The Outdoor Report is updated every Wednesday afternoon. Previous outdoor reports are also available on-line. 1997 Cool weather slowed fishing activity but didn't dampen enthusiasm for the Wisconsin outdoors over the Memorial Day weekend. Many campgrounds were full, canoes were seen on the rivers, and when winds let up, boats appeared on state waters. Following the initial Memorial Day weekend rush, campgrounds are expected to be quiet until state schools let out for the summer and vacationers arrive.
Mosquito populations are low or nonexistent making time in the woods very enjoyable.
Local observers say wildflower viewing is prime in many areas of the Northwoods at this time with large areas of the forest floor carpeted with showy three-leaved trilliums. Spring green up in the forest canopy is a bit behind normal for this year and full green up is still a few days away in many areas, according to state foresters. In the north, fishing was fair to good over the weekend with smallmouth bass giving good action on the Pike Lake chain and salmon and lake trout providing action on Lake Superior. Walleye action has been good on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage and other lakes in the Park Falls and Mercer areas. Walleye and panfish are biting on the Eagle River chain of lakes in shallow weedy areas, and Antigo area anglers report good panfishing on area lakes.