By Mark Schram, myfishingpartner.com

The Lake Winnebago region has entered one of the first summerlike patterns of the year this week, with a significant warming trend and occasional instability in the atmosphere.

Overall, the Spring season has been very dry, leading to lower-than-normal water levels on the system.  

While the water levels remain slightly lower than average, the system has improved water levels over the last several weeks. The core of engineers has opened several gates on the system allowing for better flow into the waterways. However, as of May 14, the water levels have started to decrease again. Overall, the system is reasonably good, but some of the harbors need to be examined before launching, especially with larger vessels.

Water temperatures are spiking. The northern zone of Lake Winnebago is much cooler than the southern region. Menasha is registering 60.6 degrees, with Fond du Lac chiming in at 65.4 degrees. Oshkosh is 64.6, and Lake Poygan comes in at 67.4.  This is about a 10-degree jump over the last ten days.

Water clarity is extremely clear with some areas of the main lake with visibility over 7 feet. No algae are significantly present. Lake flies have been persistent but not overwhelming. Weed growth is minimal at this point of the season. However, the early Sprig warm-up and clear water could result in a heavy weed season.  

Walleyes remain scattered throughout the system and have not schooled up yet. Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and Lake Buttes Des Mortes hold solid numbers of post-spawn walleyes, especially females. Many of the traditional late spring points are producing walleyes. Areas like Clark’s Point (Winneconne), Sunset Point (Butte Des Mortes), and other regions have male and female walleyes cruising thru the area. As water temperatures move towards 70 degrees, those fish will continue movements toward Lake Winnebago following the baitfish.

On Lake Winnebago, the walleyes are remaining shallow, and the central lake basin (mud) is relatively void of fish. With the increased clarity, some of these walleyes are staging a little deeper than a traditional year. Most anglers are focusing on the 6–10-foot ranges rather than the 6 foot or less structures. Most anglers are using slip bobbers as the technique of choice.

The annual crappie spawning “run” is in its infancy. Some of the warm water pockets and channels are starting to fire up for the spawn. While this run is not in full gear, this week could become the seasonal peak based on the weather forecast. I would expect areas like Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac to be a popular shore spot for these tasty critters this week/weekend. White twister tails or small minnows/jig under a slip bobber have worked best this week.

White bass have been on fire in the rivers. Fremont, WI (Wolf River) has one of the best runs in recent memory, with white bass baskets exceeding 100 fish being reported daily. The size of the white bass has been on the larger size this season.  Many of these fish are from the 2011- and 2012-year classes and are at full maturity. White bass tactics include pulling flies, casting spinners, or jig and minnows.  

Catfish are starting to show up in more significant numbers along the bridges of the Wolf and Fox Rivers. Carp are spawning in some of the back bays on all the lakes. Sheephead are everywhere and primarily concentrated on the reefs and in the rivers.

Walleye tournaments on Lake Winnebago have been registering mediocre weights the past couple of weeks. While a couple of teams/anglers may crack the 10-pound mark on five walleyes in select events, most events have winning weights in the 6–8-pound ranges. Essentially that equates to (5) 16-inch walleyes (many events are catch, photo, and release, and no fish are kept). These lower weight ranges are not uncommon for the post-spawn timetable.

The BASS PRO SHOP/CABELA’S MASTERS WALLEYE CIRCUIT will be in town over the weekend (5-21 to 5-23), along with the Wisconsin Elite Series (bass). This is the calm before the storm, as the Memorial Day Weekend is creeping upon us and the full launch of the recreational boating season and the height of the walleye tournament season.

Have a great week and get on the water!  [email protected] is my email for your reports.  

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