Blog

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus 3/25/24

The Green Bay area has finally had some precipitation in the form of Winter returning. The water
temperatures have cooled slowing spawning activity. Although water levels are still low and current is
low with more precipitation in the early week forecast expect to see and increase in current on all area
rivers soon. The next 10 days looks like a return to spring like warming temperatures and this may push
Walleye to continue the spawning runs in all the area rivers.
On the Fox casting the main flats in 10-12 fow has become more prevalent with the cooling temps last
week. Blade Baits, Hair Jigs, and plastics have all been working best with a slow action. Some Jig and
minnow fishermen had success vertical jigging the channel edges with the cooler water. Nighttime
trolling catches have continued to be very good with the numbers of fish in the river that were staging
to spawn. Trolling P-10’s other stick baits at night continues to produce some nice fish for many
Walleye anglers.
University Bay and the shoreline areas working toward Bay Shore have continued to see good catches of
very nice fish both during the day and the evenings. Flicker Shads, Flicker Minnows and stick baits all
worked shallow have been productive. Jigging along specific rocky areas has also found some success on
the lower bay. Rip N Raps and Hair Jigs have been the choice of some anglers. Use your electronics to
locate rock areas and then cast.
The Walleye activity in the Oconto area slowed a bit with the water temperatures dropping to near
freezing last week. Quality fish continue to show up staging out in slightly deeper waters from 15’-30’
Using your electronics to locate schools and casting at them has been key. Hair jigs have been the most
productive baits, but plastics and Rip n Raps have also been good. Boat traffic has slowed due to the
cold temperatures. Very little to no activity has been reported up near the Stiles Dam on the Oconto
river. Night trolling shallow between Oconto and Peshtigo has continued to be good when the weather
allows.
The East shore areas of Door County continue to see improvement of catches for night trolling when the
weather permits. Working shoreline breaks with stick baits and minnow style baits like P-10’s and
Flicker Minnows have been resulting in some catches.
For any of your spring bait or lure needs stop in a Smoky’s on the Bay, Jeff will hook you up with what is
needed.
Be safe and tight lines.

Only at Smokeys!!!

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus 3/18/24

The lack of rain in the Green Bay area continues to provide slower than normal daytime activity on the
Fox River for Walleye. Water temperatures over the last week rose steadily and more fish continue to
work through their spawning cycle. During the day casting the shallow flats from 3-10 fow has become
more prevalent as the water warms. Casting Rip n Raps, Blade Baits, and Hair Jigs have all been
working. Nighttime trolling catches have continued to be very good with the steady climb in water
temps. Trolling P-10’s and Husky Jerks and other stick baits in metallic colors and some white patterns
at night have produced some nice fish for many Walleye anglers.
University Bay and the shoreline areas working toward Bay Shore have seen good catches of very nice
fish both during the day and the evenings. Flicker Shads, Flicker Minnows and stick baits all worked
shallow have been productive.
The Walleye activity in the Oconto area continues to see good numbers and quality fish in shallow
warming waters. Some good action has also shown up on staging fish out in slightly deeper waters from
20’-30’ Using your electronics to locate schools and casting at them has been key. Hair jigs have been
the most productive baits, but plastics and Rip n Raps have also been good. Getting away from the boat
trtaffic has proven for some to be key in getting less spooky fish due to the clear waters. Night trolling
shallow between Oconto and Peshtigo has seen a good amount of catching activity also.
The East shore areas of Door County have started to warm a little and a few fish are showing up along
the shorelines from Sugar Creek to Little Sturgeon Bay. Night trolling when the weather permits has
been the most productive.
For any of your spring bait or lure needs stop in a Smokies on the Bay, Jeff will hook you up with what is
needed.
Be safe and tight lines.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus 3/12/24

