WISCONSIN OUTDOORS
New hunting and trapping rules in effect for 2010 seasons
Commercial fishing net locations may soon change on Lake Michigan
Early Canada goose, mourning dove seasons open Sept. 1
Surveys show good survival of young perch in Green Bay
Nonresident seniors now allowed to use crossbows to hunt turkey, bear
2010 hook and line sturgeon season opens Sept. 4
Public meetings and hearings to be held on proposed waterfowl hunting seasons
Black bear sightings in southern Wisconsin on the rise as bears find new areas to their liking
Wisconsin Fishing Report
Wisconsin Outdoor Report
New hunting and trapping rules in effect for 2010 seasons
MADISON – Hunters and trappers looking forward to the 2010-2011 seasons will have some new rules to follow as they pursue their fall pastimes. Several of the new rules were requested and supported by hunters and trappers at the annual Spring Rule Hearings. Others have come to life in response to changing wildlife management needs and new technologies.
Most of the newer rules are found in the “What’s New” section of the fall seasons regulations pamphlets and are also listed in a new fact sheet available online on the Hunting and Trapping Regulations page of the Department of Natural Resources website. A few of the newer rules were not finalized until after the paper copies of the regulations went to press but are updated on the DNR website. Hunters and trappers are encouraged to study the regulations pamphlets and check the DNR website under the type of game they intend to pursue to be sure they are aware of any new rules.
Hunters and trappers can also call the DNR Information (1-888-WDNR INFo) line 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week with questions.
A sample of new rules of interest to deer hunters includes:
- The free archery antlerless deer carcass tags that come with a regular archery deer license and patron’s license is NOT VALID in 19 deer management units designated as “Regular Units – Buck Only.
- Archery deer hunters no longer must wait three days from the date of license purchase to go hunting – the license is good immediately when purchased during the open season.
- Scopes or telescopic sights with magnification are now legal on muzzleloaders during the 10-day Nov. 29 – Dec.8 muzzleloader season.
- Whole deer carcasses can now be transported out of the CWD Management Zone or into Wisconsin from CWD areas of other states where CWD has been detected under certain restrictions.
- Deer and bear may now be quartered for easier removal from the field, also subject to certain restrictions.
- Whitefish Dunes and Potawatomi state parks are now open for deer hunting during the nine-day firearm deer season.
- Fall turkey hunters may now use dogs anywhere in the state.
- The bobcat season has been extended through January and split into two separate time periods. Trappers will be able to also use cable restraints for bobcat in the January portion of the season if they have a permit for the second bobcat time period.
- Several changes to the waterfowl season structure include eliminating the Burnett Subzone closed area making it now huntable as part of the exterior zone and implementing new property rules at the Mead and Zeloski Marsh properties.
Back to top
Commercial fishing net locations may soon change on Lake Michigan
New video, radio spots alert boaters to potential hazard posed by nets
MADISON – Boaters and anglers recreating on Lake Michigan in the Sheboygan and Manitowoc/Two Rivers area will want to keep an eye out in coming weeks for the flags and buoys that mark commercial fishing trap nets, as restrictions on where they can place those nets change after Labor Day.
“The nets may be moving after Labor Day when the restrictions end,” says Wisconsin’s Fisheries Director Mike Staggs. “We want to make sure that people are on the look out for the flags and buoys that mark the nets and avoid them, wherever they are. There’s a lot of water out there. Let’s share it safely.”
Trap nets are large underwater nets used by commercial fishers to catch whitefish in the Great Lakes. They are preferred to gillnets and trawls because sport fish that are accidentally caught in the nets can be released alive, however, the nets can pose a potential risk to boaters and anglers because boat downriggers, fishing lines, and propellers can get caught in the nets or anchor ropes.
Commercial fishers do not set trap nets near Port Washington, Milwaukee, Racine or Kenosha harbors, but the nets have historically been set in other parts of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior from late spring into the fall.
In Zone 3, the area south of Sturgeon Bay, from June 29th through Labor Day, commercial trap nets are limited to two small areas: one south of Sheboygan harbor and one between Manitowoc and Two Rivers harbors. After Labor Day, trap nets may be found anywhere in that area. Commercial fishers can increase the number of nets they set from three each to 12 each after the time, but historically have decreased their fishing effort after Labor Day, Staggs says.
Commercial and recreational fishing are both authorized under state law and the Legislature’s policy calls for DNR to manage for “an economically viable and stable commercial fishery and an active recreational fishery.”
New efforts to alert boaters to commercial fishing trap nets
New informational tools are being used to help alert boaters and anglers to watch for, and steer clear of, flags and buoys that mark commercial fishing trap nets on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.
“We want to create a safe and enjoyable fishing environment for everybody on the Great Lakes,” says DNR Chief Conservation Warden Randy Stark. “A big part of that is awareness and vigilance, and we hope these new informational efforts by DNR and the National Weather Service will help do that.”
Radio and television spots and a revamped web page, Trap Net Safety on the Great Lakes, are among the new outreach efforts from the Department of Natural Resources.
The Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service Forecast Office has posted a Trap Net Hazards to Boaters (exit DNR) story on its web site [www.crh.noaa.gov], issued a Public Information Statement through its wideband network and recorded a public service announcement on its NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards stations serving our marine community from Sheboygan to Kenosha.
“The National Weather Service is pleased to partner with other government agencies including the Wisconsin DNR in spreading the word about potential hazards,” says Marc Kavinsky, senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan.
The new materials supplement longstanding outreach efforts by UW Sea Grant, [seagrant.wisc.edu] (exit DNR) the DNR and fishing organizations that alert anglers and other boaters to watch for the flags and buoys that mark the commercial fishing trap nets and steer clear to avoid getting tangled in them.
Back to top
Early Canada goose, mourning dove seasons open Sept. 1
MADISON – Sept. 1 marks the start of the fall hunting seasons, with the statewide opening of the early Canada goose and mourning dove seasons.
The early Canada goose season runs from Sept. 1-15 statewide and requires a $3 early Canada goose permit. The Burnett County subzone closed area has been eliminated and is now open to goose hunting.
The dove season runs Sept. 1 through Nov. 9.
“The early Canada goose hunt directs harvest efforts on Wisconsin breeding Canada geese,” says Kent Van Horn, migratory game bird ecologist for the Department of Natural Resources. “Resident geese often change their feeding and movement patterns as September approaches. Scouting ahead of time and staying mobile during the season offers the best chances for success.”
Wisconsin's Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey showed a resident goose population of 165,853 (up 12 percent from 2009) and Van Horn expects good early season goose hunting opportunities.
