Baby fawns were being seen in good numbers across Wisconsin this week, and as usual, many people were calling DNR offices to report orphaned fawns. Fawns are rarely abandoned. Does will intentionally leave fawns unattended to prevent leaving scent around their young that can attract predators. Does are generally close by feeding and keeping an eye on their fawns. If you see a fawn in the wild, slowly back away and leave the fawn alone. Do not approach or touch it. Unless you know a doe has been killed, such as in a collision with a vehicle, please do not call DNR offices to report fawns.

Many other wildlife are also giving birth. It appears to be an excellent year for duck and goose production, with many large clutches of both being seen in many areas. Turkey poults have hatched in many areas. First of the year bluebird s are fledging from nest boxes already. Four peregrine falcon chicks hatched this week in a nest box on top of the Madison Gas and Electric Blount Street Generating Station. Trumpeter swans are still sitting on nests, but cygnets should be hatching very soon.

Water levels are very high on the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers after last week's rain. The Mississippi was as much as 5 feet above normal in some locations. The Wisconsin was out of its banks in many locations, but was starting to drop. The North and South Forks of the Flambeau River were both high and offering excellent whitewater paddling conditions this week.

With the warmer weather in the last week, fishing picked up in many locations and some very good catches were being reported in a number of areas. Walleye bag limits were being reported on Northwoods lakes this week, as well as on the Upper River Lake Winnebago System and along both the west and east shores of Green Bay. Some of the best northern pike fishing in years was also being reported in the north. Crappies have finished spawning on most northern lakes and bluegills and bass were now on their beds. Anglers are reminded that bluegill and bass as they are very vulnerable while sitting on their beds and can be easily overharvested while spawning.

Despite some windy days, conditions were generally better for Lake Michigan trollers to get out on the water and catching good numbers of fish, with limits of chinook not uncommon, along with a mixed bag of coho and rainbow and brown trout. Anglers fishing at harbors and piers have also been catching a few chinook, browns, and rainbows. Along Door County, bass anglers were out in good numbers prefishing for the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament this weekend.

Despite the rain in the last couple of weeks, warm, dry, and breezy weather this week kept current fire danger between moderate and very high, with 50 wildfires reported in the last week, causing the suspension of burning permits in several counties.

Turtles are crossing roads now from their wetland habitat to upland sand areas to lay eggs. Please watch for turtles crossing roads and if it can be done safely, move the turtle across the road in the direction that it was heading to help prevent it from being hit by a vehicle.

Statewide Birding Report as of May 17, 2012

Kirtland's warbler Ryan Brady Photo Show larger image below

A new web page with a video, slide show and more information on the bird, including links to weekly updates on sightings of this rare bird, is now available. A volunteer helping DNR endangered resources staff monitor for the federally endangered Kirtland's warblers found a banded male back on the same territory he was banded on last year in Marinette County. This is the first time we have had a bird banded in Marinette return to Marinette. A total of five birds have been banded in Marinette County (two in 2008, one each in 2009, 2010, 2011). One of the 2008 Marinette birds was not seen in 2009, but turned up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 2010 and in 2011. A returning male gives biologists hope for birds to become established at a particular site. Time will tell if he is successful in attracting a female and establishing a nest.

Wildfire Report for May 17, 2012

Warm, dry, and breezy weather kept current fire danger between moderate and very high this week, causing the suspension of burning permits in several counties. Fifty fires burned 21 acres in DNR Protection Areas this week; one structure burned and 12 others were threatened by these fires. The main causes of wildfires were equipment, debris burning, and railroads. The vegetation, particularly in the northern half of the state, has a ways to go before it's fully flushed out. People are urged to continue to use caution with all types of outdoor burning and equipment use. Stay aware of the current fire danger for your area by checking our website: dnr.wi.gov (search 'fire').

Firewise Tip: Are there any branches close to power lines on your property? Ask the power company to clear them.

Northern Region

Brule and Cumberland Dispatch Groups - Warm, dry, breezy conditions have prevailed over the area this week, keeping the fire danger in the High to Very High range. Brule Dispatch reports six new fires for the week, totaling less than 1 acre burned. One fire was caused by a property owner who was burning tent caterpillars out of some brush. There is no need to burn tent caterpillars; it's safer to get rid of them by tearing up their nests with a stick and plunging the whole mess into a bucket of soapy water. Cumberland Dispatch reports four new fires for the week, burning half an acre. Burning permits have been suspended recently due to elevated fire danger. Emergency Burning Restrictions remain in place in the storm-damaged areas of Burnett, Polk, and Washburn Counties.

Park Falls and Woodruff Dispatch Groups - Eight fires burned 4 acres over the past week; one structure was threatened and none were lost. A cigar ash dropped in a grass field resulted in a 2.1-acre fire in Oneida County. A 1.6-acre fire in Price County resulted from a residential broadcast burning project that escaped the property owner's control. Other causes of fire this week were equipment and improper ash disposal.

