaking up daily and some small boats have been hitting the water in search for the trophy walleyes. Please check your boats over before venturing out onto the water. Make sure all of your safety equipment is present and serviceable. Double check your registration in that boat registrations expire on March 31 and might need to be renewed. The walleye bite isn't as good as it would be in most springs but we certainly are not experiencing a typical spring. Some walleyes were being caught but they're were not jumping onto the hooks. If shore fishing is your game then please respect the landowners along the Fox River. - Darren Kuhn, marine unit conservation warden, Green Bay

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area

Peninsula State Park - Snow depth varies up to 16 inches. Spring conditions exist throughout the park, watch for icy/slippery areas. Ski trails are in fair to poor condition. Grooming trails has come to an end. Snowshoe and hiking trails are open. Sledding Hill is closed. Snowmobile trails are open and in fair condition. For more information check Door County Parks http://map.co.door.wi.us/parks/snowmobile.htm (exit DNR) - Jane Barnowsky, visitor services associate

Potawatomi State Park - The snowmobile trails are closed. Ski trails have not been groomed since the first week in March, but some people are still skiing. Ice fishermen report some catches of perch. Many people report seeing and hearing pileated woodpeckers in the park. - Lois M. Hanson, visitor services associate

Wautoma DNR Service Center area

Waupaca County - Spring is slowly creeping into central Wisconsin. Maple sap is flowing, and many people are tapping trees locally to cook for syrup. Snow conditions are highly variable. There is little snow left in open areas from Waupaca southward. North of Waupaca has near 100 percent snow cover that is hip deep in protected places. Trout streams are open south of Waupaca, but there have been few anglers noticed. Trout streams in northern Waupaca County are still iced up enough to walk on. Currently 20 to 30 inches of ice remain on area lakes. Wolf River near Fremont has some open pockets, but is still probably a full two weeks away from being fishable, that is if it warms up. Turkeys have been gobbling for about a week now. A lot of geese and cranes arrived back last week. Even the critters want it to be spring! - Karl Kramer, wildlife technician, Wautoma

Waushara County - Waushara County snowmobile trails have officially closed for the year. It was a long, cold, but safe season here in the county and we hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy a ride or two. Snow and rain make it a confusing forecast, but there may be an end in sight. Turkeys have been seen strutting and folks have heard some gobbles throughout the county. That is a sure sign of spring! Other folks have seen birds returning from the south to their nesting and summer territories. Ice is starting to recede on some small ponds and is starting to become questionable on a number of the lakes. Take even extra precautions if you decide to venture out on the ice. Long sunny days, even when cold, are causing the ice to deteriorate slowly so keep in mind that what may have been safe in the morning may no longer be safe in the afternoon. - Ben Mott, conservation warden, Wautoma

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area

Fond du Lac County - Spring is slowly making progress as area streams open up but the ice continues on the lakes. Fishermen are still driving trucks on area lakes. Please use extreme caution as spring ice may be thick but doesn't have the strength anymore. Ducks and geese are migrating back into the area. Also a reminder that there are many seasonal fish refuges that are in effect in the spring time. There are three in Dodge County that are in effect from March 1 until the general fishing season opens the first Saturday in May each year to protect spawning fish. The Rock River below the Hustisford dam, Beaver Creek (off CTH FW on the northwest end of Beaver Dam Lake) and Mill Creek (from the Fox Lake Dam to Beaver Dam Lake) are posted with many signs to remind people of this. It is illegal to do any kind of fishing in a fish refuge. - Ben Nadolski, conservation warden, Waupun

Winnebago County - Spring time is technically here although most people would not believe it judging by the weather. Spring time can bring snow, rain, warm-sunny weather but it is certain to bring a busy time for outdoor users and enthusiasts. With plenty of ice still on Lake Winnebago many anglers have been catching white bass, perch and crappie not even thinking about putting away their portable shanty and jig rod. Some have begun preparing for the spring walleye run and others are preparing for their upcoming turkey hunt. There is plenty to do besides putting away your snow blower for the summer. As outdoor users we cannot forget about the Spring Conservation Congress Hearings on April 14. It is an opportunity for outdoor users to vote and express their opinion on a variety of outdoor activities. Wisconsin is a unique state that offers the ability for sportsmen and women and other outdoor users to guide and steer or natural resource use in this state. From fishing, hunting to state parks there is plenty to draw your interest. If you are planning on attending and participating you can find the location by calling or viewing Conservation Congress locations by county on the DNR website. - Jason Higgins, conservation warden, Oshkosh

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Southeast Region

Milwaukee DNR Service Center area

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak Unit - The cross-country ski trail with man-made snow was groomed for the final time March 23 and was in good condition then. A new track was set but it was shallow, icy and did not set up well, therefore it's in poor condition. All other trails are closed to skiing due to extremely icy conditions. Hope everyone had a great ski season! - Brett Johanen, ranger

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Pike Lake Unit - Warm temperatures and rain have reduced the snow depth, and created some icy and wet trail conditions. Cross-country ski trail grooming has stopped for the season. There will be a "Back to Life Hike," a historical hike with the naturalist on Saturday March 22 starting near the North Shelter at the Beach Parking Lot at 1 p.m.. No dogs are allowed on this trail. The trail itself is about 1.97 miles and in a challenging terrain. - Andrew Krueger, ranger

Glacial Drumlin State Trail - There is ongoing road work near the trail in Dousman and Wales. Please be cautious around construction equipment and prepared to walk your bike over a few sections of gravel on the trail. There will be an upcoming closure on the trail in Wales at the Hwy 83 crossing. Expected closure should last from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on one of the following days: April, 7,8 or 9. - Amanda Prange, visitor services associate

Southern Lake Michigan fisheries team report - Compiled from creel clerks by Cheryl Masterson and Jeffrey Zinuticz, fisheries technicians, Milwaukee

Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, the base of the Sheboygan River at the south pier has opened up. The river upstream still has spots of solid ice, but it is starting to break up near the Kohler Dam. There have been anglers fishing below the Kohler Dam, and they have been catching steelhead and brown trout. Spawn sacs and flies have been effective on both fly rods and spinning rods. Near the Harbor Centre Marina and the Deland boat launch, anglers have been fishing through the ice with tip-ups. Both browns and steelhead have been caught on minnows. The Pigeon River is still frozen in numerous places, but does show signs of the ice breaking up. There has been no sign of fishing pressure there yet. Weedens Creek is open, but no anglers have been seen.

Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, public access to the north pier is not allowed at this time. The breakwall is in need of major repairs and is currently unsafe for walking. The Army Corps of Engineers will be working on it this summer, currently scheduled to begin in July. Anglers fishing near the power plant discharge on the north and south sides of the mouth of Sauk Creek have had some success using spawn sacs fished on the bottom, and some have been using minnows in the same manor. There has been a number of brown trout caught and a couple of steelhead as well. Anglers fishing in the Rotary Park area have been catching a few browns on slip bobber rigs or stick baits. There are some areas of Sauk Creek that have ice along the edges, but the creek is mostly open up to Pierre Lane. Anglers have been fishing without success. There were a few boats in the Port Washington harbor over the weekend. They were trolling with planer boards as well as casting spoons. One had success with a husky jerk bait and caught a nice brown trout.

Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, west winds have moved out the ice that was in front of the Riverfront boat launch, making it possible to launch a boat as of Sunday. A few boats reported catching some browns either jigging or trolling off of Jones Island inside the breakwall. McKinley harbor is still completely frozen with up to 30 inches of ice reported. There have been people ice fishing in McKinley, and a few browns and steelhead were picked up using tip downs with spawn sacs or small shiners. A group of anglers were seen ice fishing the Summerfest lagoon, but there were no reports of fish caught there. Browns have been caught on the lake side behind Summerfest. Medium spoons have provided the best action, but medium shiners have also worked at times. The area under the Hoan Bridge at Jones Island has been closed to public access due to the construction on the bridge. The area has been fenced off, and it appears as though it won't open until the construction of the bridge is complete. The boat launch at South Shore is usable; however there are still some ice floes in the area so caution is advised. Fishing pressure in Oak Creek has increased, but fishing remains slow. The Oak Creek power plant fishing pier is closed until April 1 this season, unlike in past years where it was open March 15. The Bender Park boat ramp is open, and it has been used by boats headed to the power plant. The Milwaukee River has opened up in many areas in the past week. Areas with ice still limiting access include below the North Avenue dam, above the North Avenue Bridge, and some areas downstream of the Kletzsch Park falls. The overall water clarity is relatively dirty, and the water level appears to be holding steady. Menomonee River anglers have been fishing at the MMSD offices for brown trout, and a few have been taken.

