Cooler than normal temperatures dominated the weather for another week. As a result, the Winnebago system remained in a holding pattern, waiting for some near normal temperatures. Water temps have remained stable for the week ranging anywhere from 49 degrees to 57 degrees. Water clarity is starting to improve, with visibility at about 2-3 feet. Lake Flies are thick on the west shore of Lake Winnebago.
Due to the recent weather stability, the system has been more predictable.
The Wolf River is still holding strong numbers of male walleyes, and numerous white bass which are waiting to spawn. The walleyes have been gravitating to the deep holes within the system. The white bass are especially thick along the shore lines, especially on the slack water side. The Rock wall in Fremont has picked up greatly also for the whiteys. Small mouth bass have been reported to be in larger numbers near New London.
Lake Poygan and Lake Winneconne have had the best action of the past week. Resting male walleyes are hanging along the gravel shorelines, in shallow water. In essence they are warming up in the warmer water, away from the current. Average size of the fish is between 15-20 inches. If you are trolling, slower speeds are required to attract these fish. Red/pink, blue/purple, or fire-tiger have been great colors the past week. Speed (slow) is more important than color or lure type currently. Clark’s Point has been sluggish. The flats (just north of the main river channel) in Lake Winneconne are holding quite a few fish also. Many of these are sheephead, white bass and pike.
Lake Winnebago has been very quiet around the Oshkosh area. The huge hatch of lake flies is supplying ample food for any hungry fish. Seemingly, the lake is now hosting an abundance of female walleyes currently. There have been more males filtering back to the main lake since last week. The walleyes which are being caught have excellent size.
There were no major hot spots reported this week on the main lake. The north end of the lake has had better activity for walleyes than the south end. Try checking 7-10 foot depths with crank baits or harnesses tight to the bottom where a shallow reef is nearby. Slip Bobbers continue to produce limited numbers of walleyes on most reefs or rocky shorelines.
If you are seeking bass, the southwest portion of Lake Winnebago is producing strong numbers of large and small mouth bass. Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac continues to produce medium size bass in the channels in the park. I would expect the white bass moving into the Fond du Lac River in the near future.
There are some decent days ahead in the forecast. It is likely that the warmer weather (upper 70’s) and thunderstorms could kick off the white bass spawning run and could also result in the crappie spawn a few days later. The anticipate spike in water temperatures, should make a very solid week of fishing, between the thunderstorms.
Walleye Tournament News: Midwest Walleye Series held their first tournament out of Winneconne. Winning weight was just short of 18 pounds, indicating a strong male walleye presence in Lake Poygan where most of the field fished. Average fish weight was 2.3 pounds. About 60% of the field had 5 fish limits. The only tournament on the system next weekend is The Red Banks event on the Wolf River.
Have a great week and if I get my boat back (electrical fire) I should be able to update the “Live from the Boat” twitter feed on the water! Feel free to ask me questions or leave a fishing report. [email protected]. Until next week, keep those lines tight!