Northeast Region

Eighteen wildfires burned 10 acres in DNR Protection Areas this week; nine structures were threatened yet saved with suppression efforts. A string of railroad fires burned in Marquette County May 10. A Waupaca County fire burned in the peat (under the soil surface) from Monday through Wednesday (May 14-16), indicating a lack of moisture in the soil and need for rain. Several debris burning fires occurred this week as well.

West Central Region

Fire danger has been moderate to high this week. Burning permits have recently been suspended due to increased fire danger. Fire control staff in the Black River Falls Dispatch Group responded to four fires which burned 4.5 acres in the last week. The largest fire was caused by a campfire and burned just over 3 acres. One structure was destroyed by a 1 acre fire in Jackson County. In the last week, fire control staff in the Wisconsin Rapids Dispatch Group responded to eight small fires which together totaled 1.75 acres. Fire causes included equipment, railroad and debris burning. One structure was threatened by a wildfire caused by a lawn mower but was ultimately saved due to suppression efforts.

South Central Region

Green up and regular precipitation has minimized wildfire activity in the region. Two fires burned this week in DNR protection areas - a 0.1 acre fire in Columbia County and a 0.2-acre fire in Sauk County, both caused by equipment.

Ashland County - The weather was remarkable pleasant during this past weekend and water temps are starting to rise. Many of the spring flowers are in full bloom. Goslings are very noticeable amongst the adult geese. The bugs have started to come on strong with lots of very aggressive mosquitos willing to greet you.

Bayfield County - Bluegill and crappie have moved into the shallows and those using worms and minnows are having much success. Those fishing the early catch and release bass season are also finding success fishing the shallows as well. Many trees and small shrubs are in full bloom this week and the forest floor is littered with wildflowers. Local streams are settling down but are still flowing at a higher level than normal due to the past week's rains. Walleye activity is good and those fishing both the Namekagon Lake and Eau Claire Chain in a depth of about 12 feet are doing well. Northern pike activity is the best it's been in in recent years, and anglers fishing crappie appeared to be catching one northern to every five crappie. Northern fishing was best on Namekagon Lake for those fishing the weedy shallows along the shorelines. Many new born goslings were observed this past week, though ducklings have yet to be seen. And for those who feed humming birds, it is time to get feeders out, the scouts showed up in the Drummond area on May 10.

Douglas County - Cool nights in the far northwest seem to have "evened out" the apparent early and warm spring when it comes to fish activity and lake/river conditions. Smallmouth bass in most lakes in the area are still in a pre-spawn or early spawn mode. The St Louis River opened for walleye fishing with mixed results. Near perfect weather conditions brought out huge crowds of anglers but not everyone found good numbers of active fish. There are lots of goslings showing up around the area. Brood sizes range from two to a dozen or more.

Pattison and Amnicon Falls state parks - The leaves are out, and flowers are blooming. The waterfalls and rapids are at good levels, so this is an ideal time to visit the park.

Hayward DNR Service Center area

Sawyer County - Turkey hunters are doing a lot of running and gunning to find birds this late in the season. Most turkey that were seen earlier in the season have either been shot or moved. The hunters putting birds to roost at night, are finding them gone the next night. They do not appear to be staying put anymore and are spending lots of time roaming. The hunters putting on lots of miles are seeing a few birds compared to the ones just sitting and waiting. Individuals fishing rivers and streams are reporting good success now that the water is stabilizing. Most were very high after the rains from last week, but they have dropped considerably over the week. Individuals fishing trout are having mixed success between live bait or artificial. As typical with rivers and streams, find the holes and slack eddy areas for the fish. Once the water temps in the streams get warm, look for the trout to be hanging where springs come into the stream. Even very small seepage springs can make in difference in holding trout where the enter the main stream. A few degrees in temperature can make a major difference for trout.

Spooner DNR Service Center area

Washburn County - Bluegills are moving into shallow areas and anglers are reporting good catches. Wild onions, aka "leeks" or "ramps" are ready for picking. They taste like a onion crossed with garlic and can be eaten raw or used in any recipe calling for onions.

Crex Meadows State Wildlife - There are many new comers to Crex Meadows this week. Baby cranes (colts) have been spotted, ducklings, and goslings. Visitors should keep an eye out for baby swans soon (cygnets). Shore birds are showing up on Grettum Flowage in Fish Lake Wildlife Area; expect a lot more next week. Visitors can hear yellow rails at night in the sedge marshes. Listen for a click click click. Wildflowers are also in bloom including lupine and columbine. Warm weather has also brought a wide variety of butterflies. Learn more about wildlife this weekend during Wildlife Experience Weekend. Visit http://www.crexmeadows.org/events.htm for more information.

