Spring Is Here! Find Your Adventure
Things may look a little different this year, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the outdoors. Although we needed to put the Outdoor Report on hold because many of our staff are working from home and limiting travel, we still want to keep you connected to the outdoors, especially with parks reopening and the fishing opener this weekend. Below are a couple highlights from this week. Remember to practice social distancing and stay close to home.
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Parks Reopen May 1 At the direction of Gov. Evers, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reopened 34 state parks and forests with special conditions on Friday, May 1. Under the governor’s Badger Bounce Back Plan, the DNR will modify current operations to maintain the safest environment for visitors and staff. To minimize overcrowding, allow for social distancing requirements and to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, a variety of conditions are being put into place at all state park system properties until further notice starting May 1. An annual park sticker and/or trail pass will be required to visit state parks and trails. State parks and forests will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, a change from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. You can read more here on all the new conditions being put in to place at state parks. We are beyond humbled by the overwhelming amount of support we are receiving for Wisconsin state parks. The DNR call center is experiencing a high volume of calls in the wake of the reopening announcement, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to increase capacity and improve the customer experience. There may be delays – please keep trying. A map of open properties can be downloaded and printed here. Check out park capacity here. |
2020 Game Fish Season Opens May 2Gov. Evers' Safer at Home order recognizes outdoor activity as essential. As such, the 2020-2021 Game Fish season opener will proceed as planned on May 2. All regulations and license requirements apply. The DNR reminds anglers to fish close to home and practice social distancing whether fishing from a boat, dock or shoreline. It is recommended that only anglers living in the same household should fish within six feet of one another. Anglers can find a location using the Boat Launch and Shore Fishing Access tool. Find new places to fish here. The majority of northern waters should open up by the fishing opener, especially with the mild weather and rain in the forecast this week. Given the later ice-out, walleye will be lingering closer to shore and still in spawning mode on the larger lakes. Opening day looks promising for northern pike, musky and walleye in southeastern Wisconsin waters. Walleyes have completed their spawning activities on lakes in the central and western parts of the state, and larger lakes should provide good to excellent walleye action. In the waters of Green Bay and the Lake Winnebago system, walleyes are done spawning and will be on the prowl for food over the next few weeks. White bass will be running on the Wolf and Fox rivers. Check out the 2020 Wisconsin Fishing Report for the latest in your area. Good luck to all anglers heading out this weekend – stay safe! |