Fishing Report - 8/19/08
With the seasonal summer weather of the past week, fishing activity was considered pretty good across the Northwoods. Smallmouth bass were the highlight of the week, with area rivers and mid-size flowages providing some great action. Most of the smallies were found near structure along hard bottom areas that were also close to deeper water. Most of the action was from 12 to 15-inch fish, but some nicer fish in the 17 to 18-inch size have also been caught and released. Spinner baits, topwaters, and small finesse plastics were the most successful baits. Musky action also continued to be good. Fish have been very active the last few weeks and most anglers report plenty of activity. Bucktails and topwater baits continue to be the lures of choice and most of the fish have been found along the weed edges and in the less-dense weed beds. No lunkers have been reported and most of the fish have been in the 30 to 38-inch size. Largemouth bass fishing has been erratic - some days produce some great action and other days yield very few bites. The largemouth do seem to be favoring the woody cover and the deeper weed and bog edges. Topwater action has been very slow, with soft plastics and jig/craw combinations providing most of the success. Walleye fishing continues to be slow with scant report of any success. The few catches that have been reported have come from deep-water structure such as cribs and gravel humps, with leaches and crawlers being the favored baits. Panfish action has been generally slow, with a few nice bluegill and crappie being found suspended over mid-depth structure. Rock bass however, continue to be especially active and have provided many anglers with at least some sort of action. Skip Sommerfeldt - DNR Fisheries Biologist - 8/19/08
Sturgeon hook and line season to open Sept. 6 with new regulations
Area guides are available to assist you with your outing, http://www.pricecountywi.net/guides.html.
For more information on Fishing in Price County, visit our website at http://www.pricecountywi.net/fsh.html.
Fishing/Hunting Guide Reports
The flambeau river west of Park Falls has been producing some nice muskies during the evening low light hours on top water baits.Hog wobblers, topraiders and jackpots are all taking fish. Fish in the upper 40's have been taken.Eddies and stump flats are holding fish. The turtle-flambeau is also producing muskies around the islands north of the landing on flowage road. Speed reeling bucktails and jerk baits such as the mantas,undertakers and suicks are producing the best. Water temps on the area lakes are in the low 70's and this will probably be the high for the year since evening temps begin to cool this time of year.
Good luck fishing, Joe Brezinski, Northland Guide Service - 8/18/08
Went down the Flambeau @ the Oxbow, caught a lot of nice small mouth on crawlers in the deep holes. But don't ignore the deeper weeds in current. spotted quite a few bigger fish there. water was clear and not too low but it was dropping at a rate of about six inches a day. we need rain soon. Saw many muskies but only got one to hit a large spinner with the huge twister tail on it. Fished large bunny fur flies with poor results, and fished a cone head woolly bugger on the fly rod with excellent action for the smallies. Good fishing right now. Eckhard - Guide - 8/13/08
So. Frk Flambeau continues to be very low-almost unfloatable. Bass action on area lakes has been good to excellent-fish along weed lines adjacent to drop offs-6-10 feet of water Drop shot rigs working very well--cast parallel to drop off work baits along weed edge. Fish from 3-5 lbs being caught. Some Muskie action toward dark again near weeds adjacent to drop offs. Pray for rain rivers need help! Tony Blattler, Blattler's Northwoods - 8/19/08
Area guides are available to assist you with your outing, http://www.pricecountywi.net/guides.html.
Many snakes can be found this time of year hiding under forest leaves, in sunny areas and warming themselves on roadways in the early evening hours. Snakes play an important role in our eco-system, helping keep rodent populations in check and providing a food source for natural predators, such as birds of prey, raccoons, coyotes, and even other snakes. Generally speaking, snakes are relatively non-aggressive and would prefer to keep their distance from people. But our paths when we traverse into snake inhabited areas, so please take care not to run over or otherwise harm these creatures should you encounter them.
Swallows and martins are beginning to stage for migration in and around wetlands that have strong insect hatches throughout the day. Cardinals and blue jays are molting so if you see them at feeders with a bald head, don’t be too concerned. They will grow new feathers by the end of September.
Chicory, jewelweed Queen Anne’s Lace, mullein, evening primrose, bergamot, coneflowers, black-eyed Susan, Joe-Pye-Weed, spiderwort, cardinal flower and liatris are just some of the many wildflowers booming, and wild blueberries and raspberries are still being picked in the north.
Prospects are good for the fall 2008 Ruffed Grouse hunting season that will begin on September 13th which runs through January 31st. Area guides are available to assist in your success. To view the DNR 2008 Spring Drumming Survey, so go http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=121#art5.
Federal Duck Stamps now available from ALIS license vendors
MADISON - Waterfowl hunters can now purchase their Federal Duck Stamp from any one of more than 1,300 Wisconsin hunting and fishing license sales locations beginning with 2008 hunting season. ... Read Full Article
New DNR customer number system means convenience
Part of ongoing online transformation of registration, record-keepingMADISON - Future students and volunteer instructors of Department of Natural Resources recreational safety classes will benefit ... Read Full Article
August/September Outdoor Calendar
Openings
Aug. 23 – Bonus tags available at Noon for regular deer management units; State Park Deer Hunting Access Permits go on sale; Antlerless Deer Permits for regular deer management units go on sale
Sept. 1 – Opening of Early Goose, Mourning Dove and Ginseng seasons. Sponsors for the Disabled Hunt must submit their list of participating hunters no later than today.
Sept. 3 – Black bear season opens in Zones A/B/D with the aid of bait and other methods without dogs; and in Zone C with the aid of bait and other methods without dogs. (Baiters go first this year).
