Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report 6-6-13
Cool, wet conditions have dampened outdoor activities
Cool, wet conditions have dampened outdoor enthusiasm for many across Wisconsin, and the weather has had a lingering effect on later than usual budding, blooming and bird arrivals.
Several weeks after one of the biggest wildfires in Wisconsin history, the Germann Road Fire has officially declared 100 percent extinguished. Mop-up crews routinely patrolled the fire from the ground looking for smoke and spraying water on any burning debris or stumps continuing to smolder. Recent precipitation, resulting in low fire danger, has also helped.
Water levels are very high on the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and most of the sandbars along the river are underwater and finding a place to camp along the river can be difficult. Mississippi River water levels slowly dropping but boaters and anglers should expect to see “high” water for quite some time. Many boat landings remain under water and the docks are not usable.
Water temperatures are still quite variable and have ranged from the mid-60s and down to the low to mid-50s on some of the large and deep lakes in the north. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass have been getting more active and many are now in the middle of their spring nesting period. Smallmouth are especially vulnerable to anglers when they are on their nests, so anglers should use discretion if trying for this species.
On Lake Superior, anglers have been having good success catching a lot of coho salmon with a few brown trout mixed in around the Apostle Islands. Lake Michigan trollers have been getting a mixed bag of coho and chinook salmon along with some brown and lake trout. Anglers report walleye fishing has been good on Green Bay from the Peshtigo Harbor to the Menominee River. Smallmouth bass are still biting well in many locations on Green Bay from Little Harbor up to Sister Bay.
Inland trout fishing in Grant County area streams has remained very good with many anglers having good success. Anglers are having success with crappie and the walleye bite is picking up on the east shore of Lake Winnebago.
There has been a variety of wildlife sightings across the state, including fox kits in Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. Fawns have been seen in Grant, Outagamie and Waupaca counties. An otter pup was also seen near the Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area. On the downside, mosquitoes have definitely arrived across the state.
Bears also continue to be on the move, so if you see bears in your area remove bird feeds, or move them higher. Don’t leave your pet food bowls out on the porch and secure garbage cans, or put them inside. Bears are interesting creatures and their cubs are cute, but they are wild, so don’t get between a sow and her cubs.
Early June traditionally marks the end of spring migration and increased breeding activity across Wisconsin. Northern Wisconsin experienced several migration events this past week, most notably on May 30 when large numbers of warblers, flycatchers, and other land birds were found along Lake Superior’s south shore. Late migrants such as olive-sided and yellow-bellied flycatchers, black-billed cuckoos, cedar waxwings, and common nighthawks are still on the move.