Episodes

  • "Cooler Weather Brings New Fishing Opportunities on Lake Winnebago"

    "Cooler Weather Brings New Fishing Opportunities on Lake Winnebago"
    Nov 23 2024
    As of November 23, 2024, here’s the latest fishing report for Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin.

    **Weather and Conditions:**
    Today is expected to be cooler, feeling more like winter than the unseasonable warmth we've seen lately. This change in weather might just be what we need to see some improved fishing conditions.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:23 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday was a slow day for sturgeon spearing, but there were some notable catches. On Lake Winnebago, 15 fish were harvested, including 3 juvenile females, 2 adult females, and 10 males. The Upriver Lakes saw 10 fish harvested, with 3 juvenile females, 2 adult females, and 5 males. The largest fish of the day was a 62.5-pound, 62.5-inch male sturgeon caught by Jamie Morgan at the Southwest Winnebago registration station.

    For other species, walleyes are active and can be found in the Wolf River and transitioning back into the lake. The white bass run is also starting to pick up.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For walleyes, dragging crawlers with Northland Fishing Tackle Thumper Jigs in orange, gold, and green colors has been highly effective. Carolina rigs with a 1/16-ounce weight and a gold hook are also working well. Hair jigs in purple, black, orange, and chartreuse are also good options.

    For white bass, jigs paired with plastics and crankbaits are good, but pulling flies, especially in purple, has been the best method.

    **Hot Spots:**
    Focus your efforts around the southern portion of Lake Winnebago, particularly near the Southwest Winnebago and Pipe registration stations. The Wolf River, from Fremont down into Lake Winnebago, is also a hot spot for walleyes.

    Given the cooler temperatures, today might be a good day to get out and try your luck. Just remember to bundle up and stay safe on the water.
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    2 mins
  • Walleye Winning at Lake Winnebago: Anglers Reel in Catches Amid Mild November Conditions

    Walleye Winning at Lake Winnebago: Anglers Reel in Catches Amid Mild November Conditions
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin.

    First off, the sturgeon spearing season has already concluded, so we're focusing on other species now. The weather today is relatively calm, with clear skies and mild temperatures, ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

    For Lake Winnebago, there isn't a tidal report since it's a freshwater lake, but water levels and temperatures are crucial. Currently, the water temperature is around the mid-40s to low 50s, which is typical for this time of year.

    Sunrise today is at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 4:20 PM, giving you a good window for fishing.

    Fish activity has been decent, especially for walleyes. Yesterday, anglers reported catching walleyes using various tactics. Trolling classic crawler harnesses on calmer days and crankbaits like Flicker Shads, Shad Raps, and Northland Rumble Shads on windy days have been effective. The best colors for both spinners and crankbaits are pink, perch, and white.

    For casting, pitching jigs, especially with a 2-inch tube style ned trailer in chartreuse and purple, has been super effective in the weeds. On windy days, fish the wind-blown structure up close to shore and the shallows, targeting rock piles and rubble.

    In terms of specific catches, while the sturgeon spearing season is over, recent reports indicate that walleyes are the main target. Anglers have been catching a mix of sizes, with the best locations being the reefs and mud flats, as well as deeper mid-lake flats on calmer days.

    Hot spots include the southern portion of Lake Winnebago, particularly around the Southwest Winnebago registration station area, which has seen consistent activity. The Pipe registration stations and the areas around the weed edges and rock piles are also worth checking out.

    For bait, nightcrawlers, minnows under a bobber, and jigs with plastics are good choices. Crankbaits that dive into the 8-10 foot depth range are also effective.

    Overall, it's a good time to be out on Lake Winnebago, especially if you're targeting walleyes. Just be sure to check the current weather and water conditions to adjust your tactics accordingly.
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    3 mins
  • Lake Winnebago Fishing Report: Sturgeon Spearing Wraps Up, New Opportunities Arise

    Lake Winnebago Fishing Report: Sturgeon Spearing Wraps Up, New Opportunities Arise
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin.

    First off, let's talk about the time of day. Sunrise is around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be about 4:20 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water. Since Lake Winnebago is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal reports to consider.

    The weather has been quite unpredictable lately, especially with the sturgeon spearing season wrapping up. Yesterday saw cooler temperatures, which was a welcome change for spearers, but the overall harvest has been slow due to uncooperative weather conditions.

    Fish activity has been variable, but there are still some good catches to be had. Yesterday, on Lake Winnebago, only 6 lake sturgeon were harvested, consisting of 2 juvenile females, 2 adult females, and 2 males. The majority of these were registered at the Southwest Winnebago and Pipe registration stations, indicating that the southern portion of the lake is still the best area to focus on.

    For other species like walleye and perch, which are more active during this time, you might want to use jigs tipped with minnows or small jigs with plastic tails. Crayfish and small crankbaits can also be effective, especially in the crisp fall conditions.

