Summer crappie fishing heats up
Crappie are arguably the tastiest panfish to come out of Northwoods waters. This time of the year can be an excellent time to target crappie. Water temperatures have warmed, aquatic plants have grown up to the point that they make great habitat and cover, and the forage for big crappies is abundant in many lakes. This can make for some great fishing, as long as anglers know where to look for their quarry.
Summer shooting helps hunters stay sharp for fall deer season
In Wisconsin, the nine-day gun deer season is still a big deal to many. There is not only the chance to bag the buck of a lifetime, but it is also steeped in tradition with generations coming together to hunt together and to share stories.
Fish Like a GIRL
A focus on native plants brought me to think about my own changes over the years
One of the best parts about my career as an outdoor journalist is the different events I get to attend and all of the experiences I get to have, that I may not have had without this career path. One was the pollinator garden tour put together by the Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department recently. It started at Hanson’s Garden Village.
‘Dragonflies of the North Woods’ is a must have book as dragonflies start to emerge
One of the phenological phenomenon that happens in early summer is the emergence of dragonflies. Their larva, which has been growing in stream bottoms and other places, start to emerge, their wings start to form, and soon we see them dipping and darting around the landscape. They are quick and agile, making them hard to identify at times.
June is invasive species awareness month
Invasive species can cause a host of issues, both on land and in the water. In general, they all share some common traits, the biggest of which being that they do not belong where they are found. Most often, they do not even belong in this country, let alone in ecosystems in Wisconsin.
Lead tackle alternatives are a better choice for anglers, and for the environment
Sinkers are important for fishing. Whether it is a small split shot crimped to a line to make the bait sink just a bit, a worm weight used to get the bait to the bottom quickly in deeper water, or a skirted jig for pitching around wood, lead was historically seen as the go-to compound for anglers targeting a variety of species.
Fish Like a GIRL
Garden battle 2025 has begun
Ah yes, the yearly garden battle. This year, I have noticed that having older dogs who were in the yard at all times of the day and night was truly beneficial to my garden battle. Obviously a beagle and a rat terrier will do a lot to keep bunnies away and deer as well.
Crescent town board floats enhanced wake ordinance
On June 11, the town of Crescent monthly board meeting drew a sizable crowd with an enhanced wake ordinance on the agenda. The public was divided, with some advocating tougher regulations and others arguing that local wake boaters had not posed enough issues to justify more rules.
Oneida County forestry, recreation and land committee takes a further look at policy to regulate memorials in county parks
The idea of memorial plaques and benches in county parks and along trails has come up in the Oneida County forestry, recreation and land committee meetings for the past few months. The committee asked county forest director Jill Nemec to work on a policy, which she has been doing, making tweaks and changes as the committee has directed.
Crescent town board floats enhanced wake ordinance
On June 11, the town of Crescent monthly board meeting drew a sizable crowd with an enhanced wake ordinance on the agenda. The public was divided, with some advocating tougher regulations and others arguing that local wake boaters had not posed enough issues to justify more rules.
Northwoods visitors, residents celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
The Northern Highland-American Legion (NHAL) State Forest was created in 1925 and marked a turning point in the history of Wisconsin’s public lands. The NHAL started its life as the Northern State Forest Park. In 1937, the property was renamed to Northern Highlands State Forest. In 1929 another swath of land was purchased, which would be named the American Legion State Forest and Preserve. That would become the American Legion State Forest. In 1968, the two properties merged, creating the NHAL.
Oneida County land and water conservation department celebrates Pollinator Week 2025
Several free tours look to inspire native wildflower planting
On June 16, 2025, three free tours in Oneida County will inspire attendees to learn more about native wildflowers and how they can be incorporated into their own landscapes.
