Snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are in good to excellent condition in many locations after additional snowfall early this week. Reminder to think smart before you start and ride responsibly.
However, recent snowfalls have made it difficult for those pursuing trout during the early season. The best luck might be before the major spring thaw begins. Before the cold front, warmer weather had improved ice fishing.
The 2020 sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago System has been going as predicted. With variable ice conditions and the less than ideal water, there will be a 16-day season with a below-average harvest. Two fish over 140 pounds have been registered and 23 fish larger than 100 pounds.
Now is an excellent time to make sure those wood duck boxes are cleaned out and ready for the 2020 nesting season. Various species of woodpeckers are beginning to drum for breeding display on hollow wood. Cardinals have started signing in the treetops. Bald eagles are actively adding to their nests.
Manitowoc County currently has snow, and the snowmobile trails are open. Trails are in poor to OK conditions, riders are encouraged to use caution on plowed fields and areas where there was standing water. Circumstances will change quickly with any weather change. Riders need to check to ensure trails are open before riding here.
Anglers have been targeting panfish and walleyes on local lakes. The weather should be great to get out and enjoy the outdoors this weekend.
