Fox and Wolf river info

[outdoor ran]

I'm always looking for new rivers to try in the early spring before the regular opener. I've tried Alma on the mississippi and of course the Rainy. I've thought about the Wi. river and Prairie Du Chien. I've always wanted to try the Wolf and Fox rivers for eyes. Its hard finding info on the fishery there though. Anyone ever fish these rivers and want to share there experience. Thanks

[Link]

Tons of experience on both the Wolf and the Fox...grew up in that area. The Fox at DePere is an outstanding fishery right now through mid April. One fisherman on a good morning or evening might catch 30 walleyes in three hours and they will average 18-20 inches. I prefer jigs and shiners with a stinger hook. Many 25-30" fish are caught at the dam in the spring and some guys fish out there all night with husky jerk-baits etc. It is catch and release during the spawn except for one trophy ( don't remember if it has to be over 28" or 30"). I never kept any because of pcbs and a graphite would be fine for a trophy. It is a great place to catch alot of big walleyes in the spring but it gets really crowded and is right in the city. The Wolf is much more scenic and I prefer to fish downstream from Fremont. There is no size limit because the Winnebago system is loaded with walleyes. The fish are very clean and excellent eating (I believe the limit is 5 per day with a possession limit of 10). Generally a jig and minnow with a stinger hook is my preferred method. You can easily fish the Fox in the morning and drive about 1 hour to fish the Wolf in the afternoon and evening. I have done the best on Wolf river walleyes in late March right after ice out when they are prespawn. They are very diificult to catch during the spawn and the bite can be very good post spawn. Let me know if you need more specific info.

Link

[Havin' Fun]

Fishing these rivers is not hard or complicated. In fact, very similar to any other river fisheree.

The Wolf. This is where the walleye run from Lakes Winnebago, Winneconne, Butte Des Morts and Poygan takes place. These fish run as far north as Shawano, but most end up in the sloughs from Freemont to New London. Fishing begins as soon as you can get out there, and peaks about mid April. Fishing will continue in the lower river and lakes into may and june. Jigs and minnows, 3 way rigs with minnows or flies ect are the usual presentations. Corners, current breaks, downed trees ect are all good spots.

Once May and late April hit, lots of people focus on trolling Poygan with boards. Most fish in the wolf are smaller males or avg. females in the 13-24" range. However lots of fish are present.

Launches from Poygan to New London. Most in the 3-7.00 range. Some free, some better than others. Most worth the $$$.

The Fox.

The dam in De Pere is the cut off point for the fish from Green Bay. Powerlines to the dam are sanctuary and will get you a big ticket if violated. Most people fish the main channel breaks and deep pool up near the (Contact US Regarding This Word). Fish are being caught like crazy now, with 40-100 fish days common. HOWEVER, this is a catch and release fisheree only except one fish over 28". Jigs(1/4 to 3/8ths) and minnows work very well and as the water warms, some troll. However boat numbers total in the hundereds in a small area thus jigging is the only "safe" way.

The big females start in April here. Trophy fish to 34" are present with many fish in the 25-30" class. Lots of huge muskies caught in April and May as well.

Lauches in De Pere and Green Bay. Cost 5.00

[outdoor ran]

Really good info guys. Thanks

[Northlander]

Randy Im going to Rainy the 27th and 28th. Let me know what your doing then.

I have thought about both these places and would love to hit it one of these years.

[outdoor ran]

Steve,

Casloma, wal, and I are planning a trip up to the Rainy on the 25th and 26th, if its open to Frontier. Looks like we have to do the weekend thing if we want to go.

[Northlander]

It will be open. Leave some fish for me. Im still looking for a 33"er so if ya catch one release it for me.

[outdoor ran]

But Steve if you catch a 33"er I'll end up having to make you another replica . My fishing buddies are backing out, not sure if I'm going to make it up now.

[Havin' Fun]

The Fox river in DePere is starting to kick into high gear. Fishing has been good for some and ok for others. Lots of fish being caught in the 15-25" range. Only a few large females have been caught. Many more at staging down the river waiting for the temp to come up. Water temps near the (Contact US Regarding This Word) are 38-40. This weeks warmer temps should help. A little rain wouldn't hurt either.

The Wolf river in Fremont and New London is opening up nicely. Fish are being caught but again mostly small males and are few and far between. The ice has just come off the river so some ice flow is still occuring and most of Lakes Poygan, Winneconne, Butte, and Bago are all starting to open up. Winnebago is wide open in the north and south but holding tight in the middle.

Fishing pressure will only increase as should the walleye flow. Typical spawning dates of fish on the Wolf are mid April, so the next month or so will be hot!

Browns are being caught off both Kewaunee and Algoma harbors. The Steelhead are working up river and are presenting good opportunities for the fly fisherman.

Good fishing and be safe.

[Quickstrike]

Thanks for the great report! I don't think the fox or wolf are in the cards for me this year, but i really want to get over there in the future!

[outdoor ran]

Good report Hammer em. Would be great if we could get people threw out the state to post reports like that. Always nice to hear how the fishings been in your area.

[Jim Hudson]

Just as the others stated Hammer em.. Thanks for the great report... Am glad we are getting more and more people involved here in the WI forum.. With more people, we get great reports from around the state!! Keep up the good work guys!!

