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  • Sturgeon Spearing and Winter Walleye Tactics for Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin

    Sturgeon Spearing and Winter Walleye Tactics for Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
    2024/12/01
    As of December 1, 2024, here’s a narrative fishing report for Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, though it's important to note that the primary fishing activities mentioned are from earlier in the year, particularly the sturgeon spearing season.

    First, let's address the current conditions. Since Lake Winnebago is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal reports to consider. Here are the other key details:

    - **Weather**: As we move into December, the weather is typically cold, with temperatures often below freezing. This time of year, ice fishing is a common activity, but as of now, the ice conditions may not be stable enough for safe ice fishing.
    - **Sunrise and Sunset**: On December 1, sunrise is around 7:00 AM, and sunset is approximately 4:30 PM.
    - **Fish Activity**: During the winter months, fish activity can be slower due to the cold water. However, species like walleyes, perch, and whitebass can still be active.

    Looking back at the recent sturgeon spearing season, here are some insights:
    - **Sturgeon Spearing**: The 2024 sturgeon spearing season on Lake Winnebago ended on February 25. The final days saw a total harvest of 394 fish for the entire system, including 65 juvenile females, 127 adult females, and 202 males[1].

    For other species:
    - **Walleyes**: During the fall and early winter, walleyes can be caught using small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets. Metallic clown, purple, and pink colors work well. Trolling and slip bobbers with a small jig tipped with a leech are also effective[2].
    - **Perch**: Perch fishing has been good, especially when using Clam Bomb Jigs, slender spoons, and tungsten jigs in dull orange or gold plated colors. Pound the mud with your jigs and spoons to attract them[2].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Southwest Winnebago**: This area was particularly busy during the sturgeon spearing season and often sees a high concentration of fish activity.
    - **East Shoreline**: For walleyes, the east shoreline has been productive, especially when trolling small crankbaits[2].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    - For walleyes, use small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets.
    - For perch, Clam Bomb Jigs, slender spoons, and tungsten jigs in dull orange or gold plated colors are effective.
    - For sturgeon (though the season is closed), no lures are used; instead, spearers rely on visibility through the ice.

    Given the current time of year, ice fishing might not be fully underway yet, but preparing with the right gear and knowledge of these hot spots and lures will set you up for success once the ice stabilizes.
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    3 分
  • Sturgeon Spearing Wraps Up on Lake Winnebago Amidst Unpredictable Weather Conditions

    Sturgeon Spearing Wraps Up on Lake Winnebago Amidst Unpredictable Weather Conditions
    2024/11/30
    As of November 30, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago is wrapping up its sturgeon spearing season, which has been quite challenging due to uncooperative weather conditions.

    **Weather and Ice Conditions:**
    The weather has been unpredictable, with temperatures fluctuating and ice conditions that have not been ideal for sturgeon spearing. Yesterday saw cooler temperatures, which was a welcome change, but the overall season has been marked by warm and variable conditions, similar to the 2017 season[1].

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    For November 30, sunrise is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:20 PM.

    **Fish Activity and Harvest:**
    As the sturgeon spearing season comes to a close, the harvest numbers are lower than expected. Yesterday, on Lake Winnebago, only 6 fish were harvested, including 2 juvenile females, 2 adult females, and 2 males. The Upriver Lakes saw minimal activity with no fish harvested. The total harvest for the entire system stands at 394 fish, including 65 juvenile females, 127 adult females, and 202 males[1].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For sturgeon spearing, the traditional method involves using a spear, not lures or bait. However, for other species like walleye and perch, which are more active during other times of the year, effective lures include live minnows under a bobber, artificial jigs, and crankbaits. For walleye, using Garmin LiveScope to locate and target them is highly recommended[4].

    **Hot Spots:**
    - **Southwest Winnebago:** This area has been the busiest registration station for sturgeon spearing, indicating a higher concentration of fish.
    - **Pipe Registration Stations:** Located on the southern portion of Lake Winnebago, these areas have seen consistent activity.
    - **Upriver Lakes:** Although the harvest has been slow here, it is still a viable spot for catching sturgeon and other species.

    Given the current conditions, it's clear that the sturgeon spearing season has faced significant challenges, but for those targeting other species, Lake Winnebago remains a promising destination with the right tactics and equipment.
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    3 分
  • Fishing Forecast for Lake Winnebago: Walleyes, Perch, and Smallmouth in the Fall

    Fishing Forecast for Lake Winnebago: Walleyes, Perch, and Smallmouth in the Fall
    2024/11/29
    As of November 29, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing conditions at Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s, depending on your location around the lake. Winds are moderate, coming in from the southwest at about 6-9 mph[4].

