Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 10/5/26

Walleye fishing continues to be difficult all-around Green Bay. Anglers are catching a few Walleyes
around College Reef, Volks reef, Vincent Reef, and Geano’s Reef trolling brighter color #7 Flicker
Minnows. If there is some wind blowing into the shorelines trolling shallow from Dykesville to Sturgeon
Bay has produced some Walleye both daytime and nighttime.
The shad population is begging its fall movement to the Fox River this is bringing some Walleye and
Musky up the river. Jigging areas from the mouth of the river to the Dam are beginning to produce
some Walleye. Casting crank baits up in the rocks at the Dam has also begun to produce some decent
catches.
Perch anglers continue to have great action. Anglers reporting good success out in a bit deeper water
20’-22’ off Vincent, Volks, and Macco’s Reefs. Also, it is the same in and around Dykesville. Also reports
are coming in of catches out around the Shipping Channel. In all those areas use your electronics to
locate schools of fish. Some reports have anglers finding some larger schools away from other anglers
so to not overlook doing some exploring vs fishing the pack. Minnows on drop shot rigs have dominated
the action and also have been producing bigger fish.
Musky fishermen are reporting fish being caught both casting and Trolling. Musky have been on the
move with this cooler weather. Working areas like Geano’s Reef, Pensaukee Shoal, Frying Pan shoal
University Bay and Deadhorse Bay along with the shipping channel from the Fox River mouth out to
Long Tail are all good choices to locate a fish or two.
Remember to 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

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 9/28/26

Last week, Green Bay walleye fisherman were greeted with cooling water and Northeast winds. Before water temps dropped to 60, a decent day and night walleye bite could be found along rocky shoreline areas. By Wednesday, after 3 days of NE wind, the bite really slowed. Crankbait trolling took the most walleyes. Geanos reef, NS reef, Larsons reef, Macos reef, Volks reef, Vincent point, College reef, and Kidney island rock areas all have walleyes, with shad starting to work towards the shoreline and Fox River mouth. Up on the Fox, anglers are taking few fish day and night casting crankbaits up by the De Pere dam. Hair jigs and blade baits are also taking a few fish. 

Perch fishing was excellent last week, with many active fish taken by Dykesville, Bayshore county park, Volks reef, Oconto north shoreline and Vincent point. Minnows on drop shot rigs or slip bobbers were best. 

Musky fishing is going strong, with both a casting and trolling bite going on both sides of the Bay. Casting large bucktails, pounders, and crankbaits in the Geanos reef, Pensaukee shoal, Charles Pond, Chaudoirs Dock, Longtail, Littletail and Frying Pan shoal areas all put out fish. Trolling was good along the west breakline with Razz Shad’s, shallow super shad raps and large crankbaits.

If you get on the water, please be safe, and take a kid fishing.

Capt Jerry Ruffolo

Anglers Plus Guide Service 920-973-2868.

Capt Bob Claus

Finfanatic Charters 920-360-2904

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 9/21/26

Mother Nature has not been too kind to us overall in the last week or so. The first major cold fronts of
the late summer, early fall have arrived dropping water temperatures quickly from the mid to upper 70’s
to the mid to low 60’s. This will continue to have our fishing in a bit of a funk overall until it all stabilizes.
Walleye anglers have been reporting slow activity in most areas. University Bay has been very tough
along with Vincent point and Geano’s reef. Some better activity has been coming from Dykesville along
the shore down to Point Comfort as the North winds have pushed a slight bit of warmer water into that
zone making it a tiny bit more productive. Trolling Cranks like #7 Flicker Minnows along the shoreline
from 4’-10’ has produced some fish but do not expect a ton of action. Anglers casting Shiver Minnows
or Search Baits around Geanos, Vincent, Volks and 2-mile reef in the late afternoons have been able to
wrangle up a few keepers and several shorty Walleye if the water warms throughout the day.
Perch anglers continue to report decent catches when the wind allows them to get out. A Bit deeper
water has been the key as of late. 14’-18’ off Vincent Reef and Volks reef along with Geanos reef. The
shallower weed bites have really slowed up this last week or so. The deeper water around Dykesville
and Macco’s reef in the 20’-22’ has also been repoerte4d as productive. Minnows are starting to
outshine Crawlers as the water cools off. Dead sticking drop shot rigs continues to be a great choice for
nabbing some nice 10’-11” Perch.
Musky fishermen have seen a slight increase in activity with the trolling bite as many areas start to see
an increase in Shad and bait fall movements. Trolling Tyrant Custom Raz Shads and Blue Water baits has been the choice of most looking
to cover water.
Remember to 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

