It does not look or feel much like spring, no matter what the calendar notes. The chilly, dreary weather of the past week reaffirms the justification that many take for heading to warmer climes this time of the year. Springtime this year is a long, slow-moving affair that has, to date, not delivered much. One would have guessed that by now we’d have seen a dash of warm weather to tempt us but that happened a month ago, in winter.

That chill weather of the past week has stalled a lot of springtime activities. Cycling and boating have limited appeal when temperatures barely top 30 and even a backyard barbecue seems more effort than is necessary.

Ice fishing remains the mainstay for outdoor recreation for those so inclined. We are likely into the final weeks of that sport and while most likes have decent ice cover a warm spell can change that dramatically. A few warm days and some warmer rain can take good ice and turn it rotten in a short time so anyone going on ice now is advised to be extra cautious.

Those who have fished have noted crappie action improving as well as some early catches of perch. Crappies are the primary target for a lot of anglers and the catches of those have been decent of late. Fishing is always somewhat of a hit or miss affair and one has to accept that. Good days of crappy fishing this week have been followed by poor days but the trend is in the right direction and this week, with some mild temperatures, should be good.

Perch started to show up in anglers’ catches in the past days. Expect them to come on stronger with the passing days ahead.

Outside of the final weeks of ice season not much is happening. The maple sap run has stalled in poor weather; hopefully that will take off soon. Migrating birds are waiting for better weather though reports of sandhill cranes and great blue herons are now coming in. And everyone is simply dealing with the marginal weather as best they can with the hope of better days ahead when true spring weather finally arrives.
The Outdoor Report is prepared by the staff of Mel’s Trading Post, downtown Rhinelander, where a variety of outdoor products is available.