Lake Winnebago and surrounding areas have been under an extended cold front, which has driven fishing trends into late fall patterns. Water temperatures have gone from the mid 60’s to the low 50’s, and the extended forecast for consistent cold weather will drive these water temperature lower. Water clarity is improving. Water levels have been drawn back, and shallow navigation should be done with caution.
In many area lakes, turnover has occurred; however Lake Winnebago does not experience turnover due to its shallow nature. Boat traffic has been very light to non-existent.
The Big Hole (Lakeside Park @ Fond du Lac harbor) has had solid fishing action from the shoreline. Anglers have been reeling in nice sized crappies, along with some excellent sized perch. The majority of successful anglers are using minnows to attract these fish.
Along the southern shore and western reefs, perch and bluegill remain active. Some of the biggest perch of the year have been seen this week, taken on wax worms and minnows. As water temps decline these fish will move into warm water areas, such as bays or along downed wood by the shorelines.
Walleye fishing in the Oshkosh/Neenah area has been sporadic. Jigs on the reefs is the most productive method. The walleye fishing is tough right now, as there is a huge year class of shad in the system currently. This may be a strong early indicator that the ice fishing season may be subpar this year for walleyes due to amount of food available.
Bass fishing on Lake Winnebago has been excellent. Look for remaining weed beds, and the bass will be stacked in those area. Even better if there is a water in-flow (stream/creek) in the area.
The Wolf River is seeing strong numbers of crappies especially along downed trees/wood. This remains a minnow or plastic bite, with white or yellow plastics working best. A vertical jig bite is also occurring in the deep holes for walleyes. Northern pike are also present. If you can endure the cold weather, this is the place to be on the Winnebago system right now.
Just a note that the Highway 41 bridge over Lake Buttes des Mortes now has a walking bridge alongside the highway (east side). There are areas where fishermen can fish off of the bridge, allowing new access points for shore fishermen.
Another note: The Fisherman’s Road launch has an extremely shallow harbor opening currently. With the drawn down water on Lake Winnebago and the 2 foot depth in the harbor opening, extreme caution needs to be exhibited if this ramp is being used. I have not heard if there are plans to dredge the opening anytime soon.
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