Most of the state received yet an additional snowfall early this week, which continued to keep conditions good for most snow sports across the state. From 3 to 5 inches was reported across the northern half of the state, with lesser amounts falling in the south. Snow depth now ranges from as low as 4 inches or less in the south, to 8 to 12 inches in central Wisconsin, to 12 to 20 inches in the far north. As of Thursday, snowmobile trails were open in all but two counties, with conditions ranging from poor in some southern counties, to very good in the north, according to the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Most state parks and forests continue to report cross-country ski conditions as very good to excellent, though trails have been getting softer and slower with the recent warm temperatures.
The 2010 sturgeon spearing season ended Thursday, Feb. 18, at 12:30 p.m. after 90 percent harvest closure triggers were hit Feb. 17 on both Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes. As of Wednesday spearers had harvested 1,657 sturgeon, including 78 fish 100 pounds or larger and a record-setting 212.2 pound, 84.2-inch sturgeon speared on opening day. DNR fisheries biologists have been tracking the harvest since the first year of mandatory registration in 1955. This percentage of large fish began to drop through the 1980s and 90s followed by a dramatic increase in the 100 pound plus fish since 2000. Biologists say the size and condition of the sturgeon fishery in the Winnebago Pool is a testament to the long-running management program has been designed to create a stable sturgeon population comprised of adults out to 100 years or more in age. The program also means increased survival of these fish and the opportunity for them to live to an older age and larger size.
The seasonable weather of the past week has resulted in a moderate amount of fishing pressure, but success continues to be at mid-winter lows. Walleye and panfish anglers have been out in pretty good numbers, but action has been erratic. The best walleye action has been in short time periods just before dark. Panfish success has also been inconsistent with anglers moving around quite a bit to find active fish. Crappie were being found suspended 2 to 4 feet off the bottom in deep water, and perch have been just off the bottom at deep break lines and mid-depth mud flats. Northern pike activity has been generally slow.
Green Bay anglers continue to report some success with both whitefish and perch.Some whitefish as well as a few northern were being caught at the Oconto Breakwater. Perch and walleye were still being caught on the Fox River at DePere. Whitefish and perch were being found along the Door County side of the bay, with best action on whitefish.
The Mississippi River dropped slightly this week, and was at 7.9 feet earlier this week at Prairie du Chien. Ice conditions generally remain good on backwaters, and the main channel remains frozen, but is becoming even more treacherous with warmer weather and travel is not advised. Once again, inconsistent barometric pressure caused spotty fishing conditions throughout the week, but anglers were reporting spotty action in the backwaters for bluegill and crappie. Ice anglers venturing out on the river reported some sauger and the occasional walleye.
Ermine, or short-tailed weasels, are still being seen in their winter white coats. Male cardinals have begun singing more actively now as daylight increases and temperatures warm. Both great horned and barred owls are both calling now as they defend nesting territories, with some female now incubating eggs.
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Pattison State Park – The cross-country ski trail was groomed Feb. 16 after 2 inches of new snow and is in excellent condition with a 12 inch base and 25 inches in the woods.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With recent snowfall adding another 3 to 4 inches of insulating snow cover, ice thickness on most lakes continues to hold in the 16 to 20-inch range. Access conditions have become a bit more difficult with the deeper snow depth (about 6 to 8 inches on most lakes), and many vehicles have had to stick to the packed trails that have developed on the lakes. In addition, a few small areas of slush have also been showing up, but they haven't been deep enough to bog down any vehicles yet. The seasonable weather of the past week has resulted in a moderate amount of fishing pressure, but success continues to be at mid-winter lows. The die-hard walleye and panfish anglers have been out in pretty good numbers, and they all have been finding action to be very erratic. Some days produce fair catches, but on others, bites have been very tough to come by. The regular walleye ice anglers have reported generally slow action, with a decent bite occurring about every third day. And then when the active feeding is going on, it's been only for about 30 to 40 minutes just before dark, and then shuts off like a light switch. No one tactic has been better than the other -- as deep break lines, mud/muck flats, gravel drop-offs, and weed edges have all been producing generally low catches. Panfish success has also been inconsistent and these anglers have been moving around quite a bit -- both lake to lake, and from spot to spot on a lake. Active fish have been hard to come by, with each hole often producing only one or two fish before the angler has to move on to the next hole. Overall catches have been low, and anglers have had to work to bring home a decent bag of eight to 10 fish. The crappie that have been caught were being found in deep water and suspended 2 to 4 feet off the bottom, and the perch have been just off the bottom deep break lines and mid-depth mud flats. For bait, both waxworms and crappie minnows have been working okay. Northern pike activity has been generally slow and few reports of success have come in.