Racine County - In Racine, ice cover on the Root River is diminishing through Washington Park, however there is still some areas with ice along the shore. Flows were high last week, but are dropping now. Fishing pressure at the Horlick Dam was steady over the weekend. Some steelhead were taken on spawn fished under a slip bobber or on yarn flies in green and orange. The Root River Steelhead Facility is scheduled to start running for the season on Thursday, March 27. Farther downriver, fishing has been slow. The river was still covered in ice from the Marquette Street bridge downstream to ReefPoint Marina on Sunday, but the ice cover is soft, melting, and looks dangerous to walk on. At the Racine lakefront the Pershing Park boat launch area was mostly ice free except for a pack of small ice flows drifting around the harbor. A few anglers have been landing some nice size browns and steelhead in the boat harbor recently. White tube jigs, spawn sacks and shiners have been working well. The north pier remains covered in a significant layer of ice, making fishing access dangerous. The south pier, however, is accessible, and a couple of browns have been caught on shiners under a slip bobber. Most fishing pressure at the Racine lakefront has been concentrated in ReefPoint Marina with anglers fishing through the ice. Steelhead, browns, and occasional northern pike have been caught on a variety of baits fished under tip ups, including spawn sacs, white Gulp, and shiners. Anglers have reported that the ice in ReefPoint Marina ranges from 14-20 inches thick.

Kenosha County - In Kenosha, the Pike River is open, but fishing pressure has been light. The mouth of the river was open as of Sunday, but 3 to 4 foot waves were pushing sand and gravel into the mouth. At the lakefront, most of the ice cover in the Simmons Island boat harbor has broken up, but there are still some large ice floes in the area. Kayakers trolled the harbor with crank baits over the weekend and reported catching good numbers of browns. Anglers off the north pier as well as those between the 50th Street Bridge and the Navy Memorial have been catching a few browns. Fatheads, blue and silver spoons, and white tube jigs tipped with wax worms have all taken fish.

Plymouth DNR Service Center area

Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area - Spring wildlife activity is finally starting to pick up. Critters more visible on the landscape include deer, turkeys, sandhill cranes, mourning doves, thousands of Canada geese (both the locally nesting and migrant subspecies), mallards and other dabbling and diving duck species using seasonally flooded wetland areas. Turkey vultures, robins and other migrating birds are also being seen. Raccoons, skunks, and small mammals are becoming more active. The ice is starting to melt or honeycomb but is still thick above or below runoff waters on ponds and flowages. Use caution if ice fishing or when hiking on wetland areas. Two local "Learn to Hunt Turkey" workshops will be held this coming weekend (one in Washington County, the other in Ozaukee County) with the "hunt" parts scheduled for April 5 and 6. A free turkey hunting clinic being taught by Mike Ripp and Tom Isaac will be held Saturday, March 29 at the Public Agency Building at 333 E. Washington Street in West Bend from noon to 3 p.m. No pre-registration is required for the free clinic. - Tom Isaac, wildlife biologist, Hartford

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South Central Region

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area

Grant County - The maple syrup season is starting late this year with some limited sap runs in the south and nothing of significance to report in the central or northern parts of Wisconsin. Snow depths of greater than 24 inches in the northern part of the state are hampering access to sugar bushes and may delay the sap run until there is a significant warm-up. The upcoming forecasts will likely break the grip of winter in the north with expected highs in the 40s. - Martin R. Stone, conservation warden, Fennimore

There have been a few signs of spring in Grant and Richland counties. The ice on the river finally broke up last week. Big piles of ice are still common on the shorelines. Trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes and Canada geese have returned and staked out their territories. Beavers are busy building castor mounds and patrolling the open sloughs. Muskrats are happy to finally see sunlight and some open water in a few places. Raccoons, skunks and possum are also finally getting out of their dens after the long cold winter. The unlucky ones never woke up, and many of the survivors have very low reserves. The ice anglers are still finding 12-16 inches of ice in the backwaters, but open water near the shore, any current or springs. Be careful if you venture out on the ice anywhere. Trout anglers have been catching a few during the early catch and release season. The streams are running high and off-color from the recent rains and run-off. Some turkeys are getting in gear and strutting already. - Daniel Goltz, wildlife biologist, Boscobel

Iowa County - Cold weather may be giving way to warm temperatures this weekend, with 60 degree weather predicted. But temps may dip back to the 40-50s the following week. The only snow cover remaining is on north slopes in shady areas, otherwise snow is absent. Many migratory birds have arrived: red-winged black birds, grackles, robins, eastern meadowlarks, killdeer, woodcock and numerous waterfowl species. Sandhill cranes and Canada geese are paired up and setting up territories/nesting sites. There have been reports of trumpeter swans, white-fronted geese, and a whooping crane at Bakkens Pond on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. - Travis Anderson, wildlife biologist, Dodgeville

Richland County - The weather is warming up and the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway is starting to open up. Flooding has caused some problems on area trout streams but a slow thaw to date has enabled fishing enthusiast to continue fishing activity both along area trout streams and the Wisconsin River. - Michael Nice, conservation warden, Richland Center

Wyalusing State Park -North facing slopes remain snow covered at this time. Rain and warmer temperatures should hopefully wipeout the snow cover that remains. Friday's forecast calls for sunny with a high near 42 degrees and a low dipping down near 26 degrees. Saturday should be mostly sunny with a high reaching 48 and a low just above freezing. Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 61 degrees. This sounds like the perfect forecast for that first spring outing or camping trip of 2014. Trails will more than likely be soft and muddy as the frost comes out of the ground. The roads to Henneger Point and the Passenger Pigeon Monument remain closed due to snow cover, but it shouldn't be long now. Bird feeders at the Wyalusing State Park Office are not seeing much use. The "resident" raccoon makes its daily visit every afternoon, much to the enjoyment of park visitors as they watch the feeder robbing antics. A few chickadees and cardinals are still taking advantage of the sunflower seed offered. The feeders will attract spring migrants such as towhees, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and indigo buntings as the weather hopefully continues to warm. Just as the swallows return to Capistrano in the spring, the turkey vultures have returned to Wyalusing. Meadowlarks and flickers were also recently sighted. Bluebirds have been "checking out" the nest boxes in the park. - Beverly Pozega, visitor services associate

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Columbia County - Two whooping cranes were reportedly seen with a large flock of Canada geese near Wyocena. A timber wolf was struck by a vehicle and killed near the Columbia/Sauk Co line this week as it was trying to cross the interstate near Pine Island Wildlife Area. - Sara Kehrli, wildlife biologist, Poynette

Devil's Lake State Park - The first day of spring has come and gone, yet we still have a completely frozen over lake along with plenty of snowbanks, ice, and snow. Rest assured! Spring will arrive someday, along with flowers, songbirds, warmer days...and mud! Trails are a mix of snow, ice, dirt, rock, and mud. Conditions change day-to-day and even hour-to-hour at this transition time of year. Cross-country ski trails are closed and the sledding hill is no longer useable. Some areas of the trails remain snow-covered and icy, so take all precautions, and use your best vigilant judgment if you choose to walk the trails. The lake is still frozen over. The park staff does not monitor the thickness of the ice, nor vouch for the safety of the ice. - Richard Hesed, visitor services associate

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West Central Region

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

La Crosse County - There is still plenty of ice for fishing on Mississippi River backwaters in the La Crosse area, but anglers are having a problem getting on the ice. The Mississippi River water has gone up about one and a half feet in the last week, causing open water along the shoreline. The few anglers that were able to access the ice have been having moderate success. A few perch and bluegills were being caught on Lake Onalaska with many anglers having success using tip-downs baited with minnows. There have been some migratory birds that have shown up on the Mississippi River including tundra swans, great blue herons, common mergansers, scaup, common goldeneye, widgeon and gadwall. - Dale Hochhausen, conservation warden, La Crosse

Vernon County - The ice is slowly retreating from the Mississippi River and waterfowl are rapidly moving into the open water. Diving ducks are most prevalent including canvasbacks, scaup, bluebills, ring-necked ducks, common goldeneyes, buffleheads and common mergansers. Puddle ducks, such as mallards, shovelers, teal and wood ducks are occupying shallower open water areas. Sharp-eyed observers will also find gadwall, widgeon, grebes, various gull species, coots, eagles, ruddy ducks, hooded mergansers, tundra swans, and white pelicans. - Dave Matheys, wildlife biologist, Viroqua

