Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report

[Lee Borgersen]

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report 

summary for August 24, 2017

  ...
Complete DNR Outdoor Report (Reports from conservation wardens, wildlife and fisheries staff and property managers from around the state)

A closing summer - drops in temperature and water levels, increases in angling success and deer sightings, strong showing for duck migrations

It's almost the last week of August and an early fall breeze is in the air. Temperatures have been dropping slightly and are now steady in the mid to high 60s and low 70s. Leaves are continuing to change on early res-ponders and the dense forests of summer are slowly becoming more visible. Nuisance bugs have slowed down a bit and water levels are returning to normal, making this a great time to get out on the trail or onto the water.

Panfish are still biting on most northern inland lakes, with worms and leeches working best. Fishing on the Wolf River has been good, with decent catches of walleye, northern pike, bass, and catfish. The lower Peshtigo River is still producing walleye, perch, catfish, drum, and smallmouth bass and they remain the main draw below the dam at Stiles on the Oconto River.

On Green Bay, anglers from the landing at Pensaukee to Oconto report perch starting to be caught. The walleye bite has been going good along both the west and east shores of the bay. Along Door County, Sturgeon Bay and Little Surgeon Bay anglers had good luck this week targeting yellow perch. Salmon fishing in Door County this past week has been hit or miss, but some anglers have been catching a good number of very large fish, along with good numbers mainly north of Sturgeon Bay.

Along Lake Michigan fishing has been tough for most anglers. Despite a tough bite, anglers have been harvesting a good number of chinook salmon, along with a mixed catch of lake trout and rainbow trout. Fishing pressure was low during the week out of southern Lake Michigan ports due to stormy and windy weather conditions. Success off of boats was limited during the week, with the majority of the fish being caught over the weekend. Mainly rainbow trout and chinook salmon were caught, along with lake trout, brown trout, and coho salmon.

Deer are feeding consistently in the early and late hours of the day, often in open cropland. The white oak acorn drop looks strong this year, which should provide a boost. Early goose season begins in another week and geese are flocked and feeding in wheat stubble fields. At Horicon Marsh and elsewhere, dabbling ducks are appearing on their migration path. Blue-winged teal and pintail have been spotted in small numbers. Nighthawks and warblers are also starting to pass through in strong numbers. Sandhill cranes are gathering and gearing up for their migration. Their rust-red summer colors have faded to a mottled and ghostly grey. Soon flocks will number in the hundreds and their bugling calls will be heard as they pass overhead.

More maples in low lying areas and some grasses are beginning to change hues as the forests turn from vibrant green to more muted olive and then tawny shades. Asters are blooming and supporting goldenrod and yellow tansy in the prairies, while poison ivy exhibits a pinkish tinge, making it easier to spot and avoid. Blackberries are in full swing; get to them fast before a host of animals and insects pick them clean.