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties - More summer-like weather has made for some improved fishing across the Northwoods and most anglers have been enjoying some pretty good success. Water temperatures have moved up into the low to mid-60s on most lakes and this has spurred on a lot of fish activity. Walleye fishing continued to attract a quite a few anglers this past week and action has been generally good. The best success has been on minnows - either on a slip bobber, a lead-head jig or on a bare hook/split shot rig. Action has been best in the early morning and late evening hours, and fish have been most active along drop-offs in the 6 to 12 foot range. Anglers seem to be catching good numbers of walleye and quite a few limits of fish in the 12 to 18-inch size have been taken. A few nicer walleye have been caught on stick baits cast in the shallows in the hour before dark. The milder weather has spurred on a lot of smallmouth and largemouth bass activity and both species have been observed spawning in area lakes. Northern pike success has also moved up a notch and a good number of fish have been found in and around the newly forming weed beds. Panfish activity has really picked up with the warm-up in water temperatures. Crappie have already finished up their spawning season on many of the smaller lakes, though some good catches of have still been made around old emergent weed lines and brushy cover up in shallow water. Bluegill are also congregating near their spawning areas and a lot of nice fish have been caught on small night crawler pieces fished below a bobber up in 1 to 3 feet of water.

Price County - The trilliums have been in full bloom. Crappies are biting on jig, minnow and slip bobber rigs. Many nesting waterfowl have hatchlings. Some trout anglers have had limited success with small, but legal size brook trout in some of the national forest trout streams.

Taylor County - Anglers are having some success with panfish in the shallow waters as the water temperatures continue to rise. Most crappie have completed their spawn and are returning to deeper water and the bluegill are beginning their spawn. Bass are in the shallows in preparation for their spawn too. Turkey hunting pressure is low, there are tags left for the last season and turkeys continue to respond to calling. Vegetation has leafed and some fawns are being seen. Remember to leave the wild animals in the wild.

Flambeau River State Forest - Water levels on both the North and South Forks of the Flambeau River are good. Water temperatures are in the low 60s, bluegill and crappie activity should be good. ATV trails opened May 15 and are in good condition. Trilliums, bleeding hearts and lilacs are blooming. The forest is close to full leaf out, with basswood just starting and ash are lagging behind.

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Vilas County - Steady warm temperatures have brought panfish into shallow waters and anglers are reporting good catches of crappie on area waters. First broods of ducks and geese are also being regularly seen as well as young eaglets in area nests. Pests such as ticks and mosquitoes are also making their presence known in increased numbers.

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Marinette County - Fishing the mouth of the Peshtigo River was slow with only a few walleye and smallmouth reported. Most anglers were using crawler/harness in 6 to 10 feet of water. Some very nice smallmouth were being caught below the dam in Peshtigo on tube jigs. Fishing pressure on the Menominee River was light with few fish to report. Jigging the Wisconsin shore line below the Turn Basin produced some walleye along with a goodly number of drum. Inland trout fishers are out in full force -- most streams are low due to minimal rainfall and snowmelt but anglers are having moderate success. Baby geese and ducks can be seen in most areas; hearing a few turkeys early in the morning and seeing lots of hens wandering on their mid-morning hunt for food; lots of grouse drumming in low lying areas. Turtles have not been seen wandering yet, but should be soon.

Oconto County - The walleye bite off of Geano Beach and Pensaukee on Green Bay has been good, with two and three person limits still very common. Walleye anglers out of Pensaukee landing did well trolling crawler/harness in 6 to 8 feet of water. The orange and black or purple blades were the hot colors. Walleyes are ranging in size from 18 to 24 inches. Some pike, walleye, and bass were being caught from Oconto Breakwater to Oconto Park II, with crawler/harness and stick baits. The purple Flicker Shad worked well when the bite slowed down. Fishing was slow at the Stiles Dam with a few panfish being caught with slip bobbers or free floating live bait.

Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Brown County - Suamico River and Fox City metro anglers were catching their limits in walleyes on crank baits and crawler harnesses. Good numbers of sheepshead, drum and channel catfish were also being caught as well as some bass. Bayshore Park was very busy toward the end of the week with many anglers targeting walleye and starting to catch channel catfish and sheepshead. Anglers were catching large number of walleye with many keeping their limits. They were using Flicker shads for bait, in about 9-14 feet of water and the water temperature had risen a little to 61 degrees.

Manitowoc County - Fishing pressure is picking up on the lake. The trolling bite has been hot with kings hitting a variety of baits. The great weather and calmer winds as of late have helped to convince many anglers to get out on the water, and the hot salmon fishing has convinced them that it was probably worth buying the boat, the gear, and... the grill. Boats are setting up in 75 to 200 feet of water and generally catching kings from 50 to 80 feet down in the water column. Flasher/flies as well as spoons have been equally effective it seems and many different colors and styles are working. Leadcore line, dipsey divers, and downriggers are all working to help catch fish. Using leadcore line has been effective for steelhead higher in the water column. Most are trolling at 2.2 to 2.7 mph. The bite has slowed down considerably from the Manitowoc and Two Rivers piers. Anglers are occasionally catching brown trout with spoons. If anglers are able to cast to the clearer lake water (if the wind is right), then they have a chance at catching a brown or possibly a salmon. The tributary steelhead run is over and catches have been rare for this species. Water levels are still very high as fast. Specific locations have been giving up smallmouth and northern. Some small brown trout are being caught on live bait. Bullhead fishing has been very successful on the West Twin River with minnows or night crawlers. With water temperatures increasing on inland lakes, bluegill, bass, and crappie should be shallow near cover. Live bait under a float or fly fishing would be effective. Bass could be taken on a variety of plastics depending on the amount of vegetation in the water being fished. Any flashy crank or spinner bait should be effective for bass or northern also.