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area

Black River State Forest - Temperatures are expected to be close to 50 on Saturday and possibly reach 60 on Sunday. There is still a bit of snow in the woods but not enough for any winter recreation. The trails are closed and will reopen for ATV and UTV on May 15. Conditions are poor for snowshoeing. Snowshoers can enjoy the 1.5 mile trail at the Smrekar parking lot, the five mile trail that connects Pigeon Creek to Smrekar Road or the two mile loop around Castle Mound. Snowshoers can also go anywhere on the state forest that is not a groomed trail for a different use such as skiing or snowmobiling. Thinking of camping this spring? Castle Mound now has 14 electric sites and an expanded reservation season from May 1 through early October. East Fork and the new outdoor group camp open up on April 15. The outdoor group camp is on the reservation season from April 15 through November 30. - Peter Bakken, superintendent

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

Lake Wissota State Park - The cross-country ski trails are going through a period of freeze-thaw conditions and consequently are not being groomed making for poor conditions. Species of birds seen or heard include: snowy owls, mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls. - Dave Hladilek, park manager

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Wood County - Hen turkeys have been busy talking to each other. Residents report a number of nice toms in the vicinity, so there is hope for reproduction here this spring. - Bob Hess, conservation biologist, Wisconsin Rapids

All snowmobile trails are closed at this time. Fishing is slow on the Wisconsin River below Nekoosa with water temps at about 32 degrees. The river is down about 3.5 feet below summer levels. Debris was observed in the water at several locations below the dam to Plank Hill and beyond. - Barry Fetting, conservation warden, Milladore

Comments sought on variance to allow for addition of accessible cabin at Harrington Beach State Park

BELGIUM, Wis. - The public has an opportunity through April 11, 2014 to comment on a proposed variance to the master plan for Harrington Beach State Park that would allow for the addition of an accessible cabin to the family campground.

Harrington Beach State Park family campground was developed in 2009 on approximately 60 acres of grassland and old field habitat west of Sauk Trail Road. The campground has 73 campsites, six walk-in tent sites and a group site that accommodates up to 30 people. The approved master plan for the park also authorized the construction of two campsites with handicap accessible yurts. However, the yurts were not constructed due to construction code requirements. In place of the two yurts, the Department of Natural Resources is proposing a variance that will allow one accessible cabin to be built.

"The state park accessible cabins open up a whole new world to people with disabilities," says Carolyn Morgen, Harrington Beach property supervisor. "There are many people that would never get an opportunity to spend time in the outdoors camping, having a camp fire, or even cooking for themselves."

The proposed cabin at Harrington Beach State Park will compliment other facilities that offer an opportunity for people with disabilities to experience the outdoors. The park has an accessible trail around Quarry Lake, an accessible fishing pier at Quarry Lake, an accessible fishing pier at Puckett's Pond and an accessible trail to the Lake Michigan beach.

The cabin will have a maximum capacity of six people, and will include wheelchair accessibility, a kitchen with low counter, stove, microwave and refrigerator, two hospital beds with lift, a full-size sofa sleeper and two cots, a Hoyer lift, a bathroom with wheel-in shower, bench and shower commode chair, several outlets and lighting, heat and electricity, a kitchen table and chairs, an attached screened-in porch and an outdoor accessible fire ring.

The cabin would replace one campsite at the northern end of the campground near other accessible features. Funding for the cabin will come from both public and private sources, including a $60,000 grant from the Knowles-Nelson Friends Stewardship Program, a $70,000 donation from the Friends of Harrington Beach State Park and in-kind labor and material donations of $45,000.

Harrington Beach State Park cabin would join seven accessible cabins that are located at Mirror Lake, Buckhorn, High Cliff, Kohler-Andrae and Potawatomi State Parks, at the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, and at the Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Comments on the proposed variance may be sent to Carolyn Morgen, Harrington Beach State Park, 531 County Road D, Belgium WI, 53004 or by email to carolyn.morgen@wisconsin.gov. Comments should be received by April 11, 2014.

For more information search the DNR website for keywords "Harrington Beach," and click on the tab for Maps/publications and the link for Draft Master Plan Variance: Addition of an accessible cabin to the family campground [PDF].

Join fisheries biologists in Newberry and Munising this April for "Conversations & Coffee"

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Eastern Lake Superior Management Unit in Fisheries Division has announced public forums in Newberry and Munising to discuss local and statewide fisheries management activities and concerns.

The forums will be held on Tuesday, April 8 from 7-8:30 p.m. (EDT) at the Tahquamenon Area Public Library located at 700 Newberry Avenue in Newberry and on Monday, April 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. (EDT) at Sydney’s Restaurant located at 400 Cedar Street in Munising.

“Conversations & Coffee with DNR Fisheries Division” will take place in each of the eight management units that oversee Michigan’s fisheries. The purpose of these forums will be to meet managers and biologists, to discuss local issues and management activities, and to get specific questions answered.

These informal forums will also make information available on local and statewide regulations impacting anglers. Refreshments will be provided.

To see a full list of forums occurring throughout the state, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing. For more information on the Newberry and Munising forums, contact Cory Kovacs at kovacsc@michigan.gov or 906-293-5131.

DNR Fisheries "Conversations & Coffee" forums come to Houghton, Ironwood and Ishpeming this April

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Western Lake Superior Management Unit in Fisheries Division has announced public forums in Houghton, Ironwood and Ishpeming to discuss local and statewide fisheries management activities and concerns.

The forums will be held on Wednesday, April 9 from 7-9 p.m. (EDT) at the Ishpeming Township Hall located at 1575 U.S. 41 in Ishpeming; on Thursday, April 10 from 6-8 p.m. (CDT) at the Gogebic Community College located at E. 4946 Jackson Road in Ironwood; and on Wednesday, April 16 from 7-9 p.m. (EDT) at the Portage Lake District Library located at 58 Huron Street in Houghton.

“Conversations & Coffee with DNR Fisheries Division” will take place in each of the eight management units that oversee Michigan’s fisheries. The purpose of these forums will be to meet managers and biologists, to discuss local issues and management activities, and to get specific questions answered.

These informal forums will also make information available on local and statewide regulations impacting anglers.

To see a full list of forums occurring throughout the state, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing. For more information on the forums listed above, contact George Madison at madisong@michigan.gov or 906-353-6651.

Mille Lacs walleye regulation to stay the same

DNR extends night ban; increases smallmouth bass, pike opportunities

As part of a plan to increase angling opportunity, improve walleye numbers and stay within the state’s 1837 Treaty safe harvest allocation, the Department of Natural Resources will modify fishing regulations at Mille Lacs Lake for the 2014 season.

The walleye daily and possession limit remain unchanged. The limit will be two walleye from 18- to 20-inches, except one longer than 28 inches may be taken. The night fishing ban, enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., will begin Monday, May 12, and will be extended through Monday, Dec. 1, rather than ending in mid-June.

The 2014 walleye safe harvest level is 60,000 pounds. Of this amount, 42,900 pounds is allocated to the state and 17,100 pounds is allocated to the eight Chippewa bands with 1837 Treaty harvest rights.

“The new regulations reflect our commitment to improving the walleye fishery as quickly as possible with as little harm to the local economy as possible,” said Don Pereira, DNR fisheries chief.

When new regulations go into effect on Saturday, May 10, anglers will be able to keep 10 northern pike, of which only one may be longer than 30 inches. This increases the limit by seven. Anglers also will be able to fish for northern pike for a longer period of time. The close of the season will be extended from mid-February to the last Sunday in March. The northern pike spearing ban on Mille Lacs also will be removed.

Similarly, the smallmouth bass harvest season will be extended and limits relaxed. The smallmouth bass season on Mille Lacs will start May 10 and be exempted from the statewide catch-and-release regulation that begins in mid-September. This means anglers may harvest smallmouth bass from the opener until the last Sunday in February. Anglers may keep six fish, only one of which may be longer than 18 inches. The previous regulation allowed anglers to keep six fish 17- to 20-inches, only one of which could be longer than 20 inches.

“More liberal northern pike and smallmouth bass regulations speak to the fact these species can withstand additional pressure because their populations are at or near record highs,” Pereira said. “The current walleye regulation and the extended night fishing ban will protect upcoming year classes of young walleye, adult spawning stock and help ensure the harvest stays within the safe harvest level.”

