Category: General

As we get closer to summer, and the days of spring elapse, the walleye fishing on Green Bay is good some days, great a few days, and wildly inconsistent other days. Being versatile, focusing on fishing windward structure, and finding the color of the day are all things that can put more fish in the boat. I started the week fishing the east side rocks, finding success trolling crankbaits in 6-12’. By weeks end, many of those structures were covered with alewife, and the good bite going away with the incredible amount of food available. Moving west, a good bite could be found on the windward side of Geanos reef and Littletail point. By the weekend, my focus was on the improving bite of the structures of University Bay and Deadhorse Bay. Again, trolled crankbaits in shades of purple, silver, and green did the most damage. Musky fishing, through word of mouth, was good for trollers and casting enthusiasts in the Fox River, University Bay, west shore emergent weeds, and the Bays up in Door county. Double 8, 9, and 10 bucktails and Bluewater cranks were best for these large postspawn fish. Smallmouth fishing changes day to day, with catches of 50 or more one day followed by tough days. Ned rigs, jerkbaits and tubes are taking smallies. Perch fishing changes day success is on the rise, with good catches found up around Oconto on the north shore and along the sand breaks off Oconto shoal. Most anglers are using live bait such as minnows and crawler pieces, while some are putting good fish in the boat on hair jigs and small plastic tails. If you get the chance to go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing!

Big Cats are being caught on the Fox using live suckers and night crawler balls.
Capt Jerry Ruffolo of Anglers Plus Guide Service 920-973-2867
Capt Robert Claus of Finfanatic Charters 920-360-2904
Sent from my iPhone

Last weeks weather threw a major curve ball at Green Bay fishing with strong north winds and cold
temperatures adding in cold rain for a few days. Water Temperatures dropped over 10 degrees in most
areas slowing the Walleye fishing to a crawl. By the end of the weekend action had begun to improve
with anglers fishing warming water trends and locating some active fish.
Areas around University Bay improved by Monday with most anglers finding some active Walleye mixed
in with Sheephead trolling Flicker Shads and Flicker Minnows. Working the water depts from 5-10 feet
proved to be the best. Baits with purple in them drawing most of the bites.
Green Bay’s west shore from Suamico up to Pensaukee slowed tremendously but some fish were caught
both casting and trolling. Anglers casting a jig and plastic or jig and crawler pinpointing individual fish
along sand areas from 3’ out to 10’ reported some success. Trollers pulling Crawler harnesses seemed
to do a bit better than the crank bait trollers in those same areas.
Likewise, the east shore areas from Vincent to Bay Shore had some activity but it was overall slow.
Trolling covering some area seemed to be the best tactic. From Dykesville up to Chaudior’s Dock also
produces some catches at times. The shallow rocky shoreline areas produced with both cranks and
crawlers when the wind was blowing. Some anglers reported finding a few fish working the 20’ to 25’
depths running cranks and snap weights to trigger strikes.
Small Mouth Bass action also slowed a bit with the cold front but anglers up in Dor County report action
increased with the sunny weather over the weekend. The tactics of choice have been tubes, Marabou
Hair Jigs and Ned rigged plastics in goby colors.
With the winds last week no great perch reports have come in yet.
One other note of interest, many anglers are now reporting seeing schooling Alewife out on Green Bay
this last 3 or 4 days. Expect to see a slow down in Walleye activity moving forward possibly.

Musky opener was really good on the Fox this weekend. Casting and trolling are working well. Yah!!!
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-973-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

This past week of Walleye fishing on Green Bay has been good to above average. Most locations reports
have come in of good catches to limits at times. Remember this time of year winds play a huge factor,
moving the warm water around and with it, hungry Walleye will follow. Most reports were still of the
best fishing being less than 10 feet of water.
University Bay has seen an increase in good fishing with most anglers targeting Walleye trolling. Both
Cranks like #7 Flicker Minnows and Worm Harnesses have been producing now that the water temps
have been steadily around 60 Degrees. The best colors have been purple and white combinations.
Suamico to Pensaukee along the West shore has also been productive with both Harnesses or Cranks.
Many anglers have also had good success still casting Jigs/plastics or purple hair jigs up the shallow
waters of those areas. Watch your electronics to find fish along the shallow sand areas then cast to
locate the active fish.
Green Bay’s East shore from Vincent Point all the way to Shoemaker point has seen good to above
catches like most areas, especially days with some wind blowing into the shore. The Trollers there have
reported better action running Flicker Shads or Minnows vs Harnesses. If the wind congregates warm
water in pockets don’t be afraid to cast your Hair Jigs in those areas as fish have been concentrated in
the warmer water zones at times.
Small Mouth Bass action up in the areas of Little Sturgeon, Rielys and Sand Bay od Door County has been
outstanding. Jerk baits and Ned Rigs have been 2 great bait choices. Folks throwing Marabou Hair Jigs
were also reporting good action.
Reminder that Green Bay Perch fishing opens Tuesday May 20 th . Most folks fishing shallow for Walleye
the last few weeks especially along the West Shore of Green Bay have reported many incidental catches
of Perch mixed in with the Walleye. Good luck all you Perch anglers this week!
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing

Smokeys phone line 920 593 1749 is now active through a cell phone, yah!!!
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-973-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Walleye fishing activity has certainly gained some momentum this last week. Hopefully the rest of May
continues to stay decent before all the bug hatches and Baitfish show up and slow it back down again.
Reports from University Bay from over the weekend were of decent catches on windy days down in the
shallow bottom of the bay. Trolling Flicker Minnow and Shads in #7 size in white/purple combinations
was reported the best.
Fishing super shallow around d the Suamico area also was producing fish late last week and through the
weekend. Windy weather the bite was better. Working 3-7’ around the shorelines with harnesses and a
split shot or #7 Flicker Shads or Minnows produces catches for most. Pink Lemonade was a good color
reported.
Again, when the wind was blowing the areas from Chaudior’s Dock down to point comfort all held active
fish last week. Both jigging shallow rock areas along the shores and trolling Flicker Minnows were
reported to catch fish. More Purple patterns and Perch patterns were reported as being the best.
Pike continue to invade the shallow areas on the West Shore have all been producing some good action
for many Walleye anglers trolling shallow.
Reminder that Green Bay Perch fishing does not open until May 20th
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-973-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Opening weekend has come and gone and overall reports of Green Bay Walleye were of some fairly
slow activity. Of course, there were people that found the hot bite windows and had very good success.
Reports form the east shore were that the fishing was good Saturday but tough on Sunday. Areas
around Maccos, to Schumacher Point and up the shore from Chaudior’s Dock to Little Sturgeon were of
a good shoreline trolling and jigging bite on Saturday. Guys trolling flicker shads and Flicker Minnows up
shallow 10’ or less had fairly good results overall. Purples for crank bait colors were reported to be the
best. Hair jigs continue to dominate the jigging with again purple being the best color.
The west Shore bite around Suamico continues to be slower with some reports of a few fish caught
trolling Cranks and some even pulling harnesses all in shallow water. The shallow activity has also been
good from Geanos to Pensaukee and around Oconto to Peshtigo. Like in most areas the reports were
better form Saturday vs Sunday.
The coming weeks of consistent warmer weather should improve the fishing in most areas. Look for the
Walleye to start to slide out a little deeper but still pay attention to the wind as the winds moving warm
water into shorelines or points or rock areas will spur feeding activity
Small Mouth Bass action up in Door County has been heating up and will continue to get better. Tubes
and hair jigs worked slow along with Jerk Baits were reported to be the best baits from Small Mouth
anglers this past weekend. Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay and Sand Bay were all good choices currently for
some action.
If you are looking to get a few Pike the shallow areas on the West Shore have all been producing some
good Northern Pike action as reported by many Walleye anglers trolling shallow.
Reminder that Green Bay Perch fishing does not open until May 20th
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-973-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Areas around University Bay have yet to really see and productive Walleye activity. With more warm
weather on the way hopefully soon the activity will pick up.
Reports from the East Shore locations of Vincent, Volks and Bay Shore continue to be all very slow.
The Suamico area has seen a slight increase in Walleye activity. That trend should continue. Reports of
1-5 Walleye being caught are common. Trolling the shallow areas with #7 Flicker Shads and #7 Flicker
Minnows have produced some Walleye along with some Pike. Natural colors are reported as being
better like Perch patterns.
The post spawn activity from Pensaukee all the way to Peshtigo continues to be one of the best bites on
Green Bay. The best tactic has been Purple Hair jigs worked with aggressive snaps and long pauses on
retrieves. Rippin Raps have also been a great choice mostly in size 6 and 7. Gold and Purple patterns
have been best.
The action up along the Door County shorelines has continues to shine for larger fish with decent
numbers. Casting Goby color plastics and dark hair jigs have both been productive during daylight
hours. The night trolling bite continues to get better with hungry post spawn fish. Working 10’ or less
with stick baits like P-10’s or Husky Jerks have been best.
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-973-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Fishing on the Fox river has certainly slowed to a snail’s pace. A few good fish are still being caught but
not nearly as good as they had been. Trolling cranks like P-10-s and #7 Flicker Minnows along the flats
has produced some decent fish at times. Casting cranks up at the Dam has been OK in the evenings and
early mornings.
Reports from the East Shore location like University Bay, Vincent, Volks and Bay Shore are all very slow.
That trend also continues up the east shore until you get into Door County waters. There the evening
trolling bite is reported as OK and the casting bite has also seen some fish being caught. Purple hair jigs
and dark plastics have both reported catching some fish. Nighttime trollers are reporting getting several
fish each night up working shallower than 10’
Reports from the Suamico area are that some fish have been caught trolling, but it has been slow. #7
Flicker Shads or #7 Flicker Minnows in purple/White patterns have been the best along with Perch
pattern chank baits.
The post spawn activity from Pensaukee all the way to Peshtigo has been the best bite when the wind
permits anglers to get out. Fishing shallow warming waters for hungry post spawn fish has been the
best. Working 12’ or less with Hair Jigs, Jigs and Plastics and Rippn Raps have been very productive. Use
your electronics to locate warmer water areas and fish schools.
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-973-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Yes, the Fox river has fish in it still and yes, they are still biting.  No, not all the spawning is complete there yet.  The difficulty in general is the dirty water has made the bit tough at times.  Sticking with brighter jigs and plastics and blade baits and Rippin Raps has been the most productive.  Casting the shallows or trolling the flats at night is still producing some quality fish.  Again, brighter baits would be a better choice.  

With the docks going in at Bayshore last week there have been a few more folks working the East shore locations.  Reports are the activity level is slow.  Areas around Suamico and Deadhorse bay are starting to see a few fish but not many, so trolling flicker minnows shallow is probably your best bet if you want to get out and try those locations.  

The Oconto area had been good at times and had its difficult moments.  Most of this is because the walleyes are heavily spawning in both the Oconto and Peshtigo rivers.  Both locations have seen an increase in post spawn fish the last week.  Some pre-spawn fish have shown up on the bay still.  Sand transition edges off Oconto casting hair jigs and Rippin Raps has been the best tactics.  Also, the shallow waters around the Oconto Park2 area have been good at times.  The 4-8’ depths have produced well at times and better if there is some wind blowing due to the clear water.   Keep moving to find both schools of fish on your electronics and locate the active ones.  

Sturgeon Bay night trolling has seen a slight increase in activity with fish starting to move shallow at night as they get closer to spawning.  Working 10’ or less with stick baits has been productive for some anglers getting out when the weather permits. Daytime fishing seen an improvement when the weather has been nice enough to get out. 

If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing 

Brought to you by 

Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo

FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service

920-360-2904 920-973-2868

finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com

www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Fishing on the Fox River and lower Bay both have seen an increase in activity as the water turbidity has
settled. On the Fox most folks casting baits like Plastics and Blade Baits and Rippin’ Raps have had
success in the flats above HWY 172 along with the shallow flats upriver from Fox Point landing and out
form the Fairgrounds launches. Brighter colors have been the key due to the stained waters.
The night trolling bite on the Fox has been outstanding for bigger fish with reports of 10-15 fish a night
and some very nice “Trophy” size fish hitting the baits. P-10’s are still the preferred bait of choice from
most anglers. Trolling the shallows has been the best or the flats above HWY 172
Action in University Bay has still been reported as slow overall. Some fish along the east shore have
been caught both casting Rippin Raps and trolling Stick baits shallow in les than 8’.
Oconto and Peshtigo areas on the Bay both have seen ups and downs in fishing activity levels with the
Sunny day one day and snow/cold the next. Spend some time searching out fish with your electronics
and you will have better success. Casting Hair Jigs and Plastics in darker colors like Purple/Black and
Gold/black or Root beer colors have been the best. Anglers also report Rippin’ Raps in metallic blue and
gold and purple variations have worked on sunny days if you find warmer water. Sometimes it only
takes a couple deg more to make a difference.
Sturgeon Bay night trolling has seen a slight increase in activity with fish starting to move shallow at
night as they get closer to spawning. Working 10’ or less with stick baits has been productive for some
anglers getting out when the weather permits. Daytime fishing has been reported as slow in those
areas.

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

Mother Nature is at it again! Throwing a big old curveball at us with winds, snow, cold, and rain late last
week making many areas shift from a decent Walleye bite to tough fishing. The weather forecast the
next few days will not help the situation either.
The Fox has officially turned to Chocolate milk and your best bet jigging is to use bright colored baits like
Rippin’ Raps and plastics.
The night trolling bite on the Fox was starting to get good but that will also be slower due to the very
dirty water. If you are going to go give it a shot again bait choices should be brighter colors in the P-10’s
or Husky Jerks.
University Bay is also reported as very muddy currently and hopefully will clean up late this week.
Oconto and Sturgeon Bay both report cold water around. The bite has been a bit better on the West
shore this last week. The best baits were hair jigs in dark purple and gold patterns along with darker
colored plastic like 4” Keitech Easy Shiners. Use your electronics to locate areas of slightly warmer water
holding small schools of fish. Reports of a decent night bite in shallow water trolling P-10’s have also
come in from Oconto.
Reminder – as of April 1 st you need a new 2025 fishing license.

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