A series of cold fronts moved through the Lake Winnebago region over the past 10 days, resulting in heavy north and east winds.  The main lake saw heavy waves, restricting the amount of productive fishing time this week.  Water temps have fallen into the mid 60’s, and there is a heavy stain to the water column.

As a result of the weather, many anglers headed into the Fox River and the Upper Lakes to catch fish.

Walleyes remain scattered throughout  Lake Winnebago.  There are some small pockets of large walleyes on the central basin.  Crappies continue to be common while trolling or still fishing.  Perch are becoming more common while trolling.

On Lake Winnebago, reports are were very limited this week:

The mud bite has been best north of Oshkosh in 17 to 20 feet.  Both cranks and harnesses are producing moderate numbers of fish.  On an average day, anglers will spend several hours locating the fish, before picking up multiple fish in a pass.  The walleyes continue to be roaming the flats, and from the girth of the fish, there is no shortage of food on the system.

The reefs are holding walleyes, especially on the windy days.  A jig and a leech was the best method.   Slip bobbers and leeches are doing well.  Leeches are always productive, but this year it seems they are especially effective.

The shallow water walleye bite remains in play, along with an emerging weed bite.  Jigs and live bait are the best attractant.

The Fox River in Oshkosh is holding some bigger walleyes, especially near the bridges.  Poor water quality is a contributing factor to a slowdown in the bite.  Catfish have been very active, especially at the Ohio Street Bridge.

Lake Buttes des Mortes was busy this weekend, with anglers finding numerous sheephead and crappies while trolling.  Small to moderate sized walleyes can be caught trolling the open flats.  Some of the cane beds were active this weekend with the heavy winds.

Lake Poygan’s Horseshoe Hole was a popular trolling destination.  There were fish being caught consistently, including mid-sized walleyes, white bass, largemouth bass, sheephead, perch and crappie.  A stray northern pike was also reported.

The last two weeks have been frustrating to me.  I can’t remember a recent stretch of time where I have had such limited success, and haven’t been able to rectify the situation.  I think I am in a slump, because other anglers are producing fish consistently.  So if you are struggling, you are not alone.

I would expect the hot and stormy weather predicted for this week to slow the bite.  The fish will likely move deeper with the numerous thunderstorms predicted.  Water temps may rise, and if they do, expect the largemouth to start moving onto the spawning beds.  An algae bloom is likely soon.  Depending on the amount of rain received, the river could completely shut down (lots of rain), or really fire up (limited rain).

Tournaments this weekend:  Dale Blanck Memorial Tournament (west shore) and the Brickyard Walleye Tournament occur on Saturday.  ‘Bago Walleye Club and Sheboygan Walleye Club hold events on Sunday out of Menomonie Park and Columbia Park respectably.  2014 CARPZILLA & ROUGH FISH ASSASSINS WINNEBAGO CHAIN TOURNAMENT occurs all weekend out of Lake Poygan.

That’s all folks!  [email protected] is my email.  Please feel free to send your reports, or enter your Master Angler submissions for Lake Winnebago.  We are currently reevaluating the process for the on-line submissions to make it more user friendly.  Thank you for reading this report, and supporting Myfishingpartner.com.