Lake Winnebago’s Ice and Lindsey Lohan have a lot in common.  From a distance they sure look fine, but get a closer look and you know you should just stay away.

Persistent warm weather and wind continue to slow ice development on all area lakes.  As recently as Wednesday, areas of the main lake had reopened, especially along the Eastern shore.  The western shore bay’s have solid ice with depths up to 8 inches.  By contrast, one year ago there was over 20” of ice on the main lake, which now only supports just a couple of inches at best.

Overall, fishing for pan fish has been excellent.  Because of the late start to winter many of the early ice patterns continue to be on display in mid January.  Area anglers can only venture a tenth of a mile or so from the shore, making this the only real target on the system.   Some of the best bites in recent history are occurring currently.

Cowling Bay (Oshkosh):  This area is hosting one of the best bites on the lake for white bass and perch.  Bait choice does not matter, as long as it is in the water.  The schools are roaming, so action will pick up for a while and then die off.

Asylum Bay: (Oshkosh) Very crowded with the anglers, but a ton of small to medium sized perch are in the bay.  Bluegills, in scattered concentrations, can also be found.

Menomonie Park:  (Oshkosh) Small perch are present; however, most fishermen have vacated the area in search for the better bites to the north.

Ceape/Otter Street:  Not fit for travel, even by foot.

Stretch’s (Black Wolf area):  There is a great bite going on at this location.  Bluegill, perch, huge white bass and an occasional walleye are being caught.  The fish are highly concentrated in the bay.  Minnows, waxies and spikes are all working well.  Just FYI, it is a good distance from HWY 45 out to the bay via the feeder creek, so come prepared for a hike.

Wendt’s:  (Van Dyne) Big groups of anglers have started invading this area.  No real reports as of yet as to the catch rates.  Traditionally this has been a strong perch area.

Chaparral:  (North Fond du Lac):  The groups of fishermen have abandoned the small harbor, and have moved out to the main lake in the shallow water.  In this area they have found pods of small to midsized perch and bluegills.

Big Hole/Harbor at Lakeside Park (FDL):  Still some activity in the harbor for perch, but most anglers are venturing into some of the new “safe ice” areas along the west shore.

Luco Road/BP (FDL):  Vacant…Parking restrictions in the area have discouraged anglers from setting up here.  Tickets for parking in this area exceed $150 (unconfirmed).

East Shore:  Ice is not supporting traffic, even by foot, in most locations.

Lake Poygan: (Winneconne) White Bass and walleyes are starting to become common on Lake Poygan.  Gold, slender spoons are a wise choice.  Some vehicle travel has begun on Lake Poygan, and some vehicles have started breaking through the ice…..Cars and trucks should not be on any area lakes at this point, as the ice is simply not ready for this yet.

 

Many of these pan-fish are midsized.