Pereira said the suite of regulations reflects significant fish population changes at Mille Lacs. Walleye numbers are at a 40-year low. Northern pike numbers are at record highs. The smallmouth bass population has been increasing since the 1990s. Tullibee and perch populations, both important forage species, are relatively low.

Fish populations likely are being influenced by many factors, including clearer water, climate change, zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, Eurasian watermilfoil and a treaty management approach that focused too much walleye harvest on too narrow a size range of fish.
“Mille Lacs is a system under change and portions of that change began even prior to the treaty management that began in the late 1990s,” said Pereira. “The good news is that we have more than enough spawning walleye and a history of solid egg and fry production. What we need is for the walleye that hatch to grow into strong year classes for anglers to catch. That hasn’t happened since 2008. That’s why we are focused on protecting small walleye and our ample but declining walleye spawning stock.”

Pereira added that the agency is also committed to the long-term protection of the lake’s trophy smallmouth and trophy northern pike fisheries.

The DNR’s approach to managing Mille Lacs is currently under review by a panel of national fish management experts. The agency convened the panel earlier this year as part of a broad approach to involve outside experts and citizens in agency decision making.
Information about panel experts and Mille Lacs management can be found at www.mndnr.gov/millelacslake.

DNR will highlight fishing, hunting and hiking at Northwest Sportshow

Outdoor enthusiasts can learn about fishing, hunting, hiking trails, water safety and much more by visiting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources booths at the Northwest Sportshow, March 26-30 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

DNR specialists will be available to answer questions at the main DNR booth located in Lobby D. The DNR License Center will be selling state parks stickers, and fishing and hunting licenses at the booth.

Attendees also can visit the DNR’s invasive species information booth in Lobby C to pick up educational materials and talk with invasive species staff and conservation officers specializing in invasive species issues. The booth will have invasive species specimens and models for visitors to examine.  

The DNR Enforcement Division will offer an interactive LaserShot shooting range for youth and adults. Participants can test their skills at one of four shooting simulation stations. The range is located in Room 101J, next to the Lobby C entrance.

Youth interested in learning how to safely ride an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can take a ride on the ATV safety training simulator also located in Room 101J. Staff will be available to demonstrate how to properly fit the vehicle to the rider and answer questions about safety equipment and gear. 

Business owners who are required to complete lake service provider training can attend a class on Thursday, March 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  For more information about the training and to register for the class, visit the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp.

Daily admission to the Northwest Sportshow is $11 for adults 16 and older. Youth 15 and younger are admitted for free.  On March 27, seniors 62 and older will receive a discounted admission of $8 for the day.  Active military personnel receive free admission with a valid ID.

Ohio DNR Warns of Possible Fish Winterkill

COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is reminding people that fish kills may be common in ponds and small lakes as the ice and snow of the past few months gives way to spring.

Winter fish die-offs caused by long periods of heavy ice and snow cover on small waters are referred to as winterkills. Winterkill is caused when persistent ice forms a surface barrier between the water and air that prevents circulation of oxygen and blocks sunlight. If these conditions continue long enough, the oxygen fish need to survive may be depleted and result in some or all of the fish suffocating. Lacking sunlight, plants stop making oxygen and eventually start to use it as they die and decompose.

Winterkill is most common in shallow ponds and typically results in dead fish being seen along the shore. Ohio's northern counties are usually most susceptible to winterkill because of colder temperatures and more frequent snows, but this year winterkill of ponds is possible throughout Ohio.

Some fish die-offs are expected in Ohio's larger lakes as well this year, but for different reasons. Fish such as gizzard shad, which are less tolerant of long, cold winters, are commonly seen along the shorelines of reservoirs and even Lake Erie during moderate winters. However, in larger waters, the species that commonly die off following winter are resilient and return in great numbers following a single spawning season.

Unusual water coloration, strong odors or other unusual conditions may be indicative of non-natural causes and can be reported to the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Call 800-WILDLIFE to report a suspicious fish winterkill.

Go to wildohio.com to learn more about fish and preventing winterkills.

Friday, March 21, 2014

All-Star Walleye Instructors to Teach Anglers August 12-15 at Sturgeon Bay

Minneapolis, Minn. With a dynamic two-to-one ratio of students to instructors, the All-Star Walleye School puts anglers in the boat - and in the classroom - with America's top-knotch walleye instructors. The instructors are tried and true, tournament after tournament, year after year. Collectively these anglers have won millions of dollars and captured dozens of wins and top honors including angler of the year and championships.

Click here for full story – Source: The Fishing Wire

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Winter holds on in the north, while spring advances in the south

Outdoor Report for March 20, 2014

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

Spring may have officially began with the arrival of the vernal equinox on Thursday this week, but at least in northern Wisconsin old man winter is not ready loosen his grip. Some areas of the north received between 8 to 12 inches of new snow in the last week, and about the northern third of the state continues to report that snowmobile and cross-country ski conditions are in good to excellent condition on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR).

Both snowmobile and ski groomers were out again this week after the new snowfall and are reporting trails are in exceptional condition for this late in March. Conditions may change rapidly with a warm up in the forecast this week, but temperatures are expected to drop again for the weekend, providing some good late season winter recreation opportunities.

The winter severity index that wildlife biologists use to track the impact of cold and snow on wildlife is now at severe or very severe at most locations across the north, with the Spooner area tying and expecting to surpass the record for the severest index since biologists began keeping the records in 1960.

There is still 20 to 30 inches of ice on northern lakes, with layers of crusted snow and slush. Wardens caution that conditions have become quite unpredictable with many people reporting getting stuck in deep slush pockets. In the south smaller lakes with river current and some rivers have begun to open up. While most larger lakes still have ice cover, shorelines are beginning to open up making access difficult.

Anglers continue to fish Green Bay with reports of whitefish and northern pike and some perch along both the east and west shores. Southern Lake Michigan tributaries are opening up, but they are running high cloudy. The lake front has opened up at Racine, but the fishing piers remain covered with ice. People continued to fish for brown and rainbow trout through the ice in harbors.

The main channel of the Mississippi River has opened up, but ice along the shorelines and fishing barges has limited early walleye and sauger fishing. The Wisconsin River is also opening up and there was some successful walleye fishing below the Prairie du Sac dam this week.

While the north remains locked in snow, snow cover is rapidly disappearing from the south and wildlife and bird activity has increased greatly in the last week. Horicon, Theresa and other large marshes are thawing, with many water birds returning.

Fox and coyotes are being seen during the day as they patrol territories and red fox kits are being born. White-tail bucks are shedding antlers and shed hunters have been out in good numbers, and they are being asked to report any dead deer they encounter to local wardens or wildlife biologists.

Sandhill cranes have arrived on territories and are displaying and calling. There have been a few reports of tom turkeys starting to gobble and display. The first few days and nights of over 50 degrees will begin the process of frogs and other amphibians emerging from winter hibernation. Volunteers are being sought to help conduct frog surveys this spring. Search the DNR website for "frog surveys" for more information.

And a sure sign that spring is actually on its way, there were reports that maples are being tapped and buckets hung in sugar bushes across the state.

Statewide Birding Report

Spring is creeping forward as new migrants have begun to pour into southern and central Wisconsin. With recent warmer temps and the subsequent snowmelt, there has been a notable increase in waterfowl and water birds across the southern tier of counties. Birders are reporting widespread arrivals of sandhill cranes, great blue herons and the occasional killdeer. Geese and ducks are using sheet water ponds in wetlands and crop fields. Puddle duck and goose numbers are still below peak but birders have reported seeing greater white-fronted geese, cackling geese, pintails, green-winged teal, widgeon and a few wood ducks. Small lakes with river current and some rivers have begun to open up, providing habitat for diving ducks. Ice cover on Lake Michigan has been reduced substantially and birders are reporting red-throated loon, red-necked grebes, and some nice movements of long-tailed ducks. Other arrivals this week in the south include a few eastern meadowlarks, red-winged blackbirds, rusty blackbirds, grackles and widespread arrival of American robins and song sparrows. Raptors moving this week include golden and bald eagles as well as northern harriers and red-shouldered hawks. Snowy Owls are still being seen statewide, but they are starting to move back north. This winter has provided some incredible concentrations of snowy owls including six seen in one place recently in northern Dane County. Birders have also turned up a new gyrfalcon location in southern Columbia County near the Audubon Goose Pond preserve. Birders can expect to continue to see good waterfowl movements over the next week as rains and warmer temps continue to provide habitat in agricultural areas. American woodcock should also begin to arrive and display on territories in the next week on warmer nights. As always, please help us track this year's migration event by submitting your sightings into Wisconsin eBird at www.ebird.org/WI (exit DNR). - Andy Paulios, wildlife biologist, Fitchburg

