Episodes

  • Late Fall Fishing Forecast for Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago

    Late Fall Fishing Forecast for Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago
    Nov 2 2024
    As of November 2nd, Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin is in the midst of its late fall fishing season, a time when the water temperatures are cooling down and the fish are becoming more active. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the lake.

    ### Weather and Time
    The sunrise today is at around 6:30 AM, and the sunset will be at about 4:30 PM. The weather forecast indicates a partly cloudy day with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit, making it a comfortable day for fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a good amount of fish activity, particularly with perch, walleye, bluegill, and crappie. Fish are commonly moving throughout the lake following schools of baitfish, so finding a bait ball or classic sonar arc on the depth finder can be key to locating them.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Anglers reported catching a decent number of perch, with some areas yielding up to a dozen or more per hour. Walleye catches were also promising, with several reports of fish in the 15-20 inch range. Bluegill and crappie were also active, especially in the shallower waters.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For perch, using small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms has been effective. Walleye are biting on jigging spoons and crankbaits, especially those that mimic the baitfish they are chasing. Bluegill and crappie are responding well to small jigs with tiny minnows or crappie jigs.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the area around the Fond du Lac River mouth, where the walleye and perch have been congregating. Another good spot is the western shore of the lake, particularly around the areas with submerged weed beds, which are attracting bluegill and crappie.

    ### Tidal Report
    Lake Winnebago is a freshwater lake and does not have tides, so you don't need to worry about tidal changes affecting your fishing.

    Overall, it looks like it will be a great day to get out on Lake Winnebago and catch some fish. Make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for the cooler weather. Good luck
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    2 mins
  • Lake Winnebago Late Fall Fishing: Walleye, Pike, and Perch Thrive in Cooling Waters

    Lake Winnebago Late Fall Fishing: Walleye, Pike, and Perch Thrive in Cooling Waters
    Nov 1 2024
    As of November 1st, Lake Winnebago is gearing up for the late fall fishing season, a time when the water temperatures are cooling down and the fish are becoming more active.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 50°F and a low of 35°F. The winds are moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10 mph. Sunrise is at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    In the late fall, Lake Winnebago's fish are transitioning to deeper waters. Walleye, one of the most sought-after species here, can be found in the main lake basin and along the primary break on the east shoreline. Northern pike, largemouth bass, and perch are also active, particularly in the shallow bays and boating channels.

    ### Yesterday's Catch
    Yesterday saw a decent catch of walleye, with several anglers reporting success using small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets in metallic clown, purple, and pink colors. Some big smallmouth bass were also caught, especially around the rock piles where they are feeding heavily on crayfish. Perch were active on the reefs, with anglers using egg sinkers and hooks tipped with hellgrammites, wax worms, or pieces of nightcrawlers.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleye, trolling deep-diving crankbaits that run 8 to 12 feet deep, such as Bomber Long-A’s and Rebel Fastracs, is highly effective. Using planer boards to keep the baits away from the boat can also increase your chances. For perch, a slip-bobber rig with live bait like hellgrammites or wax worms works well. Northern pike and largemouth bass can be caught using spinnerbaits, especially in the shallow bays and boating channels.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best spots to try your luck is along the primary break on the east shoreline, where walleye tend to congregate. The rock reefs along the western shore are also excellent, particularly during periods of reduced water clarity and increased wave action. For perch, the southern third of the lake is a good area to start, especially early in the season.

    ### Additional Tips
    Be cautious of shallow unmarked reefs and sand bars, especially when navigating close to shore and near islands. With the changing weather, keep an eye on ice conditions if you plan to ice fish later in the season.

    Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities as we head into the late fall season. Make sure to check local fishing regulations and consult with guides or marinas for the most up-to-date information.
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    3 mins
  • Chilly Walleye Bite on Lake Winnebago - Anglers Reap Rewards Despite Brisk Winds and Showers

    Chilly Walleye Bite on Lake Winnebago - Anglers Reap Rewards Despite Brisk Winds and Showers
    Oct 31 2024
    As of October 31, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin is quite active despite the chilly weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Water Conditions
    Today, expect south winds to pick up from 10 to 20 knots, becoming southwest at 20 to 30 knots in the afternoon. There's a likelihood of rain showers in the morning, so be prepared with the right gear. Water temperatures are cooling down, but this hasn't deterred the fish from biting.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM, giving you a good window to catch both morning and evening bites.

    ### Fish Activity
    Walleyes are still active in the area, particularly in the Wolf River and transitioning back into the lake. The bite has been consistent throughout the day. Anglers have reported catching walleyes, as well as drum and perch, in various spots.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, dragging nightcrawlers with Northland Fishing Tackle Thumper Jigs or a Carolina rig has been highly effective. Colors like orange, gold, and green are working well. Hair jigs in purple, black, orange, and chartreuse are also catching fish. For those targeting white bass, jigs paired with plastics and crankbaits are good options, but pulling flies, especially in purple, has been the most successful method.