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area

Door County - Fishing pressure continued to increase with the great weather conditions this past week. In the Sturgeon Bay area the City Dock ramp and Ole Stone Quarry ramp saw the most launch action. Boaters returning to these ramps reported a good smallmouth bass catch including in 5-10 feet of water using a wide variety of artificial lures including soft plastics and suspending stick baits; live bait in the form of crawlers has also been working. Pressure in the Sturgeon Bay area for walleye and northern pike continues with walleye biting in both the morning and evening hours and pike taking minnows or a variety of trolled artificial baits. Boaters are reporting a good catch of chinook from the lake from Sturgeon Bay north to Bailey's Harbor, fishing in 80-100 feet of water, using flasher flies and spoons. Boaters launching out of Sister Bay Marina and Ephraim Village ramp have also report a good catch on smallmouth bass and walleye. Brown trout have slowed but are still be caught around the peninsula. Shore anglers have reported success casting from the Ole Stone Quarry for smallmouth bass and walleye. There are reports of a decent smallmouth bass catch off the piers in Ephraim, casting tubes, grubs, and other soft plastics. There are no reports of anglers fishing in area creeks. The beginning of last week was slower in Sawyer Harbor. Little Sturgeon Bay was very busy. Just about all fish were released and only a few northern pike were kept. The anglers were mainly targeting smallmouth bass and walleye. The main bait was artificial, they were caught in about 6-7 feet of water and the water temperature was about 56 to 57 degrees. It was a little busy in Sawyer Harbor. Anglers were targeting smallmouth bass as well, only a few were kept and a few northern pike were caught and released. Chaudoir's Dock was moderately busy with anglers targeting walleye and hitting their limits in about 16-25 feet of water. The water temperature was about the same as up in Little Sturgeon Bay. Sheepshead and channel catfish were starting to make more of an appearance at Chaudoir's Dock as well.

Potawatomi State Park - The Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament is May 18-20; many anglers have been testing their luck this week. The park store opens this weekend with canoe, kayak, paddleboat and bicycle rentals available. The store will be open weekends until June 17, then open seven days a week. Trilliums are blooming.

Kewaunee County - Chinook salmon fishing on Lake Michigan was very good this past week and many charter and private anglers changing their normal spring time tactics to take advantage of the good chinook fishing. Chinook have been averaging 8 to 15 pounds and up to 20-pounds. While not everyone is getting limits, some charters and a few privates have made catches of 10 to 30 fish. Chinook have made up the bulk of the catch but some rainbows and lake trout were also being caught. Best depths have ranged from 80 to 240 feet of water most days, with the 100- to 200-foot range, 40 to 100 feet down, being the most targeted for chinook. On calm, sunny days, anglers are still getting some bites outside of the dawn and dusk flurry by using leadcore, copper wire or 8 and 10-oz. weights off of magnum-size planer boards well away from the boat, or deep downriggers in the 70- to 150-foot down range. Flasher and fly combos, spoons, small J-Plugs, Cut Plugs and even flasher and preserved herring cut bait combos all are attracting strikes. Pier and nearshore brown trout fishing has slowed, but catches were still possible. Inland, smallmouth bass, catfish and a few pike are hitting on the Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers, but it's catch-and-release only at this time for the bass north of Hwy. 29. Krohn's Lake has been a decent bet for recently-stocked brook and rainbow trout, both from the new fishing dock and small boats, and all of the county's inland lakes are seeing largemouth bass, bluegills, sunfish, rock bass and a few crappies cruising the warming shallows. Inland lake fishing is starting to pick up but is still spotty. Late season turkey hunters still continue to have great success around Kewaunee and Eastern Brown Counties.

Wautoma DNR Service Center area

Waushara County - Trout have been biting well on central Wisconsin streams, with many early Mayfly hatches observed. Stream levels are dropping and a bit a rain would help improve fishing. Bluegills are starting to move into shallows in preparation of spawning. People should start seeing fawns pretty soon. Be mindful of deer on the roads now as the older does give their yearlings from last year their "walking papers" before they give birth to their new fawns.

Hartman Creek State Park - Violets, columbine and marsh marigolds are a few of the many species of flowers currently blooming in the park. Fishing has been very good with many large bluegills taken out of Allen Lake.

