The weather man sent an arctic blast mid week onto the frozen Tundra of Winnebagoland, followed by some milder temperatures to start the new week. Ice depths on the main lake remain inconsistent but range from 12-16 inches in most locations. The bridges and tree lines are now in place, and travel on the lake is relatively easy for most vehicles. Water clarity remains good for the most part system wide.
The mouths of the rivers are not safe, as confirmed by the deaths of two snowmobilers this past week. Our sympathies go out to the family’s whom have lost loved ones. Please be careful on the ice.
Unfortunately, I was out of town for the majority of the week (at the National Professional Anglers Association Conference), so I did not get to talk to too many people this week. The local bait shops are describing the bite on Lake Winnebago as “spotty”, “slow”, “just ok” or “inconsistent.”
The information I received said Asylum bay is producing small pan fish consistently, but size is poor. Perch are being picked up on the western reef complexes and around Wendt’s on rosy reds, or a slender spoon tipped with a minnow head or wigglers. The area off of the Hwy 45 wayside is producing pan fish, walleye and white bass.
The eastern shore of Lake Winnebago has a decent bite continuing. Key areas include about 1-2 miles out of Quinney for white bass and perch. Walleyes have been noticeably absent so far this year. In addition, three miles out of Brother Town is also netting some white bass. Hot lures include Jigging raps and Kastmasters.
The south end’s hot bite from last week (near Schmitty’s Bar and Grill) has died. The majority of perch caught this week have come in the transition zones at about 12-14 feet of water on the south shore.
Lake Poygan now features about 18 inches of ice over the main lake, and vehicle traffic is extensive. The white bass and walleyes have been consistently about a mile off of Herbst landing and Spruce Lane for several weeks now. Green and Silver Swedish pimples (with a minnow head) have been productive, along with pink and white Kastmasters on cloudy days. Boom Bay is producing blue gills on waxies or spikes, and the west side of the lake is giving up perch. The northern pike fishing has been slow. I did get several reports of a lot of sturgeon being observed on the lake currently.
The coming week’s weather is predicted to be mild. Please beware of your surroundings, as fog can set in quickly with the warmer conditions. Have your GPS handy should you need it. Also be conscientious of changing ice conditions.
Some other local lakes have been doing well for pan fish including Lake Emily and Mud Lake. This is a green Gill Pill bite.
Just a reminder…. Tew’s is holding their Annual sports show Saturday Jan 23rd. in Oshkosh (1605 south Main Street). Dean Arnoldussen and Mark Schram will be there representing Off Shore Tackle, Tommy Harris (Tommy Harris Blades) will be in the house also. Other vendors include Rich from Drop-n-Stay anchor systems, Paul from Coot’s Lures, First Strike, St Croix rods, and a host of other guide services, taxidermist and other companies. Mark your calendar, so you do not miss out.
[email protected] is my email address. Drop me a line with your fishing successes and failures. This week –Cody and Ty will be receiving a new My Fishing Partner hat for the great information provided. Thanks guys!
