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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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***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
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***(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."
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(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
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Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of Sept 2, 2010
GENERAL | Northern Region | Northeast Region | Southeast Region | South Central Region | West Central Region
While most of Wisconsin received additional rainfall in the last week, it was in much lesser amounts than through the summer. Up to 2 inches of rain was reported in some areas, but most of the state remained dry much of the week, and river systems throughout the state have continued to recede, with some northern rivers now approaching seasonal norms. Southern rivers continue to run high, though there are increasing numbers of sandbars available on the lower Wisconsin River.
With the more stable weather pattern, fishing activity has been pretty good on northern lakes, with musky continuing to be the highlight of the last week. Most anglers are reporting quite a few sightings, follows and strikes, and many catches have been made. Action for both largemouth and smallmouth bass was more sporadic this week. Smallmouth were most active on the flowages and larger rivers and largemouth showed a little more consistency, with most being found in the mid-depth areas around cover. Northern pike action has been good with the cooling water temperatures, and panfish activity remained fair.
With the lower water levels on the lower Wisconsin River, anglers reported action picked up for smallmouth bass. The slow-no-wake restrictions are now off the Rock and Crawfish rivers, and anglers were beginning to catch some catfish again now that the water levels are receding.
Strong winds last week created 3 to 4 foot waves along the Lake Michigan lakeshore, diminishing by the weekend but with hot and muggy conditions returning. Surface water temperatures were holding steady in the 63-65 degree range with reports of water temperatures in the mid-40s, 60 feet down. Fishing success out on the lake remained slow throughout the week, with the boats that ventured out averaged just one to three fish. Pier and harbor anglers were starting to see a bit more success as chinook salmon have begun to stage offshore for their fall migration, with a few salmon already spotted up the Kewaunee River.
Anglers trolling 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. A new video, "Share the Water Safely," shows the markers to look for.
Wetlands are in good shape for the early September goose season. More and more geese have been seen flying to and from wetlands and agricultural fields. Doves were staging in good numbers last week but many migrated out with last weeks cold front.
White-tailed deer are starting to loose their red summer coats. Coyotes have been very vocal over the last several weeks as family groups establish rendezvous sites. Pups are especially vocal at this time and will readily respond when howled at.
Fall migration for long-distance, Neotropical migrants is in full swing. Birders around the state are reporting good numbers of warblers, thrushes, vireos and other forest migrants. These birds are headed for wintering areas in central and south America.
Regulated wild rice harvest lakes in northern Wisconsin have begun to open, but preliminary reports look like the harvest may be down this year due to the large amounts of rain northern Wisconsin received this summer that raised water levels on many rice beds.
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.
Statewide Birding Report
Fall migration for long-distance, Neotropical migrants is in full swing. Birders around the state are reporting good numbers of warblers, thrushes, vireos and other forest migrants. These birds are headed for wintering areas in central and south America. Shorebird numbers are also strong were good mudflats can be found. Waterfowl numbers are starting to build in flooded corn/crop fields and at larger waterfowl management areas. Birders can expect another strong push of migrants from Canada this weekend with the approaching front.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - The highs have been in the mid 70s with the lows in the low 50s. The peak season is well past for berries. The flies and mosquitoes are light, but the deer and other wildlife are abundant. Maple trees are starting to turn. The Naturalist programs are over for the year. . Access to the Madeline Island and the park are usually done with the use of ferry line service that departs from Bayfield and carry passengers and vehicles of all sizes. It runs seven days per week, but frequency varies depending on the time of year.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Water levels in the local lakes, rivers and streams remain a bit high, and levels have been slowly dropping with the relatively dry weather of the last week. Flowages are near their normal levels as most of the dams have had to open gates to pass the excess water that resulted from the heavy August rains. Water temperatures are hovering in the low 70s. Wild rice was ripening on some Northwoods waters, but the rice crop has been reported to be very poor in the Price County area. With some stable and relatively dry weather in the last week, fishing activity has been pretty good in the Northwoods. Musky have been the highlight in the area and action continued to be good. Most anglers are reporting quite a few sightings, follows and strikes, and many catches have been made. Most of the musky have been in the 30- to 38-inch size but a few in the 42- to 47-inch range have also been reported. Large-size artificials have provided most of the action and some of the favorite lures have included stick baits, double-bladed bucktails, and Bull Dawgs. The musky have been found in a variety of locations, including the less-dense weed beds, the deeper weed edges, and some even suspended in the deeper water areas. Action for both largemouth and smallmouth bass has been sporadic, with smallmouth being most active on the local flowages and larger rivers. The smallmouth have been found near cover around deeper water areas, with the successful baits being plastic finesse lures and spinner baits. Largemouth action showed a little more consistency in the past week, with most of the fish being found in the mid-depth areas around cover. The top-water bite never really developed this summer and it seemed the largemouth have been holding around cover in 3 to 6 feet of water. Soft plastics, jig/craw combinations, and spinner baits have been the more successful baits lately. Northern pike action has been good, as the cooling water temperatures favor this species. Some good success has been found on spinner baits casted along the mid-depth weed edges. Walleye action has remained generally slow, with many of the anglers having given up until the fall patterns set in. Panfish activity has been fair - some decent crappie and bluegill have been found suspended around deeper water cover, and rock bass being found just about everywhere else!