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area

Calumet County - Over the past week there have been many monarch butterflies migrating into the area. The recent flooding still continues within Calumet County, with many shorebirds being seen on Killsnake Wildlife Area along Lemke and Aebischer roads. Other areas for shorebirds have been near Hwy. 57 and Hwy. B west before Marx Road. Eagles along the Fox River are feeding their young near Thousand Islands in Kaukauna and can be observed off of Hwy. Z. Bob-o-links and yellow-headed blackbirds are back on Killsnake Wildlife Area. Brillion Wildlife Area has several ospreys nesting near the Brillion Nature Center where great observations can be seen off of the marsh platform on the trail. As of Monday no mosquitoes were present so great enjoyment without bugs. After weeks of waiting, a wood duck in Brillion has ducklings. People can watch them live, thanks to the work of the Brillion High School STEM team (https://sites.google.com/site/stemduckhouses/home), or on the DNR facebook page and clicking on the featured box called "Live Wildlife Cams."

Fond du Lac County - The walleye bite has slowed on Lake Winnebago from last week. Shore anglers were still out looking for crappies but that bite has also slowed this week. The white bass bite is starting up on the Fond du Lac River and more anglers are showing up on the shore of the river enjoying the nice weather.

Winnebago County - The Lake Winnebago System is moving along with a great walleye bite occurring throughout the Upper River Lakes and Lake Winnebago itself. Individuals are catching walleyes utilizing multiple methods including slip bobbers on the reefs, trolling and jigging. Many anglers are enjoying the large number of bigger walleyes being caught, averaging between the 17 to 22 inch range. Walleyes in the Winneconne area are starting to slow down from the bridge. However they are picking up on Lake Poygan. The white bass are starting to show in large numbers. Many are also catching channel and flathead catfish as well. Panfish are beginning to make spawning beds in many of the shallow areas in the channels throughout Winneconne.

A reminder to ATV operators... public and private lands are not open to ATV use just because they are not posted No Trespassing or No Motor Vehicle Use. Do not operate on land that is not an ATV trail/route or upon which you do not have permission to operate.

Havenwoods State Forest - Spring has sprung and Havenwoods is alive with colors and sounds. On recent walks, visitors and staff have reported seeing and hearing: the brilliant blues of indigo buntings, bubbling calls of bobolinks, quiet snores of leopard frogs, and orange splashes of monarch butterflies. Woodland wildflowers such as Virginia waterleaf and may-apple are in bloom, along with high-bush cranberry and many other shrubs. In the fields, golden Alexanders are in full bloom.

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - Turkey hunting reports have slowed down in number in the past two weeks. Much less turkey activity has been observed by staff than during the earlier seasons. Wildflowers are still blooming throughout the Forest. Wild geranium is everywhere, and plentiful around the forest headquarters. White lady slippers are blooming, and can be seen in the prairie near the entrance to Ottawa Lake. Food hunters have been out looking for asparagus and morels, both finding success in some areas. Mosquitoes are just starting to show up. Most wait till dusk to appear, but there are a few during the day as well. Ticks are still a concern when visiting, so be sure to check yourself when you get home.

Lake Michigan fisheries team report

Sheboygan County - Trollers in Sheboygan have been catching chinook near shore in 30 to 50 feet of water, and a mixed bag of chinook, rainbows, coho, and lake trout has been taken in 100 to 170 feet of water. Spoons and dodger and fly combinations have been effective. Fishing off the Sheboygan piers has been slow. The Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers have relatively high flows and temperatures in the mid to upper-50s. There has been minimal fishing effort on both rivers.

Ozaukee County - In Port Washington trollers have been successful catching chinook, coho, rainbows and lake trout in 80 to 180 feet of water. Limits have been taken, and spoons as well as dodger and fly or flasher and fly combinations have been productive. Anglers fishing off the pier in Port have been catching a few chinook, browns, and rainbows, and the most fish have been taken on alewives.

Milwaukee County - Milwaukee trollers have been catching good numbers of chinook, with limits not uncommon. Most trollers have been focusing in 80 to 130 feet of water. Spoons of various colors fished 40 to 60 feet down have been productive for chinook, and a few coho have also been caught on flies. Anglers on McKinley pier have picked up some chinook, along with a few brown trout and coho. Most fish have been taken on live bait, either shiners or alewives, but a few have also been caught on spoons. The shoreline along Summerfest is producing small browns with the most successful anglers using minnows, and a few additional fish have been caught on spoons.

Racine County - Warmer weather and lighter winds have greatly improved fishing success in Racine. Those fishing from shore have had their best luck throwing spoons or soft plastics and soaking live bait on the bottom. Anglers were catching browns, coho, and a few chinook from the pier and in the harbor. Trollers have had some recent success with dipsey divers and flies along with trolling spoons. Anglers were catching good numbers of coho and a few chinook in 40 to 80 feet of water depending on the day.