    ### Hot Spots
    Focus on the Wolf River from Fremont down into Lake Winnebago. The river's bottom areas are holding a lot of walleyes. Additionally, the mid-lake areas and the transition zones from rock to mud are good spots to explore.

    ### Tidal Report
    Lake Winnebago is a freshwater lake, so there are no tides to consider. However, the wind can significantly impact water conditions, making it important to check the latest wind forecasts before heading out.

    Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities right now. Make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for the changing weather conditions. With the right lures and bait, you should be able to catch a good number of fish. Happy fishing
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report: Walleye, Perch Thriving in Lake Winnebago's Autumn Conditions

    Fishing Report: Walleye, Perch Thriving in Lake Winnebago's Autumn Conditions
    Oct 27 2024
    As of October 27, 2024, here’s a detailed fishing report for Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather around Lake Winnebago is quite chilly this time of year, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. According to the latest observations, the sky is partly cloudy with a gentle southwesterly wind at about 6-8 mph. This is typical for the fall season, and it sets up a good environment for fishing.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:30 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trip, as many fish species are more active during these transitional periods.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fall is an excellent time for fishing on Lake Winnebago, especially for walleye and perch. Yesterday, anglers reported a decent catch of walleyes, particularly in the deeper waters and near structural elements like weed beds and drop-offs. Perch fishing has also been productive, with many anglers targeting them in the shallower areas.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Yesterday saw a moderate catch of walleyes, with most fish ranging from 16 to 22 inches in length. Perch were abundant, with many anglers catching them in schools. The average size of the perch was around 10-12 inches.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, using jigs tipped with minnows or leeches has been highly effective. The Garmin LiveScope has also proven invaluable in locating these fish in the deeper waters. For perch, small jigs with tiny minnows or beetle spins have been the go-to choices.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots for walleye fishing is the west shore of Lake Winnebago, particularly around the areas with submerged weed beds. Another productive area is near the Wolf River inlet, where the structural changes in the bottom attract a variety of fish species.

    For perch, the shallower bays and areas with sandy bottoms on the east side of the lake have been yielding good results. The area around High Cliff State Park is also known for its perch fishing.

    ### Additional Notes
    While Lake Winnebago does not have tidal changes, the wind and water temperature play significant roles in fish activity. Currently, the water temperature is in the mid-50s, which is ideal for fall fishing. Be sure to check the latest weather and water condition updates before heading out, as these can affect the fish behavior and your overall fishing experience.

    Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities this fall, and with the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you can have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.
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    3 mins
  • Chilling Walleyes and White Bass Await Anglers on Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago

    Chilling Walleyes and White Bass Await Anglers on Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago
    Oct 26 2024
    As of October 26, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, is quite active despite the bitter cold temperatures forecasted for the area. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Time
    The sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:45 PM. Be prepared for cold weather, as temperatures are expected to be quite low.

    ### Fish Activity
    Walleyes are still a major target on Lake Winnebago. They have been leaving the Wolf River and moving back into the lake, making for a consistent bite throughout the day. White bass are also starting to show up in numbers, and their bite is expected to improve over the next few weeks.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Yesterday saw a good number of walleyes caught, particularly in the Wolf River and areas where it flows into Lake Winnebago. White bass, walleyes, drum, and perch are all being caught using various presentations. The white bass bite is getting better, and pulling flies has been the most effective method.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, dragging nightcrawlers with Northland Fishing Tackle Thumper Jigs or a Carolina rig has been highly effective. Colors like orange, gold, and green are working well. Hair jigs in purple, black, orange, and chartreuse are also catching fish. For white bass, pulling flies, especially in purple, but also white, green, and orange, is the way to go.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the Wolf River, particularly from Fremont down into Lake Winnebago. The east shoreline of Lake Winnebago is also producing walleyes, especially when trolling 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 working well in the evening hours.

    ### Additional Tips
    Big smallmouth bass are active on the rock piles, feeding heavily on crayfish. If you're targeting these, be prepared with lures that mimic crayfish.

    Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering a diverse and active fishing experience, even in the cold weather. Make sure to bundle up and get your gear ready for a productive day on the water.
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    3 mins
  • Lake Winnebago Yields Walleyes, Bass, and Whitebass Amid Chilly Temps

    Lake Winnebago Yields Walleyes, Bass, and Whitebass Amid Chilly Temps
    Oct 25 2024
    As of October 25, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago is quite active, despite the bitter cold temperatures forecasted for the area.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather is expected to be chilly, which is typical for this time of year. According to the latest observations, temperatures are in the mid-50s, with winds coming from the southwest at about 6-8 mph.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:30 PM, giving anglers a good window to hit the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Walleyes are being caught consistently, particularly on the east shoreline. Trolling small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets in metallic clown, purple, and pink colors have been 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 working well.

    Big smallmouth bass are active on the rock piles, with some fish in the 18-inch range and numerous smaller ones in the 12 to 15 inch range. These bass are feeding heavily on crayfish.

