By Mark Schram, Myfishingpartner.com

Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan and Lake Buttes des Mortes currently have ice and the official start of the ice fishing season is well under way, several weeks ahead of last year.

Variable weather patterns have played havoc with ice development.  This week alone the Lake Winnebago region saw heavy snow, followed by below-zero temperatures and ended the week with rain (plus 45-degree temperatures).


With the rain, which fell over the Christmas holiday, open holes and widening cracks have developed over some lakes where solid ice was seen just days before.  The standing water either exited via the openings or refroze on the surface.  This creates a dangerous situation in the near term, as the ice remains highly variable and hard to read.

Extreme caution must be used when venturing on the ice currently.  It is advisable to grab some ice cleats, as the surface is relatively snow free after the rain, and resembles an ice skating rink in many locations.  The rain smoothed the surface on Lake Winnebago, where access had previously been limited by heaves, especially along the east shore.

There is not consistent ice on any area body of water.  We have not personally checked bodies of water, but word of mouth reports show these approximate ice depths:

Lake Poygan:  4-9” with pockets of open water

Lake Winnebago:  2-13”

Lake Buttes Des Mortes (Oshkosh): 7-9” with pockets of open water

Little Lake Buttes Des Mortes (Neenah): 5”

Fishing Reports:

Lake Poygan has been inconsistent for anglers with some locations of heavy action for white bass.  Anglers are seeing smaller white bass, in the 8-10-inch range as common.  Smaller walleyes have also been present especially between 9-15 inches.  Perch and bluegill have been shallower, residing along the weed lines.  Remember, green weeds provide oxygen and brown weeds deplete oxygen.  The fish will typically be associated with the green weeds only.  Smaller jigs and subtle jigging will get the best results.  Overall, patience is required for all species.

Map from Contour Elite

On Lake Winnebago, there is a major crack running north to south from Stockbridge, WI to just North of Fond du Lac on the east shore.  By far the best ice is along the east shore where ATV travel is fairly common.  A white bass school has been active near Calumetville.  Larger fish are associated with this school.  There has been moderate pressure from anglers in this location, especially near Artesia Beach.

Further South, Fisherman’s Road had a couple of permanent shacks out. Talking to anglers at the launch, they indicated the area was slow for perch, walleye and white bass.  The harbor in Fond du Lac (Big Hole) has been extremely slow, and seems to be an unpopulated area. The channels in the park are giving up a few crappies.  Be extremely careful if fishing here, as there still are open water pockets.

Asylum bay has had plenty of activity, but overall the area is slow for pan fish.

Little Lake Buttes des Mortes (Neenah) is giving up small perch on the south side in limited numbers.  The lake is currently ice covered/locked up, but the ice thickness is less than other areas on the Winnebago System.

Remember no ice is ever completely safe, and large variances are being seen throughout the Winnebago system.  Take every precaution for your safety and long term well-being.

Have a great week, and stay on top.  Happy New Year.  [email protected] is my email.  A special shout out to Rippin Lips in Stockbridge and Larry R. for excellent input for this report.