Winter continued to rear its head late last week in northern Wisconsin, with some areas of northern Ashland, Iron and Vilas counties receiving nearly a foot of heavy, wet snow. Warm temperatures this week melted most of the snow that fell. As of mid week, only Iron, Vilas and portions of Oneida counties were reporting snow on the ground, with depths ranging from 4 to 10 inches. Most of the rest of the state has been experiencing more spring-like weather, and strong winds this week opened up many lakes in southern through central Wisconsin. Ice continues to slowly deteriorate in the north, with some lakes still having 18 to 20 inches.

With warmer temperatures and strong winds, the spring wildfire season is underway and much of central and southwestern Wisconsin is at high fire danger levels this week. Debris burning is the dominant cause of wildfires in the state. Current fire danger levels and burning permit status along with more information about burning permit requirements can be found on the Forest Fire control program pages of the DNR Web site or by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876).

Spring fish spawning activities is high on river systems, with lots of anglers reported fishing rivers for spring run walleyes. Fishing pressure has been heavy on some rivers, including the Menominee, Peshtigo, Wolf, Fox and lower Wisconsin. The Mississippi River rose more than 2 feet in the last week at Prairie du Chien and was at 12.3 feet mid week, and expected to crest next week at about 14 feet. The high water slowed walleye and sauger fishing at dams on the river.

Water temps in the Wolf River have increased to 45 degrees, about 8 degrees away from optimum sturgeon spawning temperature. Sturgeon are in the river but as of Wednesday, there was no pre-spawning porpoising activities to view. Once the temperature gets to the desired 52 - 54 degrees, sturgeon will languish in these warmer waters for two to three days before spawning. If the warm weather continues, sturgeon could begin spawning in the Wolf River in the New London and Shiocton areas next week. The DNR Sturgeon hotline has recorded daily updates at (920) 303-5444, and more information can be found on the sturgeon spawning pages of the DNR Web site.

Water levels on the more northern Lake Michigan tributaries were even higher than last week, but action for steelhead was still going on strong. Stream flows were dropping on southeastern Lake Michigan tributaries, but water levels are still somewhat high on the Sheboygan, Milwaukee, and Root rivers. High seas and gusty winds discouraged most boat anglers from trolling Lake Michigan, but a few boats off Door County were picking up some nice brown trout. The ice is out of most of the harbors on the bay side of the county, including Sawyer Harbor which opened this week. In the southeast, a few brown trout were being caught in and around the Sheboygan, Port Washington, and Milwaukee harbors.

Late season ice fishing pressure has been fairly light, but a few anglers have still been trying their luck. Perch and crappie have provided most of the action, with the perch starting to move to shallower water in anticipation of ice-out and the spring spawning ritual.

Great horned owl, raven, and eagle chicks are being reported in some nest, and wild canids such as wolves, coyotes, and fox are giving birth to their young in dens.

Male ruffed grouse are reaching the peak of their annual breeding activities known as drumming. Males locate a downed log, tree, or rock on which to display. Males attract females with a series of repeated, rapid wing strokes with 3 to 4 minutes between series. As their wings compress the air, they create a vacuum, which results in a thumping noise.

Tom turkey are actively displaying. Youth turkey hunters were met with chilly temperatures for last weekend’s youth hunt, but most hunters still reported fair gobbling action.

South winds brought many new birds into Wisconsin over the last week, including hermit thrush, yellow-bellied sapsucker, fox sparrow, yellow-rumped warblers, American bitterns, and sora and Virginia rails. The tundra swans migration is well underway with large numbers of birds seen in flooded agricultural fields from Green Bay west and northwest to Burnett County.

Garlic mustard is “greening up” in the south, making it easy to find, so this is a good time to pull and dispose of this highly invasive plant. Check the DNR Web site for more information.