Fishing Report - 6/2/10
Fishing Report for Price County & the Upper Chippewa Basin:
More summer-like weather in the last week has made for some improved fishing across many lakes in the Northwoods. Water temperatures have climbed into the low 70's on most lakes and this has spurred on quite a bit of fish activity. Crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass have all pretty much completed their spring spawning rituals; while bluegill, pumpkinseed and rock bass are still in the midst of their nesting periods.
With the musky opener over the Memorial Day weekend, musky fishing was the highlight of this past week. However, anglers reported only mediocre action - with many sightings and follows and a relatively low number of hook-ups. Jerk baits such as Suicks seemed to produced the most activity and medium bucktails also got some interest. With the stable weather, walleye fishing showed a little more consistency in the last few days and anglers were making some good catches of fish in the 14 to 18 inch size. The best success has been on leeches and crawlers - either on a slip bobber, a small lead-head jig or on a bare hook/split shot rig; and fished around structure in 8 to 12 feet of water. The mayfly hatch has just begun on many Northwoods lakes, so walleye action may get a little more erratic once the hatches get into full swing on these lakes. A few nicer walleye have also been caught on rapalas casted in the shallows in the hour before dark. With the spawning season completed for most largemouth and smallmouth bass, their feeding activity should greatly increase with the warming water temperatures. Male smallmouth may still be seen guarding nests and schools of their fry, but most other smallies have retreated to deeper water. After a short recovery period following the rigors of spawning, they will soon start their summer feeding binge and begin to relate to shallow and mid-depth structure. Largemouth bass also seem to be in their post-spawn recovery period, but some decent fish have been found cruising the shallow and mid-depth weed beds. The largemouth haven't been relating to woody structure too much yet, but lily pad beds have produced some good action on top-water and soft-plastic baits.
Panfish action has been generally good, with bluegill providing most of the success in the last week. Anglers just need to find an active spawning colony, where a bobber and a piece of nightcrawler can provide some fast and furious action. Catches of crappie have been a bit tougher to come by and it seems that the quick warm-up after their spawning period has put a lot of stress on many crappie populations. As such, there have been many reports of fish kills coming in and most have been for dead/dying crappie, bluegill and pumpkinseed in these waters. The culprit is usually Columnaris disease and this is a common occurrence at this time of year on many panfish waters. While hundreds of dead panfish may be observed, anglers and lake users should not be overly alarmed and just report the fish kills to a local DNR office. Skip Sommerfeldt, Senior Fisheries Biologist
Musky seasons open May 29 in northern zone
National Safe Boating Week May 22-28
Free Fishing Weekend June 5-6
State Park Open House June 6
Catch and release fishing yielding larger muskies from Wisconsin waters
All boats required to operate at slow-no-wake within 100 feet of shoreline
Walleye bag limits adjusted for Ceded Territory lakes
For more information on Fishing in Price County, visit our website at http://www.pricecountywi.net/fsh.html.
Fishing/Hunting Guide Reports
Muskie fishing on Butternut Lake was good this past weekend with many anglers seeing fish and a few fish were boated. Water temps are in the low 60s. The warm weather on Saturday along with the dropping barometer provided good action for both the muskie and walleye anglers. Water temps should remain in the low 60s as the air temps are predicted to be below normal for the next few days. The WMT will be hosting the Phillips chain muskie tournament Saturday and the Butternut lake tournamnet sunday. Ducklings have been seen along the lake shore and top water action should continue to improve. Good Luck Fishing! Joe Brezinski, Northland Guide Service - 6/2/10
Water temps are in the mid 70’s----still a lot of pan-fish in the shallows. River levels are good for now-need more rain. Tony B. - 6/2/10
Just saw a tiny deer fawn this morning. Bluegill fishing has been excellent; crappies have been biting well around new weeds and other shallow structure. Walleye have been decent, weather permitting. Chris Morrone, Old School Guide Service - 5/25/10
Fishing is fair, fawns are starting to move with their mothers…use caution when you see them crossing the roads, and that also holds true for the turtles. Bob - 5/25/10
I was out on the Chain yesterday afternoon with my Dad and 3 year old son, The water temps were 64 to 66 and the weed growth is about what it normaly has been for this time of year. The Pike action was hot and heavy on Duroy, I was throwing a #11 Firetiger Rap with the first treble taken off. Taking the first hook off lets me work it into the weeds with less hang ups and it also is one less hook to take out of a Pikes mouth, I haven't noticed any reduced numbers of catches with the front hook taken off. Most of the fish seem to be hooked on the middle or last hook anyway. The Walleye have seemed to move out into a little deeper 12 to 15 fow areas. Reports of fishermen catching Walleye in the evening on slip bobbers around the cribs and any sunken wood in 12 to 15 fow. The Crappie and Bluegill action is great. we are still catching them super shallow around sandy areas with some wood cover. Small hair jigs, Small plastics, Poppers, and live bait have all been working great with the active panfish. John Carlson, Ross's Sport Shop & Guide Service - 5/24/10
Area guides are available to assist you with your outing, http://www.pricecountywi.net/guides.html.