That Fox river bite is an awesome one, along with all the other great fishing opportunities you guys have at your disposal over there in the eastern part of the state!!

[Havin' Fun]

No problem guys. Once a moderator, always a moderator I guess. Simply put, I like to help out however I can.

If you guys have any questions about the bites on either the Fox or Wolf Rivers I will do what I can to help. Once the river bite is over it's out to Winnebago where I spend my summers. Oh a dozen or two trips to Lake Michigan always find their way onto my schedule as well. Either Kewaunee or Algoma harbors. I may start using the Manitowoc harbor this year.

Enjoy the spring and if anyone would like any extra info on area lakes and rivers, feel free to ask away. Too much water around here to not talk about!

[Cooter]

Just a quick note - I spent the past weekend in Green Bay for a pool tournament and spoke with several people fishing the area for walleyes. The reports were all similar, mostly smaller males. Most felt the big gals would start showing up in about 2 weeks, depending on the weather. So the best should be yet to come. Later.

[blossomp]

We take an annual trip to the Rainy River this time of year, but are looking for a new trip. From what I've read, this area could be a great time. The Rainy is a complete zoo for about 2 weeks, I'm assuming it's the same on the Fox..... The one question I have is, on the Rainy, we have to worry about melt and smaller tributaries busting loose into the river which can muddy things up and totally shut the bite down to nothing, therefore we're very limited as to the number of days we can fish. When the landings open, we go. Is it the same on the Fox or can you pretty much plan on being able to fish all the way through.

[Tony Boshold]

Here's a couple from the last week in DePere.

This one taped out at 27" and doesn't even get a second look by the locals. Keepers have to be over 28" here.

Shorecasting Jerkbaits near current breaks tight to shore.

[Havin' Fun]

Tony,

Nice fish!! Those are quality Fox River walleye run fish. Your right though, nobody pays attention unless they really push 30+". Lots of those fish in the system, however not alot of even the 27's are caught, atleast in reltion to the #'s in the river!!

Fox is still producing fish. Lots of females have spawned, but pleny of fish are still biting and present. Lost of fish in the river.

The wolf is heating up. Last night I pulled a limit of 14-16" males in a few hours with lots of smaller fish present. Most anglers are sorting through plenty of 6-11" fish in the mean time. Jigs and shiners appear to be the best. My luck has been shallow, but most others are suggesting 10-20 fow. I do not know the status of the run, but still lots of fish making the run and the marshes need water. I suspect this to be an average year at best for spawning, unless Winnebago really produces some bumper crops. The Upper Lakes and river are really low, however there is still plenty of snow and ice up north to come this way...albeit probably much too late! Plenty of good year classes to not worry too much as I've caught fish from 6"-16" so far this spring!!

Good luck and be safe on the water.

Most lakes in the Eastern half of the state have opened up, including Winnebago, Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts. Waushara Co. lakes are just starting!!

[EXTREME]

Heading down that way here next week and looking for some more tips. This will be my first trip there and I am jacked. When in your opinion, do you think that the eye's will be spawning? I hate to drive that far only to catch little ones....but it is still better than work. Also what lakes are the best for certain sizes??? Poyan, Winneconne, Butte des Morts (sp) or should I fish the Fox or Wolf rivers. I hope that I got all these names right...I just glanced at a map. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

[Havin' Fun]

Extreme,

I have the entire week off next week to fish. There are plenty of fish being caught and with the warm up next week, it should only get better.

The Wolf is going really well. If your looking for a lake bite, Poygan usually has a trolling bite that starts with the bigger females. Water is a little cold yet, but the next week could be good. Fish Horseshoe Hole(8 foot hole in the middle of the lake). Otherwise fish the river. Jig and Shiner is the way to go.

The Fox in DePere is still going well. Most of the big females have spawned but plenty of fish are still being caught. This is a C/R fishery except one over 28".

Lake Winnebago can also produce fish. Plenty of spawning fish out there. I haven't been out on the big lake this year, but last spring low light periods were best near the reefs.

If you have any questions or would like to meet up, give me more specifics and I can give you some more ideas.

hammerem1976 at yahoo (Contact US Regarding This Word)

Ryan

[EXTREME]

Hammer' thanks for the details. I am not positive if I will make it down till after that PWT event their next week. It might be a little crowded. Where do you think the Tourney will be won at? And what presentation? Just curious on your thoughts. I may have to key in on In-Fisherman to hear the updates, and tips. Seems like the locals know where to go. Let me know. Thanks

[Havin' Fun]

PWT was won by fishing the river near Fremont jigging. There were quite a few days of nothing for alot of anglers as the fish are slow to return from up river. Last year at this time we were trolling Poygan. But they are coming slowly but surely. Fish are showing up from Poygan to Shiocton. Best presentations from what I have heard are jigs and crawlers.

You have probably missed the boat for the big females as they are mostly long gone, but lots of eaters are still coming.

Winnebago has started to pick up as well with the fish that spawn on the lake. I am going out this afternoon and will report tonight or tom.

Let me know when you come and I can get you some updated info.

hammerem1976 at yahoo (Contact US Regarding This Word)

Just convert to normal email.