Lake Winnebago and the surrounding area had a fabulous week of weather with warm temperature and stable conditions. Water temps rose into the low 70 degree mark, with water clarity on the north end of the lake exceeding 10 feet (Sunday’s heavy rain is likely to change the water clarity levels). Lake flies are present, but not a major nuisance. A large manure spill (farm) at Columbia Park has resulted in a massive fish kill in the Pipe Creek.
With the quick rise in water temperatures on Lake Winnebago, many species of fish are transitioning to different phases of their yearly cycles. Sheephead are spawning in the deeper waters near the river, walleyes are making seasonal location changes, bluegills are heading into spawning areas, and the crappies have the feed bag on right now after completing their spawn. Bass are also moving toward their spawning beds.
The main story line continues to be the crappies. The crappies are active system wide, and if you are a walleye troller, you may be getting annoyed with the large number of these fish you are catching. In many areas of the lake anglers are targeting these fish by slip bobbers and trolling.
Walleyes remain readily available, with numerous fish under 20 inches being caught in water under 13 feet. Larger walleyes are scarce.
By Location:
East Shore (Fond du Lac): This area is jammed pack full of crappies. It is almost impossible to keep these fish off your line. Whether by slip bobber or trolling, limits are fairly easy to come by at this time.
Third Reef: A solid mix of sheephead, walleyes and crappies are in the general area. Bluegills are moving onto the reef currently.
West shore south of Wendts: Cookie cutter walleyes around 15 inches are common in this region, along with strong numbers of crappies, bluegill, sheephead and white bass. We also picked up some largemouth bass in the region.
The Long Point Complex: The reefs are holding more sheepheads than walleyes, but pan fishermen are catching good numbers of fish. Just outside of the complex, in 13-15 feet of water, an off the reef bite has developed for walleyes. This is not a secret, and the area is packed with boats.
Jesuit/Stretch: Small walleyes can be taken in the shallow bays and points. The bays are full of crappies.
Mouth of the Fox River: The larger walleyes appear to have vacated the river mouth and have headed to deeper water. Eater sized walleyes remain in the mouth. Carp, Catfish, Sheephead, and White Bass are common catches.
Menomonie Park area/Asylum Bay/Garlic Island: Sheephead have taken over many areas here. The ultra-clear water is also playing a role in moving these fish to deeper water.
Stevens Reef: Mainly pan fish here, with some walleyes mixed in.
Mud/central basin: There have been some walleyes making the move to deeper water, mainly due to water clarity. By no means is this bite red-hot yet.
Lake Butte des Mortes/Lake Poygan: The cane beds have been active for walleyes and carp. The size of the walleyes remains on the average size.
Tournament News: The Van Dyne Lions had a winning weight at about 23 pounds this past weekend. Winners were rumored to be trolling in deeper water. The Stockbridge Walleye event was held on Saturday. No results were available.
This weekend is the Mercury National Walleye Tournament in Fond du Lac. There are still openings as of Sunday for the 300 boat field. Team Myfishingpartner looks to break its long jinx in 2014. Be sure to stop out at the Lighthouse in Lakeside Park for the weigh in on Saturday and Sunday. Walleye Weekend is an awesome event, and if you never have attended, you are missing out on a lot of fun (including a concert by 80’s band Night Ranger…you know….You can still rock in America, Sister Christian etc…).
There will be heavy traffic on the lake for the next 14 days. Plan to be at your launches early, and expect lots of company on the water. [email protected] is my email. Have a great week on the water and thanks for supporting our site!