Kenosha County - Warm weather and calm wind has improved fishing conditions in Lake Michigan with anglers reporting a strong salmon catch in mid range depths while trolling. People who boat out of the Kenosha Harbor area can check out the new "Kids Don't Float" loaner life jacket kiosk at the main harbor boat launch. If you get to the harbor and realize you forgot a PFD, you can borrow one for the day and return it when you are done. This was a project of the DNR, Kenosha Sport Fishing and Conservation Club and many local donors.

Waukesha DNR Service Center area

Waukesha County - Fishing pressure on lakes is increasing with warmer weather and longer days. Anglers were reporting success with bass and northern pike on School Section Lake and Lower Phantom. Many anglers were finding success targeting weed beds with surface baits. Inland Lakes stocked with trout have been showing mix results, but some anglers were reporting success in deep holes with night crawlers. Panfish action has been spotty around the county, but some anglers were finding action with bluegill and crappie on Lower Nemahbin and Lower Nashotah Lakes. With water temperatures approaching 70 degrees, fishing has picked up on the lakes in the Oconomowoc area. Walleye have been particularly active on Lac La Belle. Anglers were catching good size largemouth and smallmouth bass on Pewaukee Lake using soft plastic lures. Largemouth and smallmouth up to 20 inches were caught over the weekend. Muskie anglers on Pewaukee Lake reported seeing fish chase their lures but not many fish were caught. Anglers reported catching largemouth bass on Moose Lake as well as some northern pike. Anglers are encouraged to consider practicing catch and release as bass are vulnerable to overharvest while spawning. DNR offices are receiving lots of calls in the Waukesha and Milwaukee area regarding newborn fawns as well as rabbits and squirrels. Please remember to leave them alone. Fawns in the CWD area cannot be taken to a rehabber.

Sturtevant DNR Service Center area

Racine and Kenosha counties - Warmer weather has increased fishing activity in the last couple weeks. Bass anglers have reported good luck on area lakes, especially Powers Lake, George Lake, and Brown's Lake. Plastics have been the bait of choice. Some fish have been seen on beds, but do not seem to be guarding them yet (very spooky). With the rain last week, the Fox River rose and has remained high, allowing larger boats access. Anglers on the river have reported decent luck on catfish. The walleye bite has been very slow. Some panfish have been seen in shallower water, but activity is certainly not high yet.

Walworth County - Turkeys are slowing down in the Southeast part of the state. Many hunters were seeing larger bachelor groups of male turkeys and were noticing a reluctance to respond to the hunter's calls. The gobbling continues in the mornings, but the best strategy has been to run and gun or ambush at known strutting or roosting areas. As the boating season approaches, take advantage of the beautiful spring weather to insure motorboats are ready for the water. It is important to check the boat battery to insure it is charged and properly covered and firmly secured so that it does not tip or shift in the boat. The DNR also urges you to check the condition of all Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) and fire extinguishers to determine if any need replacing.

Grant County - Mother's Day weekend the weather was perfect, but due to recent rainfalls, the Mississippi and Wisconsin river levels are up 2 to 3 feet higher than normal. Water has covered many low lying islands and backwater sloughs on the Mississippi River affecting fishing and river access. Many boat landing docks are en-circled by water and one boater commented that the new boat docks at Wyalusing Beach boat landing, looked like they were out on the main channel! Schleicher's Landing a popular fishing resort North of Cassville, has the majority of the lowland camping areas under water, Bagley Bottoms boat landing access road is under 1 foot plus of water. There is a lot of debris in the water. Boaters and anglers use caution. Fishing has slowed for most of the area, except near O Leary Lake below Lock and Dam 1, where the striped bass are biting near the lock and dam wall. Many larger 12-14 inch fish are being caught. Many smallmouth bass are also feeding along the flooded rip rap below the dam. Bluegill fishing has slowed through both pools 10 and 11. The trumpeter swans are continuing to sit on their nest in the backwater slough adjacent to County X North of Bagley. Several Canada geese are also nesting in areas visible to the roadway - Mill Pond along Hwy 133 North of Potosi, Oak Road North of Dickeyville and Platte River between Dickeyville and Potosi. Trout fishing was excellent on the area trout streams. Morels are still able to be found out in the woods, but they are getting harder to find. Bald eagles can be seen feeding along the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. It is also beginning to be the white tailed deer fawning time, with several newborns sighted in the last few days.

Iowa County - One week left of turkey hunting and there are still plenty of opportunities to bag a gobbler. The last turkey period hunters reported turkeys were not talkative and it took some work and to call toms, but some were still coming in to calls. Patience was the key. Folks were still able to harvest turkeys and if they didn't they reported great stories about the woods waking up. One of our last bird arrivals, the bobolink, is being reported in grasslands now. The majority of our bird species are now here, and many are sitting on nests. Some ducklings are already being seen. Many of the early spring wild flowers are going to seed now, but wild geranium and wood anemone are some of the new bloomers. Prairie wild flowers that are blooming include bird's foot violet, hoary puccoon, wild lupine, spiderwort, prairie smoke. Pasque flowers are now going to seed. Garlic mustard has past its flowering stage. Remember to bag any pulled plants, as the seed heads can still develop into viable plants even if the plant has been pulled! Turtles have been reported crossing the roads, so take caution. June bugs are flying around and the ticks continue to hitch rides on hikers.