The 10 year trend for mourning doves shows the populations to be stable, with a 0.8 percent increase. On average, about 14,000 Wisconsin hunters harvest 140,000 mourning doves each year. As with Canada geese, mourning dove hunters should benefit from before the season scouting to see where birds are flying as they move between roosts, water, and feeding areas.
“At this time of year, particularly over the holiday weekend, many people are spending time outdoors and we encourage everyone to respect each other's interests,” adds Van Horn.
Both Canada goose and dove hunters must be HIP (harvest information program) certified to hunt migratory game birds to be in compliance with state and federal law. This free and easy certification should be requested when purchasing your hunting license and the HIP registry allows us to survey hunters about important harvest information.
Dove hunting regulation and safety reminders
- Doves are migratory birds so hunters must use a plugged shotgun with a capacity not to exceed 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
- Nontoxic shot is required to hunt doves on all DNR managed lands.
- Dove and all migratory bird hunters must be HIP certified. HIP certification is free and available at all locations where hunting licenses are sold.
- Remember to avoid shooting at doves near power lines and horizontally at low-flying birds where other hunters may be present. Following the basic rules of firearm safety should avoid these situations.
For more information see the Waterfowl in Wisconsin or mourning dove pages of the DNR website.
Back to top
Surveys show good survival of young perch in Green Bay
Third highest abundance in 30 years
PESHTIGO – Recently completed fish surveys for yellow perch in Green Bay show good news: the third highest abundance in 30 years for fish hatched earlier this spring, state fisheries biologists say.
“Once again we’re seeing a very strong year-class,” says Tammie Paoli, Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist in Peshtigo. “Numbers are up and the fish are larger than last year at this time, which is indicative of the early hatch and warm water temperatures encountered this spring and summer.” Earlier this month, young-of-year perch were 2.5 to 3 inches long.
Paoli is hopeful that this year class of fish will be different than other classes in recent years that have survived their first summer in good numbers but many of which have died before reaching a catchable size.
“We’ve been getting some pretty decent year classes for quite a while now, but we are not seeing adults in the numbers we’d like to. There seems to be a lot of mortality occurring at some point in their first one to two years.”
While Paoli and other DNR biologists don’t know the exact reasons for the perch mortality, they do have some suspects: predation from other fish species, such as walleye and/or northern pike, which both seem to be doing well in the bay; or bird predation, specifically cormorants, which are at high numbers and are the subject of control efforts by the DNR and Wildlife Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The two agencies have been oiling cormorant eggs and conducting some limited sharp shooting to trim back the birds’ numbers, as described in this February 2008 Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine article, Cormorant Conundrum.
The goal is to reduce the number of nesting pairs to 6,000 from the 15,000 estimated now.
Fishing reports for most of the summer have reflected the fishery’s skewing toward young, small fish, Paoli says. “We’ve heard reports of good fishing but a lot of small fish. So again, this kind of goes back to the idea that some of these fish may be cropped off at a younger age.”
The yellow perch season on Green Bay runs from May 20 through March 15, and there is a daily bag of 15 with no length limit. Anglers tend to start keeping perch when they are about 8 inches long, a size they tend to reach in their second or third year, she says.
In the last week or so, DNR creel clerks who survey anglers about their catch have reported some improved catches. “So the size of fish people have been catching could be related to water temperature, fish moving around.”
The DNR crews were able to complete the surveys this year using trawling nets early despite intense heat, humidity, and fog, Paoli says. The relative abundance combining shallow and deep sites increased from 1,211 per hour spent trawling in 2009 to 2,581 per hour in 2010. The other two years which were higher were 1986, when 4,480 per hour were hauled in, and 2003, with a rate of 7,868 per hour.
The majority of the young perch were captured near the mouth of the Peshtigo and Pensaukee rivers and in the Little Tail Point area.
Other notable items from the survey:
- Alewife abundance fell, which had been increasing slightly each year since 2007.
- Smelt abundance rose, which has been increasing slightly each year since 2007.
- Round goby catch rates were at the second highest since they were first captured in trawl surveys in 2003, with the majority captured near the Peshtigo and Little Rivers in the northern portion of Wisconsin waters.
Back to top
Nonresident seniors now allowed to use crossbows to hunt turkey, bear
MADISON – Beginning this fall, non-resident senior citizens will have the same privileges as Wisconsin residents for hunting a number of game species with a crossbow.
A bill passed by the state legislature which took effect on Feb. 26, 2010, allows non-resident senior citizens to use a crossbow to hunt turkey, bear, and small game with a crossbow under the authority of the appropriate license.
Last year, the legislature granted non-residents age 65 and older the privilege to use a crossbow for hunting deer and small game under the authority of a archery license, the same as state residents.
“These changes make the laws regarding use of crossbows by senior citizens the same for both residents and non-residents for hunting all species,” said Tom Van Haren, DNR conservation warden, Madison.
If a person is not age 65, they must hold an appropriate disabled hunting permit which authorizes them to use a crossbow, he added.
Back to top
2010 hook and line sturgeon season opens Sept. 4
High water the wild card this season
MADISON – High water in many of the rivers that open Sept. 4 for the 2010 hook and line sturgeon season means that fishing prospects for the state’s oldest and largest fish are murky three weeks out but that one thing is clear: bring bug spray.
“The story is the incredible amount of water and the mosquitoes,” says Dan Fuller, Department of Natural Resources fisheries technician based in Poynette. “Right now the Wisconsin River, for instance, is running high. Normally it’s 4,000 cubic feet per second, now it’s 11,000 cfs.”
Information on water levels can be found on the U.S. Geological Survey website at [waterwatch.usgs.gov] (exit DNR).
Fuller is not sure how those high water levels will impact the fishing. On the one hand, there is a lot of food washing into the river so the sturgeon may not be as hungry and interested in the baits anglers offer. On the other hand, the increase in water levels from the rain can start the fish moving.
For sure, the high water levels mean a bumper crop of mosquitoes will greet anglers casting from the shore, Fuller says. “Bring bug repellant.”
A dozen waters open to harvest and a new C & R opportunity
Anglers looking for a real big fish story can find one on any of the dozen or so waters open for the 2010 season, which runs Sept. 4-30. Additional season information can be found in the current Wisconsin fishing regulations
The 2010 season marks the fourth year that the minimum length for harvesting sturgeon is set at 60 inches, with a one-fish limit per season. There is a catch and release season on a stretch of the Menominee River downstream from the Hattie Street dam to Green Bay.
New this year is a catch and release season on the lower St. Croix River from St. Croix Falls Dam downstream to the Mississippi River from Oct. 1 through Oct. 15 to allow Wisconsin and Minnesota to have the same regulations for the same species. This is not reflected in the Fishing Regulations 2010-2011.
