Wyalusing State Park Fishing Reports

[Rick]

Wyalusing State Park - Ice fishing remains the most popular activity in the winter. Ice anglers try their luck on the frozen waters of the mighty Mississippi every day.

With the recent plummeting temperatures, ice fishing activity has dropped substantially. All trails are snow covered. Forecast for the upcoming weekend is sunny and cold, with no precipitation expected. Highs are expected to reach the mid teens on Saturday and Sunday. Night time temps today through Saturday will reach lows between 0 and -7 degrees below zero.

As of Jan. 27, both the Whitetail Meadows and Turkey Hollow cross country ski trails were in fair condition. Both trails were groomed on Tuesday of this week. Track was set on all but the south section of Turkey Hollow. Ron Falch, volunteer groomer, describes the trails as “definitely skiable”. Skiers are welcome to call the park office at 608-996-2261 for updated weekend conditions. Beginners may want to use Whitetail Meadows Trail.

Please remember that dogs are not allowed on cross country ski trails. The newly renovated Sand Cave Trail makes an excellent trail for snowshoeing.

Park office bird feeders remain a popular spot for winter residents. Dozens of cardinals brighten the wintery landscape, providing an excellent photo opportunity. Approximately 6-8 red-bellied woodpeckers can be sighted at a time, preferring to feed on the suet blocks. Recent bird sightings this week include: gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, red breasted nuthatch, white breasted nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers.

A resident Sharp-shinned hawk has been frequenting the area by the bird feeders, taking advantage of the song birds and making the feeders a bird feeder in the true sense of the word.

Eagles can be found in the area, especially anywhere there is open water.

A good spot to look for bald eagles this time of year is between Prairie du Chien and La Crosse on Highway 35, south of Wyalusing State Park, near Cassville and Nelson Dewey State Park.

Another popular spot for bald eagles is north of Prairie du Chien on Highway 27 where it intersects with County Highway N to the west.

If you have any questions or would care to help sharing info please post in this thread. Your help is appreciated and questions welcome.

Thanks a bunch.

[Joe]

Local ice anglers report that ice fishing success continues to be slow in the area. Fishing activity is subject to many different elements.