Storms close three Wisconsin state parks

The strong storms that delivered heavy rain and strong winds to much of southern Wisconsin have forced the closing of three state parks.

Repairs are under way even as full damage assessments are being compiled. The parks closed are Devil's Lake State Park in Sauk County, Rocky Arbor State Park in Juneau and Sauk counties and Wildcat Mountain State Park in Vernon County.

The Department of Natural Resources also has closed two state trails: the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and the 400 State Trail between Elroy and Reedsburg.

Red tape: More headaches coming for guides. Although not exactly new, a security requirement imposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland security might soon have fishing guides scrambling to keep their licenses.

Effective April 15, 2009, all holders of U.S. Coast Guard-issued licenses are required to have a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), which entails a security background check and additional fees. After the deadline, existing licenses become invalid unless the holder has a TWIC.

Rewind: A week after the VHS fish disease was ruled the cause of a large round goby fish kill in Lake Michigan near Milwaukee, the same virus was detected in yellow perch collected about three miles from the fish kill site. What's next?

Fishing report:

Fox Chain: All lakes are closed to flooding conditions, but if you manage to find an opening on the shoreline, chances are you'll find some bass and even some walleyes on Lake Marie and Channel Lake. The Fox River also is closed down as well.

Lake Michigan: The perching is steady but not great at Montrose and Belmont Harbors. Boaters are finding small schools at Lake Forest down around 55 feet. Coho salmon action is picking up out of Waukegan. Decent-size fish are being caught from 70-foot depths.

Lake Delavan, Wis.: Largemouth continues but not quite as good as last week.