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| (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
All of Wisconsin received rain in the last week, ranging from about a quarter of an inch in the southeast to up 2 inches in some central areas. The Flambeau River in the north continues to be at good levels for paddlers, but the Lower Wisconsin continues to remain very low and it is getting more difficult to follow the main channel, but there are lots of great sandbars for camping.
Fishing has been good on both the Flambeau and Chippewa rivers and catches of walleye and smallmouth bass were being reported on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Smallmouth were also being caught on the Peshtigo and Oconto rivers. The Fox, Wolf, Manitowoc and Wisconsin have all been productive areas for catfish, which have been very active with the warm water temperature.
Some nice catches of bluegills have been reported of shore in Lake Monona along the Monona Terrace and anglers in boats have been drifting parts of Lake Monona have been catching limits of decent sized bluegills. Lake Mendota has been pretty good lately as well. Many fishermen are catching nice bluegills and perch anywhere along the weed lines in 12-30 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are still really biting on Lake Mendota as well.
Walleye action continued along both shores of Green Bay and smallmouth action continued along most of the Door County Peninsula, but was better on the bay side. Lake Michigan trollers have been catching mostly chinook, along with a few rainbows, coho, and lake trout.
Bear baiting is in in full swing, and some hunters are worried that the large berry and acorn crop in the north may keep them off baits. Deer are roaming, with many sightings of does with two fawns. White-tailed bucks are still in full velvet.
Wild blackberries are near their peak in the north, but raspberries and blackberries are past peak in the drought prone areas of the south. Native prairie flowers such as blazing stars, asters, rosinweed, wild bergamot, and various goldenrod species are flowering. Unfortunately, several invasive plants are also blooming; keep an eye out for bull thistle, tansy, and spotted knapweed. Burdock is also blooming now. Check the DNR website for how this plant’s flowers not stick to clothes and pets, but have been found to be yet another threat to bats.
We salute Smokey Bear, long-time champion of forest protection and wildfire prevention, who turns 68 today. Despite recent rain, emergency burning restrictions remain in effect in 11 counties in central and southern Wisconsin.
Mid-August marks the beginning of the peak of the fall migration for many species of birds bound for far-flung wintering grounds in central and South America. People will be able to join DNR biologists Kim Grveles and Andy Paulios for a live chat at noon on Wednesday, August 15 to get answers where to go birding, what birds to expect, and how to make yards or properties a migratory “hotspots.” Check the DNR website on Tuesday Aug. 14 for details on participating.
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