Outdoor Report for July 19, 2018
Published July 19, 2018 by the Central Office
View current conditions for Wisconsin State Parks, Trails and Forests
Check out the Wisconsin Department of Tourism (exit DNR).
Most of the state has been experiencing sunny, warm, and beautiful summer days. The forecast predicts some rain over the next day or two, but otherwise it looks like warm temperatures and clear days and nights.
Canoers at Mays Ledges at the Brule River State Forest.
These mild and sunny days have been great for canoeing and kayaking and many river water levels are moderate and perfect for paddling. The lower Wisconsin Rivers is running just about normal for this time of year, with many sandbars popping up.
Much of the state has been hovering at moderate fire danger this week, which means, in the right place, wildfires can happen. Nearly 60 wildfires have occurred across the state in July, mostly caused by fireworks or sparks from equipment.
Inland fishing has slowed but anglers are still reporting some success with panfish, largemouth bass and walleye. Anglers have been having success catching yellow perch on Lake Winnebago and a decent walleye bite has been reported on Lake Poygon.
High numbers of boaters were out on Green Bay this week with most after walleyes. Anglers on the west shore experienced higher catch rates of three to four per person, than on the east shore where catch rates were just one to three.
Along Door County anglers fishing the Sturgeon Bay shoreline reported smallmouth bass, walleye and perch. Some yellow perch anglers found success with harvest being around 12 fish for a few hours on the water. Steelhead action has been good out of Baileys Harbor.
On Lake Michigan, fishing pressure out of Kewaunee and Algoma was heavy with anglers limiting out on rainbow trout and chinook salmon. Fishing in Manitowoc/Two Rivers area is still slow with an average catch of three fish. Rainbows seem to dominate the catch. Hopefully things turn around for the Two Rivers Derby this weekend. Farther south many anglers were participating in the Salmon-A-Rama. Fishing pressure was high out of Sheboygan, Port Washington, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha with a few anglers catching some really nice chinook upwards of 25 to 30 pounds.
Blueberries produced a bumper crop this year. The berry picking season is still going, but it looks like the end is in sight now. Black-capped raspberries are still yielding, and the blackberry crop is a week or two off.
Butterflies are also having a good year. Monarch butterflies are coming out in force and their larvae are plentiful around stands of milkweed. Horseflies and mosquitoes are out so be prepared. Dragonflies are filling up on those pesky mosquitoes.
Look for the juvenile bald eagles, who have recently fledged and are now exploring different areas. Bucks in velvet can be seen here and there if you are lucky. The biggest bull elk in the Flambeau State Forest has been seen as a 6x6 with his extended antlers.
The lavenders of bergamot and fireweed are mixing in with the black eyed susans, compass plants, trefoil, yarrow and Queen Anne's lace.
There will be three workshops and performances of Shakespeare in the Park this weekend along the Hank Aaron State Trail Friday, Mirror Lake Saturday and Lake Kegonsa Sunday. Devil's Lake is hosting a Fur Trade Encampment Friday and Saturday. The Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine and Rib Mountain both have concerts and Devil's Lake will have Dance to Big Band music Saturday evening. Search the DNR website for "Get Outdoors," for a complete listing of events.