Flambeau River State Forest – The Flambeau Hills Ski Trail was groomed Feb. 16, and was in excellent condition. The area received 3 inches of new snow on Monday, but windy conditions had blown some small leaves and balsam needles onto scattered sections of the trail, slightly reducing quality of track. Other than that, trail is in best condition of season.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – Cross-country ski trails are in very good condition. The McNaughton, Escanaba, Madeline and Raven trails were all groomed and tracked on Feb. 16.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Cross-country ski trails are groomed, tracked, and in good condition.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Fishing pressure this past week has been light. Cold weather has helped to improve ice conditions in most areas. Care must still be taken around areas where open water or current flow is present.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Open water fishing at the Hattie Street Anglers' Walkway is slowly improving for trout during the day on stick baits and twister tails. Panfishing with jigs and waxworms in the slough areas of the lower Menominee has also been producing fish.
Oconto County - Oconto Breakwater Park is producing some whitefish as well as a few northern, with perch being present but a bit hard to get them to engage the bait. Anglers at Oconto Parks I and II were also having limited success with pike; baits of choice have been dead sticking smelt or large shiners suspended a foot off the bottom.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Perch and walleye are still the game fish of choice at Voyageur Park. People were fishing in 10 feet of water with jigs tipped with minnows. Perch anglers at Duck Creek were catching fish although many are small. Sunset Beach was also producing perch for anglers jigging with minnows; early and late bites seem to be best.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Anglers have been targeting whitefish and perch at Volk’s Reef in 15-20 feet of water. The best action has been on whitefish. A small ice jig was the most productive. Red River anglers have been getting perch and whitefish in good numbers out in front of Red River. People have been fishing water depths ranging from 10 to 30 feet. Successful anglers are finding perch close to the bottom with a minnow or minnow head for bait. Whitefish are being caught higher in the water column on jigging spoons tipped with wax worms. At Little Sturgeon Bay, anglers have been venturing out inside the bay have been finding good numbers of perch; however most are too small to keep. Waxworms have been the most productive bait, but minnows are producing the largest fish. Anglers that have been venturing outside the bay have been doing well on whitefish and some larger perch. Most have been jigging over 10-30 feet of water. Sand Bay anglers were also doing well on whitefish. Some walleyes were being caught on Larson’s reef early in the mornings or around dusk. Sturgeon Bay anglers have been catching some perch at Potawatomi State Park. The best tactic was a jig and waxworm combination. Most perch have been biting in the morning. Anglers are also catching some pike at the yacht club using golden shiners for bait.