To view Lake-Link.com fishing reports go to http://www.lake-link.com/fishreports/index.cfm and search for Price County.
As of 5/26/10, the current FIRE DANGER level is Moderate !
There are lots of baby animals being born this time of year including fawns, goslings, kits, grouse, turtles, and robins. Toads are breeding. Watch out for newborns and turtles as they are slow at crossing roads. Due to many the number of newborn animals born this time of year and birds that are ground nesters, it is critical not to let dogs run free in wildlife habitat. Dogs must be kept on a leash on state lands from April 15 to July 31.
Canada geese are tending goslings now. Waterways are great areas for viewing ducks, geese, swans and eagles.
Typical for this time of year, there have been numerous sightings of black bear looking for food as many natural sources are not available yet. Bird feeders should be taken down at night and garbage and pet food should be stored away to avoid problems with bears.
Frogs that you can hear calling include American toads, leopard frogs, and gray tree frogs. As water temperatures approach 65-70 degrees, green frogs and bull frogs should begin calling. May is American wetlands month and Price County has many to explore - http://www.pricecountywi.net/wildlife.htm.
Lupines and lilacs are blooming. Rubarb and asparagus are ready for picking.
Current hunting seasons include snowshoe hare, skunk, weasel, opossum and coyote. Coyote hunting season is open year-round except during the gun deer seasons. Opossum, skunk, weasel and snowshoe hare seasons are open year-round and have no limits.
Statewide Birding Report - www.ebird.org/WI
Bird migration is rapidly progressing. Bird migration is entering peak in northern Wisconsin this week. Many of the boreal migrants are now moving in including magnolia, Cape May, blackburnian, Connecticut, bay-breasted, blackpoll and Canada warblers. Early nests have been initiated for many long-distance migrants and broods are now apparent for many early migrants including sandhill cranes. Birders should hit the field this week as bird diversity is now peaking in forests, grasslands, and wetlands statewide.
New firewood rule to take effect June 1
New Web page to highlight deer research projects
2010 Wisconsin deer hunting season framework map available
Predator impacts on deer are goal of research efforts to begin in 2010
DNR service center walk-in hours
The Department of Natural Resources has reduced walk-in service hours at its 30 service centers statewide; however, the DNR hotline answers questions 7 days a week from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., call 1-888-WDNR INFO (1-888-936-7463).
Upcoming DNR Public Hearings and Meetings
Upcoming Fish and Wildlife Seasons and Permit Deadlines
DNR News: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly.asp
For more information on Hunting in Price County, visit our website at http://www.pricecountywi.net/hunt.html.
ATV TRAILS – 6/2/10
As of 6/2/10, the current FIRE DANGER level is Moderate !
All Price County ATV Trails are now open. It rained a little on Monday which should help keep the dust down.
Price County has several multi-use trails that welcome recreational motorized vehicles. Please obey all signs and stay on the trails.
The Tuscobia State Trail allows ATVs. This trail was graded mid- to late-May.
The Flambeau Trail System in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest allows ATVs, off-road motorcycles, and UTVs less than 50" wide.
The Georgetown Trail west of Phillips allows ATVs, off-road motorcycles, and all UTVs (not allowed on road routes).
The Flambeau River State Forest trail allows ATVs.
For more information on ATVing in Price County, visit our website at http://www.pricecountywi.net/atv.html.
PADDLING/RIVER REPORT - 6/2/10
Water temperatures are in the mid-70s. The overall water levels have been below normal for this time of year on both the North and South Forks of the Flambeau. You will need to avoid rocks and may need to drag your boat in some areas. It is best to check with a guide when planning your trip so you know which stretches of the river to avoid. Fishing should be good on the river now that the water temperatures have warmed up.
