2012 has been a challenge for most area anglers until this past week arrived.  A cold front pushed through the area, answering many area fishermen’s requests.  Lake Winnebago’s ice solidified to some extent allowing anglers to leave the bays and shorelines to explorer new territory for the first time this season.  Ice depths were very inconsistent, ranging from 5” to 14” inches over the main lake.  A huge north to south orientated crack has formed, running nearly the length of the entire lake.  Water clarity is about 7 feet currently.

There remains a decent perch and bluegill bite occurring in the bays and along the shorelines.  Walleyes remain scattered, but are only occasionally active.

Lake Poygan continues to be busy.  There are mixed bags reported with pan fish, walleyes and white bass.  A few pike are being reported also.   The ice on Lake Poygan is much better than Winnebago, as related to depth.  Vehicle traffic is occurring, but not recommended.  Ice depths tend to be a little more consistent on this lake, ranging from 10” to 14”.  The heavy traffic on this lake may be resulting in a negative fish mood.

Areas of Interest:

Old Chaparral Area (NFDL):  The harbor has been vacated on most days with most of the angler moving out onto the main lake.  In this region, decent sized perch are being caught along with bluegills.

Wendt’s (Van Dyne):  Most anglers are remaining inside of the island.  Small perch are in the area.

Stretch’s (Black Wolf):  The traffic in this area picked up greatly since the last report.  Strong numbers of White Bass, perch and bluegills inhabit this area.  They have become spooky with the increased activity overhead, so move to get away from the pack, when possible.  Waxies and minnows are both being reported as strong choices for bait.

Asylum Bay: Perch continue to be active in the area; however, are running on the small size.  Large schools of bait fish remain in this bay, keeping the perch attracted to this area.

East Shore:   Fisherman’s Road has seen some light traffic and reports have indicated it is fairly slow for all fish in this area.  There is a tree line established out of Pipe (maybe a couple of miles) with ice depths at about 12”.  The northern end of the east shore has some very questionable ice, with heavy shoves and multiple cracks.  There also appears to be some open water/surface water spots in this general area.

Gladwater Beach area (Central east shore): There have been multiple reports of a solid white bass school roaming in this area.  Spoons and jigging Rapalas are the preferred baits.

Be careful on the ice as the warmer weather re-emerges.  The sturgeon spearing season will begin Feb 11th.  Activity on the main lake will pick up substantially over the next week, with shacks being placed and hunters doing their initial scouting trips.  Chances are that the concentrations of shacks will be thick in the few areas which will be accessible this year, so be prepared to spear in a crowd.  [email protected] is my email.  Please feel free to drop me a line as how your fishing excursion turned out!