Lake Winnebago’s cold water continues to make waves, and not ice. Outside temperatures hover around 40 degrees each day, allowing for no ice production. Occasionally, the back bays have added a thin layer of ice for a day or two, but consistent ice has not occurred.
Unfortunately, there is nothing to report on the main lake currently. Boats have been stored, and anglers are awaiting their first opportunity to walk on some ice.
Moving north to the Wolf River, there is still some boat traffic on the Wolf on a rare occasion. Male walleyes are present, and can be taken on a jig and minnow. Many of the walleyes are last year’s class, and are in the 10-14 inch category. Some of the backwater areas have had a little bit of ice, enough to allow for a few good days of ice fishing to date.
The 2012 hatch of walleyes was very poor, according to DNR sources, and is in the bottom 10 for historical year classes. The huge hatch from the previous year could overcome the shortcomings of the 2012 year class.
The long range weather forecast offers some hope that the area may start having some substantial ice forming on the lake in the next 10 days.
Area sport shops need your help right now. The warm temperatures have decimated many businesses. As these owner struggles with a lack of business, they would appreciate any business they could transact right now. Please make a stop at your favorite shop, and support these local businesses, if possible.
I want to wish each of you a Happy Holiday Season. Hopefully we will have something to report soon.