“We continue to provide people with surgeon angling opportunities,” says Karl Scheidegger, a DNR fisheries biologist in Madison who co-chairs the state’s sturgeon committee. “There are fish out there. With persistence and a little know-how, anglers stand a good chance of landing one of these giants.”
Lake sturgeon are slow-growing, late maturing fish, with females spawning for the first time when they are 20 to 25 years old and then only every four to five years thereafter. Because females are larger than males, they are often targeted by anglers, and their overharvest can cause population declines that may take years to recover.
So to protect these vulnerable fish, the state’s sturgeon management program seeks to limit harvest to 5 percent of the adults in a particular population. On some waters, harvest rates were significantly exceeding that rate.
“One of the things we wanted to try to accomplish through the regulation change was the reduction in harvest,” Scheidegger says. “Clearly we’ve done that but we need to continue to look at how we manage sturgeon so we can improve management in all areas.”
Remember to buy a harvest tag
If anglers do plan to harvest a sturgeon this season, they must purchase a harvest tag before they fish. The sturgeon harvest tag was implemented for the first time in the 2006 hook and line season. All revenues from the harvest tag sales go directly to projects dedicated to the improvement of sturgeon populations and habitats and therefore, better fishing opportunities. No tag is needed if anglers are catch and release fishing only.
The harvest tag is available throughout the season and costs $20 for residents and $50 for nonresidents. It can be can be purchased: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236); at license sales locations; or DNR service centers during their regular business hours (check service center link for hours of operation, which vary by service center).
Anglers who harvest a legal-size fish must immediately attach the harvest tag to the fish and take it to a registration station by 6 p.m. the next day for registration.
All anglers must have a Wisconsin general inland fishing license unless they are under 16 years old, or were born before Jan. 1, 1927. Military personnel who are Wisconsin residents and in active service but on furlough or leave are eligible to receive a free annual fishing license. They still need to purchase the $20 lake sturgeon harvest tag if they plan to keep a lake sturgeon.
Fewer Menominee River sturgeon registration stations
Of note on the Menominee River sturgeon season would be a reduction in the number of registration stations. Beginning this year there will be only four stations, two each in Wisconsin and Michigan. Those locations are:
In Wisconsin:
- MBK Sport Shop, 1509 Main St., Marinette, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; (715) 735-5393
- Bear Point Yacht Club, Highway 180, Wausaukee, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.; (715) 856-5092
In Michigan:
- Martin Creek Feed, N1066 U.S. Highway 41, Menominee, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; (906) 863-4868
- Camp Shakey Bait Shop, G12 Shakey Lakes Road, Daggett; (906) 753-4977
Back to top
Public meetings and hearings to be held on proposed waterfowl hunting seasons
MADISON – Waterfowl hunters can find the latest information on the status of waterfowl and waterfowl management decisions in Wisconsin and learn about the latest proposals for Wisconsin’s 2010 waterfowl hunting seasons at a series of upcoming public meetings and hearings.
“We won’t have a final waterfowl season proposal for the fall 2010 seasons until Monday, August 2,” said Kent Van Horn, Wisconsin state waterfowl biologist who just returned from the Mississippi Flyway Council meetings in Mobile, Alabama. “However, we have a good picture of the likely upcoming season, and much of the news this year is very good since wetland conditions across most of North America were good in 2010.”
State waterfowl hunting seasons are structured within the bounds of an annual framework decided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With the overall picture on the 2010 waterfowl breeding populations being good, hunters can expect average to liberal season frameworks in 2010 but there are likely going to be some important regulation changes this year, according to Van Horn.
Across the traditional survey area of the Dakotas, Canada and Alaska, total duck numbers were estimated at 41 million prior to breeding, which is 21 percent above the long term average. Wetland conditions in the Dakotas and important areas of Canada were good at the beginning of the breeding season and others have improved since then, so the 2010 duck production is expected to be good. Population estimates for most duck species were either similar to or higher than last year.
Spring conditions in Wisconsin were not as encouraging, primarily due to the impact of drought conditions in parts of the state. Wetland areas were down across the state. The 2010 total Wisconsin breeding duck population estimate of 386,501 was down 23 percent from 2009 and is 12 percent below the long-term mean. Since May, however, significant rainfall across the state has improved wetland conditions.
Canada goose breeding conditions in northern Ontario -- where about 50 percent of the Wisconsin harvest originates -- were much better in 2010 thanks to a warm spring and the breeding population estimate was near average. In Wisconsin, the Canada goose breeding population estimate was also up 12 percent at 165,853 geese. Hunters can expect an abundant Canada goose population this fall.
Season to be set by Natural Resources Board, August 11
The Natural Resources Board will set the 2010 season structure at its August 11 meeting in Hayward. At this time, Wisconsin waterfowl hunters can anticipate the following hunting season proposals for 2010:
- 60 day overall duck hunting season with a total duck bag limit of six ducks
- 60 day, two bird bag on pintail
- 60 day, one bird bag on canvasback
- 60 day, two bird bag on scaup
- Early September Canada goose season from September 1-15
- Two Canada goose hunting season periods in the Horicon zone - Period 1 - Sept 16-October 31, Period 2 - November 1- December 16
- An 85 day Exterior zone Canada goose season.
“We expect to post the season proposals on our website by Aug. 2,” said VanHorn.
In addition to the scheduled meetings and hearings, comments can be submitted to: James Christopoulos, 101 S. Webster St., PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921 (608) 261-6458 james.christopoulos@wisconsin.gov
More information is available on the Waterfowl in Wisconsin page of the DNR website.
2010 Post-Flyway Meetings
- Saturday July 31, Wausau, 9 a.m. (Conservation Congress Meeting) 1 p.m. (DNR Public Meeting), The Plaza Hotel & Suites, Three Rivers room, 201 N 17th Ave.
2010 Public Hearing Locations
- August 2, La Crosse, 7 p.m. State Office Bldg, Rooms B-19 and B-20, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road.
- August 3, Rice Lake, 7 p.m., WI Indianhead Technical College (WITC), Room 243, 1900 College Dr.
- August 4, Appleton, 7 p.m., Agricultural Services Center, Main conference room, 3369 West Brewster St.
- August 5, Pewaukee , 7 p.m., Comfort Suites Lake Country, Thunder Bay room, N14 W24121 Tower Place.
Natural Resources Board Meeting
- Wednesday August 11, Superior, 8:30 a.m., Barker’s Island Inn, 300 Marina Drive.
Back to top
Black bear sightings in southern Wisconsin on the rise as bears find new areas to their liking
MADISON – Black bear sightings are becoming more common in southern Wisconsin as bruins find areas previously considered occasional or rare for bear sightings suitable for occupancy.
