Wisconsin

Smith: Ice fishing has already been hurt by conditions; now sturgeon spearing is threatened

Published

2 years ago

February 1, 2024

Press Room

Smith: Ice fishing has already been hurt by conditions; now sturgeon spearing is threatened

Poor ice conditions on Wisconsin waters continue to adversely affect winter fishing opportunities, including the cancellation of ice fishing tournaments.

The Wisconsin winter of 2023-24 isn’t over. But as the calendar flips to February it’s clear the season will be remembered for at least one thing: poor ice conditions.

That was evident Jan. 1 when the Great Lakes had just 0.4% ice cover, down from an average of 9% and the lowest documented for the date in the 50 years it’s been tracked, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.

And it’s continued through this week. As of Wednesday, NOAA estimated the Great Lakes ice cover at 6.9%, down from a long-term average for late January of 29%.

More: Outdoors calendar

Most scientists attribute this winter’s ice conditions to a combination of El Niño, a weather cycle that typically results in warmer winters in Wisconsin, and the larger, long-term issue of climate change.

For ice fishers, the conditions are especially challenging.

In late January fishing guide Eric Haataja of West Allis would normally be targeting brown trout and steelhead through ice on the Milwaukee lakefront.

On Wednesday he was fishing for those species but from his boat in open water.

But most anglers have less flexibility. Unable to drive with ATVs or UTVs on the weak ice of Green Bay or fish from open water, fishing guide Bret Alexander of Ice Fish Green Bay decided to buy an air boat. For the last five days he’s been taking groups to offshore areas in a vessel that can travel over ice, slush or open water and is becoming increasingly common in the Badger State.

Alexander has been finding spots with about 10 inches of ice in southeastern Green Bay.

But thousands of others don’t have that option, either.

The conditions caused organizers Tuesday to cancel Battle on Bago, billed as the state’s largest ice fishing tourney. The event was scheduled for Feb. 16 and 17 on the Winnebago System.

“We will be proactively cancelling the ice fishing portion of our event due to the continued deterioration of ice conditions and safety for our anglers accessing the Lake Winnebago System,” organizers said in a Facebook post. “Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate with a lot of winter activities for this season which can negatively impact outdoor events like ours.”

More: Wisconsin’s unseasonably warm temperatures likely mean trouble for local ice conditions, DNR warns

While the fishing portion is off, other planned events including live music, food and raffles will still take place at Menominee Park in Oshkosh.

People who purchased a $40 ticket have options, including a refund or converting it to raffle tickets.

The Smoke Eaters Slam ice fishing tourney scheduled for Saturday at Geano’s Beach near Oconto was cancelled, too. It will still hold the non-fishing activities.

“I’m at my wits end with the last two winters, depression is running strong,” said the owner of North Shore Bait Company in Oconto in a Facebook post Wednesday. He plans to hold a sale on inventory to help generate some business. “More to come, but in reality I’m taking what I can get to survive.”

And the prospects are looking especially challenging for the more than 10,000 licensed spearers hoping to take part in the 2024 sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago System.

At least one sturgeon spearer wondered in a Facebook post on the Lake Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing page if he could get his money back, too.

The answer is no.

But as with all fishing and hunting seasons, the sturgeon spearing season will go on. Participants need to be smart and careful and proceed at their own risk.

“The key word this year will be ‘improvise,’” said Paul Muche, 53, of Van Dyne. “I expect we’ll get out but it will obviously be different than most years.”

The 2024 sturgeon spearing season is scheduled to start Feb. 10 on the Winnebago System. As of Wednesday, Lake Winnebago had some open water and at least one local club was advising against any snowmobile or ATV travel on the lake.

Given a warmer than average forecast over the next week, the conditions will likely not improve much before the opener.

Muche said he’s been able to get on Lake Winnebago every season of his 40-plus-year sturgeon spearing career.

Last year also featured less than ideal ice conditions. He and his brother Stuart Muche of Van Dyne and their sons shifted to using spearing shanties on runners rather than the usual, heavier units on wheels.

They used ATV’s to tow the lighter shacks onto the lakes.

This year even ATV’s might be out of the question. Muche is preparing for a human-powered option: pulling a sled with supplies, including a pop-up tent and a hand saw.

