By Mark Schram, Myfishingpartner.com
The Winnebago system continues to host infrequent ice anglers, as the ice on the main lake is still holding out, but has deteriorated greatly since the last report. Over the last few weeks, several warm weather events passed through the area, breaking down the ice sheet. Water clarity continues to improve, however remains variable across the entire lake. Area feeder creeks are mainly open water and the mouths of these creeks should be deemed as unsafe.
On the south end of Lake Winnebago, about 6-8 inches of ice exists, with approximately 8” of slush under the ice. The ice is breaking down from the bottom up. There are many areas of the lake which have nasty looking ice, and bottom line, I would avoid the lake right now.
With the projected warm front moving in next week, the season is likely over after this weekend for Lake Winnebago. We may have open water on the system in early April in 2016, based on these trends.
The Fox River in Oshkosh has open water, but is not boat ready yet. Ice flows are extremely heavy. Lake Poygan still has some activity heading out with ATV’s. The landings are soft but there was about 12 inches of ice on the lake. Fishing has been slow.
For those looking for a detailed report on Lake Winnebago, just an overview can be given. White bass have been the story line, and they are very active on the system currently. Most anglers are using smaller jigging raps and small spoons. On tougher days, jigs like gill pills tipped with spikes, have been productive.
Walleyes have been a tough find this winter. Over the last several years we have been spoiled with weak forage bases, making those walleyes chase more baits and were easier to catch. With an increased forage base in 2016, the walleyes need to chase baits less as the food they need to survive is more plentiful.
Battle on Bago was held last weekend. Results were driven from white bass catches. Walleyes were
rare but the largest walleye weighted in by Jeff Dreher at 6.122 pounds. No final fish harvest numbers
were available.
The Wolf River has been hosting both ice fishermen and shore fishermen. Boat activity is still a little early.
The Fox River in De Pere (Green Bay) is ready for boats. The launches are open but the docks are not yet in. Male walleyes are staged in the river and can be found in large numbers on the flats. Targeting 10-16 feet of water with pitched jigs and plastics has resulted in the best catch rates. Many of these walleyes are associated with warmer water, so look to the flats and warm water flows to be your location guides. A few females have shown up to date. Expect an early spawn this year. Average spawn date is April 10th, but I would expect the run to happen in the last week of March or first week of April in 2016. Likely we will have an elongated spawn with multiple waves of fish moving up to spawn over several weeks.
Swamp Donkey (the mobile fishing hut at Dairy Queen Launch in De Pere) is open and fully stocked for your live and artificial bait needs. Speaking of Swamp Donkey, they have a complete lineup of EchoTails, RS nets, and all the lead products you could dream of in terms of jigs.
Upcoming is the Milwaukee Fishing Expo this coming weekend. Expect De Pere and the Fox River to maintain the attention by area anglers, until the main lakes of the Winnebago system open up. This is the best time of the year for me. Big walleyes, concentrated fish and a definite ego boost after a long winter!
Have a great couple of weeks! Get out and rip some lips. mark@myfishignpartner is my email.
