Pop up storms dominated the weather headlines for the entire week keeping areas angler watching their smart phone radars while on Lake Winnebago. Air temperatures remained stable around 80 degrees, and water temps also remained in the low 70’s. A heavy stain persists in the water column with about one foot of visibility in most places. Algae is persistent, but not problematic. Floating debris can be a hindrance while trolling.
Plenty of opportunities are present for anglers of multi-species. This has been an excellent season for most game fish, and the trend is expected to continue.
The main story line revolves around the white bass in the Fox River in Oshkosh. The fish are actively feeding in the river and are in massive schools, especially near the bridges. The best way to target these fish is with crank baits, spinners or flies. White bass in the river is a common occurrence, but in early August is slightly odd in these massive numbers.
Walleyes continue to be found on reefs and in the weeds. The mud bite is improving. It is quite possible as the water temperatures on Lake Winnebago rise that a mud bite will still form. Normal water temperatures reach around 80 degrees in early June. We have not achieved this level at any point in 2014. An extended period of air temperatures in the mid 80’s will drive the walleyes deeper in search of cooler water and food.
Perch fishing is hit and miss. Anglers are catching a few fish each trip, with some reaching their limits. Bass fishing remains strong along the weed lines.
By Location:
Fox River: White bass action is non-stop. Walleyes are often staged near the bridges, or along current breaks. Catfish are active throughout the entire river.
Mouth of the Fox River: There has been an uptick of walleye activity out of the mouth in deeper water. Harnesses and crank baits are producing midsized fish.
Black Wolf area: There are a lot of anglers targeting pan fish in this area. There is a nice mix of crappies, bluegills and perch in the area. As usual, sheephead are thick. Walleyes are common.
Jesuit area: There continues to be a solid weed and rock bite for walleyes in this area. Bass are also active in the shallow weed beds, especially where shade is present. Sheephead are thick in these pockets.
Hwy 45 Wayside (near North Fond du Lac): A trolling bite exists for larger walleyes residing in the shallow weeds. These fish are best targeted in 3-6 feet of water with crawler harnesses. In deeper water, one of the better perch bites is occurring. Small worms, such as red worms or butter worms, have been taking most of the fish.
Fond du Lac: The “A” buoy has held some perch, but not great numbers. Third Reef was extremely slow. The transition zone east of the light house held the best sized perch, about 1 mile north of Luco Road.
Fisherman’s Road: The area to the south of the launch remains slow, but has occasional periods of active perch. A few walleyes are also in the mix. The best perch fishing seemed to be in the 11-13 foot ranges. I tried some of the high points/shallow water in the area, but only sheephead and small mouth were active.
Brothertown and Stockbridge have had some excellent days for perch fishing. There have also been some bad days. Walleye fishing remains solid in the 10-17 foot ranges. Try Flicker Shads while trolling.
Near Jefferson Park in Neenah, walleyes are present in the 16 foot ranges. Perch are also active, with some bigger fish being reported on the reefs and transition zones south of the launch.
The ‘Bago Walleye Club held their final event for the year on Sunday. No results were available. No major walleye tournaments are scheduled until September. The Quinney Fishing Club has a sheephead tournament this Saturday.
Have a great week on the water. [email protected] is my email. Special thanks for the awesome reports this week. Shout outs to Brian, Patrick, Big T, Jeff, Shawn and Mike. The new Flicker Minnows are now on store shelves at select retailers (Bass Pro Shops). It looks like we will have awesome weather most of this week. Get on the water!
