A week of variable weather conditions dictated change on the Winnebago System. Several recent snowfalls in the Eastern Wisconsin region have resulted in tougher travel conditions on the area lakes due to snow drifts. Many of the access points have become worn down from constant vehicle traffic. Ice depths remain in the 20 plus inch range over the majority of Lake Winnebago and Lake Poygan. With that said, condition remain very favorable for ice fishermen on Lake Winnebago and Lake Poygan
On Lake Winnebago, Ice bridges remain in place around Oshkosh, and are expected to be in place through the weekend of 3/10/13. The West Shore Fishing Club bridges were pulled last weekend and the tree lines have been removed.
Many of the game fish species are currently on the move. Consistency is not a common word in most area angler’s vocabulary. Pan fish have started the migration toward shallower water, while male walleyes continue to stage in and around the Oshkosh area in preparation for spring movements up the Fox River.
The Merritt Street groups (Oshkosh) have had mixed results. White bass and crappies have a strong presence, but have become finicky towards many presentations. One has to wonder how many jigging raps they have seen in the last 30 days. Be sure to try a variety of baits and motions until you can hoan in on the exact presentations the fish want each day.
There seems to be a correlation between excellent fishing activity and clear skies. More than likely this is a sunlight penetration issue. The snow cover has reduced light into the water column over the past week.
Walleyes have had better concentrations around the Fox River this past week. Many of the male walleyes are from the 2011 class and the overall average is about 9-15”. Saugers have been concentrated in the center portions of the lake, and can be expected to start moving toward the northern main lake spawning areas shortly.
Perch and bluegills can be found along the western shore, moving tighter to the shore lines in preparation for late ice. This typically is one of the best ice bites of the year in the next several weeks. Targeting old weed beds is a critical philosophy this time of year.
Open water has appeared in the Green Bay and De Pere on the Upper Fox River. A boat can be launched from the Metro Launch in Green Bay; however, ice jams prohibit travel past the bridges to get to the dam. The Voyager Launch was still ice locked as of Wednesday, but is expected to be open by the weekend (with a little help from backhoes). A fishing report from Chase….One walleye, two frozen feet (or something like that).
The Wolf River remains mainly ice locked and continues to be plagued by low water levels. The existing snow pack should remedy the low water once melted, and hopefully will provide some strong current to call the walleyes to their spawning grounds.
The weather forecast is for warmer temps with a chance for rain. More than likely this will be the last weekend of safe car and truck travel on Lake Winnebago before ice out. Be safe on the ice, and Stay on TOP!
If you wish to contribute to this fishing report please feel free to send me your reports at [email protected]. We continue to improve the site each week from our reconstruction of the web page. Please excuse our mess. Some awesome features are coming, so stay tuned!