“Wisconsin’s bear population is considerably higher than it was 20 years ago,” said Linda Olver, acting DNR bear biologist. “Bear distribution in Wisconsin has shifted further south and southwest, facilitated by the increase in the bear population and areas of suitable habitat available in southern Wisconsin”
A 2008 bear population study estimated Wisconsin’s current bear population at between 26,000 and 40,000 bears. This is up from 1989, when the population was estimated at 9,000. The newer population study is scheduled to be repeated in 2011 to check against the 2008 results.
Black bears are not evenly distributed throughout Wisconsin. Bears are abundant in the northern third of Wisconsin and in the forested areas of Clark and Jackson Counties. Bears are less common in the southern half of Wisconsin. The following map shows the relative distribution of black bears in Wisconsin.
Increasingly, sightings are being reported in the occasional and rare zones. Sightings are compiled from informal reports from emails, telephone calls and news media.
“Since March of this year (2010) we’ve logged more than 140 sighting reports in areas where bears were seen occasionally or rarely,” says Olver, “however some of these reports are multiple sightings of the same bear as it moves through an area.”
Wisconsin is not alone when it comes to bears expanding their range say wildlife managers. A 2008 survey of eastern states and Canadian provinces that actively manage black bear populations indicated that 75 percent of these jurisdictions report an increase in bear range. Only Vermont reported a contracting bear range.
Managing bear populations
DNR manages bear population size through regulated hunting. Recently, biologists have increased the number of bear harvest permits in response to the apparent increase in bear numbers. Ninety-one percent more harvest permits are available for the 2010 bear season than were allotted for the 2008 bear season.
“The increase in available harvest permits is based on the lower end of the updated population estimate,” explains Olver. “Until we have additional population survey information to analyze we will be very careful to avoid any overharvest and resulting setbacks to a healthy bear population.”
Bears are an attraction and novelty to some and at the same time a nuisance to others. DNR plans to offer the public opportunities to comment on what is a desirable number of bears in each of the state’s bear management regions in the coming year. Public comments will be factored into a new bear management plan. DNR is also developing an online reporting form where the public can report bear sightings. The new feature will be launched in spring of 2011 when bears are once again actively dispersing, searching for new territories.
Avoiding unwanted bear encounters
Bears can quickly learn to associate humans with food and can become a nuisance. It is illegal to feed bears in Wisconsin. Do not feed bears, either intentionally or unintentionally. People unintentionally feed bears by allowing a food source to be accessible to bears near their home. Some examples include: placing bird feeders within reach of a bear during the spring and summer; not securing their garbage cans so bears can access the contents, and leaving dog food out overnight.
DNR contracts with U.S. Department of Agriculture -Wildlife Services to handle nuisance bear complaints. It is important to note that preventing problems from developing is the most effective solution. Moving or “trans-locating” a bear is not.
“If the bear already has an established territory, we are moving the bear into unfamiliar country and likely into another bear’s territory,” Olver said. “This often leads to tension. If the bear becomes acclimated to people before it is moved, it will likely get into trouble at a new location. In addition to being not always in the best interest of the bear, it costs a lot of money and time to trap, move, and release a bear. Humans have a responsibility not to create a nuisance bear by allowing it access to human-related food sources.”
Here are some suggestions for living in areas with black bears:
- Don’t knowingly feed a bear.
- Hang bird feeders at least 10 feet off the ground and 5 feet away from tree trunks on a limb that will not support a bear. You can refill the feeder easily by using a pulley system.
- Reduce garbage odors by rinsing food cans before putting them in recycling containers or garbage cans.
- Do not compost meat scraps.
- Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day.
- Keep garbage cans in a closed building until pick-up day.
- Keep pet food inside or don’t feed in the evening.
- Keep barbeque grills and picnic tables clean.
People who require assistance with a nuisance bear should contact the Wildlife Services 24-hour hotline at 1-800-433-0663 for southern Wisconsin and 1-800-228-1368 for northern Wisconsin.
If a bear is near your home, wave your arms and make noise to scare the bear away. Then back away slowly or go inside and wait for the bear to leave. If the bear found food such as bird feed or garbage one or more times, it will return. When food is no longer available, the visits will stop.
If you encounter a bear while in the woods – stay calm, don’t shoot the bear or approach it. Give it space, walk away and watch from a distance.
More information on Wisconsin’s black bears and a link to the bear sightings map can be found at the DNR website.
Back to top
Wisconsin Fishing Report as of August 30, 2010
Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY)
Good musky, northern and panfish bite, with walleye, smallmouth, largemouth and action just fair in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.
Water temps in the upper 60s to the low 70s in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.
Musky fishing in the Eagle River area has picked up dramatically with the recent drop in water temps., The temps are in the low 70s on the Eagle River Chain of 28 lakes (largest freshwater chain of lakes in the world), and a significant algae bloom is happening on many smaller area lakes. Fish
15 feet of water or less in and around weeds. Big blade bucktails that produce a loud "thump" in the water are a good choice right now, as are jointed crankbaits. They put out a lot of vibration for the fish to home in on. Suggested colors now include black/silver, black/orange, black/chartreuse, on either bucktails or crankbaits.
There's a good northern bite in the Eagle River area. Fish 15 feet of water or less in and around weeds. Use a bass style spinner bait, #4 Mepps, or a northern sucker minnow under a slip bobber.
Panfish in the Eagle River area generally hanging together in 15 feet of water or less, in and around weeds. The crappies and bluegills are suspending up and down the water column, with the perch close to the bottom. Use a crappie minnow or a chunk of crawler under a slip bobber. Some crappies are also being found here-and-there over deep water humps. Panfish action is good.
Walleye in the Eagle River area are in 10-30 feet of water (depth is lake dependent), over rocks, rock points, and rocky humps, or outside of weed edges. Use a jig and a minnow, leech or crawler. Action is fair.
Smallmouth are in 10-20 feet of water in the Eagle River area. Fish break edges over hardbottom/rocks/gravel. Use a jig and a minnow, or a jig and a tube. In the evening try a topwater like a Heddon Torpedo or Zara Spook.
Fair action.
Largemouth in the Eagle River area are in 10 feet of water or less relating to structure. Fish heavy weed areas, near docks, downed trees, stumps or brushpiles. Use a jig and a pig, spinnerbait, or a topwater like a rat or frog. Action is fair.
(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative Brilliance interviews with Eagle River guides "Muskie Matt" of Wild Eagle Lodge, "Ranger Rick" Krueger of Guide's Choice Pro Shop, and Mat Hegy).