Anglers trolling 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, http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/greatlakes/trapnets.htm as restrictions on where they can place those nets change after Labor Day. A new video, "Share the Water Safely," http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Viewer/?peid=cbe34c2648194d5f99ff55180275a3e5 shows the markers to look for.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Oconto County - Geano Beach anglers have been catching some perch in the weed beds. Most have been fishing 15-30 feet of water. Minnows have been the best bait due to the amount of gobies stealing worms.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fox River shore anglers have been doing well fishing from Voyager Park and the metro landing at the mouth of the river. Most have been targeting catfish and have had some good success. Anglers have also reported catching sheepshead and white perch as well. Some fortunate anglers have been catching perch at Voyager Park. Anglers that have been trolling walleye in the lower bay have found it a very tough bite. Crawler harnesses seem to be out-producing any other types of bait. Shore anglers have had some good luck fishing from the Suamico boat landing. Most have been fishing perch with bobbers and a piece of night crawler. Walleye anglers have reported slow fishing with mostly sheepshead being caught.
Manitowoc County - Strong westerly winds early in the week switched out of the south by Friday at 15-20 mph creating 3 to 4 foot waves along the lakeshore. The winds finally diminished by Sunday morning but hot and muggy conditions raised temperatures to the mid to upper 80s. Surface water temperatures are holding steady in the 63-65 degree range with reports of water temperatures in the mid-40s, 60 feet down out of Two Rivers. Fishing success remained slow throughout the week in part to the strong winds the whole week. The few boats that ventured out averaged one to three fish per boat out of both Manitowoc and Two Rivers. The fishing action remains 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. Straight out of Two Rivers and just south of the trap nets in 80-100 feet of water appears to be the targeted location out of Two Rivers where boats have been landing a few four year old chinook salmon. Spoons on the riggers 40-60 feet down have been working best with a glow watermelon spoon being the hot spoon. A few boats out of both ports have tried their luck in 200-250 feet of water resulting in a few nice kings and a mix of rainbows and cohos. Glow spoons on the riggers and plaid flasher/fly combos on the dypsy have been working. Set gear 60-100 feet down and keep experimenting since there has been no steady action in a certain area or depth. By Sunday, a few boats out of Manitowoc began fishing the pier heads and landed a few silver four year old salmon. The salmon appear to be coming in slowly, so it won’t hurt to try out front for those salmon. Pier fishing off of Manitowoc and Two Rivers Sunday resulted in a handful of nice four year old, still silver, salmon caught. Anglers had success using three-quarter ounce green champs with an occasional fish caught off of bottom. A few brown trout have also been caught while casting for salmon. Anglers continue to get a few northern pike 20 inches and up in the Manitowoc marina north of the docks using medium shiners or casting with little cleos or spinners.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The last week of August brought difficult Lake fishing conditions to Door County for most of the week, however fishing in Sturgeon Bay and some other protected harbors around the county did prove successful. The last good week of summer temperatures may have been had as predictions show a cooling trend into the fall months. Rain continued to have a minimal effect on the number of anglers on the water as August continued to be much drier than the previous soggy summer months. The number of anglers targeting salmon on Lake Michigan and the bay of Green Bay was low this week likely due to the reports of slower fishing. A combination of slow fishing and rough waters during the week only produced a few reports were out of Baileys Harbor and Sturgeon Bay with average catches between one to three fish. Fishing on the bank reef has been decent for some anglers, reporting working spoons and flasher fly combos down near the bottom looking for colder water. Some anglers stated they are waiting for the fish to start moving in closer to shore as the salmon spawn should be coming soon. Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing has picked up dramatically as salmon fishing has slowed. Many boats were seen out of Fish Creek and Sister Bay working some of the underwater structures found along the West shore of the county. Purple crank baits were a popular choice this week along with other varieties of crank baits, as well as a few boats still reporting success on crawler harnesses. Little Sturgeon Bay: Anglers have been fishing smallmouth bass in some of the deep rocks and have been doing well. Drop shot rigs have been producing the best action. Perch anglers have also been finding good numbers of perch in the many weed beds throughout the bay. Walleye anglers have been doing very well trolling shad raps or husky jerks. Most have been trolling 12 feet of water or less at night and 20 feet in the daytime. The night bite has been the best for numbers of fish. A few anglers have been fishing pike with limited success. Sturgeon Bay: Anglers have been trolling walleyes along the southwest shore of the county around Larsen’s Reef and down toward Dyckesville with limits reported. Most have been trolling crank baits to produce the best catches. Perch anglers have been catching good numbers of perch up and down the ship channel. Northern pike anglers have had some luck over the last few days but most have been small in size. Smallmouth fishing has been productive in many of the bays on both the Lake and Green Bay side. Drifting and working plastics in rocky areas in about 8-15 feet of water has produced not only good numbers but very nice size as well. Perch anglers have been excited as some nice fish have started to be seen around the county. Some anglers in Sister Bay have reported catching some nice fish on both minnows and night crawlers, as well as seeing some nice schools in some of the northern marinas. An increased amount of perch anglers have been seen along the shipping channel in Sturgeon Bay likely meaning an increase in action. Shore fishing countywide has been good these last few weeks as seen in the number of anglers enjoying it. The Egg Harbor marina has been a great spot for anglers of all ages the first few weeks it’s been open, as well as Anderson’s Dock in Ephraim and the Sister Bay marina. Chaudoir’s Dock: Anglers have been doing well fishing perch in 25 feet of water with some 10 inch plus fish being caught. Best bait has been minnows or night crawlers on bottom rigs. Also some anglers have been catching walleye trolling crank baits to the north. Shore anglers fishing off the pier have been catching some perch and sheepshead.
Peninsula State Park – All hiking trails and the Sunset Bicycle Trail are open and in good condition. American Folklore Theatre’s 2010 season is complete in the park. See the AFT website for a schedule of fall performances, held at the nearby Door Community Auditorium.
Kewaunee County - The water temperature out on the lake surface remained above 70 degrees during the first part of the week but strong winds on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday have dropped the surface temperature considerably near the shores and piers. The weather was beautiful during the week but the heavy winds toward the end of the week limited the number anglers that launched at the city ramps. Anglers have spotted more and more salmon off the piers as the days have gone by and appears the fish are staging and are beginning to make some runs into the rivers. The Kewaunee pier continues to draw more anglers as each day passes. There have been more fish caught during the latter half of the week and has been a mixed bag with rainbow trout, brown trout, and chinook salmon making up the catch. Anglers have had the best success with spoons that are either blue/silver or green moonshine. A few salmon have been spotted in the Kewaunee River near the Besadney fish hatchery. The catch continues to be slow in Kewaunee this week most likely due to warm water temperatures in the earlier parts of the week. The average catch per outing this week seemed to be around two to three fish per boat. Anglers having been marking lots of baitfish and fish but the salmon seem to be hugging the bottom and refusing to become active. The fishing on the Algoma pier is still heating up as more and more fish are being caught off the pier daily. The latter half of the week began to signal the arrival of the chinook salmon as it was becoming common to hear that six to eight salmon were being caught in the morning. The brown trout are still being caught off the pier this week and still seems to be the most common catch. There have been a few northern pike caught of the pier this week. Anglers have been using everything ranging from spawn sacs, stick baits, and spoons to catch the fish. The fishing out on the lake continues to be slow with many anglers struggling to catch more than two fish per outing. The more successful anglers have been fishing pretty close to shore near the north pier and have been in waters ranging from 40 feet to about 110 feet of water. The hot lures this week have been spoons but no specific color has done better.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Generally fishing remains slow for both shore anglers and trollers alike. Rain later this week, along with cooler temperatures, should hopefully trigger some movement of mature chinook.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan trollers have been catching just a few chinook and coho. Most fish have been in 90 to 125 feet of water and have been taken primarily on spoons. Shore anglers in Sheboygan continue to catch a few chinook off the north pier. Early mornings have been best, and both spoons and alewives have produced.