________________________
Upcoming featured events at Wisconsin recreational properties
Friday, July 20, 2018
- Hank Aaron State Trail - Playing with Shakespeare: Get Outside with Will Children's Workshop; Shakespeare in the Park "Twelfth Night"
- Newport State Park -Wisconsin Bat Monitoring State Wide Bat Count
- Potawatomi State Park - Wisconsin Maritime Archaeology: Shipwrecks of Door County
Friday, July 20 & Saturday July 21, 2018
Saturday, July 21, 2018
- Copper Falls State Park - Our Living Ancestors: Hike with author/naturalist John Bates
- Devil's Lake State Park - Dance to the Big Bands
- Governor Dodge State Park - Universe in the Park
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit - Summer Saturday Evening Event: Sand County Songs Family Concert with Tim S. Johnson
- Kohler Andrae State Park - Universe in the Park
- Lakeshore State Park - Nature Photos with a Naturalist
- Mirror Lake State Park - Playing with Shakespeare: Get Outside with Will Children's Workshop; Shakespeare in the Park "Twelfth Night"
- Perrot State Park - Spear and Arrowhead Identification, - Pedaling to Nichols Mound
- Rib Mountain State Park - Concert in the Clouds: The Green Bay Pickers
Sunday, July 22, 2018
- Copper Falls State Park - A Stroll Through Time: Geology & History at Copper Falls
- High Cliff State Park - Cliff Runner 10K
- Lake Kegonsa State Park - Playing with Shakespeare: Get Outside with Will Children's Workshop; Shakespeare in the Park "Twelfth Night"
For all events search Get Outdoors
________________________
Upcoming State Natural Area Workday
July 21, 9 a.m.-noon: Orion Mussel Beds (Twin Lizard Mound Group) Workday: Cutting and treating brambles. Get out and enjoy the riverway! We are teaming up with The Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) to care for Orion Mussel Bed SNA. Orion mussel bed is known for mussels in the river but it also has several rare effigy mounds. DNR crews and volunteers have been working to clear brush and conduct burns on some of them. Volunteers will continue this effort by cutting and treating brambles and brush. This will benefit the plant community on the mounds.
July 21 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Chiwaukee Prairie Workday- Removing invasives.The prairie is blooming, come restore Chiwaukee Prairie SNA. Help Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund volunteers during our third Saturday workdays and enjoy the beauty of this rich prairie in the process. We will pull a variety of invasives (sweet clovers, swallowwort, thistles) which threaten to displace native plants.
July 26, 9 a.m.-noon: Kettle Moraine Oak Opening Workday: Collecting seed and cutting aspen. Get outside and see the beauty of Kettle Moraine Oak Opening SNA. Come help volunteers during the weekday version of Southern Kettle Moraine SNA workdays. We'll divide into teams to cut aspen and sumac on remnant prairies and collect seed. This work will follow up on efforts in previous years to continue to restore the native plant community.
No skills needed you will be trained onsite. Check the State Natural Areas Volunteer Program page of the DNR website for details. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane
________________________
Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Monarch caterpillar on milkweed
Brule River State Forest - We have been experiencing sunny, warm, and beautiful summer days over the past week, and it looks like the coming week will bring the same. The forecast predicts a small amount of rain over the next day or two, but otherwise it looks like warm temperatures and clear days and nights. The blueberries have produced a bumper crop this year. The berry picking season is still going, but it looks like the end is in sight now. Butterflies also seem to be having a good year. Monarch butterflies and larvae are plentiful around stands of milkweed. Hopefully there continues to be substantial numbers of butterflies to make the fall migration to Mexico. These mild and sunny days are great for canoeing and kayaking the river. Fishermen are taking advantage of these beautiful summer days as well. River levels are just right for these activities. Campgrounds use has been steady, but the campgrounds are seldom full. Reserve a campsite at ReserveAmerica.com or claim a first-come, first-served site when you get here. The area is in Low Fire Danger, however with the recent dry weather and lack of significant rain in the forecast, the fire danger level can change quickly. Remember to get a free Burning Permit and to check Burning Restrictions each day before you burn. Restrictions are updated daily at 11 a.m. - Diane Gobin, visitor services associate
Pattison State Park - Summer days are here at Pattison State Park. The effects of the June flood are still evident at the park. The Beaver and Little Manitou Falls trails remain closed, as well as the beach at Pattison. Big Manitou Falls River View trail and the cross-country ski trails remain open to hiking this summer. Caution is urged on these trails as well as there are occasional areas with washouts present. The annual Rivet Run was held this past Sunday, July 15 with great success and 115 racers taking to the trails at Pattison. Many thanks to Eve Graves for organizing the race and to the Friends of Amnicon & Pattison Park for volunteering during and after the race. - Gervase Thompson, ranger
