By Mark Schram, myfishingpartner.com
The past week brought a mixed bag of weather and precipitation to Northeast Wisconsin. The arctic blast early in the week made the final push for the ice development required for car and truck traffic on Lake Winnebago. Lake Winnebago is ready and it is now game on for outdoor enthusiasts!
The surface of the ice is very slick, almost post Zamboni, skating-rink like. The rain which fell on Tuesday will only add to the slippery attributes of the surface. There are a few heaves, and no drifts on the lake currently. In last week’s report, I suggested using ice cleats/creepers when on the ice. I only wish I had listened to my own advice, after taking two falls on the ice on Saturday. Good news is that I still bounce.
Since Sunday, many of the fishing clubs have started the process of mapping and marking roads on Lake Winnebago. Otter Street Fishing Club has joined a road with Quinney Fishing Road as of Sunday night, providing a nine plus mile cross-lake roadway through the center of the lake.
Photo from Friendship Fishing Club
Payne’s Point (Neenah area) has also placed their tree-lines and have marked roads on the north shore of Lake Winnebago.
Friendship Fishing Club (North Fond du Lac) was due to place their tree line as of Tuesday 1-10-17, with a starting access point off of Cemetery road on Highway 45. The rain on 1-10-17 has hindered tree placement.
The road at Wendt’s (West Shore Fishing Club) is under development, and should be complete by Friday Jan 13th.
Stockbridge had not placed their tree-line as of last Saturday, and I do not have an update as to when/if that road has been developed.
Remember that the ice is never 100% safe, but we have reached a point where the local clubs have deemed the ice ready for vehicles. Ice depths are consistent over the main lake, with 11” to 17” common. There have been a few spots along the east shore where 19” were registered. Regardless, it is important to check your own ice before travel, as some thinner ice could still be out there.
Pipe Fishing Club released an east side ice depth chart from their road out of Pipe,WI. That is shown below.
Remember the tree-lines are established for your safety and navigation, and often are the beacon to find your way home. Always carry some type of GPS tracking electronics with you while on the ice in case of unexpected weather changes. And better yet, turn them on! For the novice traveler, trees which are laying on their side are areas of “bad ice or danger”. These areas should be avoided.
That’s your Lake Winnebago ice report from many of the local clubs. [email protected] is my email for your ice reports, updated information, and fishing reports. If you are going fishing this week, thank a local fishing club! I encourage all anglers to either donate or join the local clubs to keep this WI culture alive.
Quick fishing report: White bass are highly active, especially in the center of the lake along the east shore. Have a great week, and stay on top!