Ozaukee County - Trollers in Port Washington have found some chinook, rainbow, and coho, and those with the most fish have been working in more than 100 feet of water. Spoons and J-plugs fished 30 to 60 feet down have been productive. Shore anglers in Port Washington have had some limited success fishing for chinook off the pier, and spoons have produced the most. A few perch have also been taken near the Port Washington power plant on minnows.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee fishing effort has been very low. The few trollers that have been out have been catching a few chinook and lake trout. Most fish have been caught in 60 to 90 feet of water, and glow spoons and J-plugs have taken the majority. Shore fishing has also been slow, however, a 29 inch northern pike was reported caught off of McKinley Pier in the past week.
Racine County - Fishing effort in Racine has been low, but those venturing out have had some occasional success. Off and on trollers have been catching some chinook in 50 to 60 feet of water, but when the fish are not biting in close, chinook and rainbows have been found in 220 to 240 feet of water. Shore fishing remains relatively slow in Racine, and perch fishing has been almost non-existent.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha trollers have been catching some chinook in 60 to 80 feet of water, but fishing there has been hit-or-miss. Rainbows have been hitting somewhat consistently out deeper, around 250 to 270 feet of water. Shore anglers in Kenosha continue to catch occasional browns and a few chinook in the harbor. White tube jigs and gold spoons have both taken fish. Perch fishing has been slow, both for the boats and those fishing from shore.
Currently there will be 33 classes offered for Hunter Education for the month of September in the South Central Region. People who need a hunter safety course to purchase a license should not wait much longer or they may not find an open course. Check the upcoming safety courses page of the DNR website to to find a Recreational Safety Course near you.
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Lafayette County - With all the high water this summer the rivers have been up, but with the recent break from the rain, the Pecatonica River has come back down to somewhat normal levels. This river provides for an excellent wildlife viewing opportunity, in addition to fishing and hunting opportunities. A variety of different species of waterfowl, shorebirds, kingfishers, herons have been observed on the water, as well as soft-shell turtles basking in the sun, whitetail deer, snakes, frogs, and of course, the local muskrats. On Sunday a young boy caught his first red horse sucker near South Wayne. Anglers reported having some success catching channel cat on the river over the weekend. Anglers fishing on Yellowstone Lake were catching and releasing small walleye, small bass and even some were catching keeper crappies. Boating pressure remains high on the weekends. Remember, boat safely. A veterinarian in Hazel Green called DNR Warden Jeff King to report having found a bobcat struck while on Buncombe Road. Very uncommon but not the first confirmed bobcat in this area. The vet was given permission to pick up the carcass and freeze it while officials look for a home for the bobcat mount.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Columbia County - Water levels on the Wisconsin River has retreated to normal in Columbia and Sauk counties, and anglers can now be found trying to take advantage of available shore structure (rocks & trees) looking for smallmouth bass. The bass bite is back on and local anglers are happy to take advantage of this scrappy fish.
Dane County – Water levels on the Madison Lakes, the Yahara River and Wisconsin River are still much higher than normal but are slowly starting to come down. Fishing has been generally slow on Dane County waters. Panfish are starting to bite around the Madison Lakes, with many decent catches of bluegills reported from both boats and shore anglers. Game fish including walleye and musky fishing has been relatively slow should start picking up within the next few weeks. Things look great for the dove opener with wildlife crews having mowed around parking lots and access trails on state lands. Doves were staging in good numbers last week but many migrated out with last weeks cold front. Birds are gathering in flocks again, but a cold front is forecast to move through the area midweek. Lots of swallows and other early migrants have already left the area. A reminder that nontoxic shot is required for dove hunting on all state and federal lands.
