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Much of the rest of the state remains free of snow, and warm weather continued in the last week, worsening ice conditions on many southern lakes. State recreational safety specialists say shoreline are opening up on many southern lakes, and even some larger lakes, like the Madison area lakes and Beaver Dam lake, have areas of open water. Wardens are recommending ice anglers remove shelters now and not wait for the March 4 deadline to remove shanties from southern lakes. Lakes in northern Wisconsin continue to have a fairly solid foot or more of ice, but river systems are opening up.
Ice fishing success on northern lakes has continued its season-long slow trend, with all species showing very erratic action. Walleye have provided some fair action at times during the past week, but success has been confined to short periods during the day. With the constantly changing weather, fishing for northern pike has also been variable. Panfish action continues to be on the slow side, with anglers really having move around and search for the active fish. Ice anglers on the frozen smaller bays of the Bay of Green Bay continue to report good success for whitefish.
The Wisconsin River is now open through central Wisconsin and walleye fishing has been fair to good below dams, with good numbers of angler reported fishing below the Wisconsin Dells and Prairie du Sac dams. Open water anglers are also having success with brown and rainbow trout on Lake Michigan harbors.
Wildlife officials say the mild weather should be a boon for the deer herd, with strong fawn crops and good buck antler grown usually following mild winters. State wildlife officials will be conducting a series of deer hunter forums around the state in March where hunters can get the latest information on results from last year’s hunts and the outlook for the coming season, and have input on deer management. The format of meetings will vary, but in many cases the local wildlife biologist will provide a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period. Some meetings may also have an open house format,
The mild weather has also been a boon for waterfowl and migratory birds, with large flocks of Canada geese being seen returning to many areas. Tundra and trumpeter swans are being seen in many areas. Sandhill cranes have already returned to southern Wisconsin. Bluebirds and robins are being seen in increasing numbers, with some bluebird scouts already checking out nest boxes. Bald eagles and other raptors are also are being seen in good numbers. Bald eagles remain along the Mississippi River, and this Saturday Prairie du Chien will be celebrating Bald Eagle Appreciation Day (exit DNR) with live bald eagle and raptor programs, birding and nature displays, birding experts on hand, outdoor viewing through spotting scopes and more.