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Crex Meadows State Wildlife - It is a little bit quiet at Crex Meadows during the month of July. Many animals have young to protect and raise, so we sometimes cannot catch sight of them. Although, if you are patient, some families can be seen- this includes trumpeter swans, Canada geese, mallard, wood ducks, deer, black bear, sandhill crane and more. This is a great time to search the property for wildflowers, and you will find them scattered throughout the different habitats. One major highlight over the last week was the lark bunting seen on Main Dike Road- not too far from East Refuge Road! Look for the juvenile bald eagles, who have recently fledged and are now exploring the different properties around the area. If you are planning on coming to hike, remember to bring your repellants and your bug netting! There was an albino squirrel spotted at the rest area over the weekend! - Lauren Finch, wildlife educator
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Flambeau River State Forest - Mid July already: halfway through the Summer Moon on the phenological calendar. The Flambeau River water levels are moderate and perfect for paddling. The ATV/UTV trail system is in good condition on the Flambeau River State Forest. By July 23 there will be two logging sales beginning on the Flambeau ATV trail so we caution riders to be aware of the signage indicating heavy equipment use on trails. Easy access of blueberries and raspberries is dwindling. Monarch butterflies are coming out in force it seems. Butterfly chrysalises, if you look closely, can be found attached to firm vegetation. If you want to attract butterflies be sure to plant milkweed, pussy willows, lilacs, blueberries, phlox, butterfly weed, marigolds, or zinnias plus there are lots of other plants that provide food for butterflies throughout the season. The forest is very fragrant if you are near an opening with milkweed blooming or near a northern hardwood stand where the basswood trees are blooming. This is the time of year you see lots of yellows, whites and purples with the forest edge and roadsides bursting with blooms. Horseflies and mosquitoes are out so be prepared. The dragonflies are filling up on those pesky mosquitoes, though not many dragonflies are being seen this year. The deer and elk have been busy grazing on green shoots and this year's youngsters are gallivanting around like teenagers chasing each other. Cow and calf groups and young bulls have been seen often on some of the main roads. Our biggest bull elk in the area has been seen as a 6x6 with his antlers extended way beyond. They are so majestic. - Diane Stowell, forestry technician advanced and visitor services associate
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - As Summer screams by on the state forest, one needs to take the time to get out there and enjoy. Many flowers are gracing us with their wonderful colors. The lavenders of bergamot and fireweed are mixing in with the black eyed susans, compass plants, trefoil, yarrow and Queen Anne's lace. Blueberries and raspberries are there for the picking if you know where to look! Many juvenile songbirds are just as big as their parents, but are still begging for food. Bucks in velvet can be seen here and there if you are lucky, and bear cubs are as rambunctious as ever! A yipping coyote may wake a camper up in the wee hours of the morning, or possibly a robin or hermit thrush getting the first or last word of the day. Water temperatures are great for swimming and all other water related activities, and don't forget the bug repellant! - Rosalie Richter, visitor services associate
________________________
Northeast Region
Northern Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Marinette County - While it was a humid and hot weekend, fishing success was lukewarm at best in Marinette and Oconto. Some anglers were having a little success catching walleye or catfish, but overall most anglers were having a tough time having any success at all. Fishing pressure on the Menominee River was good over the past week but overall was hit or miss this past weekend, with some anglers not having a lot of luck and others having some success catching brown trout or walleye. The water temperatures on the Menominee ranged from 60-68 degrees over this past week. Anglers were having some success catching catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Smallmouth bass were being caught using plastic tubes at various water depths between 5 and 12 feet. Anglers at Stephenson Island were having success catching bluegill, rock bass, and smallmouth bass along the shore. Menekaunee Harbo anglers reported having success catching northern pike and walleye. Good fishing pressure was observed at the Little River Ramp this week. Some perch were being caught along the shore using nightcrawlers and minnows. A handful of anglers were targeting brown trout with limited success this past week. Brown trout were being caught trolling using spoon rigs at water depths between 50-60 