Jefferson County - Water levels on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers are still higher than normal for this time of year; however, the slow-no-wake restrictions are now off on the streams and rivers in Jefferson County. Anglers are beginning to catch some catfish again on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers now that the water levels are receding. Chicken livers are the preferred bait on the Rock River in Watertown with some catfish up to 3 pounds being caught. Lots of carp are still packed in below the lower dam in Watertown making it difficult to locate game fish there. Wetlands are in good shape for the upcoming early September goose season. More and more geese have been seen flying to and from wetlands and agricultural fields. Waterfowl hunters should be aware that the damage to dikes on Princes Point Wildlife Area caused by the 2008 flood and heavy rains in years since have not been repaired completely. That's not to say these areas are not holding waterfowl. The birds are using these areas they are just more difficult for hunters to get to. With the Early September Goose Season starting hunters that set up blinds on public lands are reminded to have their name, address and customer ID# attached to the blind.
Rock County - Water levels on the Rock River have gone down and the slow-no-wake rules have been lifted on all sections of the Rock River in Rock County except the buoyed restricted slow-no-wake zones. Catfish are biting on the Rock River. White bass continue to bite on the Rock River at Indianford and on Lake Koshkonong. Anglers were catching white bass with jig and minnow and with crank baits while trolling. Anglers on Storr's Lake have been catching bluegill with a piece of worm or waxies. Waterfowl habitat improvement continues on private lands throughout Avon Township. Dove Season opened September 1 and the dove population looks better than last year for the start of the season. Sunflower production was good on fields in the Lima Public Hunting Grounds and Evansville Public Hunting Grounds. Hunters must use non-toxic shot on state and federal properties when hunting doves.
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Camping is full for the Labor Day weekend. Cooler weather has moved in and rain is predicted for Thursday. Even though its been relatively dry, the prairie is still green. Anglers had some luck on pan fish and northern pike while the weather was stable. That’s the key, having the same weather for a few days and normal water flow through the lake. The beach had plenty of use during the warmer days last week.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Coyotes have been very vocal over the last several weeks. Family groups have established rendezvous sites. These are typically open areas including old log landings, abandoned quarries, old fields, or grassy hillsides, where family groups meet to socialize, and prepare for an upcoming hunt. Pups are especially vocal at this time and will readily respond when howled at, whether by another coyote or a human.
Perrot State Park - The trails are in good condition. Water levels have returned to mostly normal and canoeing is highly recommended in the bay. Soils have shifted in the bay due to the flood waters, so things will look different to those familiar with the area. Fishing is still slow, as always. Currently blooming in the park: Goldenrods, Sunflowers, Snakeroot, Partridge Pea, Blazing Stars, Wild Rice, Jewelweed and Ragweed. 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. The roads in the park are lined with a thick layer of yellow leaves and walnuts and hickory nuts pop beneath vehicle tires. Mosquitoes are out and about. Campers are advised to remember their bug spray since there is none to be purchased in Trempealeau.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. Prairie grasses line the trails and turtles are sunning themselves on branches in the water. Leaves are falling gently on the trail and the bugs are finally getting better. Virginia Creeper and Sumac are beginning to turn red and fall colors will be here soon.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest- All-terrain Vehicle trails are open and in good condition for Labor Day weekend. The northern trails were groomed last week and the southern trails were groomed this week. After a long period of closure due to heavy rains the Oak Ridge trail is open again. Starting in the middle of September crews will begin work on a wetland crossings on the Oak Ridge Trail. This weekend marks the end of the reservation season for East Fork campground. Twelve of the campground's 24 sites are on the reservation system from the Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. The other 12 sites are first-come, first-served. A new visitor center/campground office is coming to Castle Mound. Construction will start either late Fall 2010 or early Spring 2011. If construction starts in the Fall, the campground will close immediately and not reopen until Memorial Day weekend. If construction starts in the Spring, the campground will close immediately and be open on Friday through Sunday nights only starting Memorial Day weekend and lasting through the construction process. Because of this uncertainty Reserve America is not taking reservations for Castle Mound in 2011 until after January 1.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - People have been catching fish from the pier and at their campsites. Kids have been 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. GPS units are available to checkout at the park office. The bugs have not been as bad as in earlier weeks and beaches are still great for swimming. New hunting maps for the park and wildlife areas are available. Waterfowl and small game hunting are allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and Buckhorn Wildlife Area only, not in the state park.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - There are still some bugs so remember bug spray. Hunting is not allowed in Roche-A-Cri State Park. The stairway up the bluff is closed due to deteriorating lumber. A project to replace it has been approved. The petroglyph viewing platform at the base of the mound is still open and several miles of hiking trails are available.
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