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Location: Manitowoc, WI | Has anyone ever hit good walleye fishing on Winnebago before the walleyes spawn? I didn't get out early last year, but the year before, I had some action on prespawn fish the year before. Most of the fish I caught were 15" or less, but hey, at least it's action. I've always wondered how many fish spawn on Winnebago and if this varies year by year based on how much water we get in the upper lakes and rivers. Anybody have any opinions on this? |
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| Jerry -
No serious offense meant, but to the casual observer, it would seem that your recent series of postings on WalleyeFirst, while interesting and somewhat thought provoking, may be driven by an ulterior motive. It is a well known fact that you will be fishing the PWT this year, as it is also well known that the PWT is rolling onto 'bago and the upper lakes / river system in mid April. I can only suffice then from your number of queries and the vagueness of the information that you choose to share, that you are simply engaged in a not-so-thinnly-veiled data mining quest, while giving little back in return. Forgive me if I refrain from sharing! Seems I may be witnessing the competitive pressures of tournament angling once again rearing their ugly head. Can't blame you for trying, but believe you'd see better results with an open/straight foward approach. No one likes to feel as if they are being used or taken advantage of. My thoughts only.
Regards. |
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| Jerry's just keeping the conversation going on the Winnebago Board, and he's doing a great job. He agreed to help us out here at our request. We feel lucky that he accepted our request.
All the questions he's put forth he always offers his own observations as well. The question above has been discussed here before, and is simply a question of how many lake spawners there are in the total population. I didn't hear any requests for secret spots, did you? |
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Location: Manitowoc, WI | Casual Observer,
I figured someone would post something to this effect on here. I just didn't think it would happen so fast. Let me explain something: WalleyeFirst asked me to be a moderator for this site. I agreed to do this without looking for any gain, whether it be financially or by obtaining information for future tournaments.
The objective of a moderator, in my opinion, is to stimulate conversation on this website so it retains an interest for everyone to enjoy. It is also my job to remove posts which are abusive, contain content that is slanderous in nature, or to remove a post which contains vulgarity.
The questions I have been asking are strictly to generate interest in this website. If ANYONE here can show dispute to this fact, please present it now. I will be glad to step down from being a moderator from this website if I am found to be abusing my duties, whether it be for my gain or by putting down another individual. Thanks.
Regards,
Jerry |
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This message to the Casual Observer.
Happy you meant it as "no serious offense" and do agree that tournament season is coming, leading to the many trolls by some of us tournament anglers who patrol the internet.
But will take issue with you about poor defenseless jerry (I'm poking you jerry :-)). If you think about it, any thoughts stimulated by jerry's effort to move the board, will be shared with all the other tournament anglers - much to the detriment of anything poor jerry might learn and improving his tournament success.
Edited by Rick Larson 2/20/2004 2:00 PM
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| Guess I should have taken my Mama's advice...."If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all!" Did not intend to start anything. From Jerry's post on '...favorite ways to fish 'bago..' thread -
"Due to this year's PWT, I hope to find some good lake fish in the prespawn mode this year, which means I will probably jig or slip bobber reefs.....just another thing to learn out there."
I just put two and two together and believed I smelled a conflict of interest. It was my disdain for widespread networking in tournament circles that drove me to post, as I am a firm beleiver in finding and working your own fish.
However, after re-reading Jerry's other postings, I do see that he shares as much info as anyone else on this site. As a result, I stand corrected and apologize. One of those "Open mouth, insert foot" moments. Good luck to all those fishing 'bago this year, and Jerry, good luck to you, Sir. Catch you all on the water.
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Location: Manitowoc, WI | No problem C.O. If you read a post of mine and have more questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]. I will try to expand upon my answers more in the future. |
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Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | Okay, so how many lake spawners are there? Seems to me that I keep hearing that about 60% of the Lake fish head to the rivers to spawn. If this is coorect 40% of what stay? What's the estimated population of bago?
Should be easy to figure....... |
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Location: Wi | I have had great luck on Bago for good fish23-26inch prespawn females.Timing is the key though.As for pattern its MY little secret. |
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Got to be something you would be willing to trade for to share YOUR HUGE secret!  |
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Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | Careful Rick,
You're another one of those bloodsucking tournament fishermen  |
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Location: blue mounds,wisc | i find jerry to have very good questions about the " bago" chain and knows his role on this site. as to C.O. you are ashamed to use your real name or dont want anyone to know that your jelous of jerry. so i have to say that if you dont gain all the info. that has been posted here than you must read between the lines!!! plus jerry is a open book of tips he allready let a few secrets out and i dont think he knows this. something i never blame a person for is to ask questions, you will never figure everything out in life on your own...no matter how silly or smart this may sound, its the truth.
