A strong warming trend defined this week’s weather, and fish responded throughout the system. Water temps have varied from 46 degrees at the start of the week to locations reporting temperatures in the mid 50 degree range. Water clarity was heavily stained in most regions.
Many of the walleyes are moving back down the river system and the spawn appears to be complete for most fish. With warm weather and a lowering of water levels, the walleyes have returned to the lower areas of the river system. As a result conditions by specific location can change almost on an hourly basis. The heavy cold front to start the week may slow fishing for a couple of days.
On the Wolf River, the area around the mouth of the Rat River continues to produce occasional limits of walleyes on three way rigs or aggressive jigging techniques. At the Winneconne Bridge both walleyes and white bass were active on Saturday. The most efficient set up was a Wolf River rig which featured a long lead with a 1/32 oz yellow jig and a fathead minnow. The long lead allows the jig to get carried into the water column at a higher level. There was very little river current moving in the area
We focused on Lake Buttes des Morts and the trolling bite. (See video on main page soon). The active fish which we found were out of the main current, and staging in water of about 3-5 feet. The lure selection had to be small and had to feature some orange on the body. Trolling speed did not seem to matter much, as we caught walleye anywhere from 1.5 mphs to 3.5 mphs. Over 60% of the fish caught were over 20 inches. The Hwy 41 Bridge was very hit n miss all week.
The Fox River in Oshkosh saw a ton of action with boat traffic. Results were mixed. Quite of few limits were reported and even more skunks (0 fish). At this time of year technique and location can be the bottom line between success and failure. The perch have started to move in to the area, and should get going with some rain or continued warm weather. The white bass are starting to stage in this area, and heavy concentrations of fish in small areas can be found, especially near bridges and warm water. Water temperatures are nearly ideal for both perch and white bass to begin spawning.
The main lake had activity on the first reefs just outside of the mouth of the river. No reports of successes or failures. In Fond du Lac, the area directly in front of Lakeside Parks was producing nice size perch about a quarter mile from shore. I had one report of over 75 perch caught on a 5 hour trip.
The Chaparral was red hot for a while this week. Unfortunately, the fire department came in and put out the fire. The buildings on the property burned to the ground. This small harbor was producing good numbers of panfish prior to the fire. Feeder creeks and Lakeside Park have slowed some, but are still providing solid action for pan fish.
That’s it for this week. Keep the reports coming! [email protected].
