Fishing Report - 5/7/08
Area anglers are reporting the walleye fishing to be very good and are catching their limit daily. Minnows have been the most successful bait both jigged or under a bobber but leeches were also working well. The best time of day was early evening. Walleye are in their post-spawn period and action should continue to be good for the next week or so. Crappie were biting well also and were found down deep. Northern pike and perch should be completing their spawning and starting their spring feeding binge. Most trout waters have been stocked and trout anglers should enjoy some good action. Redhorse/sucker fishing has started on local rivers and streams but high water levels have somewhat hampered success. Worms and processed bait have been producing a few fish but water levels need to drop a bit for the catches to increase. Anglers have been doing well on the North Fork of the Flambeau. The water is moving very fast so fishermen will need at least a 1oz weight or more to fish. Redhorse are a very easy fish to catch and put up a very good fight. They are good smoked or pickled. Some people ground them into patties or make a sausage flavored breakfast pattie out of them. They are also fun to catch and let go. It's a great family event and its a good way to get your fishing gear out before the fishing opener. Area rivers for fishing redhorse include the Flambeau, Jump and Elk. Water levels are still very high on many lakes and flowages and water temperatures have been in the mid-40's. Air temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 50s or warmer thru the weekend.
Area guides are available to assist you with your outing, http://www.pricecountywi.net/guides.html.
For more information on Fishing in Price County, visit our website at http://www.pricecountywi.net/fsh.html.
Male catkins are off the trees. Maples, oaks and willows should be budding out soon if they aren't already and early spring wildflowers should be opening soon, including hepatica, bloodroot, marsh marigolds, and Dutchman's breeches. Garlic mustard will begin to flower soon and that is the time to get out and pull this invasive plant before it goes to seed. The fire danger is currently Moderate across the region.
Bear are making an appearance and starting to play havoc on the birdfeeders. Beaver trapping season ended April 30 for the north. Ticks are already being reported in most areas. Ticks are not insects or bugs. They are in the same family as spiders due to having eight legs.
Turkey hunters are seeing a fair number of birds. Hens are beginning to sit on the eggs so toms are once again looking for hens that are not yet nesting. There are a lot of deer out so be careful when traveling at dawn and dusk
This is the week when blue-winged teal ducks arrive in the Northwoods. They are the last to come. Teal are one of the smallest and fastest-flying migrant ducks and travel the longest distance to get here. Many waterfowl are visible on area waterways. Eagle eggs will be hatching soon. The eggs were laid before April 10. The rose-breasted grosbeaks are scheduled to arrive this week. They come from the East Indies and Central America to the Northwoods to nest since the days are much longer here which provides them more time to feed their nestlings, preferring sunflower seeds. They are one of the best singers. The number and variety of birds visiting area bird feeders continues to increase as the migrants find their way back to their summer range.
Statewide Birding Report as of May 1, 2008 - Cool temps and lots of rain have slowed migration this spring; however; birds continue to push in despite the gloomy weather. Many southern Wisconsin birders are reporting the first real movement of neo-tropical migrants including orioles, grosbeaks, indigo buntings, warblers and flycatchers. Now is the time to put out hummingbird feeders. Rare birds sighted this week include a Bullock's oriole in Walworth County, an eared grebe in Oconto County, Franklin's Gull in Dane County and an Audubon's warbler in Sparta. Northern Wisconsin birders are still mired in early spring with some lingering redpolls and fox sparrows along with the recent influx of short-distance migrants. In the marshes, birders near Horicon heard many American bitterns, Virginia and sora rails, sedge wren, marsh wren and some yellow-headed blackbirds. This next week should bring a good push of neotropical migrants and grasslands birds like grasshopper sparrow and bobolink. As always, see http://www.ebird.org/WI for sightings and to report sightings to help track this spring's migration.
Demolition of buildings by burning can release asbestos and other hazardous materials - The spring construction season has arrived and with it may come the need to demolish an unwanted building to make way for something new.... Read Full Article
Potential health impacts of asbestos - Human health is one of the many reasons why state environmental and health officials require that they be notified about commercial renovation and demolition projects.... Read Full Article
2008 Wisconsin deer hunting season framework set - Deer hunters in Wisconsin will have a 2008 season structure that includes a four-day October antlerless deer only gun hunt in most "herd control" and all "earn-a-buck" deer management ... Read Full Article
Boaters urged to take steps to prevent spread of disease and aquatic invasive species
MADISON - Practice good hygiene. That sound advice that mothers, teachers and doctors give to help prevent the spread of illness is equally important this year for anglers and boaters to help ... Read Full Article
Shooting two turkeys could mean double trouble
POYNETTE, Wis. - Spring turkey hunters need to make sure of their target and what is near it before pulling the trigger, according to state conservation wardens who have reported number of ... Read Full Article
Upcoming DNR Public Hearings and Meetings
Upcoming Fish and Wildlife Seasons and Permit Deadlines
Area guides are available to assist you in your outing, www.pricecountywi.net/guides.html.
DNR News: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=73
Statewide General DNR Information Number - If you are calling with general DNR questions, please call 1-888-WDNR INFO (1-888-936-7463). That number is answered 7 days a week from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
DNR News: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=73
PADDLING/RIVER REPORT - 5/7/08
The South Fork was at flood stage last week and water levels are still high and the North Fork is also at spring high water levels. Whitewater canoeing and kayaking should be good but can be dangerous due to the high water levels. Use extra caution if venturing out this time of year. Redhorse fishing should be good for the next month yet or so. Walleye are in their post-spawn period. Caution is advised when venturing out on the water in the spring when air temperatures are warm but the water temperatures remain cold. Hypothermia can be a real danger if a person is exposed to the water without proper gear. Always wear a personal flotation device while enjoying paddle sports on the water and be sure to inform others of your trip plans and return time. Inspect your boat before placing it in the water this spring. Be sure the registration is up to date and all safety equipment is on board so you’re ready in the event of an emergency.
The Tuscobia State Trail opened April 15 to ATV use from Park Falls west 62 miles to Birchwood. The Flambeau Trail System in the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest opened May 1; however, forest officials are requesting that ATVers wait until mid-month to use the trails due to the late spring thaw. The Georgetown Trail and the Flambeau River State Forest Trails will open May 15. Tread lightly and stay on marked trails.
For more information on ATVing in Price County, visit our website at http://www.pricecountywi.net/atv.html.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS:
May 2008
Northwoods Players Presents their Spring Musical BEAUTY & THE BEAST
May 9 - 11, 2008
Phillips High School Auditorium
Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:00 p.m.
CREATING AMERICAN GIRL DOLL CLOTHES
May 10, 2008
Wisconsin Concrete Park, Phillips
9:30 a.m.
For a detailed listing of EVENTS in Price County, visit our web page at http://www.pricecountywi.net/events.html.
LOCAL WEATHER: WSAW Channel 7 Wausau; WAOW Channel 9 Wausau; WJFW Channel 12 Rhinelander; National Weather Service Report for Price County