    If you're targeting sturgeon, the best approach is still spearing, but for other species, here are some hot spots: The southern part of Lake Winnebago, particularly around the Southwest Winnebago and Pipe areas, has been seeing consistent activity. For walleye and perch, try the deeper holes and weed edges, especially around the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh areas.

    In summary, while the sturgeon spearing season is ending, there's still plenty of fishing to be done on Lake Winnebago. Keep an eye on the weather, and don't hesitate to try different lures and baits to see what works best for you. Good luck out there
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    2 mins
  • "Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Winnebago: Walleyes, Smallmouth Bass, and More"

    "Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Winnebago: Walleyes, Smallmouth Bass, and More"
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin is quite vibrant, despite the late fall season.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather today is expected to be crisp with a high of around 45°F and a low of 30°F, making it ideal for a day on the ice or in a heated fishing shack. Sunrise is at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 4:28 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been steady, particularly in the evening hours. Walleyes are actively biting, especially on the east shoreline. Smallmouth bass are also thriving, feeding heavily on crayfish around the rock piles.

    ### Recent Catches
    Yesterday saw a decent catch of walleyes, perch, and smallmouth bass. Walleyes were caught using small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets in metallic clown, purple, and pink colors. The slip bobber/leech combination, especially with a small jig in green or orange tipped with a leech, has been effective in the evening hours[2][4].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, trolling with classic crawler harnesses or crankbaits like Shad Raps and Northland Rumble Shads in pink, perch, and white colors is recommended. Casting jerk baits, such as purple and white shallow-running jerk baits, and using a 2-inch tube style Ned trailer in chartreuse and purple, have also been effective[4].

    For smallmouth bass, targeting rock piles and using baits like willow bladed swim baits with a gold blade or a jig worm head with a paddle tail can yield good results[4].

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the east shoreline, where walleyes are biting well. Another area is the rock piles, where smallmouth bass are actively feeding on crayfish. The mid-lake flats and mud flats are also good locations, especially on calmer days[2][4].

    ### Additional Tips
    If you're ice fishing, areas like Black Wolf with 7-9 inches of ice have been producing good-sized perch and crappies. Using Clam Bomb Jigs, slender spoons, and tungsten jigs in dull orange or gold plated colors can be effective. Remember to pound the mud with your jigs and spoons to attract the fish[2].

    Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities this time of year, so make sure to bundle up and enjoy the day on the water.
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    3 mins
  • Autumn Fishing on Lake Winnebago: Targeting Bass, Walleye, and More

    Autumn Fishing on Lake Winnebago: Targeting Bass, Walleye, and More
    Nov 16 2024
    For November 16, 2024, if you're planning to hit Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin, here's what you need to know:

    First off, Lake Winnebago is a large inland lake, so there's no tidal report to worry about. However, the weather is something to keep an eye on. Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 45°F and a low of 32°F, making it a crisp autumn day.

    Sunrise is at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 4:20 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.

    Fish activity has been quite active lately. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a variety of species. Big smallmouth bass, some in the 18-inch range and many in the 12 to 15-inch range, were caught around the rock piles. Perch and whitebass are also being caught in good numbers. Walleye and bluegill are moving throughout the lake, following schools of baitfish, so finding a bait ball or classic sonar arc on the depth finder can be key[2][3].

    For lures, jigs and crankbaits are working well for the bass and walleye. For perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or worms are effective. Whitebass are often caught using small spoons and spinners.

    As for bait, live minnows, worms, and crickets are all good choices. For walleye, try using fathead minnows or golden shiners.

    Some hot spots to consider include the rock piles around the mid-lake area and the weed beds near the shoreline. The area around the Wolf River inlet is also known for its good fishing.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Winnebago, with a variety of fish species active and the fall weather making for a pleasant day on the water.
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    2 mins
  • Fishing Lake Winnebago: Walleyes, Perch, and Crayfish-Hunting Smallmouth Bass Thrive in Crisp Fall Conditions

    Fishing Lake Winnebago: Walleyes, Perch, and Crayfish-Hunting Smallmouth Bass Thrive in Crisp Fall Conditions
    Nov 15 2024
    As of November 15, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin is quite active, despite the transitioning seasons.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather is crisp, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit, making it a pleasant day for fishing. Sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Recently, the lake has seen a mix of fish activity. For walleyes, anglers have been successful using small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets, particularly in metallic clown, purple, and pink colors. Trolling these lures along the east shoreline has been effective. Additionally, the slip bobber/leech bite is heating up, especially in the evening hours, with small jigs in green or orange tipped with a leech[4].

    Perch fishing has also been good, with anglers catching a mix of big perch and crappies. For perch, using Clam Bomb Jigs, slender spoons, and tungsten jigs in dull orange or gold plated colors have been successful. The key is to pound the mud with your jigs and spoons, slowly jigging them up from the bottom to attract the fish[4].