North Fork - Oxbo to County W - Water levels are low but not a problem, except for a couple of spots in wider sections over gravel bars.
North Fork - 9-Mile to Oxbo - The river is low but you can get through without getting out.
South Fork - County F to County W - Water levels are low; but if you can read the river, you can get through okay with a kayak. Heavier kayaks will scrape bottom and get hung up in some areas. Canoeing is not recommended on this stretch.
Allow more time that usual from put-in to take-out. Areas with rapids may be difficult to get through if you mis-read the river.
Area outfitters are available to assist with your outing, www.pricecountywi.net/canoeguides.html.
For more information on Canoeing and Kayaking in Price County, visit the Canoe page at www.pricecountywi.net/canoe.html.
Fall colors begin to show in late August with peak color around October 1st. See you during the 2010 fall color season. Check back in August for an up-to-date report on our fall color.
Click here to order a Scenic Tour map. To view information on Scenic Drives, visit our Auto, Motorcycle & Bicycle Tour page.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS:
10th Annual PUTT RUN Fundraiser
June 5, 2010 (rain or shine)
Starts at Meister's, Hwy. 13, 152 N. Lake Ave., Phillips
registration begins 10 a.m.
SUMMER WINE TASTING
June 5, 2010
The 5 Senses, 146 Balsam Street, Phillips
3 - 6 p.m.
18th Annual NATIONAL TRAILS DAY
June 5, 2010
Statewide
FREE FISHING WEEKEND
June 5 & 6, 2010
Statewide
WISCONSIN STATE PARKS OPEN HOUSE DAY
June 6, 2010
Statewide
Wisconsin Concrete Park Summer Art Workshop
WEAVING EXPOSURE
June 10, 2010
Wisconsin Concrete Park, N8236 South Hwy 13, Phillips
1 - 4 p.m.
ALL SCHOOLS REUNION
June 12, 2010
Municipal Building, Catawba
Noon –
43rd Annual CATAWBA/KENNAN LUMBERMAN'S DAY
June 12 & 13, 2010
Catawba & Kennan Parks
Saturday at Kennan Park - ATV pull - 2 p.m., bingo - 2 p.m. Mini-Rod pull - 5 p.m.; Oldies softball - 6 p.m., dance w/music by Spitfire-8-12 p.m., Grand March at 9 p.m., & concessions.
Sunday at Catawba – ALS Memory Walk - 8 a.m.
JUMP RIVER VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Opens For the summer Season
June 12 & 13 - August 28, 2010
Hwy. 8, Catawba
10 a.m.-3 p.m., 2nd & 4th Saturdays
GOLF WISCONSIN WEEKEND
June 12 & 13, 2010
Statewide
Kids golf free with paying adult at participating golf courses.
715-339-3600
27th Annual CZECH-SLOVAK FESTIVAL
June 18 - 20, 2010
Phillips High School
Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
MIDSUMMER CELEBRATION
June 19, 2010
Knox Creek Heritage Center , Brantwood
4 p.m. until ?; 6 p.m.
INTRODUCTION to BELLY DANCE
June 20, 2010
Wisconsin Concrete Park, N8236 State Hwy. 13, Phillips
1 - 3 p.m.
ONGOING SUMMER EVENTS:
June thru Labor Day 2010
Phillips Public Library
The Crazy Loon presents THURSDAY EVENING PADDLE OUTINGS
June 3 thru August 26, 2010
Locations TBA
6 p.m.
PRICE COUNTY MARKET
Every Fri. 9am ‘til after 3pm
Hwy. 8 & A Intersection, Prentice
9 a.m. 'til after 3 p.m. every Friday and some Saturdays; Free admission;
FARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday thru September 25, 2010
Corner of Maple & Avon, downtown Phillips, in the lot just north of Copps Food Center
9am - noon;
OLD TOWN HALL MUSEUM & GREENFIELD SCHOOL open for the Summer Season
May 29, 30 & 31 through September 4, 5 & 6, 2010
Hwy. 13, Fifield
Open Saturdays & Sundays 1-5 p.m. the first weekend in June thru Labor Day.
For detailed information regarding EVENTS in Price County, visit our web page at 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