Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for May 15, 2014
Complete DNR Outdoor Report (Reports from conservation wardens, wildlife and fisheries staff and property managers from around the state)
Heavy rains have rivers running high; closed or delayed opening of some ATV and mountain bike trails
Parts of Wisconsin received heavy rain in the last week, with 2 to 3 inches reported in some locations. In general, water levels are very high on most river systems. The north and south forks of the Flambeau River are at or near flood stage, as are the lower Wisconsin and Rock rivers. Sections of the Rock in Rock County remain under slow-now-wake rules. Paddlers are being cautioned that flows are very high and fast on the Lower Wisconsin River and canoeing and kayaking is not recommended for the inexperienced.
The heavy rains washed out and closed two sections of the Tuscobia State Trail in Price County and many forest roads in the Flambeau River State Forest. All-terrain-vehicle and mountain bike trails remain closed on some properties because of the wet conditions so people should call ahead to confirm if trails are open.
The rain has lowered current fire danger levels in most areas, but levels were higher before the rain and in the last week 31 fires burned 100 acres in DNR Protection Areas along with six structures, including a mobile home residence destroyed when fire from a burning debris pile escaped.
Ice is finally out from all but the largest northern lakes and that should be gone by this weekend. The constantly changing weather made for some rather erratic fishing success in the Northwoods. Walleye have been the main species of interest and action has varied from slow to very good. After a couple of days with sunny and warm weather, water temperatures jumped into the mid-50s on some lakes, but have since backed off to the upper-40 to low 50-degree range. The warming water temperatures spurred on some decent action for largemouth bass and panfish also started their move toward the shallows, with a few decent catches of crappie and bluegill reported.
Fishing pressure was fairly heavy again on Green Bay with some excellent catches of walleye reported along the west shore from Oconto down through Brown County and along Sturgeon Bay in Door County. Anglers trolling out of Algoma, Kewaunee and Manitowoc found very good action for brown trout. In Milwaukee, fishing pressure has increased off the McKinley pier, with anglers reporting success for brown trout, coho and occasional lake trout.
Despite the weather, turkey hunters continued to report some very good success with many birds still active and seen in full display. The last spring turkey period runs May 21 to 27.
The first white-tailed deer fawns of the season have been reported. Remember, does leave their young fawns alone and only return periodically to feed them. They are not abandoned or orphaned. If you see a fawn in the wild, leave it alone; slowly back away and its mother will return to care for it.
The wet spring and cooler than normal temperatures delayed morel mushroom picking, but milder weather last week caused mushrooms to start popping, just in time for Muscoda's Morel Festival this Saturday and Sunday May 17 and 18. Also on Saturday, there will be a rededication of a historic passenger pigeon monument at Wyalusing State Park near Prairie du Chien. The park is holding an open house that day with free admission. And many bird and wildflower hikes and other events are being held at parks and forest. For a complete list, search the DNR website for Get Outdoors.
Archived under: Previous Outdoor Reports
DNR Outdoor Report in Portable Document Format (Requires Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®)
DNR Outdoor Report in Rich Text Format
Upcoming Events at DNR Parks, Forests and Trails
Outdoor Report editors:
Paul Holtan, DNR Office of Communications, Madison
608-267-7517 or paul.holtan@wisconsin.gov
Nolan Pickar, DNR Communications Specialist, Madison
608-535-2925 or Nolan.Pickar@Wisconsin.gov