feet. Peshtigo River fishing was also hit or miss this past weekend, with some anglers not having a lot of luck and others having some success catching walleye. The water temperatures ranged from 76-79 degrees over the weekend. Fishing pressure was low along at the Peshtigo dam area. Some anglers were having luck catching rock bass using nightcrawlers up by the dam. Decent fishing pressure was observed at the Peshtigo river mouth ramp over the last week. Anglers were having success catching catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye this week. - Ben Olsen, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Oconto County - Fishing overall was hit or miss this past weekend, with some anglers not having a lot of luck and others having some success catching walleye. Over the past weekend, the water temperature for the Oconto river ranged from 78-83 degrees. Fishing pressure was a little lower at the Oconto Park II area this week. Anglers were reporting success catching some perch, smallmouth bass, and walleye over the weekend. Anglers were having success catching perch using nightcrawlers at water depths between 5 and 10 feet. Anglers were having success catching walleye using crankbaits in water depths between 5 and 15 feet. Anglers on the pier were having some success catching catfish, northern pike, perch, and smallmouth bass this week. Anglers using the boat launch were reporting success catching channel catfish, northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass, and walleye. A good number of anglers used the Pensaukee river boat ramp this week. Increased numbers of walleye were being caught this past week. Anglers were reporting success catching catfish, northern pike, perch, and walleye. Fishing pressure has remained low over the past week at the Stiles Dam and Iron Bridge Area. Fishing success had decreased over the past couple of weeks. Anglers were having occasional success catching rock bass this week. While fishing pressure was relatively low this week, a lot of folks were using the iron bridge area to launch kayaks this past weekend. - Ben Olsen, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Geano Beach had high numbers of boaters this week with most after walleyes. Most anglers experienced higher catch rates of walleyes, three to four per person, and reported catching numerous freshwater drum, catfish and an occasional northern pike. - Megan Radtke, fisheries technician, Green Bay
Brown County - Over the past week walleye fishing has been relatively consistent at Bayshore with most anglers taking home one to three fish for half a day out on the water. A wide variety of baits continue to used with all varying success between anglers. Yellow perch fishing continues to be slow out of Bayshore with only a few fish being caught. While out anglers also caught freshwater drum, round goby, white perch, and the occasional catfish. - Adam Garlie, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Those who were fishing out of the Metro boat launch reported slow fishing with only a few walleyes being caught and none being harvested. Shore anglers reported fishing was slow with only freshwater drum being caught. Duck Creek had a high amount of boaters and kayakers out this week with little fishing success. High numbers of boaters were out this week causing lines of boats out of the Suamico launch, even filling the extra boat launch parking area. Many fisherman hit the water early to avoid the rush. The walleye bite was consistent all week with two to three being harvested per person. Anglers reported using flicker shad and minnow orange in color. Most anglers reported catching numerous freshwater drum and large catfish. - Megan Radtke, fisheries technician, Green Bay
Door County - Anglers were fishing the Sturgeon Bay shoreline with a few reports of smallmouth bass and perch. There was low fishing pressure overall this week. Good luck was had using nightcrawlers and leeches. Anglers out of Sturgeon Bay were coming back with smallmouth bass and walleye. Consistent success on perch as well was had in the canal for anglers. Water temperature was reported to be 77-79 degrees on the surface in the canal. A few anglers were catching smallmouth bass this week at Bay View Park. Rockbass was a frequent catch, with low numbers on perch. Many large smallmouth bass were being caught out of Stone Quarry along with loads of freshwater drum. Water was reported to be mid to high 70s at the surface. Good luck was had using jerk bait for smallies along with tubes and live minnows. Folks were coming back to Sunset Park with many yellow perch this week. Water temperature was reported to be 74 degrees out in the channel. - Aeden White, fisheries technician, Sturgeon Bay
