A moderation in the outdoor temperatures was a pleasant relief for many anglers in the Lake Winnebago Region. Ice depths continue to be excellent, exceeding 32’” in most areas of the main lake. The snow pack has been reduced, and the main roads are in reasonable condition, with some slush pockets and wear on many of the main passages. Water clarity is clear. Some of the access points are showing vehicle wear, from excessive use. Movement around the lake is fairly easy.
With the recent deadline for removal of permanent shanties, the lake seems vacant in many areas.
Fishing reports are sporadic. There are some schools of white bass especially along the eastern shore and out of Merritt. A third school is present about 4 miles out of the Fugelburg Launch in Oshkosh. These schools are small, and tightly gathered. If you can get directly overhead, fantastic days are being seen. If you cannot locate a school, you will likely have a mediocre day on the ice.
Walleyes continue to stage for the spring run. There continues to be concentrations of walleyes close to the river mouth in Oshkosh and near some of the major western reefs. Males have started moving up the Fox and Wolf River under the ice. The mud bite is very slow, except for the first year class walleyes which are everywhere.
Perch have been moderately actively system wide. Many of the perch are running on the small size, especially on the south end. As ice conditions break down, these fish will move into the shallow bays in anticipation of spawning. Larger perch are being targeted in the traditional fall transition zones.
With the thick ice layer and a heavier than normal snow pack on area lakes, there are reduced levels of oxygen in the water. It is not helping that we had an early ice-up, and an expected later than normal ice-out compounding the concern. As a result, fish are sluggish and are in survival mode as opposed to feeding.
The attached photo is from a lake in Minnesota where the crappies are attempting to get some oxygen.
Lake Poygan is the recipient of the migrating walleyes. Larger number of fish are present with many of them cruising just under the ice surface.
When oxygen levels deplete, often the fish will move up to the top of the water column, seeking the most oxygen rich water (located at the surface).
Given the depleted oxygen levels, fishing can become a challenge. It is also important to note that once a fish is caught and released, it must be done so quickly to reduce the stress levels of the fish.
Some of the ‘Bago faithful have transitioned to other areas, or are just simply putting their ice fishing gear away in hopes Spring will show up.
The Fox River in DePere has been a popular destination for anglers, looking for staging walleyes which are moving up under the ice. The main river is usually not safe, but with the harsh winter ice thickness is supporting ice fishing activities. Normally, the river would have ice out occurring at this time. There is heavy fishing pressure, with moderate success. Larger male walleyes are common.
Just a reminder that it is time to get a new fishing license. [email protected] is my email. Next report as conditions change. Hang in there, Spring is coming.