Contact info for Eagle River:
* Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
* "Muskie Matt", 715-891-5980; e-mail: rfrgoutdoors@gmail.com
* Mat Hegy, 715-571-7544, e-mail: lunkerclunkerguideservice@yahoo.com
* Guide's Choice Pro Shop, guide/owner "Ranger Rick" Krueger 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com
-----
-----
***Some special calendar highlights for Eagle River, Wisconsin:
-- Sat.-Sun., Sept. 18-19, 2010: Paul's Annual Pro-Am Musky Tournament.
This is the "one for everybody" - -professional and amateur. Lots of fun.
Lots of prizes. EVERYONE is welcome! Eagle River. Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web:
www.eagleriver.org
******- -Sat.-Sun., Oct. 2-3, 2010: 31st Annual Cranberry Fest. This wonderful fall festival features cranberry marsh and winery tours, sales of all types of great cranberry foods and fresh cranberries, cranberry cook off, large arts & crafts show, world's largest cranberry cheesecake, antique market, flea market, cranberry fiber arts and weavers show and sale, bike, walk, and run fitness events, family entertainment, farmers market, cranberry fest market, activities throughout town. Great family fun festival attended by thousands. Not to be missed! Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web:
www.eagleriver.org
- - Fri.-Sun., Oct. 8-10, 2010: Wild Eagle Lodge Musky School. Hands on opportunity to learn and fish for the greatest of all freshwater game fish, from accomplished musky hunter and guide, Muskie Matt. Lodging, equipment, meals, seminars, fishing. Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
- - Tues-Sat., Oct. 23-27, 2010: "Wallhanger" Eagle River Chain Musky Fishing School by "Ranger Rick" Krueger guide/owner of Guide's Choice Pro Shop, Eagle River, Wisconsin. Join this "classic musky trip of all time" with renowned musky hunter Ranger Rick Krueger on his home waters. Learn
artificial and live bait techniques; enjoy Power-Point presentations discussing all aspects of musky fishing. Each attendee will spend a half-day in the boat with Ranger Rick or another Guide's Choice Pro Shop professional musky guide. Trip also includes four nights lodging, breakfast, dinners and raffles galore. Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web:
www.eagleriver.org
-----
-----
***(Report on Central Wisconsin Lakes AND the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin's Marathon and Lincoln Counties near Mosinee and Wausau)
Editor's note: The daily bag limit for walleyes on many lakes and the Wisconsin River in Central Wisconsin (always check the regulations on the particular water, first) is five (5) fish per day throughout the year while the daily bag limit for walleye in many areas north of Mosinee and Wausau may only be two to three fish because of Native American spearing initiatives and the resulting DNR "quota limits".
Musky, walleye, northern and crappies all hitting well, in and amidst the lakes and the Wisconsin River of Wisconsin's Marathon and Lincoln Counties (near Mosinee and Wausau).
Water temps falling slowly in the central Wisconsin area, but still in the lower 70s.
Muskies in the central Wisconsin area have been hitting strong on bucktails and topwaters in shallow weeds.
The walleye bite in the central Wisconsin area is providing some very nice catches coming from deep weeds, using a jig and a minnow.
Northerns are hitting a variety of lures in shallow weeds in the central Wisconsin area. Use a Daredevil or a spinnerbait in red and white.
Slab crappies in the central Wisconsin area are putting on a very good bite.
Fish in 14 to 18 feet of water, where the crappies are suspending 5 to 7 feet down. And don't forget‹crappies only bite "up," never "down."
-----
-----
(This report based on interview with licensed guide and trapper Phil Schweik of Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Service, Mosinee. Wisconsin).
For more information about fishing and hunting in the Central Wisconsin
area:
* Phil Schweik, Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Services: phone:
715-693-5843; e-mail: info@hooksetters.biz; web: www.hooksetters.biz
Upcoming 2010 Events and Tournaments for Hooksetter's Fishing & Hunting Guide Services:
NOTE: All Hooksetter's fishing tournaments are done for CHARITY! All proceeds from the tournaments will go to the Kippenberg Creek Kids. Entry fees provide the cash prize money, and there is 100% payback of entry fees. Great fishing opportunities, great fun, years of wonderful response. Join us. Enjoy yourself and help the Kippenberg Creek Kids!
NOTE the dates of upcoming Hooksetter's charity fishing tournaments in 2010:
Half Moon Lake (Mosinee, Wisconsin):
--Sat., Oct. 9, 2010: Fall Meltdown Fishing Tournament
Back to top
Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of August 26, 2010
GENERAL | Northern Region | Northeast Region | Southeast Region | South Central Region | West Central Region
Wisconsin finally seems to be getting a break in the rainy weather pattern of the summer. After yet another week with up to 5 inches of rain falling in some areas of the state, a calmer and more settled weather pattern is forecast for the next week.
With heavy rain again this week in then north, major river systems continue to run well above seasonal norms, making paddling on rivers difficult. But if the forecast holds and water levels begin to drop, there could be some excellent opportunities for late summer and early fall paddling on rivers that are normally too low this time of year. In the south, major rivers crested late last week and have now begun to recede, though many rivers are still high. The Kickapoo and Wisconsin rivers are still high and running dirty. The Kickapoo River crested last week at around 15.6 feet, but as of Wednesday was at 9.3 feet and falling. The lower Wisconsin was also dropping, though most sandbars still remain submerged.
Despite the additional rain and almost constantly changing weather anglers found both musky and bass to be fairly active in the past week on northern lakes. Musky were active along the weed edges and in the shallower weed beds, with top-water baits the most productive. Action for both largemouth and smallmouth bass has been more consistent than any other time during the summer and some decent catches have been made in the last week. Largemouth especially seemed to be finally settling into a more typical summer pattern, relating to the thick cover, woody structure and bog edges. Walleye action continued to be very erratic, with anglers reporting the very tough bite has continued through most of this summer.
The changing weather pattern briefly brought some cooler water to near shore Lake Michigan, which improved shore fishing at some harbors and piers, with brown trout showing up in greater numbers. However, trollers report action continued to be slow in the last week, with many boats only coming in with one two fish, mostly chinook salmon. Walleye action was picking up on Green Bay, and perch fishing remained good on the Door County side of the bay.
Remaining permits for the 2010 fall turkey hunting season go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis starting noon this Saturday, August 28. There are 46,800 permits available after the drawing for Turkey Management Zones 1-5; there were no leftover permits available for Zones 6 and 7 after the initial drawing. The fee for turkey permits is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents.
And next Wednesday, Sept. 1 marks the start of the fall hunting seasons in Wisconsin, with the statewide opening of the early Canada goose and mourning dove seasons. The early Canada goose season runs through Sept.15 statewide and requires a $3 early Canada goose permit. The early season is for harvest of resident Wisconsin breeding Canada geese, which population surveys show are up 12 percent from 2009.
