We got Ice! The colder temperatures after the blizzard from last week have given Lake Winnebago a sheet of ice, which thickens each day. Minimal winds have also allowed for some consistency in ice depths in many areas. The long term forecast is for consistent temperatures, with overnight lows in the mid teens with one small snow event predicted.
I did get a chance to check out several of the key locations along the west and south shores. Here is what I found:
Lakeside Park (Aka…Big Hole in Fond du Lac). About 3 inches of ice was in the harbor as of Christmas day. Anglers have been walking on the ice for several days; however, I did find lesser ice amounts near the wood piers(1.5 inches). Some anglers were catching a few pan fish. I did fish the area for a couple of hours, and never had a bite on waxies. The water was fairly stained in this area.
Chaparral (North Fond du Lac). This area has had some steady fishing pressure. Because of the natural protection of the bay, ice depths were pushing 4”. The bite has been solid, with many bluegills and perch present. Most of these fish were not quality fish, and very few keepers were reported.
Black Wolf and Wendts: No activity.
Millers Bay and Asylum Bay: When I checked ice depths on Monday, both areas had less than 2 inches of ice. No fishermen were on the ice at that time. The last several days has allowed some anglers on the ice with marginal success. The most recent report I had was 4.5” of ice. Moving to find schools of fish is critical right now. Once the fish are located, try switching baits and colors until the right combination is found.
Skipper Buds (Oshkosh along HWY 41): The first couple of days of ice were excellent in this area. Limits of nice sized bluegills were reported. Remember, this is not a public fishing grounds, if entering from the Marina. Parking at the Marina could lead to parking tickets and/or trespassing violations.
East Shore: the ice on the east shore has been slower to develop. As of 12/26, there were open water pockets fairly close to shore.
Lake Poygan: There have been some whispers that the pan fishing in Boom Bay has been excellent. Bluegills, crappies and perch were reported. 2-3 inches of ice was common.
Wolf River: No reports – as much of the river is still open water.
As always, no ice is ever completely safe. Ice depths listed are never to be taken for granted, and can vary great. The ice continues to change hour by hour and day to day.
No matter where you head, there is zero snow pack on the ice surface. It is highly advisable to wear some type of boot cleat while on the ice. Broken shoulders reduce fishing time…just saying.
While some anglers are venturing onto the ice, for many people the ice is not ready for their travel. Let your experience be your guide, and a good spud doesn’t hurt either. Take all the precautions necessary to make it home safely, so you can read our next fishing report! Happy New Year to all! Please send your reports, questions or comments to [email protected]. Don’t forget you can get additional updates during the week at our Facebook page or by following us on twitter. Links are on our main page.