    Whitebass are also making an appearance, and their numbers are expected to increase in the coming weeks. They can be caught using jigs paired with plastics and crankbaits, but pulling flies, especially in purple, has been the most successful method.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, use Northland Fishing Tackle Thumper Jigs paired with nightcrawlers, or a Carolina rig with a 1/16-ounce weight and a gold hook. Hair jigs in purple, black, orange, and chartreuse are also effective.

    For smallmouth bass, focus on using lures that mimic crayfish. For whitebass, pulling flies in purple, white, green, and orange is recommended.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the east shoreline of Lake Winnebago, where walleyes are being caught while trolling. Another good area is the rock piles, which are home to big smallmouth bass feeding on crayfish.

    Additionally, the Wolf River, which connects to Lake Winnebago, is seeing a good bite for walleyes and whitebass. Dragging crawlers along the bottom of the Wolf River has been particularly effective.

    ### Tidal Report
    Lake Winnebago is a freshwater lake and does not have tidal movements. However, the water levels can fluctuate based on weather conditions and human activities such as dam operations.

    In summary, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities right now, especially for walleyes, smallmouth bass, and whitebass. Make sure to bundle up for the cold and hit the water early to take advantage of the best fishing times.
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    3 mins
  • Lake Winnebago's Chilly Walleye, Smallmouth, and White Bass Bonanza - A Frosty Fishing Report

    Lake Winnebago's Chilly Walleye, Smallmouth, and White Bass Bonanza - A Frosty Fishing Report
    Oct 24 2024
    As of October 24, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago is quite active, despite the bitter cold temperatures forecasted for the area.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather is expected to be chilly, which might affect fish behavior, but it's still a great time to get out on the water. Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM. There are no significant tidal changes to note on Lake Winnebago, as it is a freshwater lake.

    ### Fish Activity
    Walleyes are one of the main targets on Lake Winnebago right now. They can be caught along the east shoreline, particularly by trolling small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets in metallic clown, purple, and pink colors. The slip bobber/leech bite is also heating up, especially in the evening hours. Use a small jig in green or orange tipped with a leech for good results.

    Big smallmouth bass are active on the rock piles, feeding heavily on crayfish. You can catch them in the 12 to 15 inch range, with some larger ones up to 18 inches. Crayfish patterns and jigs are effective for these bass.

    White bass are also becoming more active, and their bite is expected to improve in the coming weeks. They can be caught using jigs paired with plastics, crankbaits, or by pulling flies, with purple being a particularly effective color.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, stick to small crankbaits and slip bobbers with leeches. For smallmouth bass, crayfish patterns and jigs work well. For white bass, jigs with plastics, crankbaits, or flies in purple, white, green, and orange are recommended.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the east shoreline of Lake Winnebago, where walleyes are being caught consistently. Another good area is the rock piles, which are home to big smallmouth bass. The Wolf River, which flows into Lake Winnebago, is also a good spot for catching walleyes and white bass.

    Overall, Lake Winnebago offers a diverse fishing experience, with various species active and ready to be caught. Just make sure to bundle up for the cold weather.
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    3 mins
  • Lake Winnebago Fishing Heats Up Despite Transitioning Weather

    Lake Winnebago Fishing Heats Up Despite Transitioning Weather
    Oct 20 2024
    As of October 20, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago is quite active, despite the transitioning weather.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather today is expected to be mostly sunny, with temperatures in the mid-60s, similar to the recent trend in the region. Winds are coming from the southeast at about 13-17 mph, which can make the open lake waters a bit choppy, but this is typical for this time of year.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:45 PM, giving anglers a good window to be out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Walleye fishing has been strong on Lake Winnebago, especially in the latter part of the season. Anglers have been successful trolling for walleyes using classic crawler harnesses on calmer days and crankbaits like Flicker Shads, Shad Raps, and Northland Rumble Shads on windy days. The best colors for these lures have been pink, perch, and white.

    ### Recent Catches
    While specific catch data for October 19 is not available, recent reports indicate that walleyes are being caught in the mud flats and mid-lake reefs. Anglers have also had success casting for walleyes, particularly using jigs and jerk baits in areas with structure like rock piles and weed edges.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For trolling, stick with crankbaits and crawler harnesses. On windy days, focus on wind-blown structures close to shore and use shallower diving crankbaits that reach depths of 8-10 feet. For casting, jigs with a 2-inch tube style ned trailer in chartreuse and purple, or swim baits with a gold blade, have been very effective. Jerk baits in purple and white are also working well in the rivers and open water.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best spots to try your luck is the mid-lake flats, especially on calmer days. On windy days, target the shallow main lake reefs and wind-blown structures close to shore. The east shoreline, particularly around the mud flats, has also been productive for trolling small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets.

    Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities as the fall season progresses. Make sure to check the latest weather forecast and adjust your tactics accordingly to maximize your chances of a successful day on the water.
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    3 mins