Bluebirds and blackbirds are gathering. Bluebird concentrations tend to number about 10 to 20 birds, but blackbird flocks can reach several hundred to more than a thousand birds, comprised of red-winged blackbirds, grackles, and starlings. The large flocks can cause local nuisance problems with their noise and crop damage. The last of the monarch butterflies are emerging and they too will soon be gathering for their southward migration to Mexico.
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.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - The gravel surface trail is in good riding condition. There are a number of campgrounds along the trail that accommodate ATV riders. Subtle hints of autumn are appearing on the trail; deer, bear and grouse are common visitors along the trail.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Despite several more inches of rain late last week and continued high water levels, fishing success was fair to good on most waters across the Northwoods. Almost constantly changing weather did keep anglers on the lookout for approaching storms, but anglers did find both musky and bass to be fairly active in the past week. Musky success showed a little surge and most anglers reported some good action from small and medium-size fish (28 to 40 inches) . Quite a few musky seemed to be active along the weed edges and in the shallower weed beds. Top-water baits, large plastics and slower moving stick baits were the most productive. Almost any time of day has produced action and was mostly dependent on local weather conditions. Action for both largemouth and smallmouth bass has been more consistent than any other time during the summer and some decent catches have been made in the last week. Largemouth seem to be finally settled into a more typical summer pattern and have been relating to the thick cover, especially woody structure and bog edges. Jig/craw combinations and Texas-rigged worms have been the most productive and have to be fished close to the wood, tight to the bog/marsh edges, or in open pockets in the weed beds. However, the top-water bite for largemouth continues to be very slow. Smallmouth bass have been a bit tough to find in the large, clear lakes, but action continued to be good on the flowages and larger rivers. Soft plastics and crayfish-colored crank baits (and large-sized as well) have been the favorite baits, and the smallmouth have been relating to wood near deeper water areas. Walleye action continued to be very erratic, and most anglers report the very tough bite has continued thru most of this summer. A few decent catches have been made and those have occurred in the river sections of the larger flowages. Leeches and crawlers fished along the deep edges, and in/along the weeds have produced most of the walleye that have been caught. Panfish action continues to be fair. Larger bluegill have still been a little tough to find but some decent catches of crappie, perch and rock bass continue to be reported.
Flambeau River State Forest - Both the North and South Forks of the Flambeau River continue to run high. ATV trails are open with some ongoing repairs. Due to wet conditions users are reminded of the importance to stay on the trail and stay out of the ditches. We have many newly repaired and seeded areas along the trail that have been damaged and rutted due to some users going off trail and into ditches. So much so, that additional seeding will be necessary. Because of this damage, there will be increased law enforcement on the trails who will be issuing citations for damage done to the trail system. Mosquitoes are still out in full force. Blackberries are ripe and golden rod is in full bloom. Fall colors are starting to show in the forest and the last of this year's monarch butterflies are emerging.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Water temperatures have dropped into the low to mid 70s. Weeds are still a bit of a problem trolling on the bay. Fishing pressure has been fairly light with the brunt of the boaters crossing to Door County to shop or to swim, there has been a lot of jet ski action in this hot weather.
Marinette County - Fishing the Peshtigo Harbor area has been slow with a few fresh water drum and the occasional smallmouth bass being caught on live bait as well as spinners and cranks. Action on the Menominee Rivers was still fair for walleye during the hours of darkness, with anglers trolling stick baits from the mouth of the river up to and around Bum Island. Fishing salmon has come to a dead halt in the last week with anglers putting in their time with little to show for it.
Oconto County - Stiles Dam continues to provide some excellent panfish on slip bobbers and worms for bluegill, minnows for crappies. Anglers at Pensaukee Landing, Oconto Breakwater Park, and Oconto Park II were experiencing some good catches of perch in 8 to 16 feet of water using crappie rigs or slip bobbers tipped with minnows. The walleye bite has come on strong again with fish being caught in 16 to 20 feet of water trolling crank baits or crawler/harness.
Governor Thompson State Park – The park’s 16 miles of mowed hiking trails are ready for adventure. Visitors can check a few geocaches on their way. Flowers on the hiking trails are blooming, and people are reporting many wildlife sightings. Construction is progressing on the new 50-site campground. Throughout the summer construction crews have been working on building the new campsites, adding topsoil, leveling and graveling the driveways and loop roads. The first 45 sites of the campground and shower building are expected to open during the 2011 camping season.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Anglers fishing the mouth of the Fox River have been catching drum, white perch and catfish. Most are using night crawlers or minnows on the bottom. Voyageur Park anglers have been catching a few perch as well but most have been too small to keep. Shore anglers have been catching perch in the Suamico River. Most of the fishing pressure has been at the county boat landing. Anglers have been using night crawlers fished off the bottom or bobbers. Anglers are also catching a few walleye but for the most part it has been slow. Bayshore Park anglers have been finding satisfactory numbers of perch early in the mornings with some good catches reported. Walleye anglers have been struggling over the last few days. Most fish that are being caught have come on crawler harnesses.