Richland County - Late season turkey hunters were having success in the area but report limited gobbling off the roost. The Wisconsin River is pushing going over the banks but is predicted to come down soon.

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Columbia County - Wisconsin River levels are still very high. In smaller shallow lakes and ponds in Columbia and Sauk counties bluegills and sunfish can be seen moving into the shallows in preparation for spawning. Some early spawning beds are appearing in the shallows on the sandy flats. Many hunters were frustrated with turkey hunting during the fifth time period with many reports of toms barely gobbling and being decoy shy. The best plan of attack for sixth period hunters is to pattern the turkeys and try to set up an "ambush". A bear was recently sighted in and around Wisconsin Dells. Bears are not uncommon visitors to Columbia County at this time of year (and some are even beginning to stay year round). It's a good time to remember that you may want to take birdfeeders in over night, keep grills and garbage in your garage overnight, and don't leave pet food outside overnight. This is especially important if a bear has been spotted near a residence. Never knowingly feed a bear! This can cause bears to lose their natural fear of humans and become extremely dangerous to people.

Dane County - Crappies were biting on Lake Waubesa the past few days. Crappies have been observed hanging around any wood in the water. Several duck and goose chicks have been seen in the area and it appears there was a very good hatch. Reports of fawns and other young wildlife are coming in. Please remember to leave baby wildlife alone. Wildlife species do leave their young unattended to feed and prevent scent around their young that can attract predators. A pair of peregrine falcons has returned to nest at the Madison Gas and Electric Blount Street generating station for the fourth straight year. This year's nesting had a little twist from the previous three years when Vern, the male falcon, and Frightful, the female, nested atop Blount. After the pair returned this spring, an unidentified female also arrived, which led to a turf war between the two females. Frightful left the nesting box and was replaced by the new female. MGE staff named her "In-Trudy" for how she intruded on Frightful's territory. Trudy laid the four eggs that hatched May 13. Frightful's whereabouts are unknown.

Jefferson County - Water levels are higher than normal on area lakes and rivers. Fishing activity remains good. The catfish are biting well on area rivers and creeks. Walleyes and perch were being caught on the Rock River in Hustisford. Anglers were having good success catching bluegills and bass on Rock Lake. Turkey hunting is winding down but hunting activity increased is some areas in the last two weeks. Toms have been more vocal and strutting a bit more. Many of the turkey hens may be on nests leaving fewer to occupy toms. Reports of some excellent bird watching opportunities are coming in with many species being noted including some less usual birds like black-necked stilts. The central impoundment on Lake Mills Wildlife Area-Zeloski Marsh is currently in a stage of partial draw down resulting in some exposed mud flats. These flats can provide good chances to observe shorebirds. Prince's Point Wildlife Area is another good location and has approximately 7 miles of berm top for walking into the wetlands. Crews are currently repairing the berms at Prince's Point so please use extreme caution when accessing these areas. Some areas may be closed to public access for a short time.

Sauk County - Crappies are biting on the Wisconsin River in the slack water below the Wisconsin Dells Dam. Bluegills are starting to be caught on Mirror Lake. Mushrooms are being found as weather conditions warm up with the wet weather in the hill country. A reminder that baby animals have the best chance of survival if they are not handled by humans and to leave them for their mothers to care for them.

Janesville DNR Service Center area

Rock County - With the warm weather anglers are out in force all over the county. Bass were being caught on beds already in some areas of the county. Some fawns have been seen on the landscape and many goose hatchlings are also being observed throughout the county. The public is reminded to leave baby animals in the wild as their parents may be just out of your sight watching you.

Water levels are about five feet above normal, but are starting to go down in the Genoa area. Due to the high water conditions, fishing has been slow. Some white bass were being caught below the Genoa dam. A few bluegills were being caught in the backwaters using worms. Turkey hunters reported tough conditions with unresponsive gobblers and little gobbling activity. An osprey was sighted near the Stoddard boat landing.

Vernon County - Turkey hunters participating in the fifth hunting period seemed to fare well. Gobblers remain active and receptive to calling, although their enthusiasm for hens is waning. Most hens are behaving as if incubating their eggs. The Baltimore oriole is a strikingly beautiful member of the blackbird family. Males have jet black heads and tails, bright orange breasts and rumps, and white wing patches. Females are brownish olive on top with white wing bars, and a pale yellow-orange breast and belly. Baltimore orioles received their name because the male's colors resemble those on the coat-of-arms of Lord Baltimore. Males sing loud fluty whistles. This species generally resides in hardwood forests but has adapted to open woodlands, forest edges, parks, and urban backyards. Orioles' hanging pouch-like nests, created from milkweed down, weed fibers, dog hair, wool, yarns, and other fibrous materials, are usually constructed at the tips of tree limbs 15-30 feet above the ground, secure from predators. Orioles readily adapt to bird feeders that provide orange halves, small trays of grape jelly, mealworms, walnut pieces, apple bits, or nectar made from 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. Clumps of nesting materials, such as string, yarn, dog hair, or horse hair, suspended in trees and bushes may also serve to attract springtime orioles. An indigo bunting was seen at the Battle Bluff Prairie State Natural Area along the Mississippi. Dry prairie flowers were in bloom, including lots of Indian paintbrush. Columbine is covering the hillsides along Highway 60 and the Wisconsin River. There are ducklings galore.

