Report for week of 3/18/2010
GENERAL - Unseasonably warm temperatures across the state this week melted all snow cover
across the state in the last week. Temperatures reaching into the 60s also opened up a lot more
rivers and have started to open small lakes in southern Wisconsin, and eroded shorelines in the
north. Ice is now becoming dangerous through central Wisconsin. The north and south forks of the
Flambeau River have opened in the last week.
The deteriorating ice conditions have pretty much brought the ice fishing season to an end. Very
few anglers have been venturing out as access has become difficult with quite a bit of open-water
showing up along shorelines. Ice cover has dropped down to about 10 to 14 inches and ice has
become soft and honeycombed. Overall, ice conditions are generally unsafe and dangerous. Those
anglers still venturing out report bluegills have been getting a bit more active but that crappie action
has been sporadic.
The ice is also rapidly deteriorating on Green Bay, with and open water being seen from some
landings. The ice fishing season is coming to a quick close on the west shore of Green Bay. On the
Door County side, anglers were continueing to venture out and reported success for whitefish,
walleye and some northern pike. Open water river anglers are fishing for walleye, with activity
picking up on the Menomonie, Fox, Wolf, Rock, Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, with anglers
concentrating below dams.
Lake Michigan tributaries are open and were running high but dropping. The Sheboygan harbor is
open and the boat launch is usable. Open water anglers have been catching a few browns near the
Port Washington power plant discharge. A few steelhead have been taken in upstream stretches of
Sauk Creek. In Milwaukee anglers fishing the Milwaukee River have been catching a few browns
and rainbows. Flows were good on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek, and some steelhead
have been taken from both. In Racine the Root River is open, but water levels have been quite high
and fair numbers of steelhead have been in the river. The Root River Steelhead Facility should be
in operation later this week.
NORTHERN REGION - Polk County - Visit our store in Centuria, Wi. for up to date reports on all the
local lakes.
Brule River State Forest - Anglers are getting geared up for the upcoming fish opener (Highway 2 to
Lake Superior) on the Brule River on March 27. It is reported that the Brule River is open all of the
way to the mouth now. As of March 18 the Brule is flowing at 278 cfs (cubic feet per second).
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron
counties) - With the unseasonably mild weather of the past week, ice conditions have very quickly
deteriorated and nearly brought the ice fishing season to an end. Very few anglers have been
venturing out as access onto the lakes has become difficult with quite a bit of open-water areas
showing up along the west and north shorelines. Many lakes have dropped down to about 10 to 14
inches of ice and the upper layer has become soft and honeycombed. Overall, ice conditions are
generally unsafe and dangerous.
Flambeau River State Forest - The South and North Forks of the Flambeau River have open water.
The South Fork at least near Hwy. W appears to be totally open. Local lakes are still for the most
part ice covered, but the ice near the shore is very thin.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence
counties) - Ice is deteriorating rapidly across northeast Wisconsin. There are still plenty of anglers
venturing out by foot, but after this week's warmer-than-normal temperatures things will begin to get
sketchy. Conditions are at least a couple weeks ahead of normal for this area Fishing in general
has been fair. With the game fish season closed now, there are some panfish anglers out enjoying
the nice weather. Bluegills have been getting a bit more active in shallow bays near weed lines.
Crappie action has been sporadic but should improve with the last days of safe ice cover. Live bait
has been working best. Try a tip-down baited with a minnow for best results.
NORTHEAST REGION - Above normal temperatures, sunny days, and rain has made most of the
landing areas impassable to vehicle traffic. The ice fishing season is coming to a quick close on the
west shore of Green Bay.
Marinette County - The Menominee River from Stephenson Island to the Hattie Street Dam is seeing
moderate to heavy pressure. Early mornings and evenings are seeing some walleye being caught
using twister tails and Raps. Brown trout were being caught in significant numbers close to the dam
casting Cleo's, silver/green, silver/orange, and silver/blue in 3/4 oz is working well. The occasional
rainbow has also been showing up. All these fish were being caught in open water.
Oconto County - Ice conditions are suspect with most ice being black in color, couple this with
broken ice or mud conditions at the landings resulted in a total lack of fishing pressure.
Governor Thompson State Park - The ice is turning black and quickly disappearing from inland
lakes. The ice is not safe on Caldron Falls Flowage, as the power company is lowering the reservoir
up to 4 ft. to account for spring run-off. The ice on the flowage will fall in this week-due to the water
being level dropping.
