Very dynamic elements are at play on the Winnebago system currently. Lake Winnebago has seen a mass erosion of the ice sheet, and an ice free system can be expected at any time. The river systems related to the Wolf and lower Fox Rivers have high water conditions along with warming waters. The annual walleye run is occurring and the fishing trends vary by the hour and the day. Water temperatures on the Fox River in Oshkosh peaked on Sunday at 51 degrees, with air temperatures reaching nearly 80 degrees. Heavy boat traffic is common throughout all river areas, but especially in Shiocton, Fremont, Eureka and Oshkosh.
Many of the walleyes have moved through the upper lakes and into the Wolf River. Some fish remain scattered all the way from Lake Poygan to north of Fremont. Larger concentrations of ready to spawn walleyes are in the New London and Shiocton areas. As the warming trend continues to engulf the region, the marshes will become home to the spawning walleyes, especially after water temps reach 45 degrees on a consistent basis.
Given the current weather forecast, it is likely select female fish could complete their spawning rituals, and start heading back down river. The males will trail in the following days or weeks, depending on the forage available. The Wolf River Cam (on the main page) is a good way to determine the movement and directions of the fish. Heading from right to left on the screen means they are heading upstream. From left to right means they are heading back to their Late-Spring haunts down river. Typically the returning fish will be higher in the water column, and may not be visible on the camera. This week should have fish in all phases of reproduction. Some fish will be pre-spawn, some will be spawning, and a small number will be post spawn by week’s end.
I fished the Fox River on Sunday out of Rainbow Park in Oshkosh. The stretch in front of the launch has been producing walleyes, typically from 13-19 inches. In almost all cases, the fish are being caught drifting vertically, with a jig. The T-docks (from shore) are also giving up walleyes and perch. Sawyer Creek is loaded with small perch currently. I worked downstream from the park, and caught several catfish, broke off twice with either large catfish or sturgeon, and had a couple of walleyes come unbuttoned near the boat. The 41 bridge looked void of fish marks on the Lowrance, and was vacant by fishermen.
River fishing is ok currently in both the Fox and Wolf. The walleyes are “busy” with other things on their mind. Feeding is not at a premium. There are active feeders throughout the entire system (like the 24 hour restaurant –there is always someone having a bite to eat). Of course, given the predatory nature of these fish, a reaction bite is always a possibility. Fremont has been solid for walleyes, especially on the edges of slack water and the deep water holes.
During the next few days and weeks, the Fremont area will become red-hot with returning walleyes, followed by Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and the Winneconne Bridge. A trolling bite on small style crank baits will develop on Lake Poygan and Winneconne. Small Salmo’s, #5 Flicker shads and Rapala shad baits can be spectacular. Parts of Lake Buttes des Mortes will also heat up from fish returning from the Eureka area.
Perch and catfish are also active. The next few weeks will be excellent until the “post spawn blues” arrive.
Please stop by Wal-Mart in Fond du Lac, WI on Friday Night from 5-7 pm. I will be doing a store appearance for the FLW Tour. I would love to talk spring fishing tactics or trolling methods. Currently, there is no seminar planned. In the mean time, drop me a note with your questions. [email protected]. The Live-from-the-boat Twitter feed is back and active on our main page. Next week’s report may be delayed, as I will be fishing the AIM Tournament out of Winneconne. I need to respect the tournament rules regarding sharing information, thus creating a delay in the information. Have a great week!