Green Bay is 100% clear of all major ice.
The Fox River continues to produce fair to good action this last week. The little bit of rain in the area has
not been enough to have a big impact on the river current so days with any north winds are slowing the
current and the bite. Water temps on the river have slid up into the 40’s and maintained that level so
reports of a few spawned out fish have started to trickle in. The daylight activity has been best casting
Hair jigs, Rip n Raps and Blade baits. Some fish are still being caught on good old Jig and Minnow.
Working the shallow flats from 3-8 fow have become more prevalent as the water warms. Nighttime
trolling catches have been very good with the steady climb in water temps. Trolling P-10’s and Husky
Jerks and other stick baits in metallic colors and some white patterns at night have produced some nice
fish for many anglers.
University Bay and Dead Horse Bay has seen an increase in catches this last several days with the
warmer weather bringing the water temps up. Casting hair jigs or Rip n Raps in 4-10 fow along
shorelines or trolling the same areas with Flicker Shads and P-10’s has been effective.
The Oconto area continues to see and increase in boating traffic due to the warming water and no ice
left to be an issue. Good catch numbers and quality fish in shallow warming waters have been common.
Using your electronics to locate schools and casting at them has been key. Rip n Raps and hair jigs have
been the most productive baits. Getting away from the boat activity has proven for some to be key in
getting less spooky fish.
The Sturgeon Bay area is ice free at all the ramps and Door County Parks are installing their docks this
week at all their locations. Reports are of water temps being very cold yet and Walleye activity super
slow as of now. Reports of Perch catching have been coming in up around the Little sturgeon and
sawyer Harbor areas, but remember March 15 th Perch season on WI waters of Green Bay Closes
Be safe and tight lines.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus 3/5/24

There are still a few chunks of ice shifting around Green Bay whichever way the wind blows them so if
you are planning on heading out on the Bay in a boat be aware of that….. remember the Titanic. Overall
Green Bay is mostly clear of all major ice.
The Fox River continues to produce fair to good action this last week. Guys jigging with minnows are still
very productive casting the flats or vertical jigging the channel edges. Casting Hair jigs, plastic and Blade
baits have all seen an increase in catches at times as the water seems to be steadily on the rise with less
over nights below freezing as of late. River temps hit 42-44 Deg as of Monday the 4 th . We did receive a
little rain in the area, and we could certainly use some more to draw more spawning run fish up the
rivers. Days of heavy boat traffic have certainly slowed the fishing with the low water levels and lack of
current. Nighttime trolling continues to see an increase in catches with a few bigger fish starting to
show up. Trolling P-10’s and Husky Jerks and other stick baits in metallic colors at night has been the
choice of many anglers.
University Bay being ice free has seen an increase in anglers heading out and reports are fishing activity
has been slow out there. Again, maybe with some more rain will move into more normal spring
spawning patterns soon.
The Oconto area has seen a big jump in boating traffic due to less ice floating around day by day.
Reports from late last week and into Monday have catching activity very good. Using your electronics to
locate schools and casting at them has been key. A few trollers have been using that tactic to locate
active schools also then stopping to cast. Rip n Raps have caught a few fish, but plastics and hair jigs
worked slowly have still been better.
The Sturgeon Bay area is nearly ice free at all the ramps and I suspect by the weekend folks will be
chasing Walleye along the shoreline breaks up in that area also.
Reminder of regulation changes on Green Bay
March 4 th The Fox River dropped to a bag limit of 1 Walleye over 28”
March 4 th Green Bay dropped to a bag limit of 1 Walleye over 15”
March 15 th Perch season on WI waters of Green Bay Closes
Be safe and tight lines. Metro docks going in today.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus2/21/24

Once again, I am starting to sound like a broken record. Even though we had a few days of a “Cool
Down” last week and we did see some ice skimming in areas most of the ice areas of prominence are
still to be considered unsafe and you should not be venturing out. That coupled with the forecast
moving forward that has out temperatures rising in to the 50’s and near 60 in our area over the next 10
days should have you making plans to head elsewhere for your ice fishing activities. Again, there are
areas in Northern WI and the UP of Michigan that have sustained some ice.
Again there are a few Guides running airboats on some remaining ice in the Door County area but even
up there the shoe lines are shot in most locations so even walk out traffic is difficult and dangerous.
The river systems in our area are open and the overall fishing is good. The Wolf River is open in areas
and of course the Fox River is wide open and ice free from the Dam in DePere all the way out past the
mouth and all launches are open. I believe the Docks at Fox Point Landing are going in today (Feb 21 st )
and the word is the Fairgrounds ramp will be getting their docks in tomorrow.
Fishing remains good to fair. Folks using jig/minnow combinations in the channels and edges and
vertical jigging are still getting both Walleye and a few Whitefish. Casting plastics, hair jigs, and blade
baits on the flats is also producing good catches along with a few bigger fish. The number of “spring
running” fish moving up the river has been slowly increased as the bay has lost its ice and water slowly
warms. Nighttime trollers are reporting over all activity still slow evenings but that will begin to pick up
soon also.
Be safe and tight lines.

Yah,only at Smokeys!!!

Smokeys will reopen it’s store on March 1st 2024.