Edited by larry eaton 2/20/2004 8:00 PM
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Location: blue mounds,wisc | jerry , i have to believe that there are lake fish and river fish. meaning that some swim the river and some dont.i was told by kurt wilke a fish biologist for the madison chain, that there is a percentage of fish that dont make the trek up the yahara river to spawn. he believes that most of the big females,the fish that are over 28inchs,are lake spawners because they dont show up in his shocking results they do every spring to determin how many fish they need to stock. they use lake shore areas that have the right bottom content for spawning.so i feel that bago has the same trend of spawning walleye. so if you can figure out the right areas and if water temps are ideal for spawning then you can find some big prespawn fish close by.the hardest fish to catch in my experience!! |
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Location: Omro,Wi. | As with any forum,you will get the usual "I don't like it responce" from someone who won't sign his name.To them people,I say that we really don't put much stock in your opinions,because of that fact.As to Jerrys question,and it is a good one,esspecially on the Winnebago System.If even 1/2 of the walleyes go up river,than that means,the other 1/2 of the mature walleyes,stay in the lake to spawn.I have always looked at it this way.Under what circumstances and for what reason, do they spawn,up river,or in a marsh?and why would they not look for a similar spot on the lake?For the most part,my early success has been in shallow water bays,or shorelines,with a current flow nearby.I've also found that the down current side of a point,or reef is the most productive area.The depths that I target these fish,are seldom over 10-feet and as little as 2-feet deep,because of the water temp,and wind,as well as the wave action.The best way to locate them is to use your bow mount,and go along the shoreline,or reefs,where the bottom has weeds or rocky structure to hold the eggs in place.The preferred method I use is to drag a minnow,on bottom,with a 1/8 oz.split shot at least 50 feet behind the boat,with my bow mount.When I get a fish,I will switch to verticle jigging the area,to find more fish,before continuing on.Usually the smaller fish are there first,then come the nice females....Hafe |
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Location: Wi | Sorry Rick I will also be fishing the Pwt in April if you havent noticed and would also like to have back to back wins on my "home water".See ya Jamie Friebel. |
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Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Some info from WDNR
Lake Winnebago is the largest walleye fishery in Wisconsin and annually supports a large and valuable recreational fishery. The walleye populations have been extensively studied over the years with emphasis on impacts of freshwater drum removal and understanding walleye spawning activity. It has been hypothesized that there are three different spawning stocks: two stocks that migrate up the Wolf and Fox Rivers to spawn, and a third stock that spawns on rocky substrate in Lake Winnebago itself.
Rick F |
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I knew that Jamie. And we will be watching your progress this year and expect reports of your experiences!
Sunshine, I am truly a info-sucking SOB! |
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| Jerry,
We have all had the good fortune of all the DNR work done on this system and it seems that some 40% plus stay on the big lake? Like others, I mostly opt for the concentrated runs in the rivers. I had told myself for years that it would be great to find lake spots that produced and avoid the river mess. Then again, you have winds and waves of the cold lake vs easier going on the rivers. You would think that the manjor reefs both at the inlet and outlet areas would be prime spawn areas do to water flow, but then again, the whole lake gets churned up pretty well with all the spring wind. What have I just determined?? Maybe I should stay on the river where the poor rascals are funneled down to the assault of thousands of boats.
Take care,
Jim O |
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Location: Omro,Wi. | Jim I live on the Fox River,5 minutes from the Eureka Dam,and I travel 30 minutes and launch my boat in Bago????????WHY? Quess!!(and none of those comments about my intelligence either)...hafe |
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Location: Milw, WI | Hafe,
The answer to that.... is because of the fish ladder they installed a few years back.
My bet is back then you would be fishing the Fox, but not on the weekend.
Love fishing the Fox. |
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Location: Omro,Wi. | That fish ladder is good for the eyes,but not for us guys on the river,thats for sure.Sometimes they stay around for a while,if the water is low,otherwise they shoot right over.hafe |
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| Boys I got to tell ya something.I've fished this lake for over 50 years and I thought that the invention of the internet would be the greatest thing that has happen to this sport since the invention of the rod and reel.But I take it all back because of all of us helping each other catch more fish or telling another not so lucky fisherman how to catch a few walleyes,it's like a war out there.I'm sorry but I like helping people catch a few more walleyes.Some of you tournament fishermen don't realize is that there are a lot of people that would be glad to go home with just one or two fish for the family.I've probably gave over a couple hundred people the cords for the new reefs,and help a lot of people out at the various launches with info on where to go and what to use thats working at the time.Lets start helping each other with information that will benifit all of us that use this site to become better fishermen and more knowledgeable of this system.Thanks for reading this message thru. superdav |
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Location: Manitowoc, WI | What's your point, superdave? Your comments, to me, read like a windsock....help, not help.....Are you saying we help each other too much or are you saying we need to help each other more? Are you saying that this question, along with the other questions I've asked, are not helping people? Where are we going with this?
