Heartland Outdoors

Wisconsin finally seeing winter

Sat, January 28, 2012

By THE WISCONSIN DNR

Several waves of snowfall in the last week covered most of the state with new snow, with the exception of areas of northwestern and northeastern Wisconsin, which continue to have the lowest snow cover, with some areas only reporting 2 to 3 inches on the ground. Areas of the north received 8 to 10 inches and areas of southern Wisconsin received 4 to 6 inches.

The new snow allowed some southern and central counties to open snowmobile trails, but many counties still did not have enough snow to open trails. Unfortunately, rain followed the snow in much of southern Wisconsin, which combined with heavy trail use, has already led to trails being closed in some counties. The north faired better, and snowmobile trails are listed as excellent to fair in about a dozen of the most northern tier of counties on the Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR).

Cross-country ski trails were groomed for the first time in many southern and central state park and forests, but because the snow that fell was very light and fluffy, it packed down to a shallow base that was not enough in many areas for track to be set for classical skiers. However skate ski conditions were good in many areas. Again, the rain that fell did cause conditions to deteriorate. There a half dozen candlelight events scheduled for this coming weekend, and anyone interested in attending one should call ahead to confirm it will be held and check on conditions.

Colder weather in the last week has continued to build up ice on lakes. Anglers on northern lakes are reporting a foot or more of ice. Ice is starting to form off the south shore of Lake Superior where the “ice caves” are located but it will not be safe to walk out to them until the National Park Service gives the okay. Anglers were reporting anything from open water to 7 or 8 inches of ice along the northeast, northern, and western shores of Lake Winnebago and much of Little Lake Butte des Morts has completely opened up and many other areas are offering poor ice conditions. Madison Lakes had ice thickness varying anywhere from 2 to 6 inches.

Recent cold temperatures put a damper on fishing pressure—and fish activity seems to be at its mid-winter low point. Panfish have been providing the best action with a few fair catches perch, bluegill and crappie being reported along with some of northern pike. Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay ice has been firming and there were reports of perch, brown trout, coho salmon, and whitefish. Ice shanties started to appear on Green Bay’s Sawyer Harbor last weekend, with reports of perch, whitefish, and walleye activity. Ice conditions inside Little Sturgeon Bay have been good but ice on the outside of the bay has been poor, with large areas still open or recently frozen. Perch anglers were finding good numbers of perch inside the bay, but few keepers.

DNR wildlife staff have been conducting deer counts with fixed wing aircraft and report many whitetail bucks are still retaining their antlers. Bobcat hunters were taking advantage of the fresh snow conditions to locate bobcat. Deer, fox, coyote, otter and raccoon tracks are also showing up in the fresh snow. Coyote and fox, which are in their breeding season, are responding to calls. Large flocks of turkeys have been spotted foraging where crop residue is available. Great horned owls are being heard calling at night as they are in their breeding season. Snowy owls also continue to be seen around the state.

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