Archive for the 'Wisconsin River' Category

UW Expert; Expect More Floods

gengberg November 19th, 2008

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UW expert: Expect more floods in future
Center for Climate Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison climate researcher Steve Vavrus says a changing climate probably will mean more precipitation for Wisconsin in the coming decades.Brian D. Bridgeford / News Republic

Center for Climate Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison climate researcher Steve Vavrus says a changing climate probably will mean more precipitation for Wisconsin in the coming decades.

By Brian D. Bridgeford / News Republic

Emergency management officials stress readiness for severe storms

Overwhelming cloudbursts and flooding similar to those that struck Sauk County communities and southern Wisconsin in June could be more frequent as global warming trends continue, a climate researcher told county officials Monday.

Steve Vavrus of the Center for Climate Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison spoke before the Intercounty Coordinating Committee as the group met in Baraboo. The audience included emergency management leaders, government officials and interested citizens from Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Green Lake and Jefferson counties.

Vavrus said when he compares the amount of rainfall at the Madison airport from the early 1940s to now, the annual precipitation amount is up by about 10 percent. More importantly, the number of extreme rain storms, such as rainfall of 2 or 3 inches or more, have been increasing.

Extreme storms in which several inches of rain fall in a short time creates floods such as those the area experienced this summer, he said.

“For the real whoppers, 3 inches or more of rainfall in a day, we’re at the point of equaling all the previous decades combined,” Vavrus said of this decade. Continue Reading »

Restoring a Lake Decimated by Flooding

gengberg November 19th, 2008

Restoring a lake decimated by flooding
By Diana Newton
Rotary International News — 23 October 2008
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Hobbins (left) and Small at the launch of the Lake Delton Fisheries Restoration Project. Photo courtesy of J.B. Hobbins

Rotarian J.B. “Ben” Hobbins imagines the day when a fisherman trolling Lake Delton, in southern Wisconsin, USA, will turn to a buddy and say, “Let’s try Rotary Reef.”

The right to name a reef is one part of the fundraising efforts underway as Hobbins and Dan Small, host of Outdoor Wisconsin and a writer and radio show host, seek support for an ambitious project to restore fisheries to Lake Delton.

On 9 June, massive downpours caused the lake to burst open, its water draining into the Wisconsin River. Several homes, as well as the fish population, were wiped out.

Noting that Lake Delton is critical to Wisconsin’s multibillion-dollar tourism industry, Hobbins says, “I knew I had to do something.” Hobbins, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Madison, launched the Lake Delton Fisheries Restoration Project in late August.

“His work on the Lake Delton restoration project is an outstanding example of what one Rotarian’s service can mean for the larger community,” says Bob Dinndorf, president of the Madison club. “J.B. recognized how he could fill a gap in the project that could not be done by the Department of Natural Resources or other agencies.”

The Wisconsin DNR has said it can restock northern pike and walleye, but that it needs help to restock other species. Hobbins and Small established www.restorelakedeltonfisheries.com to rally support and raise funds.

As CEO of Lake Resources Group/IronClad Lures, a fishing tackle and outdoor products manufacturer, Hobbins has connections with outdoor enthusiasts and is optimistic that the broader Rotary community also will appreciate the project’s value.
Stewardship

“This project is an opportunity for Rotary to show leadership,” Hobbins says. “We can hold Rotary up to the world as a steward.”

Hobbins and Small hope to raise $300,000. Virginia-based FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation and research foundation of the American Sporfishing Association, has already pledged up to $10,000 a year for three years.

“If all of our [Rotary clubs] did just one small fundraiser–a fish fry, for example–that could really add up,” Hobbins says. “Everyone can be a part of the success.”

Hobbins learned about service from his grandfather, Delbert Forsberg, the 1963-64 president of the Madison club and a Paul Harris Fellow. Forsberg often brought home foreign cash and coins for Hobbins from travels he made as a Rotarian.

“I still have those coins in a cigar box,” Hobbins says. “His travels and that pocket change sparked my own interest in living abroad and in the wonder of this planet’s cultures and religions.”

Hobbins lived for 18 years in Europe, where he was active with the American Chamber of Commerce in France. He only recently moved back to the United States, immediately joining Rotary.

“Rotary goes hand in hand with everything else I do,” Hobbins says. “It’s internal to me to help, and our Rotary network is so strong.”

