Lake Winnebago experienced multiple weather fronts this week, as a mix of warm and cold fronts moved through the area, resulting in constant change on the system.  Observed air temperatures ranged from 45 degrees to 91 degrees over the past week, and those ranges occurred in just two days.  Water temperatures have stagnated and are registering about 72 degrees over the main lake.  By comparison, on May 31, water temp was 74.3.

Water clarity is variable across Lake Winnebago, and pockets of clear water and dirty water can be found.  In general, the clearest water I found was on the east shore.  After the heavy storms of Friday night, floating weed debris is common, after the 60+ mph winds tore up some of the emerging weed beds.

When it comes to walleyes on Lake Winnebago, this year’s bite is completely determined by your goal.  If you seek fun fishing, and a few fish for the pan – this season has been tremendous.  If you are a tournament angler, this is one of the toughest season on record.

The entire system is dominated the 2013 walleye class which now has average fish in the 13 to 14-inch range.  This was the third largest year class recorded since 1986, and these fish are in all parts of the system currently.  Larger fish are also common with strong classes from 2001-2005 and 2008 classes in the system, some pushing into the upper 20-inch mark.

Although the 2011 class was on par with the 2013 class, these fish seemed to be missing this year.  The 15 to 20-inch fish are uncommon currently.  Some believe this is a result of exploitation, while others believe this is from slow migration from the northern regions of the system.  Time will tell what the real story is.

On the main lake, walleyes are scattered in the emerging weeds, over the reefs, and throughout the main basin.  Large schools have been uncommon, and when schools are found, they have been sheephead preparing for spawning especially in the transition zones.  Spawning carp are common in the shallow areas currently.  Crappies have moved to deeper water in the transition zones, typically 12-15 feet of water.

During last week’s Mercury National Walleye Tournament, boats were scattered everywhere.  Typically, large packs of boats can be found during this tournament working selected areas of the lake.  Weights were down drastically, and almost 15% of the teams never bringing a “tournament legal” walleye to the stage.  Nearly 45% of participants brought two or fewer fish to the stage on the two-day event.  A handful of anglers had two solid days of weights.

In the mud there was a mix of crawler harnesses and crankbaits being used.  Crawler harnesses seemed to be producing larger fish, especially with a green bead combination.  Sheephead are highly annoying and constantly consuming the presentations.

Be prepared with a lot of crawlers if harness fishing.  We blew through 7 dozen crawlers in half of a day of harness fishing.  The location of the fish varied by the day, and the hour.  At times the walleyes are tight to the bottom (especially after the storms), while at other times suspended in mid column or higher. Be sure to run presentations throughout the column, rather than focusing on a specific depth.

Crank baits were working well.  Natural colored baits seemed to outshine bright colors this week, with smaller size presentations being preferred.  The shad based lure shapes out produced minnow/stick baits.  Speed did not seem to matter, as we caught fish between 1.5 mph to 2.4 mph.

We spent the majority of our time in the Fox River in Oshkosh for the Merc.  Many of the bridges are holding fish.  However, this is dictated by water flow.  The lower the flow, the fewer the fish.  Catfish and large sheephead are very common in the river currently.  Pitched 1/8 oz jigs with ½ a crawler or more produced the most fish.

Next week features the Battle on Bago summer edition/Otter Street.  The expected field will be over 300 boats launching out of Menomonie Park in Oshkosh, and many anglers may continue to struggle based on current conditions.  My advice for this tournament…keep the lines in the water.

For those of you asking about RS Nets, they are now available at Tuffy’s outpost in Fond du Lac, or can be ordered online at http://www.rsnetsusa.com/.  If ordering online, use promo code MFP10 for a 10% discount.  These are the best nets on the market currently and can be built in multiple colors and designs.

Lake Michigan fishing has been very solid for Rainbows and Coho’s.

Have a great week on the water.  [email protected] is my email.  Get off the couch and go fishing.  The lawn and garden can wait too!