Fox & Wolf River, Lake Winnebago & Area Fishing Reports

[Havin' Fun]

Please post your Fox & Wolf River, Lake Winnebago, Green, Poygan, Eau Claire Lakes, Gordon Flowage and all lakes in the following counties: Calumet-Dodge-Fond du Lac-Green Lake-Marquette-Outagamie-Washington-Waupaca-Waushara County Fishing Reports

Thanks much. Looking forward to a some of you having fun in here.

[ground-pounder]

hi

[ground-pounder]

yeah i went out thursday and got three nice eyes for the pan

[can it be luck?]

ground-pounder, how are the walleye in the Winnebago chain, for eating? Is the water quality good, pollutants and all? Which areas do you think a guy should fish for good eaters, Poygan, Butte de Morts, Wolf river, or the main lake itself? I would imagine the Wolf river by freemont is probably the best. How have you been getting the walleye, trolling, jigging, live bait rigging? I suppose there's some seasonal movement of fish here, what would be the best time to "cash in" on some walleye? My uncle lives in Clintonville, next to the Embarrass river. I actually caught some trout and sturgeon there while fishing spring run suckers. The Wolf runs right by it, so I was thinking that I might launch my boat there next year. Do you ever fish the Wolf? Are the catfish good to eat also? I see you don't like eating Wisconsin river fish, I was curious on how you view the Winnebago chain.

[Havin' Fun]

I can't speak from experience as of yet....likely by June I will(probably moving to Eastern Wisconsin)...but from the times I've been on Winnebago, and from what the father in law says, Winnebago walleyes are pretty good as is the water quality. It's been improving. I would guess this time of the year to be the best.

I'm excited someone is finally talking about Winnebago. I think this is a tremendous fishery!!!

[can it be luck?]

Hammer em, We'll have to get together sometime and fish Winnebago. You're moveing in June, maybe next summer when you're settled in. I never fished there. Yes it's a tremendous fishery...from what I've heard. I do fish the Fox River in DePere for spring run walleye, what a zoo! One good day on the water and I'll be hooked on Winnebago. From what I gather, it sounds like a pretty easy lake to fish, structure wise. Grassy areas seems to be an area I've heard people referance to. Maybe even try out on Lake Michigan for some trout and salmon if you'd be interested.

[Havin' Fun]

Can it be.....
Sounds like that could work out real well. It's still really up in the air as to where, but June/July is likely. Getting married in July so summer might be tough, but who knows.

Not sure of where we are going to settle either. I prefer Wausau area(more deer and lakes), but she's more the Fox Valley.
Either way, I'll keep in touch.

Structure wise....
Spring there is a lot of rock and gravel areas that are good.

As summer rolls on, some pull plugs out in the mud flats as well. Center of the lake is one giant mud flat. I would assume though that this isn't the most productive way of catching fish, but perhaps effective for the big dogs.

Lots of trolling raps and spinners from what I hear except for March, April, May when the spawn is on.

[This message has been edited by Hammer em' (edited 11-26-2003).]

[can it be luck?]

Hammer em', I just got back from N. Dakota yesterday. A fun hunt! Lots of pheasant, sharptail, and even got 1 hun. Wausau is where I live. A fairly nice size town with all the suburbs thrown in. Good hunting and fishing, and 1 hour drive north will put you in "up north" country. Vilas and Oneida countys as well as others are chock full of lakes. You're wife would probably like the "Valley" area better, with more shopping and city life. Appleton and Green Bay has a few good spots for fishing, Winnebago, DePere, and Lake Michigan and it's tributarys. A lot of guys around here don't do much trolling, it's illegal on most waters. Winnebago allows trolling. Since I troll lake Michigan and Erie, I'll be all set up for equipment, boards, cranks, harness's, equipped boat and all. On occasion, I [PoorWordUsage] with Tom Keenan who manages the Wausau GM store. He's fishes Winnebago often, even winning the PWT there some years back, as well as a recent 1st place finish in the RCL on the Mississippi. I was in a hotel in Gladstone Mi. when I watched him win the $300,000 purse. Man, $300,000, I'm in the wrong buisness!!! I think I need to "pump" him for a little info on the Winnebago system. One drawback, I'll probably have to buy some lures or something in exchange for info. Oh well, a guy always needs a few more lures! Anyways, it'll be nice to get together sometime to fish and hunt. Don't let your wife know you're makeing plans already, she might not move if she finds out! And remember cheese, not only tasty, but only pennies a serving! EAT MORE CHEESE!