    Sunrise was at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:20 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    Lake Winnebago does not have tidal reports since it is an inland lake, but water temperatures are crucial. Currently, the water temperatures are in the mid-to-low 40s, which is typical for this time of year[4].

    Fish activity has been good, especially for walleyes, perch, and smallmouth bass. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a decent number of walleyes, particularly in the deeper waters near the lake's drop-offs. Perch were active in the shallower areas, and smallmouth bass were found near structure like rocks and weed beds[1][5].

    For walleyes, using jigs with minnows or fatheads has been effective. For perch, small jigs tipped with waxworms or crickets are working well. Smallmouth bass are hitting on beetle spins and crankbaits[1][3].

    Some hot spots to consider include the areas around the Wolf River inlet and the deeper waters off of High Cliff State Park. The weed beds near Fond du Lac and Oshkosh have also been producing some nice catches[1][3].

    Remember to bundle up, as the crisp fall conditions can get chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Good luck out there
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    2 分
  • Lake Winnebago Fishing Report - Bundled Up for Walleyes, Perch, and Smallmouth

    Lake Winnebago Fishing Report - Bundled Up for Walleyes, Perch, and Smallmouth
    2024/11/28
    For those heading out to Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin today, here’s what you need to know:

    First off, the weather is bitter cold, so make sure you're bundled up. Sunrise is at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 4:20 PM, giving you a decent window for fishing.

    Lake Winnebago doesn't have tides since it's a freshwater lake, so you don't need to worry about that. However, the cold temperatures are starting to form ice in some areas, but it's still not safe for ice fishing yet.

    Fish activity has been decent, especially for walleyes, perch, and smallmouth bass. Yesterday, anglers were catching walleyes on the east shoreline using small crankbaits like flicker shad #5's and salmo hornets. Colors like metallic clown, purple, and pink are working well. The slip bobber/leech bite is also heating up, particularly in the evening hours. Use a small jig in green or orange tipped with a leech for good results.

    Smallmouth bass are active on the rock piles, feeding heavily on crayfish. You can catch some big ones in the 18-inch range and plenty of smaller ones between 12 to 15 inches.

    For perch, areas like Black Wolf with 7-9 inches of ice (though not safe for ice fishing yet) have been producing good-sized fish. Use Clam Bomb Jigs, slender spoons, or tungsten jigs in dull orange or gold plated colors. Pound the mud with your jigs and spoons, and watch your electronics closely as the fish follow the bait up.

    Hot spots include the east shoreline for walleyes and the rock piles for smallmouth bass. If you're looking for perch, areas around Black Wolf are promising, though be cautious of the ice conditions.

    Remember to get all your gear ready before you leave the dock, and stay warm out there. Good luck
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    2 分
  • "Walleye, White Bass, and Perch Thrive in Lake Winnebago's Fall Fishing Scene"

    "Walleye, White Bass, and Perch Thrive in Lake Winnebago's Fall Fishing Scene"
    2024/11/24
    As of November 24, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin.

    First off, Lake Winnebago is a freshwater lake, so there's no tidal report to consider. The weather today is expected to be cool, with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s, which is typical for this time of year.

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

    Fish activity on Lake Winnebago has been robust in recent weeks, especially for species like walleye, white bass, and perch. Although the sturgeon spearing season ended earlier this year, other fish species are still active.

    Yesterday's catch, based on recent trends, would have included a number of walleyes. Walleyes have been biting consistently throughout the day, particularly in the Wolf River and areas where it flows into Lake Winnebago. The best method for catching walleyes has been dragging nightcrawlers on the bottom using Northland Fishing Tackle Thumper Jigs or a Carolina rig with a gold hook. Colors like orange, gold, and green have been effective[2].

    White bass are also starting to show up in numbers, and they can be caught using jigs paired with plastics or crankbaits, but pulling flies, especially in purple, has been the most successful method[2].

    For hot spots, focus on the Wolf River from Fremont down into Lake Winnebago. The southern portion of Lake Winnebago, particularly around the Southwest Winnebago registration station, has also seen significant activity in the past.

    In summary, with the cool weather and ample daylight, today is a great day to hit Lake Winnebago. Use nightcrawlers for walleyes and flies for white bass, and you should have a productive day on the water.
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    2 分
  • "Cooler Weather Brings New Fishing Opportunities on Lake Winnebago"

    "Cooler Weather Brings New Fishing Opportunities on Lake Winnebago"
    2024/11/23
    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 分
  • 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
    2024/11/22
    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 分
  • Lake Winnebago Fishing Report: Sturgeon Spearing Wraps Up, New Opportunities Arise

    Lake Winnebago Fishing Report: Sturgeon Spearing Wraps Up, New Opportunities Arise
    2024/11/21
    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 分