Potawatomi State Park - Cross-country skate ski trails were groomed on February 17 and are in good condition. The stride tracks were not reset on February 17, but remain in fair to good shape. Snowmobile trails are in fair condition in the park.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Cross-country ski trail conditions are fair to good. Approximately 1.5 inches of powdery new snow fell on/around Feb. 15. Trails were groomed and a new track was set Feb. In the open areas tracks are mostly good, but the area immediately North of Old Baldy has been wind-blown, and is somewhat bare. Trails in the woods are in the best condition, however, snow cover is thin in the Pine and Hemlock stands. Current snowshoe trail conditions are that snowshoes are not needed due to compacted snow. The Black Trail and beach are open to hikers and snowshoers. There is no hiking or snowshoeing allowed on any ski trail (Red, Yellow or Green). The Brachiopod trail does not make a continuous loop during the ski season; those wishing to see the wetland are asked to return on the Black trail. There is no hiking or snowshoeing on the side of the ski trail.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
The 2010 sturgeon spearing season ended Thursday, Feb. 18, at 12:30 p.m. after 90 percent harvest closure triggers were hit Feb. 17 on both Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes. As of Wednesday spearers had harvested 1,657 sturgeon, including 78 fish 100 pounds or larger. DNR fisheries biologists have been tracking the 100 pounders harvested from Winnebago since the first year of mandatory registration in 1955. This percentage of large fish began to drop through the 1980s and 90s followed by a dramatic increase in the 100 pound plus fish since 2000. Biologists say the size and condition of the sturgeon fishery in the Winnebago Pool is a testament to the long-running management program has been designed to create a stable sturgeon population comprised of adults out to 100 years or more in age. The program also means increased survival of these fish and the opportunity for them to live to an older age and larger size.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Harrington Beach State Park – Cross-country ski trails were tracked on Feb. 11 and were in good cross-country condition. There are areas of limited snow on the trail. The park is a wonderful place to come to snowshoe. The nice thing about snowshoes is that visitors can practically go wherever they want. For hikers, the Shuttle Trail is plowed for your walking enjoyment. People have been ice fishing on Quarry Lake. For those who do not know, ice fishing is allowed, but please remember, that it is a quarry. It is usually the last lake to freeze in the county and ice conditions are uncertain. No reports of anyone catching anything.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The cross-country ski trail has about 11 inches of snow. The trail was groomed on Sunday, Feb. 14. It is in good condition. Nature trails, hiking trails, and roadways may be snow covered and slippery. Visitors are reporting bald eagle sightings. Visitors may also see a red fox.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit – Overall, as of Feb. 18, cross-country ski trail conditions remained very good to excellent. The skate lanes were groomed Thursday morning and new classic tracks were put in place on the lighted loop on Wednesday. The classic tracks are getting a lot of use but are in good condition. Crews will give the system a complete re-groom on Friday night and again Saturday night. Conditions in the next few days should be very pleasant, though the system may get soft during the afternoons as temp rise above freezing. Conditions for the weekend should be very enjoyable.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit - As of Wednesday, Feb. 17, Zillmer cross-country ski trails were in good to excellent condition. All ski trails were groomed and retracked Feb. 16. The weather report calls for temperatures in the low 30s Fahrenheit for the next several days. For more information on Greenbush trail conditions, call the Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club's trail hotline (920) 467-2099, or visit the club's Web site [http://www.greenbushusa.com/]. Snowmobile trails in the state forest are open.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit - All cross-country ski trails were freshly groomed on Feb. 14-15. Scuppernong had the classical tracks reset on Sunday night. McMiller was completely regroomed with new classical tracks set on Monday. Nordic skate lanes were regroomed and the classical track on the south loops (white, purple, brown) was reset on Monday. Skiing remains very good to excellent. A light dusting of fresh snow fell on the trails after the grooming efforts were completed.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Blue Mound State Park – The cross-country ski trail was in excellent classic condition as of Feb. 17. All trails were groomed and track set early Wednesday morning.
Wyalusing State Park - Local ice anglers report that ice fishing has been slow on the Mississippi River in the area. Fishing activity is subject to many different elements. All trails are snow covered. Forecast for the upcoming weekend is sunny and mild, with no precipitation expected. Highs are expected to reach the mid to upper twenties on Saturday and Sunday. As of Feb. 18, both the Whitetail Meadows and Turkey Hollow Cross Country Ski Trail are in fair condition. Both trails were groomed on Saturday, Feb. 13. Skiers describe the trails as being “sticky”. Skiers are welcome to call the park office at 608-996-2261 for updated weekend conditions. The newly renovated Sand Cave Trail makes an excellent trail for snowshoeing. Dozens of cardinals brighten the wintery landscape, providing an excellent photo opportunity. Approximately 6 to 8 red-bellied woodpeckers can be seen at a time, preferring to feed on the suet blocks. Recent bird sightings this week include: gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, red breasted nuthatch, white breasted nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. Eagles can be found in the area, especially anywhere there is open water. A good spot to look for bald eagles this time of year is between Prairie du Chien and La Crosse on Highway 35, south of Wyalusing State Park, near Cassville and Nelson Dewey State Park. Another popular spot for bald eagles is north of Prairie du Chien on Highway 27 where it intersects with County Highway N to the west.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Capital Springs Centennial State Recreation Area - Cross county ski trails are in good condition and groomed for both classical and skating. Either a Dane County or State Parks trail pass is required. Dane County trail passes can be purchased at the self-registration stations located at the E-way, Heritage Center and shelter #1 trail head kiosk. Please note hiking, snow shoeing and pets are prohibited on the groomed ski trails. Hikers are encouraged to use the park shelter road located at the shelter #1 gate.