Blue green algae causes dog death
Pet owners, parents, should take special precautions
A dog death in Lincoln County has already been attributed to ingesting blue-green algae this year. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is present to some degree in all lakes. Not all lakes have blue-green algae blooms, and not all blooms contain toxins. But the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR’s) “Algae lady,” Gina LaLiberte, has always used the phrase, “When in doubt, stay out.” Because it is impossible to know whether an algae bloom is toxic, if there is a bloom present, it is important to stay out of the water in that area.
June 16-22 is Pollinator Week
Pollinators need a variety of land types, including forests
When most people picture pollinators, the image that comes to mind is often a field of wildflowers buzzing with bees. But researchers say the forest, often overlooked in pollinator conversations, plays a vital and under-appreciated role in the lives of native bees.
Fish Like a GIRL
Karner blues spotted
I am a self-proclaimed citizen science geek, as many already know. This year I decided to put my hat in the ring to do something new. I let my frog and toad survey route go this spring as there were others who were interested in the route and I had had it for several years. With that off my plate, I wondered what else I could get myself into. Enter the Wisconsin Karner Volunteer Monitoring Program.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest this Saturday
The Northern Highland – American Legion (NHAL) State Forest is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors and Northwoods residents alike enjoy hunting, fishing hiking and both motorized and nonmotorized activities on this 236,000-acre property. Indeed, over 3 million visitors take part in all the NHAL has to offer every year.
Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series kicks off season on Lake Mohawksin
The Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series central division kicked off their season last Sunday on Lake Mohawksin. Spring fishing conditions are fickle at best and can change not only from day to day, but even throughout the day at this time of the year. Once the spawn is over, fish tend to go into a “post spawn funk” for a bit where they are difficult at best to catch, before putting on the feed bag again. Even with practice and pre-fishing, it can be a challenge for anglers to stay on the fish as conditions change.
Fish Like a GIRL
And away we go… tournament season in full swing
This past weekend the tournament season went into full swing. Chet and I prefished a few times and jumped in one small, local derby, but this weekend would be what I would call the official start of the tournament season.
Mike Miller talks Neonics on The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
Chemicals affect non-target species
Outdoor enthusiasts, and especially fly fishermen, can attest, at least anecdotally, to the drastic decrease in insects in the past few decades. Insects may fall into the “pest” category for some, but at the same time, they are an incredibly important part of the food web, making up a good portion of the bottom layer of many food webs. Without that vital layer, upper layers, too, feel the effects. This subtraction could, indeed, cause a collapse of an entire ecosystem. Without energy coming in, energy cannot go out.
Free Fun Weekend is here!
Time to get out and hit the water and the trails
Every year the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) holds Free Fun Weekend, formerly Free Fishing Weekend. Now the weekend means that not only can people fish on inland waters in the state (with certain exceptions such as a trout stamp when targeting trout) without a license, but they can also enjoy state trails for free. There are a ton of opportunities all over the state for people to get out and recreate this weekend.
Shallow water success: The power of the square bill crankbait
If bass fishing had a toolbox, the square bill crank bait would be the multi-tool every angler keeps on the top shelf. Those unfamiliar with crank baits may wonder what the hype is all about. These little pieces of plastic with treble hooks are downright dangerous — in the best way possible — especially in shallow water.
Al Wirt brings years of outdoor experience to Vilas County conservationist position
On Jan. 6, Al Wirt took over as Vilas County conservationist after the retirement of Carolyn Scholl. He grew up in Brokaw, on the river. He spent many of his younger days on the river.
Spring is turtle nesting season
The Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program asks for turtle crossing reports
Each spring turtles make the trek from their watery homes to lay their eggs on nearby higher ground. Often in the Northwoods, that means crossing a roadway. This obviously poses a danger, not only to the mother turtle, but to the young who, once they hatch, now need to navigate their own way back to the lake or wetland — that is if they survive to hatching and their nest is not found by a hungry mustelid such as a raccoon or opossum.
Little Bellas to hold half day mountain biking camp in July
Camp to run July 7-11
Little Bellas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to girls ages 8-10 using mountain biking as a platform to personal growth and confidence. The organization as a whole started in Vermont in 2007 and had since spread across the country, including to the Northwoods. This July, girls will have the opportunity to attend a week-long half-day camp at WinMan Trails.
