Fox River, Depere=Quanity and Quality

[can it be luck?]

The Fox is hot. The crowds can be crazy there, literally being able to cross the river by jumping from boat to boat.
Many smaller fish in the 15-22" range are being caught right now with a few larger ones thrown in(25-28"). This next week should be prime as the big 10# plus hogs start to move in.
If you go, don't be surprised about the numbers of people out there! Weekdays and nights are usually less busy.
Remember that there's a 28" min. size limit. The fishing is "trophy" only.
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Some recent photos from some successful fisherman.

[This message has been edited by can it be luck? (edited 03-30-2004).]

[can it be luck?]

Fished from 10:30am to 1200am last night. The fishing was great! My first 10-15 casts I had a fish. I fished the first break/flat, 3-8 FOW right next to the main channel(12-28'). Rock, rubble, and sand type bottom with mild current held all the 16"-24" walleye a guy could want! The "clean" bottom produced ZERO lost tackle. I started with 2 rods, one with a 1/2oz. bait walker sinker, barrel swivel, 2 1/2' leader, and a hook baited with a minnow through the lips. This rod was casted out short then set in a rod holder. My second rod was baited with a plain 3/8 or 1/2 oz. jig head, small twister or tube skirt, tipped with a lip hooked minnow. The "clean bottom" allowed me to use a heavier jig, casting upstream and letting it tumble and bounce it's way downstream. Shorter casts, a long rod with tip held high, helped in maintaining contact and feel with the jig. Also, being able to slow down the jig in the fast current so the bait was always in the "strike zone" is what helped put fish in the boat. When the jig would "hang up", a little twitch would get it moveing again.
Two poles soon turned to one, it was just that fast! The bite was conistant throughout the day and into the night. Jigs worked better in the day and a slip sinker rig was the ticket at night. A 10'-20' cast downstream then set the rod in the holder and wait, but not long! I brought my nephew with me, between the two of us I'd guess around 200 walleye? Who counts when the bites that good!
Wisconsin fisherman and minnesotans as well, if you can NOW IS THE TIME to take advantage of this great bite. Fishing has no guarantees, but it's been consistant for the last few weeks now. A few large fish are being taken but the real big ones have yet to move in. Hopefully I'll be there when they arrive! Get out there and take advantage of the bite while it lasts!.....That is if you like to catch fish of course.

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[This message has been edited by can it be luck? (edited 03-25-2004).]

[Northlander]

Can It Be Luck, I will see ya on the 1st and 2nd at least. I cant wait!

[can it be luck?]

Fishing was a little slower today. Didn't make it out untill 4pm or so. Fished till 10pm and probably caught 30-40 fish. Most fish ran 15-22"s.
But the good news is.....I caught a 32 1/2", 13.8# walleye!! She's a fine speciman, and she's going on the wall. To date, this is the largest walleye I've caught in Wisconsin so she'll be joining the "Walla Walleye".
Also caught a 25"er as well.
Northlander, look forward to meeting you and wetting a line. Talk to you soon. Mark
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[This message has been edited by can it be luck? (edited 03-30-2004).]

[otto_man]

went over to De Pere yesterday and put about 125 eyes in the boat. no big ladies though! fished from 7:30 to 3:00. outstanding day...

[can it be luck?]

Last week was good, let's see about tommorrow. Report to follow....If I can sneak away that is!

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[This message has been edited by can it be luck? (edited 04-01-2004).]

[Northlander]

Did ya get my mail? Please e-mail me back. [email protected]

[SpikeRoberts]

Daaaannggg!!!! That is one big fish!! Nice job Mark

[Havin' Fun]

Nice fish Mark!!

You will have to be my guide next spring.

Just wondering, but these fish are coming from Winnebago or Green Bay? In other words, which way does the Fox flow??

[SpikeRoberts]

Hammer,
The Fox flows north from Winnebago into Green Bay. DePere is just south/up-river from GB.

[can it be luck?]

Thanks fellas!
You folks must've went to my msn group to view the pics? I posted them on FM but I see there's a "shelf life" to hpphotos because all I see are red X's. Thanks for the compliments.
Yes, Spike is right, Depere Dam is just S. of GB. The fish are running out of the bay S. to the dam for spawning.
Northlander, Yes, I did get your email. The fishing outing didn't take place as planned. My email is acting up, I haven't been able to log into my hotmail account to even view it for the last 2 days.
With recent rains and warm weather the water has been "muddied" up a bit. Fish are in spawn mode right now. Some guys are catching them on shallow running cranks thrown close to the refuge. Many fish are snagged this way. Fishing in my experience's can vary greatly at these times, spawn and immediatly after spawn.
Northlander, if you want to go come on down. Gas money is all you'd need, I'll boot in the rest. My dad has some trvel guides that lists hotels in the area, I see we can get a room for 2 for around $40. Maybe a 2 day deal? I'd say the sooner the better, come on down tommorow if you'd like. You may have to call me since my emails been goofy.
Mark Hoffmann
(715)297-2244
PS: I reposted the pics for view. I don't think they'll last long however.
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[This message has been edited by can it be luck? (edited 04-01-2004).]

[chix-lips]

Hey Mark, pretty nice picture, but I think it looked even better up close, and I still can't get the smell off my fingers, wait--- I'm getting yelled at right now, gotta go. Let me know whats happening this weekend, see ya

[can it be luck?]

Chix-lips, I see you've registered to the site. I guess it's my job to welcome you to FM.....Welcome.
Just got back from a couple hours fishing below Moon Dam. Lots of fish!!! Not alot of size....As usual. Caught about 40 walleye in a couple hours time, biggest at 17"s. Did see one guy pull in the biggest walleye I've ever seen caught down there tonight, looked at least 30"+!
You want to go fishing or what? I'll give you a call later tonight. Sorry for being short with you on the phone tonight, I had 2 lines with fish on and only 2 hands!
PS: Thanks for giving me a hand this past Sunday, I do appreciate that.

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 04-04-2004).]

[can it be luck?]

A couple pics of chix-lips with some Erie eyes. Dave's been a friend and fishing buddy for quite a few years now.

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[This message has been edited by can it be luck? (edited 04-14-2004).]

[chix-lips]

Hey, Am I the only one that sees red X's on the picture posts? Kind of new at this, but will learn fast!! Just wanna see my pic,

[Northlander]

Ya I cant get the pics either.

[chix-lips]

Hey thanks North,