Lake Kegonsa State Park - The cross country ski trails are in good condition and were last groomed & tracked on Sunday, Feb. 14. The park will no longer be grooming ski trails for the season as of March 1.
Mirror Lake State Park - As of February 18, the park received 1 to 2 inches of new snow on Monday and has a base of 7 to 11 inches. Cross-country ski trails are in very good condition for skate and classical skiing. Portions of trail are being re-groomed daily. Trails open for snowshoeing and hiking include Echo Rock and Wild Rice. A hiker who was recently snow shoeing on the Wild Rice Trail reported seeing an ermine or short-tailed weasel in its white winter coat. Long tailed weasels are usually about 16 inches long and weigh about 12 ounces. Weasels prey on insects, birds, mice, gophers and rabbits. Great horned and barred owls calling a mate or defending their nesting area can be heard at night.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Ice fishing continues with reports of slow action on panfish. Cross country skiing in February has been outstanding with timely snowfalls over a good base and no long term thaws. Ski trails were groomed and tracked Monday night. Given the sun, thaw, and wind on Tuesday, the weather has put the hurt on the new grooming for classic skiers. Expect to see at least the skate lane groomed again before the weekend. For classic skiers, this reporter suggests no wax skis until the classic track gets replaced. Among the good track, expect to find tree litter, icing, and variable depth track. Grooming is being done up to twice a week depending on snowfall and trail condition. With a generous base, touch up work is possible. Even with all the good reports going up on the Skinnyski web site, it’s still possible to see the trails relatively un-crowded on week days. There are a fair number of skiers after dark with headlamps also. The least used trail is the Prairie Loop of the Red. There is a nice view over the river valley at one point. Trails in general have been quite fast in the classic track and on the skate deck after the high temperature of the day. In sunny areas there has been some evidence of icing in the track since the sun is higher in the sky. A thick hoar frost coated the trees on Saturday morning early. Weekend skier traffic was busy. If normal to cool weather holds, look for at least three more weeks of good skiing and maybe some bonus time into mid March.The multiple use trails get attention as needed. You may see skiers on those after new snow. There are a number of bushwhacked snowshoe paths in the park. It is okay to cross a ski trail on such a path and several do so on their way through the “back country” where no trails exist.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Crawford County - Snowmobile trails are open and groomed. Generally the trails are in good condition. A few icy corners exist on the trails so be careful. For updated information regarding snowmobile trails go to TravelWisconsin.com and click on snow condition reports. The Mississippi River dropped ever so slowly this week. Last week the river was at 8.1 feet and currently is at 7.9 feet. Ice conditions in most areas are pretty good. Most of the popular ice fishing spots have anywhere between 10 to 24 inches of ice. Even so, ice fishers are urged to use caution when traveling out onto the frozen waters. The main channel of the Mississippi River is frozen over, but travel on it is not recommended. Once again, inconsistent barometric pressure caused spotty fishing conditions throughout the week. Temperatures were normal however scattered snow fell about every third day. Fishing activity and ice conditions are as follows: Prairie du Chien Area and Lower bottoms: Garnet Lake has decent ice but access to it is tricky. Garnet Lake has been slow. Pickerel Slough was producing some bluegills. Fishing activity in these areas was light. Dillman’s pit white bass (striper) action was very spotty this week. Ice conditions are pretty good there. Rotten Slough, St. Feriole Slough and Hunter’s Slough, which are located near the sewer treatment plant, have ice that, in areas, is not safe. Caution in these areas is advised. Anglers have been fishing between the Blackhawk and Washington Street bridges. On some days the bluegill action was pretty good, but the average size was small. St. Feriole