Wisconsin Fishing Reports & Outdoor Report for December 15, 2016

[Rick]

Temperatures dropped severely over the weekend and everything from a couple inches to almost a foot of powder fell across Wisconsin this week. More snow and cold weather is predicted for this coming weekend. In areas with more than 6 inches of snow, cross-country ski trails were being packed at many state park and forest properties, but so far there has not been enough snow in most locations to set tracks.Snowmobile trails are opening in the far north and in the far south, where snow depths were greatest, but conditions are generally poor to fair, according to the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Riders should check with their local clubs or county snowmobile coordinators before venturing out to ensure that trails in their specific area have opened. Snowshoe enthusiasts are also tightening bindings and preparing for some time on the frozen landscape when trails receive a few more inches of snow, which could happen later this week. While there have now been multiple evenings and several days with below freezing temperatures, ice on state water bodies still has a ways to go. While no ice should be assumed "safe," the current layer remains especially thin and extreme caution is urged for those avid ice-anglers, itching to get out on top of the water. Use extreme caution when venturing out onto the ice for fishing. Have ice picks handy, wear a floatation or life jacket, and test the ice before walking farther.

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