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Winnebago’s 137,708 acres and 85 miles of shoreline encompass 696 billion gallons of water whose transparency varies from nearly crystal-clarity in the winter and spring to green murkiness in summer’s “dog days.” And these waters teem with fish. As is the case in most other fishable lakes in the state, the DNR keeps track of the fishery and periodically estimates the population of gamefish and panfish species. In most Wisconsin lakes, the population estimates are expressed in terms of scores, hundreds – or at most thousands – of fish. But Winnebago’s population of legal-size Walleyes ALONE was estimated in the spring of 1998 at 1.4 million fish. So it’s easy to see that Winnebago is unique. In Wisconsin, at least, it’s unsurpassed in terms of fishery.
This isn’t likely to change anytime soon, either – at least for the state’s favorite fish, Walleyes. According to the DNR, the goggle eye population in Winnebago, is entirely self-sustaining. This is good news, of course, in an era when most lakes’ Walleye populations come from stocked fish. But the news gets even better. In 1996 spawning Walleyes produced a “phenomenal” year class. This was followed in 1997 by another good spawning year. Since Walleyes typically take three to four years to reach the 15-inch “legal” size, 1996 and ‘97 fish haven’t been included in the legal-size fish estimate. So, with a bumper 1996 Walleye crop and a good 1997 year class, an excellent Walleye fishery appears to be in the offing for 1999 and beyond. In fact, the DNR expects ‘96 and ‘97 Walleyes to fill out stringers for the next seven to 10 years.
In late February to March, they usually head up the Fox and Wolf Rivers to spawn, but are back in the lake again by mid-April. Typically, they’re not feeding until late April, when you can begin taking them then on jig/minnow combinations along the shorelines and around the close-in reefs. The reefs off Perkins Point and Asylum Point are good central-lake shallows to try in the spring. Then, in mid-may through June, you can begin finding Walleyes in developing weedbeds in a few of the big lake’s bays. North Asylum Bay is a good spot to try, as are the weedbeds from Stony Point to Streich Point. Kalbus Reef, off Fahrney Point, will hold May-June Walleye, as well. By late June the Walleyes will have dispersed toward the mudflats at the lake’s center. Then use your electronics to locate baitfish, and troll Rapalas or Thundersticks over them. Rainbow Trout pattern and “Clown” color Raps are hot currently. On the east side, work the shallow reefs and breaklines from the Gladstone Beach launch site on south. The reefs off Black Wolf Point and Point Comfort are reliable producers at this time, as well. In June, head out to Oelerich Reef, and cast or troll crankbaits. And, of course, there are the mudflats to be trolled in summer. In the lake’s northern end Walleyes are often hanging around the emerging weeds off Brighton Beach in the spring, and they can be found on the rocky humps, as well, just west of Lighthouse Reef. In late May-June turn your attention elsewhere. Bay-fishing, then, is an excellent way to take Walleye. Don’t, however, concentrate all of your May-June northern-lake efforts on the bays. A few “heads-ups” are in order for those intending to fish Winnebago. First, heavy recreation and angling pressure strain what would be more than adequate boat-launching facilities on any other lake. Fero suggests getting to the launch sites by 4 a.m. if you want a slot. Second are safety concerns. At 30 miles long by nine miles wide, Winnebago is big water. A 6-foot chop isn’t uncommon in a stiff wind, a storm can blow up over the lake in 10 minutes, and boats get swamped. Make sure, therefore, that you don’t overload your boat, and carry flotation devices and flares – maybe even an extra motor – just in case. Finally, electronics are valuable. Sonar will help locate reefs and baitfish. And a GPS will steer you back there again.

GB2