June vegetation and water temperatures can have anglers feeling froggy
As the water temperature starts to warm and winter is finally a thing of the past, anglers in the know start to turn to the hollow body frog for bass fishing. Vegetation is starting to grow, lily pads and weeds are emerging from their long slumber under the ice, and the sun is getting decidedly warmer.
Fish Like a GIRL
WAV stream monitoring season begins
As I write this, I have spent the last couple of days in and around the water — not a shock to most, I understand. Many of us love the Northwoods specifically for the water resources that are all around us. That is one reason why I dedicate time as a volunteer and citizen scientist in the Northwoods.
May is Wetlands Month
Peter Levi looks at wetland protection and restoration
May is Wetlands Month, and wetlands provide a variety of ecological services, for both humans and wildlife. Earlier this year, Peter Levi from the Nature Conservancy was the speaker for the Wisconsin Wetlands Association Wetland Coffee Break entitled For the love of wetlands: Exploring wetland protection and restoration. He looked at a new tool, Wetlands by Design: A watershed approach for Wisconsin.
Oneida, Price counties come to agreement on antlerless tags for DMU 116
This fall, planning for hunting season in the Northwoods, and indeed all of the Northern Forest Zone, looked a little different than in the past decade. Due to the urging of hunters and other stakeholder in the north, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposed some changes to the Deer Management Units (DMUs) in the Northern Forest Zone, moving back to more habitat-based management units.
Spring hearing results in for 2025
Rule changes largely supported
Each year, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) team up for the annual spring hearings. This is an opportunity that is unique to Wisconsin. It allows citizen input on a variety of topics regarding the state’s natural resources and can help to shape regulations surrounding hunting, fishing and trapping in the state.
Understanding the fly
A look at the differences between dry flies and wet flies for fly fishing
Fly fishing is a centuries-old angling method, which seems to come with a lot of technique, gear, and more quiet, alone time than other hook-and-line fishing. It has a certain allure and continues to captivate anglers with its somewhat difficult, artful cast and careful imitation of aquatic insects.
Morels are a big draw in spring
Follow the clues to find success
In spring, nothing is more alluring to a mycophile than the elusive morel mushroom. Mycophiles, or devotees of mushrooms, head to the woods each spring in hopes of finding the elusive morel.
Fish Like a GIRL
Getting kids into the outdoors
This is so important to me — getting kids into the outdoors — whether that is fishing, hunting, trapping, or simply learning more about what lives where, how to create habitat, or the importance of biodiversity in an ecosystem.
Love it and leave it (alone)
What to do when finding a fawn in the spring
As the weather warms and the sun brings people out of their homes for walks in the woods and fields, they are likely to encounter more wildlife. Walking along the edge of a wooded area, or even stepping behind a garage or outbuilding, can bring people close to baby fawns at this time of year.
Tie on a swim jig to catch more bass
It has been said that nearly anyone can catch a bass on a swim jig. When the bite is hot, and the fish are active, that is likely true. But the same could be said about a number of baits. But a swim jig does make a great search bait, allowing an angler to find those high percentage places more quickly.
‘Birdscaping for Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region’
Well-timed book release for this spring
In spring, a good deal of some land owners’ attention turns to creating habitat, or enhancing what is already on their land. Wildlife is certainly one of the biggest draws for those coming to the Northwoods. That said, there is not a better time for this book to be released, and readers can look for it to be coming out in June. The book is by Mariette Nowak.
Does No Mow May do enough?
No Mow May, and it’s social media counterpart, #NoMowMay, originated somewhere between 2019 and 2020 in the United Kingdom, depending on the source. Taken literally, it asks home owners and property managers to not mow at all during the month of May or, at least, to mow less. The idea is admirable, but some are wondering if it is the best course of action and/or if there is more people can do to help pollinators.
