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.