Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for December 22, 2011

Winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts have colder weather and snow on their holiday wish lists, as most of Wisconsin is free of snow, and many lakes and rivers in the southern half of the state are open or have only unsafe ice. While the astronomical winter began this week with the Winter Solstice on Wednesday, there has been no significant snowfall in the last week. This has left just far north central Wisconsin, mostly Iron, Vilas and Oneida counties, with any snow cover, and that ranges from just a couple to at most 5 to 6 inches.

Snowmobile trails are open in parts of those counties, but are generally in poor condition, and any trails that cross lakes still closed. No cross-country ski trails are being groomed, but some trails in those areas can be skied.

Colder night temperatures in the north has made some more ice, after last week’s near 50 degree weather had melted much ice. Ice depths in the north now range up to 7 to 10 inches, but there are still many areas that have thinner ice, especially near inlets, outlets and springs or other moving water. Ice is forming again on Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, but is unsafe for travel. Ice depths drop quickly through central Wisconsin, and many lakes in southern Wisconsin remain open or have only unsafe ice. Conservation wardens are urging people to use extreme caution and check ice depths often. There were reports of two deaths in the last week from people falling through weak ice.

Ice anglers venturing out in the north reported some good early action for northern pike and walleye, mostly on suckers and shiners. There was also some good action for bluegills and crappies. With the mild weather, some open water anglers have returned, with some very good brown trout action reported in the Milwaukee harbor on Lake Michigan. Walleye fishing has been good on Lakes Monona and Mendota in Dane County and musky anglers have been having some success on Lake Monona. Walleye fishing was also good in on the Wisconsin River below the Wisconsin Dells dam.

Deer hunters still have ample opportunity to get out and do some more hunting. The Holiday Hunt starts Saturday, Dec 24 and ends on Jan. 8 in the chronic wasting disease management zone in south central Wisconsin. It is the same regulations as the nine-day rifle season in November, with one buck plus unlimited earn-a-buck there after. The late season archery hunt also remains open through Jan. 8 and some archery hunters reported this week that deer seemed to have just finished a second rutting period and have been seen feeding heavily, even during daylight hours. Hunters also report that bucks have begun shedding antlers and sheds are being found.

With open water remaining along Lake Michigan and southern Wisconsin, many waterfowl are still being seen, including Canada geese, goldeneyes, mallards, scaup, common mergansers and even an occasional wood duck.

There will be no Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report between the Christmas and New Years holidays. The next Outdoor Report will be January 5, 2011. Should snow arrive before then, check the Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR) for updates. Have a safe and happy holiday season.