Brown County - Boats dominate the waterscape at Voyageur Park. Shore anglers are casting for
walleye with twister tails and stick baits. Boaters are vertical jigging with lead staying within a foot of
the bottom, hooks are tipped with gulp or minnows. A few people are still fishing Sunset Beach,
some are venturing out on four-wheelers and some are going out on foot. Pike fished with shiners
or smelt in shallow water are producing a few nice fish.
Door County – Sturgeon Bay anglers have been targeting northern pike over the last week with
most fish being caught in front of the state park. The ice however is rapidly deteriorating and open
water can be seen from the landing. Also some anglers have been fishing off Birminghams. Anglers
at Little Sturgeon Bay have been catching whitefish in the vicinity of Henderson Point, with most
anglers having luck using Swedish pimples tipped with waxworms or a minnow for bait. A few pike
were being caught in the weeds in 5-10 feet of water. Anglers have also been catching a few
walleye off Larson’s Reef. The ice around the reef is very black and honeycombed. Red River
anglers have been catching good numbers of whitefish in 10 feet of water straight out from the
landing. Due to ice conditions anglers have been walking out to their favorite spots. Anglers have
been finding some action from whitefish at Volks Reef. Most anglers have been using a small jig
tipped with a waxworm to get the whitefish to strike. Also some walleye are being caught. The best
tactic for the walleye has been on tip-ups or jigging spoons.
SOUTHEAST REGION - Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers are
open, and flows are high but dropping. Conditions should be better by the end of the week. The
Sheboygan harbor is open and the boat launch is usable.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington open water anglers have been catching a few browns near
the power plant discharge. Both spawn sacs and skein have produced fish. A few steelhead have
been taken in upstream stretches of Sauk Creek.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee anglers fishing the Milwaukee River along the wall under the Hoan
bridge have been catching a few browns and rainbows. Spawn and small shiners have produced
the most fish. Flows are good on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek, and some steelhead have
been taken from both.
Racine County - In Racine the Root River is open, but water levels have been quite high. Flows
have been dropping the past couple of days, and with no rain the rest of this week, conditions
should be good for the weekend. Fair numbers of steelhead have been in the river, and both spawn
sacs and natural pattern flies have been productive. The Root River Steelhead Facility should be in
operation later this week, with the first fish processing day next week.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION - Wyalusing State Park - The Mississippi River is on the rise. River level
was 11.5 March 15, up 0.8 of a foot from the previous day.
Dane County - Lakes in southern Wisconsin are opening up rapidly with the recent warm
temperatures. People should definitely stay off whatever ice is left in southern Wisconsin.
Jefferson County - Anglers are actively fishing the Rock River in Watertown below the dams and at
the wastewater treatment plant. A few walleye were being caught but most are smaller males.
Dipnetters are actively fishing the Crawfish River at Hubbleton and catching mostly carp. A few
smaller buffalo were being raised in the nets but the water temperature is still cold. The backwater
areas on the Rock and Crawfish rivers still have ice on them however it is getting close to
disappearing. Water levels are up on the rivers with some low lying areas being flooded. A few
anglers have ventured out on the rivers in boats now that the ice is gone off the main channels.
WEST CENTRAL REGION - Willow River State Park - The weather has been mostly dry with no
major rainfalls in the Willow River watershed. The dam gate was closed the afternoon of
Wednesday, March 17. Given the present conditions, trout anglers should see a good water level
and clarity early next week, possibly sooner. Runoff has been early this year.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River is really on the rise. Last week the river was around the 8
foot mark. As of March 15, the Mississippi River was at 10.25 feet and rising. The forecast, baring
any heavy rain, is for a continuing rise of several feet nearing the 14 foot mark. Ice conditions in
most areas took a beating this week. Although many of the back water area still have decent ice
access is nearly impossible. Most of the popular ice fishing spots have anywhere between 10 to 24
inches of ice. The main channel and the east channel of the Mississippi River opened up last week.
With the exception of backwater and “shelf” ice, the river is open. Most of the boat landings on the
Mississippi River’s main channel are ice free. Prairie du Chien Area and Lower bottoms: The
increase in water level has made access to many areas difficult or dangerous. Garnet Lake and
Pickerel Slough were slow. White bass (stripers) action picked up a bit this week in Dillman’s pit.
White bass were being caught on jigging stick baits or sweedish pimples near the bottom of 40 feet
of water. Ice conditions are pretty good there with over 20 inches of ice. Rotten Slough, St. Feriole
Slough and Hunter’s Slough, located near the sewer treatment plant, are unsafe for travel as open
water exists in many locations. St. Feriole Slough opened up this week. Prairie du Chien Ambro
Slough Complex: Access is a real problem on the Ambro Slough because of the high water.
