Wisconsin Fishing Reports & Outdoor Report for February 25, 2016

[Rick]

Warming temperatures mark increased bird migration and end to sturgeon season With the past week's general rise in temperature following an almost Spring-like weekend, snow and ice depths, integrity and visibility are changing dramatically across the state and will continue to do so as we move towards this weekend's warmer weather. Several areas of the state received an inch or so of snowfall recently, and the applicable trails have been groomed. However, in areas that didn't receive snow or experienced warmer temperatures before the early-week freeze, a number of trails are losing their snow to a layer of ice, which should be approached with caution. Likewise, depending on your location in the state, anglers hiking out on the ice may also have an inch or more of slush to traverse. Some anglers may have been fishing open water this past week and weekend. For those who did, whitefish saw some of the most consistent success rates, with bass and pike also having fair success, particularly near the shores or harbor(s) bordering Lake Michigan in the northern counties. Anglers in the Upper Chippewa Basin region also reported pike and panfish catch, with perch and crappie making up the majority.For those closer to Ozaukee or Milwaukee County, browns and steelhead have been hooked on a variety, from spawn to crank baits. The walleye bite also seems to be staying inconsistent throughout the state, with moderate success in the Upper Chippewa Basin, sections of the Menominee River in Marinette County and Lake Winnebago. Speaking of Winnebago, this Friday and Saturday is the "Battle on 'Bago" ice fishing event; tickets to weigh in a fish must be purchased before 6:00 am Friday. The 2016 sturgeon spearing season on Lake Winnebago is coming to an end after this weekend, as water clarity and ice conditions have prompted it to go the full 16 days. Off the water and off the ice, wildlife are shedding antlers, entering and leaving mating seasons and numerous birds are returning in large numbers to the state: from geese, to sandhill cranes, eastern bluebirds, killdeer, and trumpeter swans. For a more in depth look at this great migration, check out the statewide birding report. Statewide Birding Report by Ryan Brady Lengthening daylight, warmer temperatures, and southerly winds brought the first significant flush of spring migrants into southern Wisconsin this past weekend, including good numbers of Canada and greater white-fronted geese, along with a few snow and Ross's geese. Other arrivals included sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, common grackles, eastern bluebirds, and killdeer. Others on the move north were American robins, horned larks, turkey vultures, trumpeter and tundra swans, and various other waterfowl wherever open water persists, including places like the Lake Michigan shore and Lower Mud Lake in Dane County. Other signs of spring were displaying wild turkeys, singing northern cardinals, and the familiar "see-dee" song of the black-capped chickadee. Believe it or not, nesting is already underway for some species. Great horned owls and some bald eagles are already on eggs, while common ravens, American crows, and red-tailed hawks have already been found nest building during this second year of the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas project. Find out how you can join this statewide volunteer bird survey here http://dnr.wi.gov/news/Weekly/?id=523#art3. Winter is far from over, however, as snow buntings, snowy owls, common redpolls, evening grosbeaks, bohemian waxwings, northern shrikes, and other winter visitors remain firmly on winter territories, especially across the north. Expect their departure later in March and early April as we first welcome the short-distance migrants, like blackbirds, woodcock, meadowlarks, and more waterfowl, from southern U.S. wintering grounds. Best find of the week was an Ivory Gull on Lake Superior in Bayfield County. This is only the 14th state record and second since the year 2000. Enjoy the migration! - Ryan Brady, Bureau of Wildlife Management research scientist, Ashland.