Several weather fronts moved through the Lake Winnebago region over the past week, until some Hot and sticky weather settled in for the weekend. Water clarity is clear, with some algae bloom present. The south end still is plagued by the Cottonwood Tree seed droppings which tend to really plug up reels and make a mess of your equipment. Water temps have moved into the low 70 degree range.
This past weekend the Otter Street tournament was held. Everyone in the top 61 placed registered 10 fish for the two day tournament. More surprising is the minimum payout weight was over 27 pounds. The winner weighed in with 36.62 pounds including one 7 pound fish. My sources told me they were trolling harnesses in the mud outside of Oshkosh. I have not confirmed this. Almost the entire field of 300 teams had 7 fish or more.
The mud bite for walleye continues to be the best bet on the lake. Some areas of the lake are having excellent success with crawler harnesses while others are red hot for crank baits. The walleyes have been roaming– so from day to day areas will be hot and then suddenly go cold. I suggest working your electronic to find schools of fish right now, before dropping the trolling gear down. Again this week, find the nasty little bugs and the fish are nearby.
In general, the south end has gone cold. There are still fish present, but the cottonwood debris and the weed growth has hindered trolling activity in this area. From Long Point to the mouth of the Fox River has been decent. The north end of Lake Winnebago has been the most productive in the mud. Areas outside of Garlic Island up to Steven’s Reef have been holding walleyes. The area from Stockbridge to Brothertown is also solid, especially on harnesses in this location.
By far the most productive color is Gold; either as a harness blade, or on a black and gold flicker shad. Flicker Shad were producing a lot of fish recently especially run at about 50-65 feet behind the board (Reef Runners at 35-40 feet) at 1.8-2.2 mphs. Daily adjustments will be required, but this is a nice starting point in deeper water. If you can find a dirty water and clean water mixing point, definitely make a pass through it. Many times, active fish will sit on the edges waiting to ambush prey.
When the water is calm, try giving the shorelines a try. The Cleo’s and rattle traps are picking up fish in the shallows, especially where weed growth is present. You might even land a jumbo small mouth bass or two.
I did not get many reports this week, and none related to the reefs. We did not hit the reefs either, as our focus was on trolling. The water may just be a little too clear to have productive reefs right now. A heavy rain could change that quickly. I have not heard any perch reports yet, but this should start to heat up in the next couple of weeks, especially with the hot weather predicted.
Lake Poygan continues to produce good numbers of walleyes, white bass, sheepheads and pike. The mouth of the Wolf River has been holding walleyes consistently.
Please keep your reports coming to [email protected] or post them on the forums. I have more hats to give away!