Shorelines have deteriorated and in some areas several feet of open water exist along the shore
line. Most anglers that have air boats or hoover craft can access back water areas. Gremore Lake
did produce bass and crappie along with a few perch. For the most part Gremore has about 20 or
so inches of ice. Tilmont Lake produced some crappie this week, but bluegill action has been slow.
Mud Slough was very slow again this week. Good ice conditions exist on Tilmont Lake and Mud
Slough, however anglers are now faced with open water on the Ambro and Black Sloughs. The
Lower Doubles, Fish Lake and Little Missouri has been spotty with some smaller bluegill and a few
decent crappie being taken. Access to these areas by foot is impossible. Big Missouri and the
Upper Doubles have produced bass, crappie and perch. But again, access to these areas is
difficult. The Fennimore Cut has produced some perch, crappie and bluegill. The bluegills have
been running small and overall action was spotty. Spring Lake has been very slow even though
good ice conditions exist. Spring Lake has produced a few bluegill and crappie just under the ice.
Sturgeon Slough Area: Current is now flowing through Sturgeon Slough, which creates difficult and
dangerous conditions. With the increase in water levels anglers are no longer able to ventured
down to Sturgeon (aka McGregor or Horseshoe) Lake. There had been some crappie, perch,
northern and bass action on Sturgeon Lake’s south end. Cold Spring: Fishing here remains very
slow. Reports of a few small bluegill and an occasional crappie and a fair amount of small bass have
been reported. Ice conditions on the southern lobe are starting to deteriorate. Cold Spring is
considered inland water. Mississippi River: The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is now open to boat
traffic. All the ice is gone from the landing and for the most part the river is clear of ice by the dam.
Anglers are reminded to pay for their launch fee prior to heading out onto the water. Walleye and
sauger anglers had been venturing out by boat with some success. Sauger action has been slow.
Walleye action has been even slower. Many feel that success will get better now that the river is on
the rise.
Buckhorn State Park – As of March 14, ice on the lake was slowly melting. There was open water on
the south side of the bridge on Sunday. The boat launches were still frozen over and launch A in
the park will have ice push damage repaired soon.
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
Copyright© 2006 - 2010 BobberStop.com
GENERAL - Unseasonably warm temperatures across the state this week melted all snow cover
across the state in the last week. Temperatures reaching into the 60s also opened up a lot more
rivers and have started to open small lakes in southern Wisconsin, and eroded shorelines in the
north. Ice is now becoming dangerous through central Wisconsin. The north and south forks of the
Flambeau River have opened in the last week.
The deteriorating ice conditions have pretty much brought the ice fishing season to an end. Very
few anglers have been venturing out as access has become difficult with quite a bit of open-water
showing up along shorelines. Ice cover has dropped down to about 10 to 14 inches and ice has
become soft and honeycombed. Overall, ice conditions are generally unsafe and dangerous. Those
anglers still venturing out report bluegills have been getting a bit more active but that crappie action
has been sporadic.
The ice is also rapidly deteriorating on Green Bay, with and open water being seen from some
landings. The ice fishing season is coming to a quick close on the west shore of Green Bay. On the
Door County side, anglers were continueing to venture out and reported success for whitefish,
walleye and some northern pike. Open water river anglers are fishing for walleye, with activity
picking up on the Menomonie, Fox, Wolf, Rock, Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, with anglers
concentrating below dams.
Lake Michigan tributaries are open and were running high but dropping. The Sheboygan harbor is
open and the boat launch is usable. Open water anglers have been catching a few browns near the
Port Washington power plant discharge. A few steelhead have been taken in upstream stretches of
Sauk Creek. In Milwaukee anglers fishing the Milwaukee River have been catching a few browns
and rainbows. Flows were good on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek, and some steelhead
have been taken from both. In Racine the Root River is open, but water levels have been quite high
and fair numbers of steelhead have been in the river. The Root River Steelhead Facility should be
in operation later this week.
NORTHERN REGION - Polk County - Visit our store in Centuria, Wi. for up to date reports on all the
local lakes.
Brule River State Forest - Anglers are getting geared up for the upcoming fish opener (Highway 2 to
Lake Superior) on the Brule River on March 27. It is reported that the Brule River is open all of the
way to the mouth now. As of March 18 the Brule is flowing at 278 cfs (cubic feet per second).
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron
counties) - With the unseasonably mild weather of the past week, ice conditions have very quickly
deteriorated and nearly brought the ice fishing season to an end. Very few anglers have been
venturing out as access onto the lakes has become difficult with quite a bit of open-water areas
showing up along the west and north shorelines. Many lakes have dropped down to about 10 to 14
inches of ice and the upper layer has become soft and honeycombed. Overall, ice conditions are
generally unsafe and dangerous.