Fish Like a GIRL
My first spring hike
Last week I wrote a bit about how things in fishing change so rapidly in the spring. But those changes are not happening that fast just in the water. The same is true on land. I took a hike with about 30 other people at the Tara Lila Ripco Road trail last weekend. It was an event put on by Trees for Tomorrow.
Starting out fly fishing does not have to be complicated
Fly fishing is one of those rare pursuits that’s equal parts art, sport, and therapy. A well-cast fly arcing across a river at dawn can feel like poetry in motion. But for beginners, it can be overwhelming.
Top-water baits key for post-spawn bass
There is something electric about fishing a top water bait. One second, your bait is skimming along the surface — pop, twitch, plop — and the next, the angler’s heart is racing and the water seems to explode.
Contentious wake boat issue dominates Swearingen, Felzkowski listening session in Manitowish Waters
Act 10, EMS districts also in the conversation
In opening the budget listening session in Manitowish Waters on Monday, State Representative Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) said he and Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) wanted to hear from the community about their concerns, but they were not looking to make it a “wake boat only” meeting.
Boating safety key to making memories on the water
May is Safe Boating Month
May is National Boating Safety Month, and as eager anglers and boaters prepare for their first outings of the season, safety should be a top priority. It is easy for safety to get lost in the excitement of finally getting out on open water after a long Wisconsin winter.
Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteers hit the landings to protect Northwoods lakes
As boats start hitting the water and the fish start biting, a different kind of Northwoods tradition is getting underway: keeping our lakes clean and free of invasive species.
Fish Like a GIRL
Fishing season off to a variable start
With the game fish season opener last weekend, Chet and I jumped into a little jackpot tournament on Camelot Lake in Central Wisconsin. A good friend of ours was planning his Birthday Bash Tourney on the Biron Flowage, but the water was super fast and there were several dead heads floating around, it is was just a little too sketchy. So all of us jumped in this other tournament.
CWD sampling results in for 2024
Study shows CWD cuts survival rate of deer
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an always-fatal neurological disease affecting cervids such as white-tailed deer, elk and mule deer. Many hunters have now heard about CWD so often that it is something that the words just droned on in the background, and at times get completely ignored.
Opening weekend is here
Opening weekend of fishing season is here
It is the weekend many anglers have waited for since last fall — opening weekend of fishing season. It is an exciting time for many, and the urge to get out on the water can sometimes mean missing a few important things that need attention before opening day.
Oneida CDAC opts for antlerless tags, but not in all DMUs
116 will see no antlerless harvest
This year County Deer Advisory Councils (CDACs) in the Northern Forest had a bit of a different look at managing the deer herd than in past years. For years the CDACs in Oneida and Vilas counties had asked to split their counties into two separate Deer Management Units (DMUs).
Catch and release offers opportunity for the next generation of anglers
Proper fish care is important
Many anglers fish simply for the sport of it, for the fun of pitting their skills against the instincts of the fish — enticing them to bite. Many anglers release most, if not all, of their catch back into the lake, to swim another day and possibly be caught by another angler. Comparatively few of most species of fish wind up in a frying pan, but for some anglers, the idea that they can feed themselves and their families due to their angling prowess is worth the chase.
Do not forget to check the regs
As anglers make those last checks on the boat and make a note to grab some bait on the way to the lake, one thing they should also update themselves on are fishing regulations on the lake they intend to fish.
Proper launch ramp etiquette keeps opening weekend smooth
As anglers gear up for opening weekend, launch ramps across the region are about to see their first major rush of the season. With the excitement of getting back on the water for the first time opening weekend comes with the usual tales of ramp-side chaos and frustration.
Be bear aware this spring
Spring has a way of waking up the world. Birds return with their cheerful songs, plants unfurl that unmistakable bright green, and animals that tucked themselves away for winter begin to reappear. Among those stirring creatures are Wisconsin’s black bears — a majestic sight to behold, but one that can bring challenges if not respected.
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