Walleye fishing success continues out of Chaudoir's Dock. The average catch was half a dozen walleyes with at least 3 making it into the cooler. Some yellow perch anglers found success with harvest being around 12 fish for a few hours on the water. Length ranged from 8-12 inches. While out anglers also caught freshwater drum, round goby, white perch, and catfish. Effort remains relatively low out Little Sturgeon Bay and Sawyer Harbor. Walleye fishing has been slow with no fish being caught. Smallmouth bass is slow as well with only a few fish being caught per boat for half a day out on the water. Yellow perch fishing is beginning to show signs of picking up. Only a few Perch anglers were out over the past week but all boats came back with fish. Though the size could of been better catch rates have improved over the past week. - Adam Garlie, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Smallmouth action has been very slow across Northern Green Bay. Pier fishermen have only been catching a few small bass, rock bass and the occasional perch. Anglers were still catching some bass around the islands but fishing pressure has been high and catch rates have dropped. Hopefully the warmer water temps in the mid 70s will help get the bass out of their post-spawn lull and into their summer habits. Perch action has been inconsistent. Salmon action at Gills Rock remains slow but is slowly picking up. Steelhead action has been good out of Baileys Harbor. Surface temps are in the 70s but drops down to the 40s 90 feet down. Along with the steelhead some big kings have been caught including one over 30 pounds.- Ben Thome, fisheries technician, Sturgeon Bay
Kewaunee County - Fishing pressure out of Kewaunee remained heavy for the majority of the week and into the weekend. Anglers were limiting out on rainbow trout and chinook salmon for most of Friday and Saturday. Many of the chinooks were reaching upwards of 25 to 30 pounds. Water temperature was reported to be in the 58-63 degree range out 200-350 feet on the surface with a thermocline reaching the low-40s when 60ft below. Very few lake trout were coming in. Good luck on kings was had with blue-silver and wine-silver spoons. Very little fishing pressure and a lot of fog was had along the shoreline. No luck was had for steelhead or kings. There was moderate fishing pressure at the pier this week. The reports on catches were mostly whitefish with a couple large browns and some small rainbows being pulled in as well. There was heavy fishing pressure out of Algoma this weekend with folks coming back with large rainbows and kings. Many folks were preparing or out for Salmon-A-Rama. Rainbows were reported to be out from 300-400 feet with good luck using chrome and green flashers. Water temperature was 60 degrees on the surface and cooling to 57 degrees in the 200 foot range. Heavy fog stayed along the shoreline and pier for most of the week. There were small rainbow catches along the shore however with water temperatures reported at 55 degrees. Olson Park saw a couple anglers out catching bullhead and drum.- Aeden White, fisheries technician, Sturgeon Bay
Manitowoc County - Fishing in Manitowoc/Two Rivers area is still slow with an average catch of three fish. Rainbows seem to dominate the catch. Hopefully things turn around for the Two Rivers Derby this coming weekend. Anglers fishing on the piers have reported of having some hits but not being able to stick the fish. - Cody Flavion, fisheries technician, Mishicot
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Oconto County - Fishing has been slow on in land lakes. Trout streams have seemed to produce some trout though. Panfish, largemouth bass, and walleye are being caught on lakes near Lakewood. Green Bay has been producing walleye and individuals are trolling to catch them. ATV trails are in good condition, but dusty. Wearing a mask or handkerchief under your helmet is recommended while riding. Blackberries are almost ripe and in a week or two they will be prime. A fair amount of monarch butterflies and caterpillars getting ready to make cocoons are being seen. - Paul Hartrick, conservation warden, Oconto Falls
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - This upcoming weekend the weather looks to finally be giving us a break from the heat and humidity. Inland fishing has slowed down but anglers are still reporting some success with panfish in the mornings and late evenings. Water levels are above normal on the lakes and rivers, giving a perfect opportunity for the paddlers to explore any of the rivers. Most paddlers are launching in Kiel on the Sheboygan River, Manitowoc on the Manitowoc River, and Shoto on the West Twin River. Reminder for all to have a life jacket on board for each person when on the water. Hikers and bikers can take to trails at Point Beach State Forest for a nice hike or bike ride, I'd recommend grabbing bug spray before you head out. Plenty of wildlife can be seen throughout the county including song birds, geese, Sandhill cranes, deer and fawns. Take the time and enjoy the great outdoors - Alyssa R Neff-Miller, conservation warden, Mishicot
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Potawatomi State Park - All trails are open to hiking. The suggested hiking trails are the Ice Age Trail or Hemlock Trail. Lots of milkweed is in bloom attracting monarchs. Daisies and hawkweed is in bloom in the meadows. Please remember picking flowers is not allowed. If unsure of a plant or flower, please take a photo and ask park staff. Several fawns have been sighted this week. Please remember to leave wildlife alone and view from a distance. - Jaclyn Moeri, visitor services associate