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus 2/12/24

Sorry folks on general there is no real ice to speak of on Green Bay for getting out on. The winds last
week really tore up and blew around what we had and the satellite shots from over the weekend show
there is even very little floating ice around on Green Bay. If you are looking to get out ice fishing your
best bet might be to head north into Norther WI or the UP.
I know there are a few Guides running airboats on some remaining ice in the Door County area but even
up there the shoe lines are shot in most locations so even walk out traffic is difficult and dangerous.
The Fox River is wide open and ice free from the Dam in DePere all the way out past the mouth and all
launches are open with no docks so be aware of that.
Fishing has been good to fair. Folks using jig/minnow combinations in the channels and edges slipping
the little bit of current we have and vertical jigging are getting both Walleye and a few Whitefish.
Casting up at the dam seems to be producing a couple fish but no real numbers. Casting plastics and
hair jigs on the flats is also producing fair catches and a few night trollers have been out getting some
fish each trip.
Keep in mind this is still Mid-February and not the spring March run yet, so their feeding windows can
be short and sporadic as their metabolism is not moved into pre-spawning mode yet.
Rumor has it both Kewaunee and Algoma boat ramps are ice free and a few folks have been trolling
Brown Trout along the shore lines in those areas with some success also running stick baits.
We may not have good ice but there seems to be some opportunity to get out and wet a line!
Be safe and tight lines.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus 2/5/24

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
Overall the Green Bay ice situation for sure has deteriorated. With the weather pattern this week it will
continue to get bad as we warm to near 50 by Thursday, along with some predicted rain.
The Fox River has opened up and the boat ramp at both Metro landing and Fox Point Landing both have
had a launch lane that has been opened up by some diligent fishermen. There is still ice flow coming
down river so mind that when loading and launch your boats but if you are looking to get out in a boat
there is an opportunity. Walleye were biting over the weekend on Jig and Minnow, Plastics and hair jigs.
All Ice areas should be considered very dangerous and extreme caution should be take on all Green Bay
ice until colder weather returns.
The lower bay areas like Volks and Bay Shore all have walkable ice as of right now but that is going to be
suspect at the week goes on. The same can be said of Deadhorse Bay, Suamico and Geanos.
Everything in Door County that is outside of any bay should be considered suspect and dangerous
moving through this week.
Little Sturgeon and Sawyer Harbor both had had a folks venturing out over the weekend on foot, action
for Perch was fair, but like all areas this week use caution as the weather progresses.
No one should be attempting to venture out to any of the areas on Larsons reef as that is extremely
suspect with open water and not at all safe for travel.
If you are headed to Green Bay to get your ice fishing fix on use extreme caution, pay attention to wind
direction Green Bay is NOT locked in and potential for movement is high.
My humble opinion would be to make other plans for this week/weekend and not take on sketchy ice.
.Yah, only at Smokeys!!!

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Smokeys ice report by Captain Claus 1/30.24

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
Well folks as I type this, I am sure most are aware we are in the middle of an extended bit of a warm
spell here in WI. With that said extreme caution should be used on all of the ice on Green Bay no matter
the location.
The Fox River should be avoided the ice has become very dangerous and it is not getting better soon.
The lower bay areas like Volks and Bay Shore all have walkable ice and reports are the ice is ok but
deteriorating so be prepared. Fishing for Whitefish in those areas form most reports has been good and
a few Walleyes have shown up also.
Areas like Deadhorse Bay and Suamico still have ice but reports are the access areas have become
troublesome so use caution.
The Door County ice areas like Sugar Creek, Lime Kiln, Big Rock, Sherwood Point all may have ice but
should be considered suspect and with open water out on the bay wind and current shifts could present
even more danger for those locations. Just this last Saturday a portion of the ice pack pushed out
offshore opening a gap 100-200 yards wide. Reports of Whitefish Acton have come on from those areas
but mind your surroundings and winds if you are out there.
Little Sturgeon has had a good amount of traffic still even some ATV and light UTV traffic but continue to
use caution if planning to head there as the warm spell will continue to have the potential to deteriorate
the ice. Reports of some Perch action in the mornings have come in but you may have to sort through a
few small ones to get a keeper. Tip downs have been working with minnows.
Sawyer harbor has also had a fair amount of folks venturing out as the action for Perch has picked up
some. Similar techniques with box tip ups and tip downs are taking fish besides a few jigging.
No one should be attempting to venture out to any of the areas on Larsons reef as that is extremely
suspect with pockets of open water and not at all safe for travel. Even areas like near shore Oak Avenue
and Cabot point are all very suspect to deteriorating conditions and should be avoided or at the very
lease use extreme caution.
Big boat traffic on Green Bay has come to a halt for a few weeks now with the closing of the port.
The next 10 days of weather have very mild temperatures in the forecast so if you are headed out be
prepared for changes daily. We still are holding out hope for a forecasted cooling trend moving thru in
mid-February but that remains to be seen.
If you are headed to Green Bay to get your ice fishing fix on use extreme caution, pay attention to wind
direction Green Bay is NOT locked in and potential for movement is high.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
.