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

Northern Region

Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest - Today's date shows that it is the spring equinox ( www.weather.gov/cle/Seasons - exit DNR ) but old man winter is not ready to let up on the north yet! We received around 8 inches of new snow out of the last storm and it looks like more is on the way. March is certainly our snow month and as the ice continues to recede on Lake Superior the area could see more lake effect snow. We still have 15 inches of trail base and 31 inches of woods base at the Afterhours cross-country ski trail. It looks like we will be in the mid to upper 30s for the next couple of days and then we will be back into the 20s for highs for the foreseeable forecast. Skiers should still have plenty of opportunity to ski for a while yet! The Brule River will open for fishing from Highway 2 to Lake Superior on March 29. The parking areas are being plowed in preparation for the opener. One of the Brule River State Forest Rangers stated that the River near the Copper Range Campground area is still frozen over and Mays Ledges area has a slight corridor of open water...but mostly ice. The breeding season for bald eagles has begun. New pairs are being established and existing pairs are reestablishing their pair bonds. New nests are being built and old nests are being repaired. Southern migrant birds are just beginning to show up. A couple of robins have been reported and some geese are making their way north. The geese are staying around the open river areas. More LTE (Limited Term Employee) positions for the DNR are being advertised (2 in Brule and one in Ashland) and many application deadlines are coming up. For more information please see Limited Term Job Openings on the DNR website. - Catherine Khalar, visitor services associate

Ashland DNR Service Center area

Bayfield County - The Drummond area received 12 inches of fresh snow this week and the groomers have already hit the trails, which should in excellent condition for the weekend, with another 4-6 inches of snow expected on Friday. Snowmobilers traveling near Valhalla commented they too are in excellent condition. With the upcoming warm weather, road routes might get a bit muddy in some areas. Area cross-country ski trails are is excellent condition. Those attempting to fish area lakes are restricted to foot travel only, due to heavy snow and slush conditions, though they are catching some nice bag limits of bluegill and crappie on Namakagon and the Eau Claire Chain. - Jill Schartner, conservation warden, Drummond

Hayward DNR Service Center area

Sawyer County - A hint for Northwoods landowners concerned about the effects of this severe winter on the whitetail deer in their neighborhood: Consider felling a few sugar maple trees for browse. I live on a 5-acre tract of land near Moose Lake east of Hayward where there are maple trees to spare. Some are diseased or badly formed. Others are simply too crowded to allow for good growth of otherwise healthy trees. The deer in my neighborhood have responded to the culling of weak or surplus maple trees by browsing all the new growth at the tips of branches, usually within a week after felling. This natural browse is far better than corn for their digestive systems. Based on their apparent condition, I think the deer in my neighborhood are going to survive this brutal winter. When the snow finally melts, there will be a mess to clean up. But the deer will have made use of some of it; and much of the rest will be converted to high-quality firewood. A win-win for everyone. - Dave Neuswanger, fisheries supervisor, Hayward

Spooner DNR Service Center area

Washburn County - Last week's warm up created a layer of crust that could be walked on in most areas. Our winter severity is the highest on record since 1960 in Spooner. Someday the snow will melt and the sharp-tailed grouse will begin to dance. To sign up visit the Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area website at www.fnbwa.org (exit DNR). - Nancy Christel, wildlife biologist, spooner

On Wednesday, March 19, we will be tying the Winter Severity Index record at the Spooner location. The current storm tracking through northwestern Wisconsin will result in snow depths lasting longer (exceeding the 18-inch level) combined with forecasted below average temperatures we will be counting more snow days resulting in a new WSI record. We have been keeping WSI data since 1960. - Mike Zeckmeister, wildlife supervisor

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Once again this week ice conditions remain relatively unchanged on lakes across the area. The ice cover ranges from 22 to 30 inches thick, with the upper third of that consisting of several layers of crusted snow and slush. This continues to make access conditions tough, as most motorized vehicles break through the first layer or two of slush. As such, fishing pressure has remained minimal and there have been very few panfish anglers venturing out. The few anglers that have been out report low success, with just a few crappie and perch being caught. Most anglers are waiting for a spring thaw and water to start running down the holes, as this usually spurs a late-ice panfish bite. - Skip Sommerfeldt, senior fisheries biologist, Park Falls

Price County - Ice anglers and snowmobilers should take caution and do some homework before venturing out onto local lakes. Conditions have become quite unpredictable with many people reporting getting stuck in deep slush pockets. Conditions can change day to day with the top crust softening on warmer days. Travelers have suggested staying on packed trails and avoiding untraveled areas with deeper snow drifts. Anglers have reported catching nice size crappie and bluegill on local lakes despite having to work harder to get out on the ice. - Dan Michels, conservation warden, Park Falls

Flambeau River State Forest - Snowmobile trails still have a good base and are open. The Flambeau Hills Ski trail is being packed today (March 20) and will be tracked tomorrow and should be in good to excellent condition. We are starting to see signs of spring in the forest. We are seeing raccoons, skunks, and even a few ducks looking for open water as well as robins starting to appear. We still have 24+ inches of snow in the woods. Local maple syrup enthusiasts are still waiting to tap trees. Spring temperatures are slow coming this year. - Judy Freeman, visitor services associate

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - The Escanaba cross-country ski trail remains in good condition. It was packed and tracked March 19 after the area received 3-4 inches of new snow this week. There is 25 inches of snow measured on undisturbed picnic table. Cold weather for this weekend so tracks may still be good. If conditions allow, crews may groom again for the cold weather days so stay tuned in. That most likely will be our last hurrah for grooming. - Dan Jacoby, forestry facilities worker

Raven and McNaughton cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked March 18 and are in good condition. - Tony Martinez, forestry facilities worker

Florence DNR at the Florence Natural Resource Center

Florence and Forest counties - As of today there is about 3 inches fresh snow in Florence. Trails are still open in Florence and Forest Counties, but there is ice under the fresh snow. No signs of migration seen, but some dormant mammals are starting to emerge. Yep, it is still winter. - Anna Jahns, wildlife technician, Florence

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

Northeast Region

Northern Lake Michigan fisheries team report - Compiled by David Boyarski, fisheries supervisor, Sturgeon Bay

Marinette County - Peshtigo Harbor area anglers targeted pike in 4 to 12 feet of water using smelt fished on the bottom or large shiner minnows fished a foot off bottom. Some walleye and trout anglers fished around the dam on the Menominee River and were casting into open water. - Kevin King, fisheries technician, Peshtigo

Oconto County - At Geano Beach anglers caught whitefish and walleye south of the landing out to the reef jigging stick baits tipped with minnow heads or wax worms. Pike and whitefish anglers from Oconto Breakwater Park to Oconto Park II had success fishing from the mouth of the Oconto River to Larson's reef. Pike anglers used large shiner minnows and smelt in 4 to 12 feet of water. - Kevin King, fisheries technician, Peshtigo

Brown County - Walleye were caught by anglers fishing Voyageur Park and the Fox Point Boat Landing jigging stick baits in bold colors. Perch were caught using jigs and Swedish pimples tipped with wax worms in 9 to 15 feet of water. Sunset Beach anglers caught some whitefish and walleye jigging and using tip ups with small minnows. - Kevin King, fisheries technician, Peshtigo

Door County - Temperatures increased substantially this past week creating slick and slushy ice conditions but anglers were still able to drive to their favorite fishing spot. Troublesome areas included Carmody Park, Wood Lane and Stone Quarry where most areas anglers accessed the ice by ATV or snowmobile. Anglers pulled shanties closer to shore in a lot of areas and fishing pressure was low this past week and picked up on the weekend. Anglers fishing in Little Sturgeon area reported 30 to 36 inches of ice while fishing in Riley's Bay, Sand Bay Resort and Carmody Park. Anglers targeted perch, whitefish and walleye. Whitefish anglers at Sand Bay Resort used wax worms and stick baits in 30 to 90 feet of water and reported good success. Anglers fishing for whitefish off Big Rock Place this past week used jigging stick baits to bring in a few whitefish. At Carmody Park some whitefish anglers reported success using panfish jigs. At Town Park Road perch fishing was good using minnows in 35 feet of water. Dykesville anglers reported low success rates and reported ice to be anywhere from 22 to 36 inches thick. Whitefish anglers fishing off Bayshore Park reported some success using wax worms in 15 to 20 feet of water. Many whitefish anglers fished off Volk's Landing and had success in 5 to 14 feet of water using wax worms and stick baits. At Rite's Cove perch anglers drove onto the ice and reported the most success in 40 feet of water using small minnows. - Bobbi Kolstad, fisheries technician, Sturgeon Bay