Outdoor Horizons Radio Interview with DNR Fisheries Specialist, Scott Harpold at the Recent Leech Lake Muskie Stocking plus more…

gengberg November 16th, 2008

Guides and outdoormen Wally Banfi, Tony Puccio, and Gary Engberg talk local fishing opportunities in southern Wisconsin on the Wisconsin River, Lake Wisconsin, and the Madison Chain of Lakes for walleyes, sauger, northern pike, and muskies.

Hunting for deer, pheasants, and other game is discussed with the approaching deer season. The interview is with DNR Fish Technician, Scott Harpold during last week’s stocking of Leech Lake strain muskies on the Lake Monona where Gary caught up with him. Plus more outdoor tips and info. Tune into Outdoor Horizons Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WTDY 1670 AM in Madison, Wisconsin. Or go to wtdy.com where the shows are archived or this website

icon for podpress  Outdoor Horizons Radio with Scott harpold 11-15-08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance Responds

gengberg November 16th, 2008

—– Forwarded Message —-
From: Steve Winters
To: Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 8:07:30 PM
Subject: Re: OUR river needs YOUR help again!!!I am Steve Winters, Vice President of the Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance. It is amazing to me that anyone would be allowed to pump contaminated water into any river in our state, let alone the flagship of them all, the Wisconsin River. Even the papermills upstream stopped polluting the river by the early ’80’s, and are, for the most part only pumping water back into the river that is as clean or cleaner than they pumped out. There should be no exceptions made for anyone to do otherwise, as the Wisconsin River is one of our most utilized and publicly visible natural resources. Sincerely, Steven Winters

Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) Our River Needs Your Help

gengberg November 16th, 2008

Dear FLOW members,Once again OUR river needs YOU to get involved in a Riverway issue. I am asking you to respond immediately to this latest threat by writing back with an email sharing your thoughts; whether you agree or disagree with me. Please contact Riverway property owners and anyone else you know who may be able to chime in on this matter. I will print out the letters and take them to the meeting described below on Monday. It will be great if you can attend the meeting in person also but if not, your words in print are very important. Please read the details from the experts, Dave and Jean, in the attached document and give me a call with questions and if you would like to car pool to the meeting.

Timm Zumm Co-chair: Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) 608-575-0325

My thoughts concerning the Crystal, Fish, Mud Lake District pumping into the beautiful Lower Wisconsin River:

This Lake District has had ample opportunity for years to try to get something to work and at this point in time should accept that some things are just not meant to be.

I have a great deal of sympathy for them and will offer the service of FLOW volunteers to help them relocate their structures or whatever else it takes to stop pumping polluted water into the river. It’s sad, but my understanding is they could have already relocated, using FEMA assistance, for less money than what they have spent on trying to pump groundwater. They may not have to relocate if they eliminate basements and put in holding tanks and grey water recycling systems.

I would not be allowed to put my boat into their lakes if I did not have the hull cleaned of contaminates first. They can NOT be allowed to continuing pumping anything but clean/clear/safe water into OUR River! The picture below shows the area near the Prairie du Sac dam where they are discharging green yuk. This is where my kids and dogs and I used to recreate. If these lake district people insist that there is nothing wrong with the water they’re discharging… then I would like to see them commit in writing that they will bring their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dogs swimming here on a weekly basis.
_____________________________________________
From: Sen.Miller [mailto:Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 2:15 PM
Subject: 11.17.08, Sen. Miller Public Information Meeting on Fish Lake

For Immediate Release Contact: Mark Miller
October 28, 2008 608-266-9170

Sen. Miller Announces Public Information/Listening Session on Fish, Mud & Crystal Lake

Senator Miller will host a public information meeting and listening session on Fish, Mud and Crystal Lake on November 17, 2008. The listening session will give residents the opportunity to express their concerns with the continued flooding and provide information about the action currently being taken.

Representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board, Dane County and the Lake District will also be present to answer questions. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

November 17, 2008
5:30pm
Town of West Point
N2114 Rausch Road
Lodi, WI 53555

Senator Miller represents the 16th Senate District which includes Eastern Dane County, Southern Columbia County and a portion of Sauk County.

Gary Engberg Outdoors Fishing Report for Lake Wisconsin, the Wisconsin River, and the Madison Chain

gengberg November 10th, 2008

Outdoor Horizons Radio for November 8, 2008 WTDY 1670 AM

gengberg November 10th, 2008

Fishing and hunting tips and reports from pro anglers and guides Wally Banfi, Tony Puccio, and Gary Engberg. Tune in here, on line, or live Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WTDY 1670 AM.

icon for podpress  Outdoor Horizons Radio 11-10-08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Northwoods Report by Naomi Shapiro 11-10-08

gengberg November 10th, 2008

As of November 10, 2008:

Fishing, Outdoor, and Event Reports for Eagle River, Wisconsin,
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area; Lake of the Woods and Rainy River out of
Sportsman’s Lodge (Baudette, Minnesota).

1. THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:

– The emerald shiner run on the Rainy River and an aggressive bite on Lake
of the Woods, both providing top-flight walleye action, out of Sportsman’s
Lodge, Baudette, Minnesota.

– Musky picking up, crappies and bluegills hitting well, with walleye and
northern average, in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

– Great walleye, crappie and bluegill action, with a very good musky bite,
and big bucks abound for bow hunters as the rut is in full swing, in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

2. WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) — as of November 10, 2008:

(Head): Musky picking up, crappies and bluegills hitting well, with walleye
and northern average, in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

With the unusually warm temperatures, the musky bite slowed down markedly,
but cooler weather is starting to bring the musky bite back up in the Eagle
River area. Concentrate on deep weed edges over hardbottom areas. Fish 10
to 15 feet on clearwater lakes, and 6 to 10 feet on darkwater lakes. Run
suckers in the 14 inch range, or cast cramkbaits, Suzy Suckers, Bulldawgs or
glide baits.

Crappies are active in the Eagle River area. Fish either weeds in 15 feet
of water or less, or over deep water cribs or brushpiles in 25 feet of
water, where the crappies will suspend two to four feet off the bottom. Use
a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

Bluegills are in the weeds in the Eagle River area. Fish 15 feet of water
or less. Use a crappie minnow or a chunk of crawler.

The walleye action in the Eagle River area is average. Fish deep weed edges
in 8 to 20 fee of water, depending on the lake. Use a jig and a minnow.

Northern are hitting in and around the weeds in 15 feet of water or less.
Use a walleye sucker or northern sucker minnow under a slip bobber, or cast
a Husky Jerk in a minnow or perch pattern.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative
Brilliance interview with licensed guide, Mat Hegy of Guides Choice Pro
Shop).

Contact info for Eagle River:
* Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
* Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com
—– Continue Reading »

Local Column River Currents 11-3-08

gengberg November 6th, 2008

 Fish Rivers for Fall Walleye and Sauger Action

   Living on the Wisconsin River allows me the luxury of being able to fish for my favorite fish species, the walleye and sauger all year long. That’s the great thing about living where I do since the walleye and sauger seasons never close on most rivers in Wisconsin. Locations and techniques change from season to season, but there is always a tactic that let’s you catch fish. A vast majority of the walleyes and saugers that I catch are released, but I love to eat fish and keeping a few legal fish doesn’t hurt the river’s population.
This time of the year, many anglers have put their boats away till next spring. But, the months of November and even December can provide some great river fishing for both walleyes and saugers and the best thing about fishing this time of the year is that you often have the Wisconsin River and most others to yourself. Many other anglers have switched gears and are now hunting deer, pheasants, ducks, and geese so this is why you’ll find so few anglers on the water. Most of my river fishing is done on the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers in Wisconsin and the Missouri River in the Dakotas. But, a vast majority of what I’m going to tell you will apply to rivers throughout the Upper Midwest.
Walleye and sauger fishing can be excellent in the fall and even throughout the winter if you can launch your boat and keep the guides on your rod open. The fish stay active all winter and don’t shut-down like some most other species that rarely feed actively in the cold water months. This also is a great time of the year to catch big trophy fish! Big walleyes and saugers feed actively even in winter.
Some years, I have been able to fish well into December and there also are the sunny days in January and February when you can get out on many rivers in the state. Sometimes, you might need a shovel and some ice melting-salt to clear a boat landing. I always make sure that I have these things with me this time of the year. But, fishing is possible and often very good. The Mississippi and Wisconsin River usually stay open all winter, so the only problem that you’ll find is access to the rivers.
Walleye professional and guide, Tony Puccio, and I have made it our “fall ritual” to fish during the Wisconsin deer gun season which falls on the third week of November. Some years, we may be fishing in cold and snow while other years the weather can be very bearable. The important thing though is that the walleyes and saugers are usually biting and active when you find them. The obvious key is to find the fish! Continue Reading »

Outdoor Horizons Radio with Ron Lindner Interview and more 11-1-08

gengberg November 1st, 2008

This week Tony Puccio, Wally Banfi, and Gary Engberg have Hall of Fame angler Ron Lindner on the show with part two of his great interview. Plus fishing, hunting, and outdoor reports for Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest.

icon for podpress  Outdoor Horizons Radio with Ron Lindner 11-1-08: Download

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