The dog days of August arrived on Lake Winnebago this week with normal temperatures heading into the weekend. The previous week held subpar air temperatures, which drove water temperatures to the lower 70 degree range. Water clarity is very stained. The anglers have been entertained by the numerous unique aircraft flying over head for the EAA convention.
The majority of anglers have focused on perch fishing, and it is not uncommon to find local boat ramps full prior to 6 am. Overall, post cold front, the fishing has slowed from previous weeks
Perch have been active system wide, but the southern third of the lake is shinning for better activity. Pockets of fish can be found, but the perch are roaming, and anglers need to be ready to adjust during the day. Average bags were running between 5-15 perch per boat.
In the Fond du Lac area, north of the “D buoy” (North of the lighthouse) is holding moderate sized perch and an occasional bluegill. Slip bobbers are out shinning dead sticks with a quarter of a crawler. To the east near Clarence’s Harbor another pod of perch continues to provide excitement in the weeds. This also is a slip bobber bite. Hellgrammites have been an excellent bait choice in this area.
The Third Reef was fairly vacant of boats, but perch were holding on the reef, feeding on pockets of snails (not Zebra mussels).
Moving north along the east shore, Brookhaven and Deadwood Points continue to be destinations for many anglers. I fished these areas on Saturday and only found small perch. Toward Fisherman’s road there remains a large pod of boats working the area. There are a lot of small sheephead in the mix in some of these areas. Target areas are in 9-14 feet of water.
To the west, there are some better perch coming just outside of Fraction Island, and again outside of the big island at Wendt’s. Dead sticks are doing best here. Gene’s Reef/Abrahams Reef are also holding some perch along with an occasional walleye. Kalibus’s and Long Point also report inconsistent catch rates currently.
Walleyes have become scarce, partly due to fewer anglers specifically targeting them. The majority of “catchable” walleyes continue to hold in one of two locations:
- Check the reef sides when a calm wind exists and check the reef tops with a stronger wind. It appears these walleyes are sliding on and off the reefs based on weather conditions. Often targeting lures at the reef top heights in deeper water will produce active walleyes.
- Weed walleyes. The walleyes continue to use the weeds as a means to protect themselves from the sun, and use the weeds as ambush points to hunt prey. These active walleyes can be targeted by fast moving crank baits or slow moving harnesses.
Some of the better walleye areas include Long Point, the mouth of the Fox River, Horseshoe Reef and Winnebago Point.
The mud bite continues to be weak. White Bass are now thick in the deeper water, and can provide plenty of action for anglers. The size of these fish is impressive. Large sheephead can be found in all regions of the lake.
I didn’t receive any reports from the north this week, and I was focused on the Bay of Green Bay with the Cabelas National Walleye Tour. Just a side note….The Bay continues to produce huge walleyes! Picture attached. Have a great week. My email is [email protected].
