Wisconsin Fishing Reports & Outdoor Report for January 5, 2017

[Rick]

The New Year arrived with some very moderate temperatures that were accompanied by rain in the southern part of the state, while the north received some additional snow. But temperatures took a sharp drop during the week accompanied with strong winds. Sub-zero temperatures were reported with wind chills down to minus 30.The most snow fell in the far north, and that allowed snowmobile trails to remain in good condition in a handful of counties across the north, but trails remain closed or only partially open in southern and far northwestern two-thirds of the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Cross-country ski trails remain good at the northern forests including the Northern-Highland American Legion, Governor Thompson, Brule River and Flambeau River. Some trails remain open in the southern half of the state but are in poor or icy conditions, while others have closed. The cold snap has improved ice conditions on many lakes. In the north, many area lakes now have permanent shacks placed and some people are venturing out using ATVs. Ice thickness on inland lakes varies but averages in the 5-8 inch range. With the changing temperatures, however, the ice is not at full strength and should be carefully checked before walking out onto it especially in the south. Lake Mendota reportedly froze over Jan. 1 but with some areas of thin ice.

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