As for giving the coordinates to the new WFT reefs to others: I don't see that as a great humanitarian act like you do. They are common knowledge. You can get them from WFT, the Fishing Hot Spots map, or alot of others who visit this site. Countless times, I've run into weekenders at launches, on reefs, or just coming by while working the mud, asking for advice. I've never told anyone to leave without giving them some helpful information. What separates you from these individuals?
If this post read like I'm jumping on you, I apologize. I m rereading your post for the fourth time and still do not get the point of it. |
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Yeah davidmaas, I understand your frustrations. Us tournament anglers (TA for short) ought to be more forthright with tidbits of knowledge we learn. It certainly is in the TAs best interest to teach anyone willing to learn about the lakes we fish, and the equipment we use, to help those with less time be able to catch that one meal of fish.
But you need to help me a bit in an answer for you. Please understand that tournament season is upon us and any information we divulge on the message boards - and over the internet - is for all to see. Including other tournament anglers that want to catch more and bigger fish than me (us).
So I beg your forgiveness if my fingers refuse to type the co-ordinates of a good spot I've found before a tournament.
Davidmaas, will promise should I find a good spot and do well in a tournament, you and anyone else wishing to catch a meal of fish can read about it on the message boards of the various walleye websites!
Edited by Rick Larson 2/25/2004 9:42 AM
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Location: Manitowoc, WI | Superdav,
Okay, I think I understand your post. Let me explain something: if someone has a question they would like to ask of those who frequesnt this board, feel free to ask. I will give you a reply that, in my opinion, will help you catch more fish. I am all about more people enjoying fishing and more fish for everyone.
If you feel that I am not being open on a subject, call me on it. I am all for being politically correct, as I have to be every day while I work, but I am not against being called out for doing something that others find to be inappropriate. Read the earlier comments on this thread by Casual Observer. I thought my answers were honest and open. And, I submit the same challenge to you: if you find a time when you feel I'm just hunting for information to fatten my wallet, call me on it. That's not what I'm about and that's not what this board is for. This board is about an open discussion as it relates to Lake Winnebago. Enjoy it, have fun with it, and use it as the helpful tool that it is. Please do not use it as the opportunity to take shots at tournaments or tournament anglers.
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Location: Menasha, WI | I'd normally be the last person to defend tournament anglers because on other boards I've found them to be rather arrogant and aggressively tight-lipped. However, I must say I've learned a lot from this board. There is a much friendlier and informative atmoshpere here. I'm new to the Winnebago area and am fortunate enought to live, literally, within a stone's throw of the lake (not lakeshore property but pretty darn close). Winnebago is unlike any of the traditional walleye waters I was raised on in Minnesota. The folks here have been very forthcoming when I've asked questions about the lake. The (little) success I've had fishing Winnebago is largely the result of what I've learned here. Keep up the chatter guys (and gals :))
Edited by Viking 2/25/2004 12:39 PM
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Location: Oshkosh,Wi | I find the info you share Jerry to be very helpful..keep up the good work. I've always liked the Bago but now after spending as much time on the Trawler this past year helping the DNR with that incredible job of counting the YOY(young of year).. I am in AWE of this blessing I have in my back yard!! GOD BLESS THE BAGO and the fisherman who fish it!! |
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Location: Berlin, WI | Hafe, Jerry, David or anyone more experienced at Walleye <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=fishing&v=55">fishing</a> than me (which is likely 99% of anyone reading this...). I just started <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=fishing&v=55">fishing</a> Winnebago last summer and my success has been pitiful! However, I am an avid learner by reading and asking, and have learned much from reading all of your posts since discovering this site. I even went back as far back as the posts for various subjects go, regardless how old!
I've asked questions here before and my questions today (triggered by Hafe's comment about vertical jigging after locating fish by dragging an 1/8 ounce jig and minnow) are: 1) Do you litterally DRAG the jig? Doesn't that create lots of snags? Or do you use a bottom-bouncer to prevent that?
2) When you vertical jig, do you continue to use the 1/8 jig with minnow or do you use something else...like a jigging rap or swedish pimple as many do on ice? If it is the 1/8 ounce, then what colors do you find most successful and do you continue to use minnows? Do you find crawlers or leeches to be as effective?
Last summer I fished with minnows on slipbobbers - both while anchored and drifting, nightcrawlers on a harness with a bottom bouncer while drifting, and casting jigs with minnows or nightcrawlers while anchored or drifting. I caught a lot of sheephead but only a few Walleye -- that was frustrating!
