Anglers looking to land some big fish in central and southern Wisconsin have plenty of options this weekend.

Delafield based fishing guide Mike Smith says anglers in central and southern Wisconsin should be ready for some excellent panfishing this weekend. “Crappies spawn with temperatures in the low 60’s so they’re getting ready to make their move. Bluegills are coming in just for the warmer water. Bass are coming in because the bluegills are there.”

Walleyes are also post spawn in southern Wisconsin and are hanging around the shallows, says Smith. “Live bait presentation is going to be the way you want to go. Minnows and leeches are going to be the key for walleye fishing.”

DNR biologists say several strong seasons of walleye stocking has resulted in large sized walleyes for this year. Make sure to check the bag limit restrictions on the lake you’re on before you head out.

Anglers looking to fish on the Wisconsin River should be careful of high flows and high waters. Wardens remind you to be safe on the water and always wear your flotation devices

You can find out more about the opening of fishing season online at the Wisconsin DNR’s fishing regulations page. .

Expect cold waters and maybe even some ice in the Northwoods for the start of the fishing season.

Minocqua based guide Kurt Justice says Lake Minocqua in Oneida County still had 32 inches of ice in places as of last weekend. “The ice is in poor shape, and it’s going to be a day to day thing.”

The good news about the cold water and the ice cover is that it’s driving fish closer to the shore. “We’re going to see a lot of walleyes coming up to spawn, so we should see a lot of good shore fishing opportunities,” says Justice.  “You can fish with a minnow, a jig and a swim bait, or a stick bait like a Rapala.”

If you are planning to put your boat into the water, Justice says it’s more important than ever to be aware of the ice around you. “If there’s wind blowing, you want to make sure that ice isn’t going to move between you and your landing. ” He also says that moving ice can damage your boat if you’re not careful.

“Some of the smaller lakes and flowages should have some open water to put your boats in. The larger lakes will take a little longer, they’ve got more ice, more volume to warm up and that ice is in better condition so it takes a little bit longer.”

You also need to wear your flotation devices if you’re out on the water, since the cold temperature can cause hypothermia very quickly. “Life vests or these new floating jackets that we use for ice fishing are very helpful this time of year. It’ll keep you warmer and it will also help keep your head above water and able to get back to shore,” says Justice.

The Wisconsin inland fishing opener is Saturday. You can find out more online at the DNR’s fishing guide.

Spring showers and storms have pushed across the state over the past 24 hours, helping soak parched areas and cut down on fire risks.

Most of the state is now under low to moderate fire conditions, with parts of northwest Wisconsin still showing high fire risk.

Parts of western Wisconsin were under extreme fire risk and red flag warnings earlier this week, and Governor Walker declared a state of emergency on Tuesday.

The DNR reminds people to check with local fire departments before getting burning permits. You can see your local fire risk online at the DNR’s Fire Restrictions page.

Governor Walker is ordering state agencies to step up containment efforts to fight chronic wasting disease in the state’s deer herd.

Under the new guidelines, deer farms will need to improve their fencing, deer farmers won’t be able to move any deer from CWD quarantine areas, and hunters won’t be allowed to move whole deer carcasses out of CWD quarantine areas.

“We need to protect Wisconsin’s hunting traditions and long-standing heritage by working together to contain the spread of chronic wasting disease in deer,” said Governor Walker. “Wisconsin put together a comprehensive plan years ago that implemented new testing procedures to identify and root out CWD while committing to new steps to combat CWD. Today, we will move forward on implementing new rules that will place us among the leaders in the nation’s fight against CWD.”

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation director George Meyer says that the new rules will help contain the spread. “Hopefully we won’t have as rapid of a spread into other areas of the state, which will slow down the disease.”

Meyer calls these efforts a good first step, and but more extensive monitoring may be needed. “Clearly there’s a need for additional monitoring of the deer herd in the state. The DNR did step it up last fall, but they may may have to wait until the next state budget.”

Both the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as well as the Department of Natural Resources will be tasked to implement the new measures.

Repairs are on the way for the S.S. Badger ferry.

Governor Walker is sending $800,000 in grant funding to help repair the ferry’s dock in Manitowoc. The dock was severely damaged by high winds and surf during April’s blizzard.

“The S.S. Badger is an important aspect of our communities helping with both manufacturing and tourism,” says Governor Walker. “This grant will help speed up repairs to the harbor and aboard the S.S. Badger, ensuring the ferry is ready to transport passengers, vehicles, and commercial goods as they prepare to open for the upcoming season.”

Repairs to the dock will include a new protective wall to create a safe space for the ferry to dock, and new construction to better handle the surf and waves of Lake Michigan. The project is expected to cost $1 million by the time it’s finished.

The ferry is currently scheduled to open on time May 11.

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the State Patrol wants Wisconsin riders to stay safe on the roads.

Over 535,000 Wisconsin residents hold a motorcycle permit and as warmer temperatures hit the state, many riders are expected to take to the roads.

Transportation safety director David Pabst says drivers need to remember that motorcycles can be surprisingly hard to see. “We encourage everyone to always look twice before proceeding through an intersection because that motorcycle could be there one second and the next second you’d be able to see it.”

Riders are reminded to wear all their gear, all the time, including visible and protective equipment, and to make sure they’re properly licensed to be riding a motorcycle.

Pabst says motorcyclists should consider taking a skills course before hitting the roads this spring. “I have my license but before I get back on the road I plan on taking a course just to brush up on my skills.”  Motorcyclists earn a skills test waiver they use to obtain their Class M license if they take a WisDOT approved motorcycle safety course.

Marathon County deputies are asking for help catching a very determined burglar.

Deputies say that someone broke through the exterior concrete wall of the Rib Mountain Best Buy early Tuesday morning. The burglar or burglars were then able to get into a stock room and make off with roughly $15,000 with of electronics.

Marathon County investigations lieutenant Jeff Stefonek says this is definitely not a simple smash and grab. “The ability to make it through a concrete wall and successfully make it into an area of the store where high-dollar items are stored seems to have taken some planning. However, we don’t know the specifics of that at this point.”

If you have any information about this crime, please call 715-261-1200 or report anonymously through www.marathoncountycrimestoppers.org

Governor Walker has declared a state of emergency in response to wildfire conditions across Wisconsin.

“We are taking a precautionary measure in order to protect our state,” said Governor Walker. “By taking this step we are ensuring that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has the tools to combat the spread of any wildfires.”

The move opens up support from the Wisconsin National Guard to help the Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Emergency Management fight fires across the state.

Red Flag fire warnings were issued Sunday and Monday for parts of Western Wisconsin.

You can find out your local fire warning by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN or visiting the DNR’s Fire Warning page.