Slough has open water areas near the bridges and in the center of the channel so use caution there. Prairie du Chien Ambro Slough Complex: Gremore Lake’s northern end has very low oxygen so fishing action there is very bad. The lower end of Gremore Lake really slowed down. Even so a few crappie, bluegill and perch were taken have been taken from time to time. For the most part Gremore has about 20 or so inches of ice. Tilmont Lake was producing perch and bluegills and a few crappie, but that area really slowed down too. There is about 24 inches of ice on Tilmont Lake. Anglers are urged to use caution crossing over the Black Slough to get to Tilmont Lake. Mud Slough, the Lower Doubles and Fish Lake have been pretty slow recently. A few bass were caught on tip ups over the weekend but panfish action was very slow. Ice conditions there are good with around 24 inches of ice. Little Missouri slowed down, but every once in a while a few decent fish are taken. Good ice exists on Little Missouri. Big Missouri on the other hand has been very slow for some reason. The Upper Doubles had been the best area to fish, but there too action has slowed. Tip up anglers are still finding a few bass. Bluegill action has been very spotty. Upwards of 24 inches of ice exist on the Upper Doubles and Big Missouri. The Fennimore Cut has produced some perch, crappie and bluegill. The bluegills have been small and overall action was spotty. Spring Lake has been very slow even though good ice conditions exist. Access to the Doubles, Big and Little Missouri, the Fenimore Cut, and Spring Lake can be tricky. Poor ice conditions exist where Mill Coulee Creek enters the Ambro Slough. Anglers traveling on the Ambro Slough must monitor ice conditions as current is slowing in it and ice conditions can change rapidly. Sturgeon Slough Area: Sturgeon Slough remains very quiet. Some anglers have ventured down to Sturgeon (aka McGregor or Horseshoe) Lake but success there has been very slow. Recent oxygen level testing on Sturgeon Lake shows very low oxygen levels. Anglers probably don’t need to try that area until conditions change. Sturgeon Slough and Sturgeon Lake have good ice, however travel to Sturgeon Lake can be tricky. Stay on established paths. Cold Spring: Fishing here remains very slow. Reports of a few small bluegill and an occasional crappie and a fair amount of small bass have been reported, but overall very slow. Ice conditions on the southern lobe are still good except when you get near the boat landing/stream where open water and very thin ice exists. Mississippi River: Walleye and sauger anglers have been venturing out onto the ice below the Lynxville dam. Ice conditions there vary greatly and day to day. Travel in this area is not advisable. Even so, some anglers have been vertical jigging or dead lining through the ice. This week some anglers came off the ice with a few sauger and an occasional walleye. Ice conditions have been reported as ranging from an inch or two to 6 or more inches. Those who hunt coyotes are finding the breeding season is beginning and there are ample opportunities out there. Some hunters find that wearing snowshoes really helps getting around.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Cross-country ski trails were groomed Feb. 16 and in good to excellent shape. The forest received an extra 1.5 inches of snow Feb. 15. With daytime temperatures approaching 32 degrees for the next few days, the trails may be on the slow side. Trails will be groomed again on Saturday, Feb. 20. Enjoy the trails while you can. Spring will be here soon! All snowmobile and ATV trails were groomed Feb. 16 and were in good shape.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Cross-country ski trails were packed and tracked on Friday, Feb 12 and are in good condition for skiing. Hikers and snowshoers must stay off the groomed trails and can walk on the sides of those trails or on ungroomed trails. Park visitors have been ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even winter camping.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate and campground are closed for the season. This is a seasonal park so the winter parking lot will not be maintained this winter and ski trails will not be groomed.
Last Revised: Thursday February 18 2010
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