Flambeau River State Forest - The South and North Forks of the Flambeau River have open water.
The South Fork at least near Hwy. W appears to be totally open. Local lakes are still for the most
part ice covered, but the ice near the shore is very thin.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence
counties) - Ice is deteriorating rapidly across northeast Wisconsin. There are still plenty of anglers
venturing out by foot, but after this week's warmer-than-normal temperatures things will begin to get
sketchy. Conditions are at least a couple weeks ahead of normal for this area Fishing in general
has been fair. With the game fish season closed now, there are some panfish anglers out enjoying
the nice weather. Bluegills have been getting a bit more active in shallow bays near weed lines.
Crappie action has been sporadic but should improve with the last days of safe ice cover. Live bait
has been working best. Try a tip-down baited with a minnow for best results.
NORTHEAST REGION - Above normal temperatures, sunny days, and rain has made most of the
landing areas impassable to vehicle traffic. The ice fishing season is coming to a quick close on the
west shore of Green Bay.
Marinette County - The Menominee River from Stephenson Island to the Hattie Street Dam is seeing
moderate to heavy pressure. Early mornings and evenings are seeing some walleye being caught
using twister tails and Raps. Brown trout were being caught in significant numbers close to the dam
casting Cleo's, silver/green, silver/orange, and silver/blue in 3/4 oz is working well. The occasional
rainbow has also been showing up. All these fish were being caught in open water.
Oconto County - Ice conditions are suspect with most ice being black in color, couple this with
broken ice or mud conditions at the landings resulted in a total lack of fishing pressure.
Governor Thompson State Park - The ice is turning black and quickly disappearing from inland
lakes. The ice is not safe on Caldron Falls Flowage, as the power company is lowering the reservoir
up to 4 ft. to account for spring run-off. The ice on the flowage will fall in this week-due to the water
being level dropping.
Brown County - Boats dominate the waterscape at Voyageur Park. Shore anglers are casting for
walleye with twister tails and stick baits. Boaters are vertical jigging with lead staying within a foot of
the bottom, hooks are tipped with gulp or minnows. A few people are still fishing Sunset Beach,
some are venturing out on four-wheelers and some are going out on foot. Pike fished with shiners
or smelt in shallow water are producing a few nice fish.
Door County – Sturgeon Bay anglers have been targeting northern pike over the last week with
most fish being caught in front of the state park. The ice however is rapidly deteriorating and open
water can be seen from the landing. Also some anglers have been fishing off Birminghams. Anglers
at Little Sturgeon Bay have been catching whitefish in the vicinity of Henderson Point, with most
anglers having luck using Swedish pimples tipped with waxworms or a minnow for bait. A few pike
were being caught in the weeds in 5-10 feet of water. Anglers have also been catching a few
walleye off Larson’s Reef. The ice around the reef is very black and honeycombed. Red River
anglers have been catching good numbers of whitefish in 10 feet of water straight out from the
landing. Due to ice conditions anglers have been walking out to their favorite spots. Anglers have
been finding some action from whitefish at Volks Reef. Most anglers have been using a small jig
tipped with a waxworm to get the whitefish to strike. Also some walleye are being caught. The best
tactic for the walleye has been on tip-ups or jigging spoons.
SOUTHEAST REGION - Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers are
open, and flows are high but dropping. Conditions should be better by the end of the week. The
Sheboygan harbor is open and the boat launch is usable.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington open water anglers have been catching a few browns near
the power plant discharge. Both spawn sacs and skein have produced fish. A few steelhead have
been taken in upstream stretches of Sauk Creek.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee anglers fishing the Milwaukee River along the wall under the Hoan
bridge have been catching a few browns and rainbows. Spawn and small shiners have produced
the most fish. Flows are good on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek, and some steelhead have
been taken from both.
Racine County - In Racine the Root River is open, but water levels have been quite high. Flows
have been dropping the past couple of days, and with no rain the rest of this week, conditions
should be good for the weekend. Fair numbers of steelhead have been in the river, and both spawn
sacs and natural pattern flies have been productive. The Root River Steelhead Facility should be in
operation later this week, with the first fish processing day next week.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION - Wyalusing State Park - The Mississippi River is on the rise. River level
was 11.5 March 15, up 0.8 of a foot from the previous day.
Dane County - Lakes in southern Wisconsin are opening up rapidly with the recent warm
temperatures. People should definitely stay off whatever ice is left in southern Wisconsin.