Manitowoc County - Strong west winds early in the week switched out of the north by Thursday and diminished hopes of colder water moving in. Less humid conditions with temperatures along the lakeshore made for comfortable fishing conditions. The northerly winds were light over the weekend, which caused some light fog offshore that lifted by mid-morning. Water temperatures at one point during mid-week dropped to around 60 degrees around the pier heads but the fishing remained very slow. By Sunday, water temperatures remained in the 64-66 degree range out to 100 feet of water. At the ramps, boats were averaging zero to two fish per boat with a few boats landing four or five. The fishing action appears to be very slow, with several boats at the Two Rivers and Manitowoc ramps not landing a single fish. With fishing so slow, there hasn’t been any certain depth to target. Some success appears to be in the 60 foot range up and down the lakeshore with some boats having success in the 110 to 150 depths straight out of Two Rivers southward off of Manitowoc. The chinook appear to be scattered off the lighthouse north of Two Rivers, with several reports coming in of success anywhere from 50-150 feet. A few 4-year-old chinook were beginning to show up outside the pier heads but only here and there. Target the 40 foot depths with your riggers using green or wonder bread colored J-Plugs and flasher/fly combos. With small amounts of fish being landed and warm water, there has been little pattern to depths where fish are being caught and what colors you should use. Pier fishing off of Two Rivers resulted in about two 4-year-old salmon caught per day. Anglers had success using green champs with an occasional rainbow or brown trout off of Two Rivers and Manitowoc also using green champs. Using spinners and little cleos in the Manitowoc marina will get you a few northern pike, mostly in the 20 inch range but an occasional 30 incher has been caught.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The third week of August was another beauty in Door County. Despite a mid week thunderstorm that hammered most of the county with heavy rains and strong winds, temperatures were comfortable and good for fishing. Light to moderate winds persisted all week with some affect on the number of anglers hitting the water. The bite on Lake Michigan has remained slow compared to the previous summer months. Anglers out of Baileys Harbor reported going out nearly ten miles in 200 feet of water to find fish, but only came in with an average catch of one to two. Fishing out of Gills Rock and Ellison Bay has been minimal, although reports of one to two fish being caught has been common there too. The bank reef out of Sturgeon Bay has been the lone bright fishing spot for a few boats these last few weeks with some nice catches still being reported. Flasher fly combinations fished down deeper have produced fish, as well as a small variety of spoons. Perch fishing in Sturgeon Bay has produced very few keeper size fish. Little Sturgeon Bay walleye fishing has slowed some but continues to produce good catches of fish. Also perch fishing has been good with anglers fishing the weeds inside the bay. Some nicer fish have been reported around Chaudoir’s Dock and along the Southwest shore of the county. Anglers have been finding good numbers of perch over the last few days with much of the action coming early or late in the day. Anglers that have been launching out of Rite’s Cove have also been doing well on perch with some very nice fish being reported. An increase in walleye anglers was seen this week with most anglers working out of Sister Bay and Fish Creek. Trolling stick baits and pulling crawler harnesses has been the popular choice, anglers report catching an abundance of sheepshead as well. A few very nice catches of smallmouth bass were seen this week with a good number of fish pushing the 5-pound mark. Fishing in Rowley Bay with a variety of plastics has worked as well as using leeches suspended with bobbers. Northern pike fishing has been very minimal but looks to pick up as we move into the fall months.
Kewaunee County - This week started off with awesome weather for fishing with temperatures only reaching the mid 70s and being cloudy for the majority of the day. This weather and a western wind helped lower surface temperatures near shore down to 60 degrees but a large storm system did move through the county on Friday that brought heavy rain and strong eastern winds. The wind blew the warm water back toward Wisconsin and surface temperatures on Sunday went back up to 70 degrees. The fishing on the Kewaunee pier is starting to heat up slowly but surely. Anglers are reporting catches of brown trout almost daily and the occasional king salmon is starting to get caught by the anglers on the pier. The lure of choice right now appears to be a green and chrome spoon. Kewaunee anglers were experiencing more success early in the week compared to after the storms passed. The depths that seemed to produce the most fish ranged from 90-130 feet of water and about 60-70 feet down. The hot colors for the week were sparkle green flies with chrome flashers. It seems that the brown trout have returned to the piers in Algoma this week. The early parts of the week yielded catches of up to 4-5 fish per day of brown trout. The average size of the trout is around 6 pounds and the fish are being caught on either green/chrome or blue/chrome spoons. There are also large schools of baitfish that are circling the piers and occasionally anglers have reported seeing the brown trout cruising back and forth along the rocks on the south pier. The fishing out of Algoma was pretty good this week until right before the storm system hit Algoma. There were reports of multiple boats limiting out early in the week and the average catch per boat was around four fish. The anglers fishing in depths ranging from 60-110 feet of water reported success. The hot lures this week were wonder bread or aqua pearl flies with chrome flashers.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - – In Sheboygan trollers have been catching just a few chinook and rainbow trout. Most fish have been 20 to 60 feet down in 60 to 120 feet of water. Shore fishing in Sheboygan has improved somewhat, with a few browns and rainbows taken off the north pier on spoons and alewives.
Ozaukee County - Trollers in Port Washington have found some chinook, and rainbow and brown trout, and those with the most fish have been working 200 feet of water or more. Spoons and J-plugs have been productive. Shore anglers in Port Washington have had some success fishing for perch off the pier, and jigs and minnows have taken the most perch.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee trollers have been catching a few chinook and lake trout, but fishing has been generally slow. Fish have been caught in 60 to 90 feet of water, and glow spoons and J-plugs have taken the majority of fish. Shore fishing effort in Milwaukee remains low, and few fish have been reported. Perch fishing off the boils and the Oak Creek power plant has been slow, but boats working the South Shore breakwall have found some perch in the weeds along the rocks.
Racine County - Fishing effort in Racine has been low, but those out fishing have had some decent success. Trollers continue to catch rainbows in 220 to 260 feet of water, and closer to shore chinook in the 12 pound range have been hitting out past the reef. Early mornings have been best, and J-plugs and spoons have both produced fish. Shore anglers in Racine have been catching a few chinook off the south pier, near the mouth of the river. Castmasters and crank baits have taken fish.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha trollers have been catching some chinook in 50 to 70 feet of water, and rainbows have been hitting out in 250 to 270 feet of water. Various colored spoons fished 50 feet down have been effective for the steelhead, and J-plugs and spoons have both taken chinook. Shore anglers in Kenosha continue to catch brown trout in the harbor on white tube jigs, and the best bite has been in the evenings and into the night. Kenosha boaters looking for perch have been catching a few at the bubbler, off the 75th Street jetties, as well as off the breakwall, but anglers have had to work hard to find the fish.
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Its algae bloom season. The lake remains a bit discolored as does the Willow River above and below the lake. People were swimming at the beach this week and it was not crowded. Local schools have started so weekday traffic is a bit lighter. There is a pile of firewood at the boat launch parking lot at the far end as of Wednesday. Some dead trees were cut down and the best of the dry wood was piled. It is all sizes and the wood is not trimmed to fire pit length. A few grilles were replaced in the beach picnic area this week. The 2010 deer hunting regulations are available at the park.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Large flocks of bluebirds and blackbirds are gathering. Bluebird concentrations tend to number about 10 to 20 birds, but blackbird flocks reach several hundred to more than one thousand birds. Roosting flocks of blackbirds, comprised of red-winged blackbirds, grackles, and starlings, can cause local nuisance problems with their noise, droppings, odors, and depredation on crops. Fortunately these types of problems are temporary, as most blackbirds migrate south for the winter.
