What a difference a week makes! Lake Winnebago had a solid sheet of ice to begin last week, and as of Tuesday, the southern portion of the lake was ice free. The northern sheet of ice was breaking down quickly with the warm weather. Over the past week, the Fox and Wolf Rivers have improved greatly,and boat activity has resumed for the season. Lake Poygan still has a small amount of ice, but this is expected to exit during the next week. Conditions improve by the day.
The extremely warm weather is making for fast changing conditions. Fish are moving, Ice is breaking up and water temps are shooting up the charts. Day to day results will be different because the conditions are changing so rapidly. In many years these events take weeks to complete, however 2012 is providing these changes over a week’s period.
The biggest influx of fishermen in Northeast Wisconsin has been at the Fox River in Depere. Water temps have risen to nearly 44 degrees, and male walleyes have been schooling up near the 172 bridge. I would expect some of the first arriving females to make an appearance in the area later in the week, assuming weather forecast remain accurate. Ramps are in, launches are full, so please have patience and courtesy should you venture out in this area. A few female walleyes have been showing up during the evenings. Gulp is out-producing live bait currently.
The Wolf River has seen some activity with boats out chasing walleyes. The results have been mild, with a few male walleyes working their way up the system. Water temps have remained in the mid to upper 30’s, so there has not been a calling card to move these fish up stream. A good rain would move this process forward. However, each day is an improvement.
The Fox River in Oshkosh is open and ready for action. There are male walleyes starting their journey up the river, and can be caught on a jig and minnow. Females remain absent in this area as of Tuesday.
Ice Breakers 7 will occur this weekend at Critters in Winneconne. On deck for speakers include legendary anglers Darryl Christensen, Mike Gofron and Tommy Kemos. My Fishing Partner will have a booth at the event, so be sure to stop out. Tickets are two dollars this year, and can be purchased at the door.