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus and Ruffolo 9/14/26

Green Bay Walleye fishing overall has continued to be somewhat spotty across the entire area. The
Lower Bay areas of Vincent Reef, Volks Reef, 2-Mile Reef, and Geano’s Reef continue to be dominated
by small Walleye ranging from 8”-13” from the 2025 spring hatch. This is great news for the future of
our Walleye fishing but at the moment it makes for a bit of a pesky day on thew water. Both Jigging and
Trolling around the structures have been getting an occasional legal fish but more shorts vs keepers.
Anglers moving off the structures from 19’-25’ of water and both trolling or casting with FFS are
reporting finding a few suspended Walleye willing to cooperate due to quite a few schools of baitfish
around. Trolling both #7 or #9 Flicker Minnows or Crawler Harnesses have been working. Working
shallower on the reefs in the sunup or sundown time frames has also produced a few keeper sized
Walleye.
Perch anglers continue to report better than average action most days. Targeting the 20’-22’ sand off
Bayshore and Dykesville has been very good for most. Volks and Vincent Reef areas continue to be a
hot for Perch action most days along with East side of Geanos Reef. Crawler chunks seem to be out
fishing Minnows most days but be prepared with both to have a successful day. Dropshot Perch rigs and
dead sticking seem to be the best tactics, but skilled slip bobber angers are also catching some fish.
Musky fishermen continue to report slow action hopefully the cooler weather approaching will trigger a
bit more feeding activity.
Remember to 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

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 9/8/26

Walleye anglers report continued spotty action in most areas. The Lower Bay reefs like Volks, Vincent,
2-Mile and Geanos are all holding lots of undersized Walleye. Patient anglers are able to find a few
Leage size fish on occasion. Trolling #7 Flicker Minnows or Crawler Harnesses most days will give you
some action you just have to weed through the baby fish. Jigging tactics like Shiver Minnows and
spoons and Hair jigs all have produced some catches in the mornings and evenings.
The Perch continues to be very good most days. Anglers targeting the 20’-22’ sand off Bayshore and
Dykesville have reported good catches most days. You may have to weed through a few junk fish and
some smaller Perch but if you move around and watch your electronics you can get a nice limit most
days. The sand off the west of Vincent Reef area continues to be a hot area for Perch action most days
along with East side of Geanos Reef. The weeds up near Pensaukee have also been giving up some
decent catches most days. Crawlers seem to be out fishing Minnows most days. Dropshot Perch rigs
and dead sticking seem to be the best tactics but skilled slip bobber angers are also catching some fish.
Musky fishermen are reporting a slow up in activity with the hotter weather we have been having but
most are still casting around any areas that are holding weeds.
Remember to 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

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 8/31/26

Walleye activity all over the Bay in general is still a bit off. University Bay seems to have gone cold
except for a few “short” Walleye showing up- in areas. The areas around the reef tops on Vincent and
Volk’s Reef have given up some Walleye in the mornings and evenings to both trollers pulling #7 Flicker
Minnows and casters using Shiver Minnows and hair jigs. Purples have been the best color choices.
Geano’s Reef has been hit or miss this past week for keeper Walleye. Most reports are of lots of Baby
Walleye and an occasional Keeper. Walleye anglers report being able to troll up a few Walleyes out in
the mud from 20’-25’ of water out from Vincent Reef all the way to Bayshore at times. The action from
Chaudoirs Dock up past Sugar Creek continues to be decent at times for both folks looking to troll and
the folks looking to “Scope” open water suspended fish. From 20’-30’ of water has been good at times
giving up a few eater fish and some big girls. Both trolling Harnesses and #9 Flicker Minnows have put
some fish in the boat. Keep in mind that Chaudoirs Dock boat ramp is not officially open to public use
yet and the word is they have been handing out a few tickets for people using it.
The Perch continues to be very good most days. The best action reports have come in from Geanos
Reef, Vincent Reef, fishing off the structures in 15’-20’ of water has been best on most days. The
Dykesville Bay area anglers seem to have to move around a bit from 20’-22’ to stay on active fish but do
not overlook the shallow rocks in 12’-14’. Drop Shot rigs with single hooks or Perch fly’s have been hot
but most other methods have been working when you get around the schools of fish. Use your
electronics to locate some fish and do not be afraid to move with the school. Crawlers continue to be
the most productive by most reports.
Musky fishermen are pretty tight lipped these days, but most continue to cast Buck Tails and Jerk Baits
and plastics around the weeds North of Geanos and up around Pensaukee Shaol. Some Musky anglers
have had success doing a little trolling also around the weedy areas and the reefs as that have been lots
of schools of bait around and some Muskies are roaming looking for easy snacks.
Remember to 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

