Mild temperatures graced the Lake Winnebago region for the majority of the week, with some moderate rainfall. This was the first time the temperatures topped 70 degrees in over 200 days. Water temps spiked on the main lake, and feeder creeks and channels had water temperatures reaching into the mid 60’s.
Anglers hit the lakes in heavy numbers this week, and they were rewarded with the best bite of the year so far.
It is easy to write a fishing report this week, and this report will be short due to conditions. To catch fish on the west side of Lake Winnebago: put a line in the water.
Male walleyes are dumping out of the Fox River in huge numbers. The western reefs near the river mouth are stacked with walleyes, all which are feeding heavily after their post spawn recuperation.
Many of the walleyes are in the 15-19 inch ranges, and are making for popular table fare. These walleyes were attacking anything moving in the water column. Size, color, and shape didn’t seem to matter to these fish. Slip bobbers with either leeches or crawlers were productive on some of the popular reefs while anchored. Casting cranks, jigging and trolling are all productive.
The far northern and the far southern areas of the lake have not seen the large populations of walleyes yet, but resident fish were active in a few areas. The east shore was still slow, but that will change in the next few days.
Crappies are being caught in back waters and shallow water, especially near wood. The size of these fish is very impressive. Asylum Bay is loaded full of crappies and best targeted with small minnows under a bobber. Bluegills are starting to move in to prepare for spawning in similar areas. Perch have been fairly scarce.
The Wolf River continues to pump out white bass. I still believe the main run has not started yet, so it is encouraging to see so many white bass up the river early.
On Green Bay, the Long Tail and Little Tail areas are holding a lot of walleyes, especially between 6-9 feet of water. Pink has been a hot color on the bay this year. The quality of the fish in these areas is declining, but 23-27 inch fish are still common. Geanos continues to pick up as is Oconto with larger walleyes. University Bay is also holding strong numbers of mid-sized fish.
The Green Bay Aim Walleye event was won with almost 56 pounds. That’s an 11 pound average! The winners were north, and assumed to be in or near the Menomonee River using a jigging technique. I received no information from the Critters event in Winneconne this weekend.
This weekend has a few small bar tournaments scattered around Lake Winnebago, and should not impact many launch sites. Team Myfishingpartner will look to defend their 2013 title at the Guido’s and Koeckers event on Saturday. It will be nice to have my boat back, after being on the disabled list this past weekend with some needed gel coat work.
Keep the reports coming at [email protected]. Get on the water!