It would be the first time he’d ever cut in with a hand saw or speared from a portable tent. Standard spearing equipment includes a gas-powered sled saw with a long bar and insulated shanties pulled out by pick-up trucks.

But this winter calls for an audible.

Demonstrating the resourcefulness of the sturgeon spearing community, many of whom make their own equipment, Muche was undeterred by the conditions.

He knows he has some things to work out – like where does he hang a spear in a tent? – but he expects to be on the ice for the season.

“Everyone should be careful, know the conditions and do everything they can to stay safe,” Muche said. “But even if we have to walk out, we’ll be spearing again this year.”

Last year the Department of Natural Resources reported 3,100 shacks on Lake Winnebago for opening day of spearing season, down from 6,000 in 2022.

The even poorer ice of 2024 will no doubt result in even fewer structures – tents or otherwise – in place this year.

Source link

Click to comment

Wisconsin

These Wisconsin Rapids restaurants are offering Easter specials

Published

3 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

These Wisconsin Rapids restaurants are offering Easter specials

If you’re looking to make reservations for an Easter meal, check out these Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Calendars are quickly filling up with Easter services, egg hunts, photos with bunnies and brunch plans.

If cooking isn’t your thing, or you’ve been too busy to plan and cook this year, you have options in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Several local restaurants and businesses have you covered with all of your favorite Easter treats.

The following Wisconsin Rapids-area restaurants and businesses will be offering Easter breakfast, brunch or dinner.

Branding Iron Supper Club will offer an Easter Dinner from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 5 at 9721 State 13 S. in Saratoga. The Easter menu includes a ham dinner, a prime rib dinner, Branding Iron’s full menu, salad bar and a fresh fruit mimosa bar. The Easter Bunny will also visit from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are available at 715-325-8102.
Lake Arrowhead Association will host an Easter Brunch Buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 5 at Lake Arrowhead, 1195 Apache Lane in Rome. The menu will include a variety of options including a carving station for prime rib and smoked ham, mahi mahi with a Korean glaze, sliced pork loin, chicken Alfredo, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, french fries, baby red potatoes, carrots, a build-your-own omelet station, biscuits and gravy, french toast sticks, pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, vegetables and more. Reservations are required, including a $25 non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot and can be made at 715-325-2915 or banquets@lakearrowheadgolf.com or events@lakearrowheadgolf.com.
Nekoosa Court will host an Easter Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 4 at Nekoosa Court, 145 N. Cedar St. in Nekoosa. Breakfast will include all-you-can-eat eggs, sausage, pancakes and beverages with an Easter Egg Hunt to follow.
Olympic II will host Easter Weekend Specials from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 4 and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 at 2520 Eighth St. S. in Wisconsin Rapids. The Easter specials include a breakfast special of an 8-ounce New York strip steak and eggs, hashbrowns and toast, as well as a tenderloin and jumbo shrimp dish, a roast turkey and ham combo, chicken breast and four shrimp, ham steak, roast chicken and roast turkey. Reservations and orders for takeout can be placed at 715-424-4744.
Quality Foods is offering a complete Heat & Serve Easter Dinner, including a ham dinner for eight people with off-the-bone ham, mashed potatoes and beef gravy or eight three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, homemade stuffing, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and eight slices of cheesecake. The store also will offer an Easter prime rib dinner for four, including prime rib, four three-cheese twice-baked potatoes, Hawaiian rolls, green bean casserole and cheesecake while supplies last at 1021 W. Grand Ave. and 1811 Baker Drive in Wisconsin Rapids. Orders must be placed by April 1 at 715-423-8350 for Baker Drive and at 715-423-9750 for West Grand Avenue. Orders must be picked up by noon April 5.
Slice of Heaven Bakery will host a free Easter dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at 1158 Snow Pass in Rome. Guests can eat at the event or order for takeout. Reservations are not needed, but those who need a delivery should contact rebeccalacount@gmail.com or call 608-449-0702.
The Whitney will offer an Easter Breakfast Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Hotel Mead Resorts & Convention Centers, 451 E. Grand Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids. Hot dishes include pancakes, pumpkin spice pancakes, french toast casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, quiche, frittatas, breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and chicken and wild rice soup. Cold dishes include a yogurt bar, fruit skewers, deviled eggs, muffins, cranberry bread, croissants, biscuits and an English muffin. Desserts include fruit pie, carrot cake, peach cobbler and coffee cake. The buffet is available by reservation only at 715-423-1500.