Jefferson County - Anglers are actively fishing the Rock River in Watertown below the dams and at
the wastewater treatment plant. A few walleye were being caught but most are smaller males.
Dipnetters are actively fishing the Crawfish River at Hubbleton and catching mostly carp. A few
smaller buffalo were being raised in the nets but the water temperature is still cold. The backwater
areas on the Rock and Crawfish rivers still have ice on them however it is getting close to
disappearing. Water levels are up on the rivers with some low lying areas being flooded. A few
anglers have ventured out on the rivers in boats now that the ice is gone off the main channels.
WEST CENTRAL REGION - Willow River State Park - The weather has been mostly dry with no
major rainfalls in the Willow River watershed. The dam gate was closed the afternoon of
Wednesday, March 17. Given the present conditions, trout anglers should see a good water level
and clarity early next week, possibly sooner. Runoff has been early this year.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River is really on the rise. Last week the river was around the 8
foot mark. As of March 15, the Mississippi River was at 10.25 feet and rising. The forecast, baring
any heavy rain, is for a continuing rise of several feet nearing the 14 foot mark. Ice conditions in
most areas took a beating this week. Although many of the back water area still have decent ice
access is nearly impossible. Most of the popular ice fishing spots have anywhere between 10 to 24
inches of ice. The main channel and the east channel of the Mississippi River opened up last week.
With the exception of backwater and “shelf” ice, the river is open. Most of the boat landings on the
Mississippi River’s main channel are ice free. Prairie du Chien Area and Lower bottoms: The
increase in water level has made access to many areas difficult or dangerous. Garnet Lake and
Pickerel Slough were slow. White bass (stripers) action picked up a bit this week in Dillman’s pit.
White bass were being caught on jigging stick baits or sweedish pimples near the bottom of 40 feet
of water. Ice conditions are pretty good there with over 20 inches of ice. Rotten Slough, St. Feriole
Slough and Hunter’s Slough, located near the sewer treatment plant, are unsafe for travel as open
water exists in many locations. St. Feriole Slough opened up this week. Prairie du Chien Ambro
Slough Complex: Access is a real problem on the Ambro Slough because of the high water.
Shorelines have deteriorated and in some areas several feet of open water exist along the shore
line. Most anglers that have air boats or hoover craft can access back water areas. Gremore Lake
did produce bass and crappie along with a few perch. For the most part Gremore has about 20 or
so inches of ice. Tilmont Lake produced some crappie this week, but bluegill action has been slow.
Mud Slough was very slow again this week. Good ice conditions exist on Tilmont Lake and Mud
Slough, however anglers are now faced with open water on the Ambro and Black Sloughs. The
Lower Doubles, Fish Lake and Little Missouri has been spotty with some smaller bluegill and a few
decent crappie being taken. Access to these areas by foot is impossible. Big Missouri and the
Upper Doubles have produced bass, crappie and perch. But again, access to these areas is
difficult. The Fennimore Cut has produced some perch, crappie and bluegill. The bluegills have
been running small and overall action was spotty. Spring Lake has been very slow even though
good ice conditions exist. Spring Lake has produced a few bluegill and crappie just under the ice.
Sturgeon Slough Area: Current is now flowing through Sturgeon Slough, which creates difficult and
dangerous conditions. With the increase in water levels anglers are no longer able to ventured
down to Sturgeon (aka McGregor or Horseshoe) Lake. There had been some crappie, perch,
northern and bass action on Sturgeon Lake’s south end. Cold Spring: Fishing here remains very
slow. Reports of a few small bluegill and an occasional crappie and a fair amount of small bass have
been reported. Ice conditions on the southern lobe are starting to deteriorate. Cold Spring is
considered inland water. Mississippi River: The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is now open to boat
traffic. All the ice is gone from the landing and for the most part the river is clear of ice by the dam.
Anglers are reminded to pay for their launch fee prior to heading out onto the water. Walleye and
sauger anglers had been venturing out by boat with some success. Sauger action has been slow.
Walleye action has been even slower. Many feel that success will get better now that the river is on
the rise.
Buckhorn State Park – As of March 14, ice on the lake was slowly melting. There was open water on
the south side of the bridge on Sunday. The boat launches were still frozen over and launch A in
the park will have ice push damage repaired soon.
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
Copyright© 2006 - 2010 BobberStop.com
| WDNR Weekly Fishing Report |
| "All the romance of trout fishing exists in the mind of the angler and is in no way shared by the fish." Harold F. Blaisdell |
| "There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind." Washington Irving |
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