DNR Weekly News Update for October 9, 2018
Published - October 9, 2018 by the Central Office
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Top three online tools to boost your fall fishing along Lake Michigan tributaries
Contact(s): Laura Schmidt, 414-382-7928
MADISON - Lake Michigan chinook and coho salmon are making their spawning runs up Lake Michigan tributaries now, and while flooding has made fishing in some areas challenging, anglers are encouraged to check out a trio of online resources to monitor fishing conditions and enjoy an exciting fall fishery.
Anglers enjoying fishing the fall salmon run at Kletzsch Park Falls in Milwaukee earlier this month.Photo credit: Reni Rydlewicz
DNR Creel Clerk Reni Rydlewicz gets ready to measure and record an angler's haul of a rainbow trout, chinook salmon and a brown trout earlier this month.Photo credit: Reni Rydlewicz
"The fish are definitely swimming up rivers to spawn," says Laura Schmidt, Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist for southern Lake Michigan. "The flooding is making it difficult to access some areas, but we are hopeful the water conditions will improve soon and that anglers all along Lake Michigan can enjoy this exciting fall shore fishery."
Great fall fishing for shore and pier anglers can be had right in the heart of Wisconsin's urban center on tributary waters. Anglers can use these resources to find good shore fishing spots and understand fishing conditions and what baits and presentations are working.
- DNR's Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report is a weekly compilation of the reports that nine DNR creel clerks compile describing what they're hearing from anglers about what species are biting, where, and on what baits. The creel clerks survey anglers at fishing ramps, shore fishing spots, harbors and tributary waters and more through the end of October. Watch this video of creel clerk Reni Rydlewicz at work. Read the report and sign up to receive the free weekly updates in your inbox by visiting dnr.wi.gov and searching "Lake Michigan Fishing Report."
- DNR's 50 places within 60 minutes of Milwaukee is an interactive online guide and a downloadable, printable pocket guide to steer anglers to many sites in and around Milwaukee. Find fishing locations, directions, distance and driving time from downtown Milwaukee and the dominant fish species. Get the link to the interactive site and to the PDF now: go to dnr.wi.gov and search "Milwaukee fall fishing."
- DNR's Lake Michigan Tributary Access webpage provides PDF maps showing public access spots to tributaries all along the shoreline. Download and print out the maps you want or store it on your phone and go. Get the maps ondnr.wi.gov, search "Lake Michigan tributary."
Anglers also have a chance to see Lake Michigan chinook and coho salmon up close this Saturday, Oct. 13, during an open house at the Root River Steelhead Facility Open House in Lincoln Park, 2200 Domanik Dr., Racine. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and visitors can enjoy guided tours of the facility and watch DNR crews demonstrating fish spawning procedures. There are also casting lessons, knot tying, fly-tying, and more activities to enjoy.
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Friends of MacKenzie Fall Festival provides opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends October 13
Contact(s): Samantha Kueffler, MacKenzie Center property manager, 608-635-8035; Hayley Parsons, natural resource educator, 608-635-8112
MADISON - Outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of fall foliage are encouraged to visit the MacKenzie Center Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the 2018 MacKenzie Center Fall Festival.
This family friendly event will give attendees an opportunity to participate in some of the many activities available at the MacKenzie Center: archery, compass skills, wildlife viewing, fire building, hiking, scavenger hunts, and studying pond life.
Hay rides are one of the popular activities during the MacKenzie Center's Fall FestivalPhoto credit: DNR
Seasonal activities like pumpkin painting, a hay bale maze, gunny sack races, face painting, scarecrow making, and hayrides will put the whole family in the fall mood. To add to the adventure, participants will also get hands-on experience with fur and skulls, cut a "wood cookie" using a two-person crosscut saw, make leaf and wildlife track rubbings, and create other crafts.
Fall color should be about 50 percent this Saturday for the MacKenzie Fall Festival.Photo credit: DNR
"Fall is truly a wonderful time of year to experience the MacKenzie Center! Thanks to the Friends of MacKenzie and many volunteers, the property is able to offer this exciting family-friendly fall event showcasing a beautiful Wisconsin State Park System property," said Samantha Kueffler, property manager.
"Fall Festival is a great opportunity for people to enjoy the beauty of fall in Wisconsin while experiencing many of the programs the MacKenzie Center has to offer. Join us for the third year of this fun annual event." added Hayley Parsons, natural resources educator.
The $15 vehicle admission will cover parking and all event activities. The Friends of MacKenzie will have food and gift shop items will be available at an additional cost. The rain date for this event is October 14 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. All proceeds go to the Friends of the MacKenzie Center to support the facility and its programs.
The MacKenzie Center, is located outside of Poynette, 25 miles north of Madison and has interpretive trails, exhibits, museums and programming available for school and youth groups. For more information search the Department of Natural Resources website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword "MacKenzie."
People interested in volunteering at the event are encouraged to contact the Friends of MacKenzie at MCeventvolunteers@gmail.com or call the MacKenzie Center at 608-635-8112.
For more information about the event, visit the Friends of MacKenzie website or facebook page (both links exit DNR).
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