Want to add your business to the list? Please email cshuda@usatodayco.com with the name of your restaurant, your Easter hours, what your Easter menu will include, and whether reservations are required.

Source link

Wisconsin

How to live stream Wisconsin vs Dartmouth: NCAA hockey, TV channel

Published

15 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

How to live stream Wisconsin vs Dartmouth: NCAA hockey, TV channel

March continues on the ice as Dartmouth Big Green takes on Wisconsin Badgers in a regional semifinal matchup in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament.

MORE: How to live stream NCAA men’s hockey tournament 2026: TV channel, schedule

How to Watch Wisconsin vs Dartmouth

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026

Wisconsin enters the tournament as one of the more complete teams in the field, combining strong defensive structure with high-end offensive talent. The Badgers have leaned on forward Cruz Lucius, a dynamic scorer capable of creating chances in transition, along with Kirsten Simms, who has been a consistent offensive presence throughout the season. On the blue line, Wisconsin’s physicality and ability to limit quality scoring chances have made it a difficult matchup.

Dartmouth arrives as a disciplined and well-coached group that thrives on structure and goaltending. The Big Green will look to slow the game down and rely on key contributors like John Fusco and Cade Webber to control play in their own zone while generating offense through efficient puck movement.

This matchup will likely come down to pace and execution. Wisconsin prefers to push tempo and create scoring opportunities off the rush, while Dartmouth will aim to keep things tight, limit mistakes, and capitalize on special teams opportunities.

Fans can watch the NCAA hockey tournament across the ESPN family of networks, with games airing on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, while select matchups stream exclusively on ESPN+.

Watch Wisconsin vs Dartmouth Live on Fubo

Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

MARCH MADNESS: 2026 Sweet 16 TV schedule, game times & dates for NCAA Tournament

NFL: Puka Nacua’s attorney downplays biting allegation, claims ‘blackmail’

MLB: Traded Blue Jays outfielder who ‘hated’ Ross Atkins gets honest about GM

NBA: Ranking the 15 teams with best chance to win NBA Finals

SPORTS MEDIA: Pat McAfee makes $100k charity wager with Brewers star for MLB Opening Day

ENTERTAINMENT: ABC teases Taylor Frankie Paul ‘Bachelorette’ season despite ongoing drama

Source link

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for March 25, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Wisconsin Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for March 25, 2026

The Wisconsin Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 25, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 25 drawing

07-21-55-56-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 6-0-9

Evening: 8-8-8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 2-3-0-0

Evening: 4-4-1-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning All or Nothing numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 01-02-04-08-09-10-11-12-19-20-21

Evening: 04-05-06-07-09-10-13-14-16-18-21

Check All or Nothing payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Badger 5 numbers from March 25 drawing

02-09-15-18-29

Check Badger 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning SuperCash numbers from March 25 drawing

02-06-15-18-24-26, Doubler: N

Check SuperCash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Megabucks numbers from March 25 drawing

09-13-18-28-37-38

Check Megabucks payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Prizes up to $599: Can be claimed at any Wisconsin Lottery retailer.
Prizes from $600 to $199,999: Can be claimed in person at a Lottery Office. By mail, send the signed ticket and a completed claim form available on the Wisconsin Lottery claim page to: Prizes, PO Box 777 Madison, WI 53774.
Prizes of $200,000 or more: Must be claimed in person at the Madison Lottery office. Call the Lottery office prior to your visit: 608-261-4916.

Can Wisconsin lottery winners remain anonymous?

No, according to the Wisconsin Lottery. Due to the state’s open records laws, the lottery must, upon request, release the name and city of the winner. Other information about the winner is released only with the winner’s consent.

When are the Wisconsin Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Super Cash: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
All or Nothing (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
All or Nothing (Evening): 9 p.m. CT daily.
Megabucks: 9:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Badger 5: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.

That lucky feeling: Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Feeling lucky? WI man wins $768 million Powerball jackpot **

WI Lottery history: Top 10 Powerball and Mega Million jackpots

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Wisconsin editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link