Outdoor Report for January 17, 2020
Published January 17, 2020
Cross-country ski trails are in good to excellent condition across northern Wisconsin, including these recently groomed trails at Pattison State Park.Photo credit: DNR
Snowmobile trails continue to be in good condition in the north on the travelwisconsin.com Snow Conditions Report. Still, some low/swampy areas continue to be hazardous, so use caution when riding. Ski trail conditions are good to excellent in the north.
Mild temps in the south have put a damper on ice fishing, but a cold front this week starting to firm ice back up. Some northern lakes have 10-12 inches of ice, but much of the ice is white/gray from mixing with snow and isn't as stable as black ice. Some anglers have begun using ATVs and snowmobiles, but be sure to check the ice thickness. Fishing was decent with good catches of walleye during low light hours, and bluegills, bass and northern being caught during the day.
Most bucks are still carrying their antlers, although there are reports of some antler dropping occurring.
FISHING
Dane County
Mild temps have put a damper on the ice fishing season, but winter seems to have finally arrived, and ice is starting to firm back up. Lake ice is variable across the area; no ice is safe ice, be sure to check local conditions daily. Early season catch and release trout season is open on area trout streams.
Marinette County
Travel on area lakes is pretty good right now - with little to no snow on the surface. Some anglers are using ATVs and snowmobiles but be sure to check the ice thickness first. Some lakes have 10-12 inches of ice, but much of the ice is white/gray from mixing with snow and isn't as solid as black ice. Fishing was decent over the weekend with fishermen reporting good catches of walleye during low light hours, and bluegills, bass and northern being caught during the day.
HUNTING & TRAPPING
Iowa County
Iowa County has extended archery deer hunting, with the season going through Jan. 31. Most bucks are still carrying their antlers, although there are reports of some antler dropping occurring.
Lafayette County
Lafayette County still has deer hunting opportunities with the extended archery season. This season is either sex and runs through Jan. 31. Most bucks are still carrying their antlers, with some signs of antler drop just starting. Depending on location, there are 1-3 inches of snow on the ground.
Marinette County
Squirrel and rabbit hunters can still get out and enjoy the woods and pursue their next meal. Walking through the woods is fairly easy right now in much of the county. In the northern part of the county (north of Wausaukee), you might find snowshoes useful.
WILDLIFE
There are no reports this week.
SEASONAL CONDITIONS
Calumet County
Ice conditions along the east shore of Lake Winnebago in Calumet County remain poor to non-existent in many areas. Temperature fluctuations, along with strong winds in recent days have created open spots and areas of weak ice. Fishing clubs have not placed any tree lines or ice bridges to date. Many anglers are hoping for colder weather in anticipation of the upcoming sturgeon spearing season.
Dodge County
Expecting decent snow totals on Friday into Saturday at Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area.
Door County
Though the ski conditions have deteriorated over the past week of warmer temps, there are 2 inches of fresh snow at Newport State Park. Skate skiers have taken to the Monarch Trail. Conditions are good for hiking and snowshoeing on all other trails.
Sawyer County
Snowmobile trails continue to be in good condition overall in Flambeau River State Forest. Still, some low/swampy areas continue to be hazardous, so use caution when riding. Ski trails are overall in good condition, but we still need a little more snow to fill everything in. Snow depth total did drop, making great conditions for snowshoeing. The lake's ice conditions are slowly improving but be cautious as there are slushy and thin ice areas.
PARKS & TRAILS
Chippewa County
Lake Wissota State Park trails are open and ready to use. We have good multi-use and ski trail systems that have plenty of snow and are maintained.
Douglas County
The cross-country ski trails at Pattison State Park were groomed on Jan. 10. The trails are in excellent condition with 12 inches of ski base and over 20 inches of snow in the woods. With more snow forecasted this week, the ski trails will be in great shape.
Dunn County
The groomers will be working at Red Cedar State Trail throughout the week on grooming the trails.
Iron County
Iron County is flush with 20+ inches of snow throughout most of the county. Ski and snowmobile trails are well packed and groomed to perfection. A thick crust layer sits below 5-8 inches of snow, allowing dogs to run on top of the snow and humans to slowly track over it (snowshoes recommended).
Sauk County
Devil's Lake State Park got about 3 inches of snow on Jan. 13, so trails are snowy and in some places snow atop a film of ice. The lake is not entirely frozen over.