Perrot State Park - A VERY young (just a couple days old) fawn was seen following its mother across one of the park's open areas. Turtle nesting season is really picking up and the first emergent turtlets have been headed toward the bay Bird fledglings are hopping about. Water levels in the bay are slowly falling and emergent vegetation (rushes, arrowhead and such) is rapidly filling the shallow open water. Carp continue to thrash about in the ever shallower water spawning in the bay. Frogs and toads are calling maniacally. Butterflies are absolutely everywhere and the species diversity is fabulous this year. Monarch butterflies have been more abundant that last summer. Warblers are really rolling in now, too, and the first bluebird fledglings left their nests last week. Goslings are waddling about. Cottonwoods are spreading their poof everywhere, too. Mosquitoes have just started to buzz about, but are not, yet, problematic.

Wildcat Mountain State Park - The season's first fawns are occasionally seen. Finches, flickers, turkey vultures and pileated woodpeckers grace the skies. The outfitters nearby are renting canoes to float the Kickapoo River through the park. Check the water levels on the Kickapoo from home by clicking on http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=05407470 All campsites and trails are open. Showers and flush building in family campground is open.

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area

Black River State Forest - All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) trails are open for the season and in great condition for riding. A few recent ATV fatalities in Wisconsin have highlighted the importance of safe driving. The following is a link with ATV safety tips http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/atv/atvSafetyTips.html Crews are currently working at upgrading key sections of the trail including the portion south of the Highway 7 parking lot, between Highway 54 and Clay school parking lot, and a short stretch of the Pray Connector. All campgrounds are open for the season. The flush toilet and shower building has been opened for the season at Castle Mound. For the first time all three family campgrounds are on the reservation system from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

Jackson County -The Jackson County ATV trails are now open. UTV use is allowed on Jackson County ATV trails and routes, with the exception of the Buffalo River State Trail. The Buffalo River State Trail remains closed to UTVs.

Trempealeau County - As the turkey season winds down, hunters are finding that tom turkeys are still strutting and responding to hen yelp calls. Hunters are reporting better success in the late afternoon compared to the early morning. For safety reasons, hunters should avoid carrying anything which is red or blue colored, and are encouraged to use blaze orange clothing while scouting or moving into and from stands. Anglers are finding panfish in the shallows of area ponds and lakes. Using a worm and bobber is a simple and enjoyable way to catch fish on a pleasant spring day. Trout fishers are reporting good success with small spinner baits.

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

Eau Claire County -Anglers in boats were finding some good sized crappies at Little Lake Wissota. Some impressive catches of bluegills were coming into the boat landing at Lake Hallie. Chippewa River anglers were catching a variety of fish - this is a great time of year to introduce someone to the fun and excitement of fishing.

Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - Wildflowers continue to bloom with trilliums recently showing up on the trails. The bird migration also continues with recent sightings of orioles and gold finches.

Red Cedar State Trail - Bathrooms and drinking fountains are now open at Downsville and Caryville along the Chippewa River Trail. The Depot Visitor center in Menomonie is open on the weekends from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. The Depot will open on week days after Memorial Day from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wausau DNR Service Center area

Marathon County - Quite a few catfish were being caught along the Wisconsin River. A few crappies and walleyes were also being seen. Largemouth bass activity is starting to pick up. Fisheries teams report panfish moving into the shallows as well. With the warm weather, conditions are nice for paddling the Wisconsin River north of Wausau and the Big Rib River. The first goslings have been observed. Rose-breasted grosbeaks and orioles are present in the area. Seeing an increase in ticks and some mosquitoes and black flies. Reminder for youngsters to get enrolled in boating safety classes for the upcoming summer.

Mead State Wildlife - Wood County Conservation Warden Barry Fetting is currently accepting applications for the 2012 Youth Waterfowl Learn to Hunt at the Mead Wildlife Area. The event is open to youth 12-15 years of age who have completed hunter safety. On September 8, 2012 students will participate in a mandatory classroom session which runs from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On September 15, 2012 students will hunt with their respective mentor at the Mead and McMillan Marsh Wildlife Areas. Parents are welcome to accompany their children on both days of the program. If interested contact Warden Barry Fetting at 715-457-2740.

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Adams County - Water has gone down from past storms and catfish and crappies are biting below Castle Rock Dam. Panfish are biting on area small lakes.