A very nice week of summer weather hung around the entire week, making Lake Winnebago a playground for area anglers.  Water temps have remained in the low 70’s, with improving water quality. The weed growth has blossomed greatly, and now are at near normal levels.

A light south wind persisted most of the week on Lake Winnebago, making fishing patterns predictable this past weekend.  As a result, anglers found good numbers of fish.  Most anglers are leaving the lake with smiles on their faces right now, as the bite remains excellent.

Walleyes were common system wide.  The long winter, matched with a cool spring, has slowed seasonal trends for this summer.  As a result the dog days of summer have not arrived yet.  In a typical year, walleyes become scarce by the end of July, and the perch will be in full gear.  This year walleyes are available, but perch are only available in limited numbers.

The central basin bite (Mud) continues to be a challenge.  Walleyes are roaming and in small pods rather than large schools.  Sheephead and white bass are common while working the mud.  Crawler harnesses and crank baits are having similar successes.  Green or purple colored blades or crank baits have been the best colors the past week.

If targeting walleyes, especially of average size, the reefs and shallow rocks are the place to target.  These areas will have the walleyes on the reef tops when the wind is heavier, and often on the side of reef when winds are light.   The transition areas (rock to mud) will also hold walleyes.

The best way to target these fish is via a jig and half a crawler.  (A full crawler will result in short bites, or will attract sheephead)  The jig can be pitched and worked down the drop off of the reef, or can be dragged over the top.  When dragging crawlers, make sure your speed remains below 1 mph, preferably around .5 to .7 mph.

Stockbridge has had a solid walleye trolling bite this week on size 7 Flicker Shads.

Long Point remains busy with a mixed bag of fish on the reef.

The Third Reef is hosting many anglers targeting perch and walleyes.  There are a lot of small walleyes on the Third Reef, especially in the 6-8 inch range.

Anglers north of the Big Island at Wendt’s and the Abraham’s reef area are having success on bluegills, crappies and perch.

Asylum Bay and Garlic Island areas are producing a solid mix of walleyes, perch, crappies and an occasional catfish. Larger walleyes and bass can be found in the weed beds.

Mansur’s Reef has a nice mix of perch and walleyes.

Heavy populations of white bass are now located in the Fox River in Oshkosh.  Catfish are also common. Look for walleyes hanging around the bridge pillars.

Bago Walleye Club held their third event of 2014 on Sunday.  Winning weight was just over 20 pounds.  Most teams netted 5 fish, with average weights around 10 pounds.

A quick report on the Bay of Green Bay:  We fished about the southern bay over the weekend.  Water temperatures are still cool for this time of year (67 degrees), and the walleyes have remained in the southern bay.  The Shark Fin and Geanos areas are producing some large walleyes, especially early in the morning.  This bite turns off around 11 am.  The walleyes are in small pods, and generally are hard to catch in numbers.  Crawler harnesses are out producing cranks by a large margin.  Purple or pink have been excellent color choices.  The AIM Pro tour will be on the bay this week.  We fished the SWC this weekend, and the winning weight was 23.8 pounds on 3 fish.

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