Mild temperatures and warm water has been the story line this week in Eastern Wisconsin.  Lake Winnebago has seen little fishing pressure, but water temps remain in the mid 60’s, which is a normal September water temp.  The water clarity on the south end has been fairly clear, with several feet of visibility.  Moving north, more algae are in the water.

The unusually warm fall has fishing patterns very similar to August and September.  Many of the October trends have not developed, with the exception of the white bass.

White bass are the main story line this week.  In many areas of the lake, large schools of white bass have formed, and are on a feeding binge in preparation for winter.  In Fond du Lac, as the bass schools follow the baitfish schools, white bass will push shad up in the water column. The stunned shad will surface and large flocks of seagulls will feed upon the shad.  Use the seagull flocks to locate the white bass schools.   If you wanted to spend the day fishing for these guys, a 100 fish day would not be out of the question. (New video on the video page is uploaded)

Trolling is ideal, and quicker speeds should be used.  Ideally 2.3-3.5 mphs will be attractive speeds.  A reaction bite is vital, due to all the feed in the system currently.  Setting up on a school is another method.  Try casting inline spinners, spoons, and standard crank baits to these fish on the main lake.  In the Fox River, pulling flies or casted plastics will also be productive.

Perch fishing has picked up once again, with the warming trend.  The Third Reef has been solid, but Abrahams and Genes Reef have been the most productive.  Dead sticks are the best method, and I found a little more crawler than normal was preferred this week.  Chartreuse beads out produced all other colors.  Black Wolf, Asylum Bay and Fisherman’s Road are all producing limited number of perch.

Bluegills are also in the mix in many locations, along with some dandy sized sunfish.

Crappies have been more active.  The Wolf River is a great place to start.  Many of the back bays, harbors and boat launches are holding solid sized crappies currently on Lake Winnebago.  Minnows are the key here.

Walleyes are still in the mix, and should be targeted in shallow water via jigs.  Choice of bait can range from soft plastics, crank baits, crawlers and minnows.

That’s all for now.  Get on the water. [email protected] is my email, and feel free to drop me a line.  Next report as conditions change.