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Current West Central Wisconsin-Baldwin-La Crosse-Crawford County-Eau Claire-Wisconsin Rapids Fishing Reports- Click Here

Fishing Reports - Baldwin-La Crosse-Crawford County-Eau Claire-Wisconsin Rapids
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WI DNR
November 5, 2008

Baldwin

St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Big wind took down a lot of leaves over the past weekend. With leaves down, it is easier to see more of what’s out there. The white-tailed bucks are beginning to show themselves a bit. Two were observed near the road Tuesday evening before ski training and others were seen while the trainers were on the trail. Ski training continues Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Bring your headlamp, ski poles, good trail shoes, and hydration. Meet at the Purple trail head lot at 5:30pm. The session is generally done by 7 p.m. The Orange/Knapweed Trail re-routing has started on the south side of the road. There’s still some work to do in there yet. Sunday, Nov. 2, a work crew of climbers will be re-routing around the area for the new campground north of the road. The climbers will be doing some clean up work in the Willow Falls area also.

La Crosse
Bald eagle sightings have been increasing steadily during the past several weeks as the fall bird migration progresses. Good numbers of eagles can be seen along the Mississippi River and Kickapoo River. Eagles, however, are not confined to traveling exclusively along river corridors, so keep a sharp lookout wherever you go. For example, bald eagles have recently been seen flying over Viroqua in central Vernon counties, 20 miles from the Mississippi River and 15 miles from the Kickapoo River. Fall turkey hunters have been reporting good success and plenty of birds to hunt. Turkey hunters should be aware that the acorn crop is smaller than that of the past several years. Therefore, wild turkeys may be spending less time feeding in the woods and more time in harvested grain fields.

Perrot State Park - All trails are in fairly good condition. The water is turned off in the campground. Shower and flush toilet buildings are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available in the campground and drinking water is available at the Park maintenance shop. The dump station will remain open for dumping through Nov. 2, but there is no water at that location. Fishing is fast or slow depending on the day and your perspective; the water level is low. Birds continue to migrate through although bird activity is spotty and weather dependent. Some trees are hanging onto their leaves so there are still some colors to see: oaks, aspens, and hickories are bringing yellows, rusts, and reds to the area. The first of the Tundra Swans have been seen in Trempealeau Bay and adjacent at the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge. Duck season remains open and occasional gunshots may be heard near areas of open water. Canoe and kayak rentals continue to be popular ways of appreciating the fall weather and colors and the water in Trempealeau Bay is perfect for a lazy paddle. Rentals are available until weather conditions turn too cold.

Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. The remnant prairie character of the old railway beds is dominant on the landscape right now with the prairie grasses stunning to behold. Birds have been migrating through the area. Tundra Swans have been seen in the area and can often be viewed on Lake Onalaska. The toilet buildings at Trempealeau and Lytle's Landing are still open. The water fountain at Trempealeau has been closed for the season. Hunting is allowed along the Great River Trail and occasional gunshots may be heard.

Buffalo River State Trail - ATVs are allowed year round on the Buffalo River Trail. The trail has been graded and is in good condition. All hunting seasons apply along this trail. Adjoining county trail systems may be closed to ATV's for the year. Check with local counties for specific information.

Wildcat Mountain State Park - The oaks are still hanging onto their leaves so there is still some color. For the hiker and horse back rider there still is a lot to see. Coyotes can be heard in the evening. For the birder our mature timber has a good population of pileated woodpeckers. Deer are moving more because of the rut be careful driving at night.

400 State Trail - Bridges on the 400 State Trail damaged during the June 2008 flood have been replaced ahead of schedule. The trail is now open and in good condition for its entire length from Reedsburg to Elroy. This is good news for bikers, hikers and horse back riders who still have some nice weather left to get out and enjoy it. Snowmobilers will be able to use the trail as usual during the winter months. The new bridges have been widened to accommodate snowmobile trail groomers.

Eau Claire
Brunet Island State Park - Fall colors are rapidly fading in the area with only the oaks providing color. There has been some musky action on Cornell flowage. Panfish action has been increasing in the bays as the water temperatures drop. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, phoebes, nuthatches, piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, and bald eagles. Park trails are in good condition. Brunet Island State Park north campground is open with pit toilets and hand water pump. The south campground is open with electric sites, pit toilet, and hand water pump. The park dump station is now closed.

Wisconsin Rapids
Buckhorn State Park - The park is open for early and late season for bow hunting (no special hunting permit is required). New hunting maps are available for the park and wildlife areas. Small game, waterfowl and trapping are allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and in Buckhorn Wildlife Area only, not in the park. Deer can be registered at the park office when it is staffed. A few nice sized bucks were seen in the park this weekend and a 7pt buck was registered Sunday. All other hunting is allowed in Yellow River Wildlife Area. Visitors have been enjoying the fall weather hiking, fishing, camping and checking out sites for future visits. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees.

Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is now closed. Parking is allowed in the Czech Ave/Prairie lot and vehicle stickers are required there. Visitors have been hiking and enjoying the fall weather. Camping is now closed for the season. Hunting is not allowed in the park. There is a hunter parking lot on Cypress Ave for the Roche-A-Cri natural area east of Highway 13.

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