[Esox178]

I fish Winnebago quite a bit. I am from Sheboygan, and work at the Sheboygan Gander, so I too, know Jason and Tom well. If you guys are in the nieghborhood, or have a few questions..... Maybe we can exchange war stories or tips.

Kepp eating that cheeseis right!!! People's livelyhood's like mine are at stake!

[Havin' Fun]

Esox,
Welcome to FM. Will be nice to have a resource in Valley and Lake Michigan area.

I'm glad someone else on here brings up Winnebago. I guess starting July 1 I will be able to help out some. Might take a few months or years to figure something out, but I'm always up for the challenge.

Fiance'(wife) and I are moving out there July 1st!

[SpikeRoberts]

Hammer 'em,
Look me up when you move out. Winnebago is a walleye goldmine -- even I can catch 'em (along with non-stop sheephead action ). Ice fishing was pretty challenging but so far this spring the lake has been relatively easy to figure out. The bite has been pretty good recently except for numerous disruptions from bad weather. I'm sure by the time you get here it may be a bit more challenging, but recently I've done well finding a meal.

[Havin' Fun]

Well, the arctic chill has finally hit. Temps have really dropped lake and river temps the past few weeks. This quick drop in temp has really had an effect on the fishing around the eastern half of Wisconsin.
Walleye fisherman are struggling to find patterns. Fish are biting on some rivers finally with the Wolf being the best. From what I've heard, the water is pretty clear and LOW! Speaking of the rivers...the Fox is giving up LOTS of white bass as they make their migration up the rivers. I had EXCELLENT luck with using ring grubs. Pitching them around the river breaks. I had my best luck following the seagulls.

Walleye fisherman are struggling on Winnebago the last few weeks. They are battling fast changing water temps and abnormally green water conditions. I expect the bite to pick up in the next few weeks. Jig and minnow combinations as should a crankbait bite in the shallows be a productive option for those who are not out hunting.

Salmon are still running in the rivers, but that too is coming to an end. It's been a great year on Michigan from what I've heard and experience....since that was my first year! Next year should be awesome and I can't wait!!

Good luck to all....and to all good fishing.

[Rick]

Hey Hammer,

how are things going?

[Havin' Fun]

Things are great. Busy, but great. Fishing has been difficult this fall for walleyes but I guess considering the numbers that I caught this summer I shouldn't be surprised.

Rick, let me know if your interested in doing any video on the Fox this spring for monster walleye or Michigan this upcoming summer. Both should be awesome!!!

[Northlander]

HammerEm I would love to hit the FOx next spring. Im going to get some time off and get there. Let me know if ya need a second or want to hook up down their some time. walleyes4me32 at aol dot com

[MntkaFishin]

Since I'm originally from Oshkosh, I was wondering how the hardwater action is on the Winnebago chain? Ice thickness? I'll be in the area in a couple of weeks and will want to get away from the family for awhile, figured I'd bring the fishing stuff.

[D. Stadler]

Ice is pretty much fine (plenty driveable) all over besides the usual places. Bridges are out off Ceape. Some cracks around. Lake is driveable with a 4WD truck, but some drifting. Best advice I can give you is stay away from the crowds. Dave S

[TSCTSC]

THinking of trying Winnebago at OshKosh this weekend? How is the lake like and how does it do? THanks!

[Havin' Fun]

Ice conditions around the chain are not in good shape. Shoreline ice conditions are making it currently next to impossible to access the lake with shanties. Some are finding access easier on the east shore from Stockbridge to Pipe being the best. Fond du Lac area is in rough shape with lots of open water, as is the Oshkosh and Menasha areas on the northwest shores.