Sept. 6 – Season opens for Hook & Line Sturgeon on specific waters. Consult your 2008-09 Fishing Regulations pamphlet. Fall After-drawing first-come, first-served Turkey permits go on sale at Noon.
Sept. 10 – Black bear season opens in Zones A/B/D with aid of dogs, with aid of bait and with other methods. (Dog hunters can start now in Zones A/B/D)
Sept. 13 – Season opens for Archery Deer, Ruffed Grouse Zone A, Crow, Cottontail Rabbit in the Northern Zone, Squirrel, Fall turkey season.
Sept. 20 – Woodcock season opens.
Closings
Aug. 31 – Bear Dog Training closes.
Sept. 3 – Registration deadline for Sandhill Trapper Ed Workshop.
Sept. 12 – Registration deadline for Sandhill Waterfowl Hunting Beginners Workshop.
Sept. 15 – Season closes for Early Goose.
Sept. 30 – Bear season closes in Zones A/B/D to hunters not utilizing dogs. Trout seasons in inland waters, WI/MI waters, Lake Superior, and Brule River closes. Sturgeon Hook & Line Season closes on WI/MI and specific WI Inland Waters.
Upcoming DNR Public Hearings and Meetings
Upcoming Fish and Wildlife Seasons and Permit Deadlines
DNR News: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=73
Statewide General DNR Information Number - If you are calling with general DNR questions, please call 1-888-WDNR INFO (1-888-936-7463). That number is answered 7 days a week from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
The North Fork is at normal water levels for this time of year and paddling is good. The water level on the North Fork for the most part remains fairly constant throughout the summer. The water level on the South Fork is impassable in many places and the North Fork is recommended for paddling adventures unless we receive significant rain.
So. Fork Flambeau continues to be very low-almost unfloatable. Bass action on area lakes has been good to excellent-fish along weed lines adjacent to drop offs-6-10 feet of water Drop shot rigs working very well--cast parallel to drop off work baits along weed edge. Fish from 3-5 lbs being caught. Some Muskie action toward dark again near weeds adjacent to drop offs. Pray for rain rivers need help! Tony Blattler, Blattler's Northwoods - 8/19/08
Last weekend a group of 7 canoers went down the South Fork from Cedar Rapids Bridge to the resort and it took them 6 hours because of the rice in the river. They said they couldn't even see the river and if they didn't know the river they couldn't see where to go. The rice was higher then the canoers in some places. Rich and Ann Wojcieszak, Flambeau Resort - 8/19/08
The water levels on the South Fork are extremely low. Conditions will not improve until we get a significant amount of rain. David, Flambeau Sports - 8/13/08
The water level is still holding OK on the North Fork. Could always use a bit more water. Bass fishing is great. Phyllis, Big Bear - 8/12/08
Area outfitters are available to assist with your outing, www.pricecountywi.net/canoeguides.html
All ATV Trails are open. Trails include the 70-mile Flambeau Trail System in the Chequamegon-NIcolet National Forest, the Tuscobia State Trail from Park Falls west 62 miles to Birchwood, the 13-mile Georgetown Trail, and the 38-mile Flambeau River State Forest trail. Three of the trails are connecting offering over 200 miles of continuous trail. Many area businesses offer trail access from your door, including access to lodging, food & beverages. Tread lightly and stay on marked trails.
Wisconsin Online All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Course and Exam -
http://www.offroad-ed.com/wi/wi_internet.htm
For more information on ATVing in Price County, visit our website at http://www.pricecountywi.net/atv.html.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS:
August 2008
16th Annual LABOR DAY WEEKEND ATV RALLY
Sponsored by the Fifield Dirt Devils & WATVA
August 29 - 31, 2008
Park Falls
5th Annual ULTRA-LIGHTS/POWERED PARACHUTES FLY-IN
August 30 & 31, 2008
Price County Airport
PRENTICE PROGRESS DAYS
August 29-31, 2008 (rain date is Monday)
Prentice, Various locations
HAWKINS HARVEST FESTIVAL
August 30 - September 1, 2008
Hawkins Village Park
29th Annual PIKE LAKE FUN DAY
August 31, 2008
Pike Lake Fire Hall, Park Falls
12 noon - 10 p.m.
YESTERDAY HOUSE & LIBERTY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
August 31 - September 1 , 2008
Cty. Rd. YY & German Settlement Road, Spirit
Noon to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 31, and 10:00 a,m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday, September 1.
The WISCONSIN CONCRETE PARK outdoor museum which is open daily free of charge.
The OLD TOWN HALL MUSEUM in Fifield is open Fridays & Sundays from 1-5 p.m. thru Labor Day.
The JUMP RIVER VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM in Catawba will be open June 7 & 8 during Lumberman’s Day and then from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month thru Labor Day
The historic YESTERDAY HOUSE and LIBERTY SCHOOL in Spirit are now open to visitors on a regular basis thru the summer.
The PHILLIPS FARMERS MARKET is open Every Sat. from 9am – noon downtown at the Corner of Balsam & Avon thru September 27
CATAWBA FARMERS MARKET begins July 5 and is held at the C-Store, Hwy. 8, Catawba Every Sat. 8 am – until about noon
The Phillips Public Library SUMMER Reading PROGRAM is held thru August.
For a detailed listing of EVENTS in Price County, visit our web page at http://www.pricecountywi.net/events.html.
LOCAL WEATHER: WSAW Channel 7 Wausau; WAOW Channel 9 Wausau; WJFW Channel 12 Rhinelander ; National Weather Service Report for Price County