Right now I'm buying a number of different crank baits -- based on many of the "favorites" listed on "Which crankbait is your favorite on 'Bago?". I'm adding that to my repertoire this year.
Thank you for the help you have given me with all of your posts -- in the past and for the couple of questions above. Hopefully I will someday not feel as much of the sense of frustration and helplessness that I do now while out there.
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Location: Berlin, WI | The first several lines of the above message should read:
"Hafe, Jerry, David or anyone more experienced at Walleye fishing than me (which is likely 99% of anyone reading this...). I just started fishing Winnebago last summer......"
Some nasty program infiltrated my computer which links you immediately to their search engine whenever certain words are typed. One of them is "fishing". I've since located the program and uninstalled it.
Thanks. |
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Location: Manitowoc, WI | 1) You can drag it, hop it, snap it, quiver it.....let the fish tell you how they want it. Sometimes they prefer a high lift and fall, other times they want it sitting still with a leech, crawler, or minnow. When jig fishing, go without a bottom bouncer, unless you are fishing a live bait rig with a plain hook or floating jig head.
2) For vertical jigging, I will mix and match until I find something the fish like. Be versatile. Plastics one day, live bait the next. And I also like jigging rapala's, nils masters, swedish pimples, and other jigging lures as well. In fact, a couple of tournies were won on Winnebago by guys vertical jigging Zip Lures. Most of these jigging options work best without live bait, but some days the fish want a slice of life to eat.
Cranks-My favorites are Deep Nitro Shiners, Shad Raps, Thunderstick Jrs., Reef Runner Deep Little Rippers and Ripsticks. Colors vary from day to day, with natural colors being my favorite. Crawdad/Brown, Sliver and Black, Blue/Greens, and Golds are my favorites.
Frustration and helplessness....we've all been there. Sometimes I still find myself there. Hopefully, not as often this year!!! Have fun with it, keep an open mind, and be versatile and you'll do fine. |
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Location: Berlin, WI | Jerry - thank you! One more question if you don't mind. Regarding plastics - what are some favorites of yours? |
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Location: Manitowoc, WI | Berkley GULP! is my favorite....and the old Berkley Power grubs in 3" curlytail grubs.....neonz and orange were my best colors. |
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Location: Omro,Wi. | Whatchausin--I drag a minnow on a weedless hook,with a 1/8 oz. split shot 3 feet up the line.The reason for this is the leaves,sticks,rocks etc. on the bottom.Then switch to the verticle presentation after locating the fish.Early in the year,minnows work best,usually worms,leeches,are not available.Colour of the jig matters somewhat,but usually early during and after the spawn,it will not keep them from going for a easy meal, my favorites are Orange,Chartruese,Black,White,Firetiger.Berkley Power-Worms, in Brown/Gold Glitter,on a two hook rig, are my favorite,for casting up onto the rock shorelines.Bury the hooks slightly in the worm and,keep them up off the bottom slightly.Hope it helps put fillets in the pan...hafe
Edited by Hafe 3/8/2004 6:20 PM
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Location: Berlin, WI | Thank you Jerry and Hafe -- I wish I could repay you somehow for your consideration! |
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Location: Berlin, WI | Jerry, Hafe, or anyone...two more questions I didn't get to, and then I'll leave you alone for awhile!
1) What brand, color and pound test do you use on open water Walleye?
2) Do you use leader or tie the hooks/jigs/lures directly onto the line?
If you are using crankbaits, do you recommend snap swivels? If so, what size?
Thank you!! |
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Location: Manitowoc, WI | I use Trilene XT 10 lb for all trolling applications and I use Trilene XT Solar for most jigging. I like the clear line for trolling and the green stuff for jigging. I tie live bait rigs and jigs directly to the line w/o swivels. I use crosslock snaps for trolling cranks. The only time I use swivels is for spinner rigging. I believe they are size 3. |
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Location: Omro,Wi. | Trolling rods,used for boards,are spooled with 10lb.Trilene XT with crosslock swivels-Trolling rods used for hand lining,are spooled with 10lb. Power-Pro,with crosslock swivels.Jigging rods are spooled with 10lb. Fireline or 10lb. Power Pro, tied direct to jig.Slip bobber & casting rods are spooled with 6lb. Trilene XL.For spinner applications,I use my board rods,and add 6 feet of 10lb.Trilene(clear) in front of another crosslock(2) swivel,then attach the spinner harness.You could always offer to pay for gas some day,and bring beer. LOL...hafe
Edited by Hafe 3/9/2004 5:50 PM
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Early season walleye fishing on Winnebago