There is 8-11"'s of decent ice in the main basin but getting to it is difficult at best with some very dangerous ice heaves that are constantly moving.

HOWEVER, people are finding ways out and with the cool down in the forecast, things should SLOWLY improve. Be aware that some open spots may close up only slightly over the next week and any new snow will add to the dangerousness of the ice. Please be very careful out there.

Water clarity is also a major issue with 2-5 feet being as good as it may get.

Good luck and happy spearing!

The walleye bite on the Fox in DePere continues to be good and will only get better as more fish funnel in during the next few weeks!

[Havin' Fun]

It certainly has been awhile since I last reported, which is because of both poor fishing and poor effort on my part.

This past week fishing has been either hit or miss for most anglers. Winnebago is surprisingly clear for this time of the year as earlier in the week I was seeing bottom down to 9 FOW. However over the last few days, the algae has started to bloom and it certainly has improved the day bight, especially out in the mud!

Trolling has been the best approach as of late with crawler harnesses being the top choice. Fish are coming mostly suspended but I have gotten fish near reefs as well.

Cranking works some days as well.

Smallmouth bass have been another very nice option as Winnebago is starting to become a tremendous smallmouth bass fishery. There are lots of 10-12" fish present with plenty more in the 14-20" range as well. It seems every time out produces a smallie or two.

Perch are very scattered at this time and will only improve as the summer goes on. Perch size and population numbers are really good. Plenty of 12-14" fish present.

Sheephead and white bass are always biting, so bring lots of crawlers.

The Bay of Green Bay is also producing fish by those pulling crawler harnesses. I haven't personally been out but the reports are that fish are coming up pretty high in the water column, so it's best to bring the planner boards.

Good Luck and if you come out this way, email me or post on here and I will certainly help you out.

[Havin' Fun]

For those of you in the eastern half of Wisconsin looking for something to do this weekend, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin is holding Walleye Weekend, a weekend event that includes music, food, festivities and of course LOTS OF WALLEYES. Actually the Mercury National Fishing Tournament is taking place this weekend. It should be a wonderful weekend on Lake Winnebago with not only all the visitors but all the lcals competing for thousands of dollars. Plus there are lots of activities for all the kids!!!!

Good luck to all and the weather looks to be in favor of the fish with clear skies and high pressure.

Fishing on Bago has been hit or miss for most anglers as it's been a trolling bite. Locate fish and you will catch them. Crawler harnesses continue to be the choice but some days the cranks in purple, firetiger, perch and shad patterns seem to produce.

Enjoy the weekend and be safe!!

[Walleye_GFA]

Hey Hammer... Im working around FDL for the next couple years so if you want to chase some let me know... I got an apartment in NFDL since its cheaper than a hotel so Im only 5 minutes from Marsh Launch... anyway noticed you post for Bago and thought I would say HOWDY !!!!!! Give me a shout at "walleye at gmail (Contact Us Please)" (of course replace with right characters) if you need a boat seat filled or need a seat in a week or two...

[Havin' Fun]

Walleye,

Unfortuantely, I am moving to Antigo, WI. this week. Bummer...otherwise I would have loved to meet up and fish. Perhaps I will be back. Otherwise, shoot me an email from time to time at hammerem1976 at yahoo (Contact Us Please).

Good luck to ya, and there are a TON of walleyes waiting to be caught!

[Blake]

Hey hammer.....Do you have any history around Antigo??? I live in Medford now but lived in Antigo a number of years ago and my best fishin buddy grew up there(now he lives in Crandon). Iffin you haven't fished the area, your in a great fishin location and I have fished the area lakes and streams for over 25 years.....meet my buddy in between, etc. Great trout streams and we've caught a ton of eyes, so it might just be fortunate you moved! If you need some fishin info, give me a shout!

[Joel Taylor]

It has been a consistent waldo wackfest with northerns and white bass mixed in. Ice is 0-6 inches so watch infront of you when walking around. Use the spud one punch rule, if you break through with one good whack of the ice bar- back up! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Joel Taylor <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />