Anglers have returned in droves to Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan and many other area lakes and river back waters. Many of the anglers have been more intent on getting on the ice, rather than catching fish. Many itches have been scratched. In general, ice depths range from 3-6 inches in most areas, and water clarity on Lake Winnebago is dirty. Access is the biggest issue facing anglers, because the main lake areas (Lake Winnebago) just aren’t ready to be used yet.
Overall, the entire system has had heavy traffic in the areas which can be accessed. Because of the limited fishing locations, a cold front, and muddy water conditions — fishing has been spotty at best. Bright colors have been the most productive, simply because they are more visible in the water column.
North Fond du Lac: There has been an uptick of activity on the main lake just outside the channel which leads into the Chaparral. This area is a pan fish nirvana, and some average sized perch were being reported along with small bluegills. All anglers were remaining inside of the heaves as of Tuesday. Spikes are doing better than waxies.
Wendt’s (Van Dyne, WI): I worked this area on Monday. There was a solid 6” plus in the area I fished. Heavy fishing pressure was the norm, with only a few perch reported from the anglers I spoke to on site. Personally, after 2 hours, with just one shad on the camera, I picked up and went home defeated. The water is very stained here, with about 1 foot of visibility.
The Big Hole (Fond du Lac Harbor) Mid week, a small walleye bite was present between the lighthouse and the yacht club. Walleyes caught were from the 2011 class, all averaging about 12 inches. By New Years day, this area was nearly vacant of fisherman.
Asylum Bay (Oshkosh): Heavy pressure from many anglers has taken a decent bite and turned it into a negative bite. This area was featuring some nice catches of bluegills and perch at first ice, but has cooled off. 6” of ice is the norm here. Most of the activity has moved out to the points, towards deeper water.
Cowling Bay (North of Oshkosh): This area is a mystery….less pressure than Asylum Bay, but no one is talking about what is going on here. That generally means it is really slow, or really hot.
East Shore: The southern portion of the east shore has some horrible ice. The jagged ice is nearly impossible to navigate, and hence very little action has been seen here. On the northern portion of the east shore, there are some isolated pockets of open water. Brothertown reports 4-6” of ice currently, between the shore and the first crack.
Wolf River – The Templeton Bayou (north of Fremont) has been producing bluegills, crappies and some nice sized northern pike. Ice depths here were reported at 7”.
Lake Poygan – Earlier in the week, Horseshoe Hole was on fire with midsized walleyes. Anglers were walking out to the hole, and were rewarded with some nice limits. This bite has subsided for the most part, but a few walleyes have been caught over the holiday weekend. ATV’s are getting around on the ice, but depths do range from 4-8”. Most are accessing the lake via Boom Bay, Herbst or Spruce Lane. An occasional white bass have been in the mix for the anglers. Overall, pan fish and white bass fishing have been subpar. I have not heard any pike reports out of this area.
Be sure to stop in at River Haus in Fond du Lac to grab your live bait. A new parking lot has been added on the south end of the building. Fresh minnows are being delivered often.
Conditions will continue to improve, especially with the arctic blast occurring now. It is possible that the main lake could start to see some activity in the next 5-10 days. Be safe on the ice, and always remember the ice is never completely safe. Stay on top, and check out our next report in about a week to 10 days. Please send your reports (good and bad) to me at [email protected]. We do the best we can with the reports and calls I receive, so be sure to keep us posted so we do not miss anything! Thanks for the support of the site!
