DNR Outdoor Report update, August 21, 2014 - Rainy days keep water levels up on rivers and ponds
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for August 14, 2014
Complete DNR Outdoor Report (Reports from conservation wardens, wildlife and fisheries staff and property managers from around the state)
Rainy days keep water levels up on rivers and ponds
Water levels on local ponds and rivers have risen from the recent heavy rains. Despite the rain, most trails are in good condition. There will be a ribbon cutting this Saturday for a new trail connection between the Bearskin and Hiawatha state trails in Lincoln County at 9 a.m. at the Bearskin Trial south entrance just east of highways K and 51.
Anglers in the Northwoods had to dodge quite a few thunderstorms and rain showers, but many have found some pretty good action. Musky have generated a lot of interest, and fishermen have reported many sightings and follows, as well as quite a few catches. Bass fishing has continued to be good, walleye fishing fairly steady and panfish action fair.
Some anglers have been using jigs with leeches to catch some nice sized walleye on Lake Altoona. Catfish are still running and biting on the Rock River.
Salmon anglers were in out in high number last weekend out of Sturgeon Bay. Catch rates were high with boats bringing in 5-8 fish on average. On Lake Michigan the weather kept most boats close to shore. Fishing was better over the weekend with some big chinooks and rainbows caught.
Helicopter herbicide spraying of cattail and phragmites patches totaling 150 acres was completed at the Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area. Controlled burning will be done on some treated areas this fall or in spring. Shorebird, wading bird and waterfowl viewing opportunities have been excellent along Hwy 28.
Many turkeys are being seen on a regular basis. Turkey hunting is right around the corner and leftover permits for the fall hunt will go on sale Saturday, August 23 at 10 a.m. will be issued on a one per-day basis. Remaining fall turkey permits may be purchased through the Online Licensing Center on the DNR website, at all authorized license agents, at DNR Service Centers (Hours for service centers vary; check the DNR website for service center days and hours of operation; DNR Service Centers are not open on Saturdays), or by calling toll-free 1-877-LICENSE (1-877-945-4236). .
Deer hunters have a number of new changes to pick up on before season takes off in a month, and the new regulations are now available to learn more. Bucks are still being seen in velvet but that should start changing soon. Bear hunters reported some success enticing bears to bait sites.
Although recent weather has not been typical for August in Wisconsin, camping has been popular, with few reservable campsites left for the Labor Day weekend; Governor Thompson State Park in Marinette County had the most available sites as of this week.
More than 40 events are scheduled at Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreation areas this coming weekend, including a program on cranes by the International Crane Foundation at Devils Lake State Park, an introduction to geo-caching program at Hartman Creek State Park, a Centennial Commemoration of the passing of the passenger pigeon at Willow River State Park and music concerts at Blue Mound and Potawatomi state parks all on Saturday. For details search the DNR website for "Get Outdoors."
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Outdoor Report editor:
Paul Holtan, DNR Office of Communications, Madison
608-267-7517 or paul.holtan@wisconsin.gov