Shoreline on July 6.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - All trails are open to hiking. The recommended hiking trails at this time are the Red or Black trails. Directions to get to the swimming beach is to hike the Red trail five minutes to second beach access. The First Beach Access at Whitefish Dunes is closed until further notice due to high water and erosion of the shoreline. This week the bird feeder had visits from hummingbirds. Thimbleberries are numerous in the park but not ripe yet. If you look closely while you hike you might see one of the fawns spotted recently in the park. Lots of wildflowers in the park and great time of year to hike. - Jaclyn Moeri, visitor services associate
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Waupaca County - Deer flies are still terrible; water levels in streams are very low making trout fishing an early morning late evening proposition. Mosquitos have died back quite a bit making things a bit more pleasant. Black-capped raspberries still yielding, blackberry crop is a week or two off and will be a dandy if we get some timely rain. - Karl Kramer, wildlife technician, Wautoma
Dry, hot weather continues to be persistent in the central part for the State. Rivers and streams still have ample water for kayaking/canoeing but water levels are low. Fishing has been slow - but a decent walleye bite has been reported on Lake Poygon with anglers having success with crawler harnesses. - Ted Dremel, conservation warden supervisor, Wautoma
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Lake Winnebago System
Anglers have been having success catching yellow perch on Lake Winnebago. The best method has been fishing the edge of rock reef habitat with worms or dragonfly larvae (commonly referred to as hellgrammites by anglers). - Ryan Koenigs, fisheries biologist, Oshkosh
________________________
Southeast Region
Milwaukee DNR Service Center area
Southern Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - Anglers fishing from boats in Sheboygan report fishing to be hit or miss. Heavy fog throughout the week prevented some anglers from heading out, however fishing pressure was higher than usual despite the fog. A few anglers caught some really nice kings this week with the largest reported at 28 pounds. Coho and rainbow are being caught as well. Good numbers of fish are being caught in 100-250 feet of water on flies and spoons. Fishing pressure on the piers this week was high, but anglers still struggle catching any salmon. The occasional brown trout and northern pike are being caught on alewives in the evening. - Jarrett Mapes, fisheries technician, Plymouth
Ozaukee County - Fishing pressure out of Port Washington this week has been moderate to high with most anglers fishing early in the morning, although several boats have been staying out late. Catch rates have been inconsistent with some anglers getting their bag limits of trout and salmon and others struggle to catch anything. Those who are landing fishing in good numbers are typically in 100-180 feet of water. Fish are being caught on both flasher flies and spoons. There were many patient trout and salmon anglers fishing off the piers over the weekend, however most didn't catch anything. Others who were fishing for perch off of the end of the North Pier using jigs had some luck, but most of the perch caught were around the 7-inch range. Several anglers were fishing near the WE energies warm water discharge this week, but fishing success was limited. Some anglers who were using worms caught carp, suckers, and catfish. - Jarrett Mapes, fisheries technician, Plymouth
Milwaukee County - Saturday July 14 began the multi-state Salmon - a- Rama, where anglers took to Lake Michigan waters by boat or along shorelines and piers in pursuit of salmon and trout (and perch). It runs until Sunday July 22, please expect busier than normal boat ramps and traffic both on and off the water. As the fishing tournament began, it was a busy weekend with the trailer parking lot filling up quickly. Early morning boaters targeting salmon continue to launch between 3:30 and 6 a.m. catching limits more often than boaters launching in the afternoon. A mix bag of fish across the board of salmon and trout continue to be landed. This weekend larger numbers of chinook salmon and brown and lake trout and were caught ( verses mostly coho and rainbows that we have seen for the past couple of weeks). Anglers found success in depths ranging from 40 feet to deeper waters out to 210 feet. Most anglers reported that the best fishing depth, with the most action, was between 125 -140 feet of water with fish hitting lines in the top 35 - 60 feet of water . Spoons were the bait of choice this weekend with the occasional flasher/flies combinations that had anglers catching with success. Please be aware the McKinley ramp is being used as a remote weigh-in site for salmon-a rama participants and the cleaning station, at times throughout the day, had anglers waiting to fillet their catch. A few days of westerly winds mid-week cooled down temperatures lakeside. Surface temps now range from 56-61 degrees (the warmest during the mid-day sun). Anglers are at the McKinley Pier in larger numbers in the early morning hours (often before sunrise) than afternoon or evening and even a few fishing overnight. A rainbow and brown trout were caught using alewives as bait, however most anglers targeting salmon and trout both on the lakeside and harborside continue to see very little action. Those anglers targeting perch near the gap had little success. Anglers targeting bass also saw very little action. Anglers targeting rock bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed had no problems landing their target species, bobber fishing, using a variety of live bait along McKinley Shore. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass or catfish had no luck. Schools of alewives are once again near shore and being seen near the Summerfest grounds, where only a single brown trout was reported through the weekend. Anglers also found luck landing 9 -12 inch perch using crab tails or plastics near Veterans Park and McKinley Shore, harbor side. Low fishing pressure occurred throughout the weekend from Jones Island, Cupertino Park, and through South Shore. Anglers targeting trout and salmon caught a few brown trout near Jones Island, mid - day using shiners. Earlier in the week, as the couple days of westerlies blew, a decent chinook was also caught using spoons. Anglers targeting panfish or perch near the South Shore Yacht Club saw little action. Early morning boaters filled up the South Shore Ramp lot at a quick pace through the weekend and have been launching before 5 a.m. Mostly coho and chinook salmon with the occasional lake or brown trout were landed using flasher/flies or spoons. Anglers found success in depths from 60-90 feet with fish hitting lines in the top 25-40 feet of water. Low fishing pressure continues at the Oak Creek Power Plant pier. Those few morning and afternoon anglers trying their luck using a variety of live bait and artificial lures found very little success in landing trout or salmon as well as those anglers that were targeting bass or carp. Temperatures at the end of the pier ranged from 54-56 degrees. Anglers do report the return of larger alewife schools and the continued presence of large carp, gizzard shad, and the occasional sheepshead.- Reni Rydlewicz, fisheries technician, Milwaukee
Racine County - Many boaters having luck catching coho this week anywhere from 70-120 feet of water. A few kings were caught deeper in 150-170 feet. Some boaters also catching a fair amount of lake trout. Most are using flies with dodgers. Still a couple browns hanging around the harbor. Most anglers using spoons. A couple perch have been caught close to the rocks. Most anglers having luck with hugs and minnows. - Zack Feest, fisheries technician, Sturtevant
Kenosha County - Some boaters are finding luck anywhere from 70-140 feet of water. Most using flasher flies and spoons. Very few Kings were reported being caught lately. Most pier fisherman using alewives and casting spoons. Not much action besides the occasional brown trout. Very few perch being caught in the area but the anglers having luck are using minnows. - Zack Feest, fisheries technician, Sturtevant
Plymouth DNR Service Center area
Point Beach State Forest - All hiking and biking trails are open and in good condition. The beach is OPEN and in fair condition. Expect a smaller beach area this year due to the higher water levels in Lake Michigan. Keep an eye out for pelicans that have been frequenting our area of Lake Michigan. Please visit www.wibeaches.us for the most up-to-date information. For the most updated water temperature, please visit http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/twomichigans.html. - Melanie Kozlowski, visitor services associate
________________________
South Central Region
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway - Weekly Riverway Video Report - At Muscoda Riverside Park. The park is location of the World Hovercraft Cruise this weekend. People on the river this weekend expect to see hovercrafts. Fiver flow is about normal for the 100-year-average. Trend upriver is for dwindling flow. At Muscoda should see more and more sandbars popping up. Pretty good chance of rain off and on for the next few days. There is a historic reenactment at Prairie du Chien this weekend. - Mark Cupp, executive director Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board
________________________
West Central Region
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Visitors were hiking, boating, and fishing over the weekend. Only a few mosquitoes at times with the hotter weather. There is starting to be some algae in the lake at times but it does move around because of the rivers so if a beach is green at one time of day it will clear out later. There is a dog beach on Water St, west of the Buckhorn bridge. - Heather Wolf, park manager
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Visitors have been hiking, checking out the petroglyphs and seeing turkey vultures circling the mound. Campers have been going a mile down the road to the free beach at Friendship Lake. There is a new Trail of Trees program at the park. Stop at the park office for information, hike the Chickadee Rock trail and bring your completed sheet back to the office for a prize. - Heather Wolf, park manager