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net

Smokeys Ice Report by Captain Claus 1/22/24

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
I know everyone has been watching this cold spell waiting and itching to get their boots and ice suit on
and hit the ice.
There are finally areas of fishable ice on Green Bay.
With that said extreme caution should be used on any of this early ice on Green Bay no matter what the
location. You should plan on limiting your travel to walking for your first adventures out. Just because
you may see other people out and they may have a shack out or even a snowmobile never assume you
can just drive out onto the area. Check the ice yourself and use caution.
As far as locations the Fox river has reports of 6”-8” of ice. Some Whitefish and a few walleyes are being
caught with your typical vertical jigging tactics and baits.
The lower bay areas like Volks and Bay Shore all have walkable ice and reports are the ice is rough, so be
prepared also reports are those locations have a lot of slush under the rough ice. Fishing for Whitefish
in those areas form most early reports has been slow. You can get a limit if you are patient and work at
it.
Perch folks are venturing into Deadhorse Bay and Suamico but no real reports of great action as of yet.
The Door County ice areas like Sugar Creek, Lime Kiln, Big Rock, Sherwood Point all may have ice but
should be considered suspect and with open water out on the bay wind and current shifts could present
even more danger for those locations. Some reports of light Whitefish Acton have come on from those
areas.
Little Sturgeon has had a good amount of traffic even some ATV and light UTV traffic but continue to use
caution if planning to head there. Currents and rock areas can leave soft spots and thin spots even in
protected bays like Little Sturgeon. Reports of light Perch action and a few Pike catches have come in
but not hot and heavy.
Sawyer harbor has had a fair amount of folks venturing out but again the action for Perch and Pike has
not been hot and heavy.
No one should be attempting to venture out to any of the areas on Larsons reef as that is spotted with
pockets of open water and not at all safe for travel.
Reports off the west shore areas around Oconto are similar with some light Perch action from Oconto
and Park 2.
The strong winds on Sunday have moved some of the northern skim ice on Green Bay and left some
holes. Couple that with the warmup in the forecast and the fact that boat traffic on Green Bay
continues conditions will keep things unstable for a few weeks it looks like
If you are headed to Green Bay to get your ice use extreme caution, pay attention to wind direction
Green Bay is not locked in and potential for movement is high.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
.

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Smokeys ice report by Captain Claus. 1/17.24

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
I know everyone has been watching this cold spell waiting and itching to get their boots and ice suit on
and hit the ice.
There are finally areas of fishable ice on Green Bay.
With that said extreme caution should be used on any of this early ice on Green Bay no matter what the
location. You should plan on limiting your travel to walking for your first adventures out. Just because
you may see other people out and they may have a shack out or even a snowmobile never assume you
can just drive out onto the area. Check the ice yourself and use caution.
As far as locations the Fox river has had folks venturing out for the last few days but again cautions foot
traffic only. Some Whitefish and a few walleye are being caught with your typical vertical jigging tactics
and baits.
The lower bay areas like Volks and Bay Shore all have walkable ice and reports are the ice is rough, so be
prepared also reports are those locations have a lot of slush under the rough ice. Fishing for Whitefish
in those areas form most early reports has been slow.
Perch folks are cautiously venturing into Deadhorse Bay and Suamico but again use a lot of caution. No
real reports of great action as of yet.
The door county ice areas exposed to the big winds all week are still very suspect and dangerous. Even
thou most areas seemingly have some rough ice. Sugar Creek, Lime Kiln, Sherwood Point all may have
ice but should be considered suspect and with open water out on the bay wind and current shifts could
present even more danger for those locations.
Little Sturgeon has had reports of folks very cautiously venturing out but again do not just go driving
your ATV out foot traffic and drilling and spudding your way out is recommended. Currents and rock
areas can leave soft spots and thin spots even in protected bays like Little Sturgeon. No real reports of
catching going on yet but that is because up until a day ago no one was really out there.
If you are headed to Green Bay to get your ice fish on for the weekend, please use extreme caution.
Even though the week has provided us with a good start to making some good ice no areas are in mid-
winter form and should be all approached with caution. I can not over state that fact!
Also be advised that shipping traffic out on Green Bay does continue and it looks like Sunday will be a
strong southerly wind shift, that can send a guy floating on an iceberg pretty quickly.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!

Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net