Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Waterfalls roar after week's rain

By RALPH ANSAMI

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Waterfall watchers should enjoy a banner weekend after the 2 to 2.5 inches of rain fell across northern Wisconsin this week rivers are roaring.

The weekly report of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources notes river levels have risen throughout the north.

Potato River Falls offers some free waterfall watching, while people willing to pay a state park fee might visit Copper Falls State Park near Mellen.

The numerous waterfalls near Black River Harbor are also a good destination for a drive.

Although the Brule River shot higher, there was still some good steelhead fishing available.

White suckers are starting to run in many inland streams and Great Lakes tributaries as the water is warming up.

Other signs summer is around the corner include red maples are flowering, upland sandpipers calling and turkeys starting to lay eggs, the DNR said.

DNR personnel at Park Falls said lake and river water temperatures are still very cold. Walleyes are still spawning and should be close to shore for next Saturday’s opener on the Gile Flowage.

Some paddlers have been taking advantage of the bugless weather and good water level on the Flambeau River, using the scenic river sites for camping and day-use. The DNR notes all-terrain vehicle trails are closed on state property until May 15.

On the Northern Highlands American Legion State Forest, about half of the 50 boarding docks had been installed and most were expected to be put in before the fishing opener.