By Mark Schram, Myfishingpartner.com
Inconsistent weather represented the past two weeks in East Central Wisconsin. Multiple fronts moved through the area, most lasting a couple of days, creating erratic conditions for fishermen.
Most walleyes have completed spawning in the Lake Winnebago region. This includes the lower Bay of Green Bay, Wolf River and Fox River. Generally, walleyes are now in post spawn patterns.
The Lower Fox River in Green Bay has become a very quiet place. Many of the walleyes have moved back out into the Bay of Green Bay, and the fisherman have found other venues to play in. However, even as late as Friday, a few females were still showing up in the sandy flats, recuperating from spawning activities. White bass have also moved into the river, and have had massive size being pre-spawn.
The Winnebago System seems to be in a pregnant pause after the walleye spawn in early April. Although the spawn was approximately five to ten days early, the walleyes gave the impression to have disappeared since that time, especially females. Sturgeon spawning is currently concluding on the Wolf River.
Water temperatures are highly variable across the Winnebago System. On Sunday, Lake Winnebago had water temps of 58 in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, with Neenah at 49 degrees. I registered 62 degrees in Lake Butte des Mortes, while Poygan was at 59 degrees. By contrast, the Wolf River near New London saw river water temperatures around 53 degrees on Sunday morning (marshes and sloughs much warmer).
Water levels are lower than normal on the main lake. Menomonie Park launch/harbor in Oshkosh had water depths of about 2.5 feet (2 feet less than normal). Eventually the dams will be closed on the north end, raising the water levels for the main lake.
There seems to be several theories as to what is going on related to poor catch rates from the arm chair walleye “experts.”
- Walleyes are still in the marshes, enjoying the 60+ degree water
- A large run of walleyes occurred on Monday and Tuesday last week in the heavy rain (and strong current) and the walleyes rode the current all the way back to Lake Winnebago.
- There are excessive amounts of bait in the system, and walleyes will not chase food right now.
All three theories are viable to some extent, especially the bait fish in the Fox River in Oshkosh. At some locations, nearly 15 feet of solid bait balls/schools were observed on the graph. Most likely of the given theories, the post spawn walleyes have remained in the sloughs and marshes due to the cooler river water temps. Since the sloughs are moderately warm (plus have good oxygen and food) there is no reason for the post spawn walleyes to dump out into the river. Eventually the water temps will elevate enough to push the walleyes/bait into the river.
Location reports:
Wolf River: New London to Shiocton is holding the largest population of walleyes on the system currently. These fish are by far the most consistent in location and tactic. Anglers are targeting walleyes via pumping jigs with minnows or crawlers. Winneconne (and the bridge) are slow to date, but white bass have filtered into the area creating some fun opportunities. Fremont is also seeing an abundance of white bass.
Sunset Point (Lake Buttes des Mortes): Mid-week showed some strong perch populations on the point. Over the weekend, a few more walleyes were present. Best attractant was slip bobbers tipped with crawlers.
Hwy 41 Bridge on the Fox River: Plenty of staging white bass at this location with an occasional small walleye. Pumping flies was the most popular attractant.
Rainbow Park and bridges (Oshkosh): Massive amounts of bait fish were observed in the river. White bass are common along with small walleyes. Sheephead are also active. Nearly all bridges held schools of white bass.
Mouth of the Fox River in Oshkosh: Fairly void of game fish, however the wall at the Old Pioneer Inn was productive for both sheepshead and white bass.
Western reefs around Oshkosh: These areas have been intermittent with activity. Some days have produced perch, while other days have produced walleyes. Most anglers are dead sticking or slip bobbering in this general region. Wind direction is having a major impact on catch rates. Water clarity on the main lake is 1-3 feet.
Western channels from Oshkosh to Fond du Lac: Water temperatures have risen enough to draw some crappies and bluegills into the channels. The next several weeks should be excellent, assuming consistent weather patterns.
Overall, the Lake Winnebago system was running well ahead of annual trends. The last few days has allowed for a correction to bring the system back into sync. Simply put, anglers need to have some patience while the corrections occur, and everything should fall back into place over the next month.
Within the next two weeks, Walleyenets.com will launch. Walleyenets.com is an E-tailer (On-line Retail store) for high quality fishing gear. Featured initially will be RS nets. Be sure to check it out.
Have a great week on the water!
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