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Marinette County - Winter is still holding on in Marinette County. Open areas still have 10-12 inches of snow with a fairly heavy crust while the wooded portions have more than 20 inches with a light crust. Deer are utilizing swamp conifer stands heavily right now but also taking advantage of standing corn. Be especially careful while driving in areas with corn on one side of the road and conifer cover on the other. Spring is inching slowly forward and with it, sap is starting to flow on warmer days. Many taps were put in and buckets hung on maple trees over the weekend. Travel on area lakes has improved recently with much of the snow melted and refrozen and lots of roads plowed to sites of previous shacks. The ice is thick (around 24 inches) on most lakes and fishing is spotty, but promises to improve as we get into spring. - Aaron McCullough, wildlife technician, Wausaukee

Oconto County - Snowmobile trails in northern Oconto County are still open and listed in fair to poor condition, but new snow was received on March 19. Panfish are biting on the Machickanee Flowage but the landing is in poor condition. The safest travel would be by ATV. There are reports of northern pike becoming increasingly active along the west shore. Reports came in of one fish over 40 inches this past week. There are also reports of some trout being caught below the Stiles Dam. - Mike Stahl, conservation warden, Oconto Falls

Shawano County - The snow is melting but there is still plenty of ice for fishing. Access is bit easier as of late. Panfish, especially perch, are being caught on Shawano Lake. Most of the snowmobile trails are closed but a few remain open so check with the hotline to see which trails may still offer some snowmobiling. There still seems to be plenty of snow in the wood. As folks start to venture out please call if you are finding dead deer or turkeys. - Jim Horne, conservation warden, Shawano

Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Manitowoc County - Anglers have begun to see and catch rainbows and a few brown trout at the Shoto dam on the West Twin River in Manitowoc County. Only several hundred yards of open water exists from the dam down river and water levels continue to rise. - David Allen, conservation warden, Mishicot

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area

Door County - Sunny days and milder temperatures are exposing many high points in southern Door County fields; much to the joy of wildlife, and much to the dismay of snowmobilers. Deer and turkeys are now taking advantage of these open areas, but those open areas have also caused southern Door County snowmobile trails to close. Ice on Green Bay will be fishable for some time, with northern pike, walleye, and whitefish seasons still open. Despite the nearly 3 feet of ice in some areas, the shoreline ice in many places is starting to deteriorate due to vehicle traffic, warm water run-off, and heating of the adjacent land. Anglers need to be cautious using vehicles in these near shore areas. Also, the U.S. Coast Guard has begun ice breaking operations in many areas, including Sturgeon Bay proper, to prepare for the start of the commercial shipping season. For more information on exact timing of Green Bay ice breaking operations contact the USCG; Sault Vessel Traffic at 906-635-3232 or via e-mail at sootfc@uscg.mil. - Christopher J. Kratcha, conservation warden, Sturgeon Bay

Peninsula State Park - Snow depth varies up to 18 inches, with 3 inches new snow on March 19. Watch for icy/slippery conditions throughout the park. Ski trails are in poor to good condition. Yellow, Orange and White loops were groomed on March 20. Snowshoe and hiking trails are open. Sledding Hill is open. The parking lot across from the hill is closed. Please park in the clubhouse lot (stickers required). Snowmobile trails are open and in fair to good condition. For more information check Door County Parks map.co.door.wi.us/parks/snowmobile.htm (exit DNR) This report will be updated when conditions change. - Jane Barnowsky, visitor services associate

Whitefish Dunes State Park - Trail Conditions are fair, good to very good where last groomed March 20. Track was reset on the main Red Trail Thurs morning. Temp was right at 32 and rising fast so plans to groom rest the trails were abandoned because of the balling up of snow in the groomer. The new tracks are excellent in some areas but fair to marginal in others. Bottom of the track had considerable debris embedded in it. Cooler temps this weekend might make for some enjoyable skiing as we move into spring. Trails have been groomed 30 times this season - probably a record.

Wautoma DNR Service Center area

Waupaca County - Snowmobile Trails within Waupaca County are now all closed. The spring migration is beginning. Some people have sighted sandhill cranes, turkey vultures, red shouldered hawks, woodcock, and red-winged black birds. Catch and release trout season has not generated much interest this year, possibly due to the snow and below normal temperatures. - Ted Dremel, conservation warden, Wautoma

The snow has settled quite a bit and trails are now mostly closed. Turkeys are now gobbling, and sandhill cranes are arriving back. Some trout streams are now open, with no reports on early season success. There is very little ice fishing pressure right now. Deer active is high during all hours on newly thawed fields. - Karl Kramer, wildlife technician, Wautoma

Waushara County - Snow was beginning to melt quite well and we were beginning to think spring until Tuesday night and another inch of snow hit. The snow may help Zone 1 of the snowmobile trails stay open a few more days at least. The trails here are in poor condition, but are still open as of Wednesday (Mach 19). Ice conditions are beginning to deteriorate. Some folks are still venturing out, but not having too much success. Some of the spring lakes and lakes with a current are really starting to become questionable so always be careful before you venture out. Reports are coming in of turkeys starting to strut and folks starting to hear gobbles in the mornings. This is a great sign with the youth season less than a month away. - Ben Mott, conservation warden, Wautoma

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Southeast Region

Milwaukee DNR Service Center area

Havenwoods State Forest - The bad news is that after the rain, temporary thaw, and refreezing, trails, especially main trails, are very icy! The good news is that red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, and other early migrants have returned. Staff and visitors have also seen spiders skittering along on top of the snow! Willows twigs are showing color, and the sap is dripping. On a sunny day last week, a squirrel was observed getting a sweet drink from a broken sugar maple twig near the nature center. It's a great time to catch those very early signs of spring, just watch your step. - Beth Mittermaier, natural resources educator

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak Unit - The man-made cross-country ski trail loop was groomed Tuesday morning, tracks were left alone. Warm temps in the afternoon have softened the snow. Depending on rain/snow and temps, the man-made snow will be groomed Wednesday morning. Lights on, man-made loop only, until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Northern Unit - Seasonal temperatures have returned to the forest, resulting in a meltdown of the snow base. The Zillmer ski trails were groomed early Saturday morning, March 15, likely for the last time this season. As of March 17, the trails are still skiable, but forecasted rain and warm temps will erode conditions quickly this week. Please use caution, and be alert for icy conditions and standing water. All snowmobile trails within the forest are closed. - Deb Harder, visitor services associate

Southern Lake Michigan fisheries team report - Compiled from creel clerks by Cheryl Masterson and Jeffrey Zinuticz, fisheries technicians, Milwaukee

Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, the base of the Sheboygan River at the south pier has opened up. The river upstream still has spots of solid ice, but it is starting to break up near the Kohler Dam. There has been little to no sign of fishing pressure on the river due to ice conditions. Near the Harbor Centre Marina and the Deland boat launch, anglers have been fishing through the ice with tip-ups. The last couple of days have been a tough bite, and anglers have had to fight the high winds coming off the lake. The Pigeon River is still frozen in numerous places, but does show signs of the ice breaking up. There has been no sign of fishing pressure there yet.

Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, public access to the north pier is not allowed at this time. The breakwall is in need of major repairs and is currently unsafe for walking. The Army Corps of Engineers will be working on it this summer, currently scheduled to begin in July. Anglers fishing near the power plant discharge on the north and south sides of the mouth of Sauk Creek have had some success using spawn sacs fished on the bottom, and some have been using minnows in the same manor. There has been a number of brown trout caught and a couple of steelhead. The water clarity deteriorated over the weekend due to high winds coming in from the east. There are some areas of Sauk Creek that have ice along the edges. The creek is mostly open up to Pierre Lane; there has been no sign of fishing pressure thus far.

Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee strong northeast winds have blown the ice against the Riverfront boat launch, making it impossible to launch a boat as of Sunday. McKinley harbor is still completely frozen with up to 30 inches of ice reported in the harbor. There were no anglers seen fishing the Summerfest lagoon or fishing along the wall due the wind keeping the ice against the wall making it impossible to cast into open water. There have been people out ice fishing, and a few browns were picked up using tip downs with spawn sacs or small shiners. A few anglers were seen fishing in the river channel for browns, but floating ice packs prevented fishing for any extended periods of time. The area under the Hoan Bridge at Jones Island has been closed to public access due to the construction on the bridge itself. It is been fenced off and it appears as though it won't open until the construction of the bridge is complete. There were some people fishing for rainbows in Oak Creek, but fishing was very slow this weekend. The Oak Creek power plant fishing pier is closed until April 1 this season, unlike in past years where it was open March 15. The Bender Park boat ramp is blocked due to floating ice. The Milwaukee River is mostly covered with ice with a few spots open. The areas with open water were the section directly above the North Avenue dam, Estabrook falls, Kletzsch falls, and a few areas near the UWM Park and Ride lot. The overall water clarity is relatively dirty, and the water level appears to be holding steady. The Menomonee River is above normal water level with very dirty water due to snow melt. A few anglers have been fishing at the MMSD offices for brown trout, and a few have been taken.

Racine County - In Racine, ice cover on the Root River began to melt this week. The river is free of ice from the Horlick Dam through Quarry Lake Park. Flows are high, the river is muddy, and ice jams have formed on some of the narrow sections of the river. Large sections of the river from Colonial Park to Washington Park were still covered with ice as of Saturday. Fishing pressure at the Horlick Dam was steady over the weekend with an average of 4-6 anglers fishing below the dam at any given time. Most were fishing with yarn flies, caddis flies, and egg patterns, but a few used spawn sacks under slip bobbers. A few browns have been caught below the dam. Further downriver, fishing has been slow. Most of the river at Lincoln Park was covered with ice over the weekend, but there were large sections of open water. Much of the river was still ice covered in Island and Washington Parks as well. Open water could be found at Clayton Park, but the river was ice covered from the Marquette Street Bridge to ReefPoint Marina. At the Racine lakefront the Pershing Park boat launch area was mostly ice free except for a pack of small ice floes drifting around the harbor. The lake ice has moved offshore, with open water as far as the eye can see. Both the north and south piers in Racine are covered in significant layers of ice, making fishing access dangerous. Most fishing pressure at the Racine lakefront has been concentrated at ReefPoint Marina with anglers fishing through the ice. Steelhead, browns, and occasional northern pike have been caught on a variety of baits fished under tip ups, including spawn sacs, white Gulp, and shiners. Anglers have reported that the ice at the west end of ReefPoint Marina was 14 to 20 inches thick on Friday, March 14.

Kenosha County - In Kenosha, the Pike River is open in the Petrifying Springs Park area. The water is cloudy with sticks and other debris flowing downstream. No anglers were seen on the river on Sunday. At the lakefront, the ice cover in the Simmons Island boat harbor began to break up over the weekend. The harbor mouth is open water, but fishing pressure off the piers has been light. Fishing pressure along the Kenosha shoreline was steady over the weekend, but success was minimal. There is fishable open water behind the Best Western Hotel, but the water is quite cloudy.

Waukesha DNR Service Center area

Waukesha County - Wildlife sign increases across the area on a daily basis. Red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, and killdeer are just some of the bird species that can be seen at local wildlife areas. The remaining snow has revealed tracks of coyotes, otters, deer, and turkeys. Flocks of ducks are circling over areas that are or soon will be open water. Longer daylight hours provide a great opportunity to get back outdoors and keep track of spring phenology. -Kelly VanBeek, wildlife biologist, Waukesha and Walworth Counties

Plymouth DNR Service Center area

Sheboygan County - Very little inland fishing pressure recently and murky water due to recent snowmelt has slowed steelhead fishing on the Sheboygan River. On March 12 there was open water on the Sheboygan River upstream from the 14th Street Bridge. - Michael Clutter, conservation warden, southern Sheboygan County

Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area - Water levels from melt off have caused local frozen ponds and streams to rise. Three more stop logs were taken out of the Theresa Marsh dam today to help pass more water and to allow for northern pike and other fish spawning across the dam. Several hundred Canada geese are now scattered around the marsh, mostly hanging out on top of the ice. Most appear to be the locally nesting "giants" and not the "interior" species that will be stopping on their migration to Canada. Other wildlife seen this week included robins, great blue herons, tracks/slide of an otter, and several pairs of sandhill cranes. Many more groups of turkeys were seen this week around the area and apparently came through winter alive. A fish kill was reported and investigated on Allenton Marsh, in the ponds west of Wildlife Road, and was likely caused by a lack of oxygen from the hard winter. Several hundred panfish and small bass died. - Tom Isaac, wildlife biologist, Hartford

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South Central Region

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area

Grant County - Spring is coming slowly to Grant County. For those watching the progress of the spring melt, the main channel near Cassville has opened along with portions of Hurricane Chute out from the McCartney boat landing. All boat landings remain locked in ice. The ice still remains in close proximity to the Dubuque Lock and Dam #11 which is a normal early season sauger and walleye fishing area. An angler stated that he did catch one 15 inch sauger off of the Eagle Point fishing barge this past weekend. Currently the fishing barge is surrounded by ice limiting fishing opportunities. Several early waterfowl migrants have arrived in the area. Hundreds of common mergansers and scaup (blue bills) have been seen out from McCartney boat landing and in the main channel at Cassville. One sandhill crane was observed in the grassy lowland field on the Wisconsin Riverway West of Highway 18 at County C in Wyalusing Township. Ice fishing is quickly coming to a close with access to the ice severely limited in most areas as the ice has melted near the shorelines. Anglers this past weekend needed knee high boots to wade the shallow water out to the ice. A few bluegills and crappies were caught with several small bass caught and released. River of Lakes resort anglers have been accessing the ice by using the boat docks. A few bluegills and crappies were caught fishing a jig right near the river bottoms. - Richard S. DeWitte, conservation warden, Cassville

Iowa County - Coyote hunter's have been very happy with the snow that fell and has remained in southern Iowa County. Trout anglers have been having success in southern Iowa County on Gordon Creek using blue wing olive early emerging patterns and have been catching some nice brown trout. Trout anglers are reminded that this early season is catch and release only. Turkey hunter's out scouting and shed hunters are reminded to wear some blaze orange while out and about. People who are out and about in the woods are being asked to report dead or sick wildlife that they find to the local warden or they can call the 1-800-TIP-WDNR number. Robins have returned to Iowa County as have sandhill cranes. Bird watchers have reported that bluebird scouts have been back for about a month now looking for suitable places to nest and raise their young. Now is the time to clean out those bluebird houses from last year if you haven't done so already. - David Youngquist, conservation warden, Dodgeville

Snow cover is minimal, but it is still clinging to north-facing slopes. Wildlife sightings include robins as well as common grackles. A report of numerous trumpeter swans and white-fronted geese were seen at Bakkens Pond on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. Red fox pups are being born, as well as fox & gray squirrel young. Buds on some area lilacs are beginning to swell. The first day and night of over 50 degrees will begin the process of frogs and other amphibians to emerge from winter hibernation. Wood frogs will be the first to begin their breeding calls. - Travis Anderson, wildlife biologist, Dodgeville

Wyalusing State Park -Hiking trails for the most part remain snow covered. Temperatures above freezing continue to make a "dent" in the snow pack. Expected highs in the upper 40s on Thursday and Friday will help to melt more of the snow. Ski trails are closed for this season. Once again, Turkey Hollow, Whitetail Meadow and Prairie Trail are open for hiking. The frozen waterfalls at Pictured Rock Cave (found on Sugar Maple Nature Trail) and Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are popular destinations. Sugar Maple Nature Trail can be accessed near the boat landing (uphill all the way) or by parking in the park office parking lot and hiking the road to Homestead Campground and the road with sites 245-255 towards Homestead Shelter. The bird feeders at the Wyalusing State Park Office continue to provide food for the birds and enjoyment for park staff and visitors. Chickadees, juncos, nuthatches, cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers are enjoying the sunflower seeds and suet. Warmer temps mean that squirrels and raccoons will venture out in search of food. Robins, a welcome sign of spring, returned to Wyalusing State Park earlier this week. Killdeer have been seen in the area as well as sandhill cranes. Cardinals can be heard "whistling" every morning. Other returning migrants include: mallards, tundra swans, Canada geese, turkey vultures, northern flickers, red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, and a lone catbird. - Beverly Pozega, visitor services associate

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - As the spring thaw comes and goes we are starting to receive reports of the first migrating birds. Canada geese, white-fronted geese, sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, great blue herons and song sparrows have all braved the cold weather and have been seen in and around the Horicon Marsh Area. There have been a few reports of wood ducks, common and hooded mergansers and mallards. With the warmer weather and south winds we are expecting waterfowl numbers to increase in the coming days. Let the migration begin! - Elizabeth Herzmann, natural resources educator

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Columbia County - Snowmobile trails in Columbia County are closed. The warmer weather and rain have methodically beaten down the snow. Dirt and grass are starting to peek out. Ice fishing remains slow in the southern half of the county. The Maple Syrup festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 5 at the MacKenzie Environmental Center. More details can be found on the DNR's website at Mackenzie Center events. - Ryan Volenberg, conservation warden, Poynette

The sandhill cranes returned to Columbia County from Florida this past Sunday morning as well an increased number of ducks and Canada geese. A reminder that unattended ice fishing shacks need to be removed even though most local lakes still have a lot of ice. There is open water on the Wisconsin River down past Highway O boat launch. Spring flooding for the Wisconsin River is still being predicted with high probability that it could be close to another record. - Paul Nadolski, conservation warden, Portage

Spring is on its way and wildlife is responding. Thousands of Canada goose are on the move through the county along with several species of ducks and sandhill cranes, even though there's very little open water on the landscape. That said, it looks like many area marshes are on the verge of opening up. Many local creeks are running very high and some are even flooded out of their banks. Turkeys are responding to the longer days and many toms have been seen strutting and have been heard gobbling on the roost. It appears some pheasants were able to make it through this tough winter as two roosters were seen sparring in the middle of Highway 60 near the Lodi Marsh. Eagles have been seen prepping their nest at French Creek Wildlife Area. - Sara Kehrli, wildlife biologist, Poynette

Dane County - Foxes and coyotes are being seen during the day as they pursue mates and patrol territories. Squirrel breeding season has begun. Warmer temperatures and thaw has opened up better feeding conditions for deer and turkeys across Dane County. We are mostly snow-free in the farm fields. Biologists saw large numbers of deer at dusk on March 16 in Eastern Dane County (100 plus deer). Sandhill cranes have arrived on territories and are displaying/calling. Some turkey vultures have returned and are patrolling for dead animals to feed on. Lots of bird song in the mornings including woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, tufted titmice, red-winged blackbirds, Carolina wren and song sparrows. - Andy Paulios, wildlife biologist, Fitchburg

Sauk County - With the late spring the fishing on the Wisconsin River has been slower than normal years. There has been several nice catches of walleyes and saugers below the Prairie du sac dam. Last week there were three anglers in a boat and they each had three legal walleyes and saugers below the Prairie du Sac dam on the Wisconsin River. The legal limit on the Wisconsin River below the dam is 3 per person. Several individuals have been out looking for shed antlers. The buck deer have been losing their antlers and shed hunters have been finding some nice antlers. The bluebirds have been looking for nesting spots. People that have bluebird houses should clean them out and disinfect the houses. This should be done very soon due to the fact the bluebirds will be picking their nesting site shortly. - John Buss, conservation warden, Prairie du Sac

Sauk Prairie Recreation Area - Sightings and sounds of killdeer, red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes and others are being reported. - Nancy Frost, wildlife biologist, Madison

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West Central Region

Baldwin DNR Service Center area

St. Croix County - Cold and snow is still hanging on, but snowmobile trails are officially closed. Panfish are still biting on some area lakes like Menomin in Dunn County and Cedar and Bass in St. Croix County. Travel on the lakes is difficult due to deep snow and slush that has refrozen. Boat anglers on the Mississippi River near Redwing are catching sauger and walleye, with sauger being more common. Boat access on the Wisconsin side in Hager City has been open. Area trout streams in Pierce County have been busy with catch and release anglers on the warmer days. Runoff has still been minimal due to colder temps. - David A. Hausman, warden supervisor, Baldwin

Willow River State Park - All trails are still snow covered, however recent warm weather as greatly degraded the ski trails. All trails are now open to hiking and snowshoeing. Parts of the trail system are still skiable however the trails are no longer being regularly groomed. The river is running only slightly above normal. Early trout season is underway and anglers are finding fishable trout water below the dam to Troutbrook Road. Late ice anglers are also venturing out as the warm weather has improved the access to the lake. Anglers are reporting good fishing in both the lake and river. - Aaron Mason, park superintendant

Kinnickinnic State Park - All trails are still snow covered, however recent warm weather as greatly degraded the ski trails. All trails are now open to hiking and snowshoeing. The river is running only slightly above normal. Early trout season is underway and anglers are finding fishable trout water near County Road F and are reporting good luck. - Aaron Mason, park superintendant

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

Vernon County - People who feed birds should keep a sharp eye on the birds frequenting feeders during the coming weeks. Purple finches are a common early spring migrant in southern Wisconsin. Often confused with the resident, exotic house finch, with which it may associate at feeders, a male purple finch is more uniformly colored than house finches. Also note the purple finch's broad dark jaw stripe, dark ear patch, light stripe behind the eye, and large bill. Purple finch numbers typically peak in late April and the birds rapidly advance to their breeding areas in northern Wisconsin by early May. Just like clockwork, numerous bird species that are short-distance migrants recently arrived back in the area. Red-winged blackbirds, grackles, and robins have arrived in droves, while lesser numbers of killdeer, bluebirds, and eastern meadowlarks have filled in the gaps. Short-distance migrants respond more to weather clues, so they can gradually move northward as weather improves. Long-distance migrants depend on changes in day length to trigger their migration. It is believed that short-distance migrants can get a jump on resources and outcompete long-distance migrants that arrive later in a region. A whooping crane has been observed repeatedly in the vicinity of Gays Mills in central Crawford County, treating birdwatchers to a rare treat of the world's most endangered crane. White pelicans have also shown up in the open water of the Mississippi River. - Dave Matheys, wildlife biologist, Viroqua

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area

Black River State Forest - Spring may officially arrive on Thursday but the temperatures are still slightly below average in the Black River area. The snowmobile and ATV trails are closed for the season. The trails will reopen for ATVs on May 15. We do not recommend skiing at this time. Trails were groomed for the final time on March 5. Daytime temperatures above freezing and nights below freezing have resulted in icy unsafe conditions. Snowshoeing is the one winter activity that still has good conditions available. - Peter Bakken, superintendent

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

Chippewa County - Weather has been warming up consistently over the past several weeks, and much of the snow is melting. Wildlife has been observed due to the increasing temperature including: emerging raccoons, turkeys, deer and pheasants. Individuals are reminded to view wildlife from a safe distance and from a safe location if near a roadway. Snowmobile trail conditions are reaching the point of closure with significant portions of the trail showing bare ground. Snowmobile riders are encouraged to check trail conditions before going out to ride and reminded about the 55 mph night time speed limit. Anglers are out enjoying the nice warm weather, some successful bluegill and crappie fishing has been seen around area lakes in 15 to 20 feet of water. Anglers are reminded that sport fishing season is closed until the opener of May 3, 2014. Anglers are reminded that the expiration of fishing licenses is fast approaching with the expiration date of 03/31/2014. Anglers are reminded that ice shacks must be brought off of the ice daily and that current ice conditions are unpredictable so use caution. Trappers are reminded that the closure of otter trapping season in the Central and Southern Zone is March 31, 2014. Beaver season closure of the Southern Zone C is also closed on March 31, 2014. See the trapping regulations for Northern Zone season closure for beaver and otter. - John Schreiber, conservation warden, Cornell

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Wood County - We received about an inch of snow last night with one or more inches predicted for the remainder of the day. We still have complete snow cover with snow depth at about one foot in the woods around Wood County. At the latitude of Necedah the snow is definitely receding with open patches in fields and woods. From Wisconsin Dells south fields are open and over half of the snow is gone in the woods. Syrup buckets were spotted in the woods behind the meeting center at Barn at Harvest Moon Lake just east of Poynette. A turkey gobble in the early morning has not been heard yet, which is not normal for this time of year. - Bob Hess, conservation biologist, Wisconsin Rapids

Buckhorn State Park - Spring at the park is great to watch for migratory birds. Our sandhill cranes and osprey have not returned yet but should be arriving soon bringing warmer weather with them. Ski trails are icy and in fair to poor condition with the melting snow. Some parts of roads are icy in the park, please drive with caution. - Heather Wolf, park manager

Roche-A-Cri State Park - We are looking for camp hosts for the summer. Call the Buckhorn office at 608-565-2789 if interested. - Heather Wolf, park manager.