    White bass are also being caught in decent numbers, and big smallmouth bass are active on the rock piles, feeding heavily on crayfish.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, use small crankbaits and slip bobbers with leeches. For perch and crappies, Clam Bomb Jigs, slender spoons, and tungsten jigs in various colors are recommended. For smallmouth bass, lead head jigs with twister tails or lures that mimic crayfish are effective.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the east shoreline of Lake Winnebago, where walleyes are being caught while trolling small crankbaits. Another area is the rock piles, where big smallmouth bass are actively feeding on crayfish. The southern portion of the lake, particularly around the Southwest Winnebago and Pipe registration stations, has also seen significant fish activity, although this was more relevant during the sturgeon spearing season[2].

    Overall, Lake Winnebago offers a diverse fishing experience this time of year, with various species active and ready to be caught.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report: Sturgeon Spearing, Walleye, Perch, and Crappie Bite on Lake Winnebago

    Fishing Report: Sturgeon Spearing, Walleye, Perch, and Crappie Bite on Lake Winnebago
    Nov 14 2024
    As of November 14, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago is quite active, despite the transitioning seasons. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:

    ### Weather and Ice Conditions
    The weather has been fluctuating, but yesterday felt more like winter, which is a welcome change for sturgeon spearers. Currently, the ice on Lake Winnebago is ranging from 13 to 16 inches thick, making it stable for ice fishing and sturgeon spearing[1][2].

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    The sturgeon spearing season, which opened on February 10, is now in its final days. Yesterday saw a slow harvest, with only 6 fish harvested from Lake Winnebago, including 2 juvenile females, 2 adult females, and 2 males. The largest fish of the day was a 62.5-pound, 62.5-inch male sturgeon[2].

    For other species, walleyes are being caught, particularly on the east shoreline. Trolling with small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets in metallic clown, purple, and pink colors has been effective. The slip bobber/leech bite is also heating up, especially in the evening hours, using small jigs in green or orange tipped with a leech[1].

    Perch and whitebass are also being caught, with big smallmouth bass active on the rock piles, feeding heavily on crayfish. In areas like Black Wolf, a mix of big perch and crappies are being caught using Clam Bomb Jigs, slender spoons, and tungsten jigs in dull orange or gold[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, use small crankbaits and slip bobbers with leeches. For perch and crappies, Clam Bomb Jigs and slender spoons are working well. Tungsten jigs in dull orange or gold are also effective. For sturgeon, the traditional spearing method is in use during this season[1][2].

    ### Hot Spots
    The east shoreline of Lake Winnebago is a hot spot for walleyes. The southern portion of the lake, particularly around the Southwest Winnebago registration station, has been busy for sturgeon spearers. Black Wolf is another good spot for catching perch and crappies[1][2].

    Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities, especially with the stable ice conditions and the variety of fish species active at this time.
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    3 mins
  • Walleyes, Smallmouths, and Ice: The Lake Winnebago Autumn Fishing Update

    Walleyes, Smallmouths, and Ice: The Lake Winnebago Autumn Fishing Update
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago is looking promising despite the cooler autumn weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    **Weather and Time**
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-40s. Sunrise was at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM. The winds are moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph.

    **Fish Activity**
    Fish activity has been steady, especially in the evening hours. Walleyes are actively biting, particularly on the east shoreline. Smallmouth bass are also very active, feeding heavily on crayfish around the rock piles.

    **Catch Report**
    Yesterday saw a good number of walleyes caught, with anglers trolling small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets. Colors such as metallic clown, purple, and pink were particularly effective. The slip bobber/leech bite is also heating up, especially in the evening hours, with small jigs in green or orange tipped with a leech performing well.

    Big smallmouth bass, some in the 18-inch range and many in the 12 to 15-inch range, were caught around the rock piles. Perch and whitebass are also being caught in decent numbers.

    **Best Lures and Bait**
    For walleyes, use small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets in metallic clown, purple, and pink colors. Slip bobbers paired with a small jig in green or orange tipped with a leech are also highly effective.

    For smallmouth bass, focus on using lures that mimic crayfish, as they are the primary food source right now.

    **Hot Spots**
    One of the hot spots is the east shoreline of Lake Winnebago, where walleyes are being caught while trolling. Another good spot is around the rock piles, where smallmouth bass are feeding heavily on crayfish.

    **Additional Tips**
    Make sure to check the ice conditions if you plan to ice fish, as some areas have around 7-9 inches of ice, but the fish can be spotty. For ice fishing, Clam Bomb Jigs, slender spoons, and tungsten jigs in dull orange or gold plated colors have been working well.

    Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities right now, so gear up and get out there to enjoy the autumn fishing season.
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    3 mins