Perrot State Park - Trails are in good condition. Water levels are extremely variable this summer due to the drawdown on Pool 6. At times, the bay is VERY low, but after heavy rains, the water can be very high. The level can change over the course of the day and large boats may have difficulty reaching the Mississippi River from our boat landing. Caution is advised! Mosquitoes are out and about. Campers are advised to remember their bug spray since there is none to be purchased in Trempealeau. Please remember that there is no food or gas to be purchased in Trempealeau at this time, so campers are encouraged to do their shopping on their way to the park. Compass plant, cup plant, monarda, coneflowers, goldenrods, sunflowers, queen anne's lace, snakeroot, partridge pea, blazing stars, indian grass, big bluestem, little bluestem, jewelweed and ragweed are currently blooming in the park. Blackbirds are starting to gather in larger and larger numbers in the bay and Hummingbirds are frantically feeding at feeders. Walnuts are dropping leaves and walnuts and black cherries are raining down.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. Prairie flowers are blooming along the sides of the trail and the sweet smell of Bergamot fills the air. Water levels on the Black River are very high and there is much more water in the channels. Goldenrods, Button Bush, Swamp Milkweed, and Joe-Pye Weed are the stars of the show. Prairie grasses such as Big Bluestem and Indian Grass are in full bloom right now and riders are encouraged to stop and pick any ripe blackberries that they come across. Mosquitoes and gnats are out in pretty good numbers and users are encouraged to be prepared.
Crawford County - Flooding on area rivers has subsided considerably. The Kickapoo and Wisconsin rivers are still high and running dirty. River stages are as follows: Kickapoo River: Last week the river stage in Gays Mills and Steuben crested around 15.6 and 13.4 feet respectively. As of Wednesday the Kickapoo in Gays Mills was at 9.3 feet and falling. Like wise in Steuben the river was at 9.04 feet and falling. Swift current, dirty water, and lots of debris make up the Kickapoo right now. The Mississippi River was at 11.2 feet and slowly falling. There is an incredible amount of weeds floating down the river along with other debris. The Wisconsin River dropped about 2 feet this past week, but even so most of the sand bars are still under water. The river stage at Muscoda was at 2.42 feet and falling. Most trout streams are clearing up nicely. Some are running a bit high and a little cloudy. They are expected to settle down and clear up within a couple days. Mississippi River boaters are still finding large amounts of vegetation floating downstream. Although not wide spread other debris like trees and tree limbs continue to cause navigation problems. Keep a sharp eye open and slow down. Boaters should use caution in this area as some of the buoys are under water because of the increased flow. Fishing has been disrupted due to the high water. Heavy current, dirty water and floating debris and weeds are causing problems for anglers. Earlier this week bluegill anglers were doing very good. Some nice sized bluegills were taken. Some anglers report taking limits of “gills”. Anglers have been finding some pretty decent bluegill action in the backwaters that have recently flooded. The increased volume of water moving down river has changed where the bluegill are holding. Traditional summer time hot spots are now difficult to fish because of the floating vegetation. Fishing with a cane pole in the backwaters has been very effective. Perch fishing has been very good in some areas. Perch have been taken along the deeper weed edges in light current and in backwater sloughs in deeper water. Primarily anglers are using a chunk of night crawlers on a dead line. Perch anglers, like bluegill anglers will have to move around to find active fish and decent spots to fish. Crappie action has been spotty to very slow. Anglers have been targeting flooded timber and using small jigs tipped with plastics or minnows. White bass action has been very spotty with this high water. Some white bass action can be found along wing dams and up near the Lynxville dam. Even with the high water action for both smallmouth and largemouth bass has been pretty good. Look for smallmouth bass on the main channel on wing dams, closing dams, and rocky shorelines. Smallmouth bass fishing is a bit difficult due to the large volume of weeds floating down the channel. The Wisconsin River has seen some very good smallmouth bass action too. Largemouth bass are being caught in all types of cover. Right now the best location to fish is the flooded back water areas. Top water baits are the way to go. Largemouth were being taken on a variety of top water baits fished in the weeds. Bass were also being taken along weed edges and in the timber. A variety of artificial baits have worked. Even with the high water walleye and sauger were being taken, but fishing conditions are tough. Anglers will have to move around a bit and try different tactics. Wing dams are difficult but not impossible to fish. Probably the best bet is some of the deeper back water sloughs. Drifting with live bait (leeches or night crawlers) and trolling are the most popular tactics but weeds are causing a lot of problems. Areas to check for walleye and sauger would be up near the Lynxville dam, McDonald’s Slough, the “S” curve by Harper’s Ferry Slough, wing dams, Roseau Slough, and the Wisconsin River. Up on Pool 9 near Lynxville and Ferryville try the Deer Island complex and the area of the main channel by Lansing. Action has been pretty good. Most anglers are targeting northern pike by trolling in back water sloughs and lakes. Check for northerns where feeder streams enter the main river. Most bass anglers report catching northerns incidentally to bass fishing. Sheepshead (freshwater drum) are very active even in the high water. Sheepshead were being caught on night crawlers throughout the area. Catfish, both channel and flathead had been spotty. However fishing conditions are a bit tough as most cats are caught fishing off the bottom. Floating weeds and other debris makes that type of fishing difficult. Catfish fishing on the Wisconsin River is still pretty good. Trout: fishing conditions are improving. There still is a variety of insects to deal with and heavy shoreline vegetation. Fly fishers, spinners and live bait are working well even with the high water. Gnats, deer flies, horse flies and mosquitoes are still out. River bottoms are especially bad. The gnat hatch as slowly diminished. Deer and horse flies are really bad in some areas. Poison ivy and stinging nettle are also out. Parsnip is dying back. Black raspberries are no longer available. Black bear sightings have tapered off although there are a few still roaming the Crawford County area. Area residents should not be overly concerned, however pet food, garbage cans and bird feeders should be secured or removed so the bears don’t make a habit of returning to those areas.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - All ATV trails with the exception of the Oak Ridge trail have been groomed this week and are in good condition for riding. The oak ridge trail remains closed but if conditions remain dry we hope to reopen this section soon. Crews are hard at work upgrading the entire system to make the trails less susceptible to large rainfall events. Those portions that have been upgraded faired very well even with the heavy rains we have received this summer. After Labor Day weekend we will work on our section of the Oak Ridge Trail. This work should prevent this section of trail from being closed regularly in the future.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Many visitors have been enjoying the warm weather swimming at the beach. People have been catching fish from the pier and at their campsites. The kid's fishing pond has had many visitors catching and releasing small bluegills , bass and some crappies from the pier at the pond. Trails are in great condition for hiking with the warmer weather and many visitors have been camping, picnicking and fishing. The bugs are not as bad as in earlier weeks and beaches are still great for swimming. There are not too many mosquitoes but there has been some biting flies.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Many wildflowers are still blooming in the prairie. The stairway up the bluff remains closed. A $354,600 project to replace it has been approved. We expect to seek bids for the project sometime this year. The petroglyph viewing platform at the base of the mound is still open and several miles of hiking trails are available.
|
Back to top
©
2010 OutdoorsWeekly.com |