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 8/24/26

Walleye seemed to slow a bit this past week all over the Bay. Anglers trolling University Bay still were
picking up a few Walleyes on #7 Flicker Minnows around College Reef in the mornings and evenings.
The areas around the reef tops on Vincent and Volk’s Reef also given up some Walleye in the mornings
and evenings to both trollers and casters using Shiver Minnows and hair jigs. Purples have been the best
color choices. Geano’s Reef has been hit or miss this past week for Walleye. Some reports have come
in of some fish being willing to bite #9 Flicker Minnows trolled off the reef in about 15’-16’ of water. The
Mud bite from Pensaukee to Geanos is still giving up a few Walleyes trolling but not great numbers and
the wind has been a hinderance this past week for Anglers. The action from Chaudoirs Dock up past
Sugar Creek had been decent for both folks looking to troll and the folks looking to “Scope” open water
suspended fish. From 20’-30’ of water has been good at times giving up a few eater fish and some big
girls. Both trolling Harnesses and #9 Flicker Minnows have put some fish in the boat. You may end up
contending with a few floating weeds at times.
The Perch continues to be very good most days. The best action reports have come in from Geanos
Reef, Vincent Reef, and the Dykesville areas. Drop Shot rigs with single hooks or Perch fly’s have been
hot but most other methods have been working when you get around the schools of fish. Use your
electronics to locate some fish and do not be afraid to move with the school. Crawlers have been
working better than minnows but do not leave the minnows at home as some days minnows are getting
the bigger fish.
Musky fishermen are casting Buck Tails and Jerk Baits and plastics around the weeds North of Geanos
and up around Pensaukee Shaol. Some Musky anglers have had success doing a little trolling also
around the weedy areas.
Remember to 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

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 8/17/26

Hot weather overall this week has kept the fishing action at a high level overall.
Walleye fishing from East to west has been good overall. As usual if there is some wind the reefs have
provided some great action for eater sized Walleye and lots of shorts also. Vincent Reef, Geano’s reef
Maccos Reef to name a few top action areas. Trolling Harnesses or #7 Flicker Minnows has produced
some decent catches. Walleye anglers that like to jig have found good success in the sun rise and the
sunset time fames to be most productive. Shiver Minnows have been the most productive baits but
don’t leave the hair jigs at home as those have also been working. The mud bite has slowed a bit but
anglers are still finding some fish north of Geanos all the way to Oconto Shoal in that 25’-32’ depths.
The east shore mud from Vincent top Dykesville has also been producing some decent catches at times
from 20’-25’ trolling Flicker Minnows or Crawler Harnesses.
If you are looking for that “Wall Hanger” Walleye hook up your boat and venture up into Northern Door
County the reports of some 28-32” Walleye have been coming in from the areas around Chambers
Island to Sister Shoals. If you head up there looking for a mounter please consider Catch and Release
and a replica of your Trophy fish.
The Perch bite has been on fire all over the Bay from Bayshore south to Volks and Vincent reef along
with north to Maccos reef. West shore areas around Geanos and Pensaukee also have been very good
most days. Everyday bait preference changes as some days Minnows take more fish and bigger ones
and some days Crawler chunks provide most of the actio0n. Drop shot rigs with Perch Flys, or dead
sticks with a small hook and bead have been good. Slip bobbers have been ok at times also. Some
anglers report casting small 2” Kalin’s tails ion 16 th oz jigs doing some damage ant times when the
schools are around you. Use your electronics to locate areas holding fish before hunkering down to fish.
Musky fishermen are starting to show up more day-to-day casting Buck Tails and Jerk Baits around the
weeds North of Geanos and up around Pensaukee Shaol.
Reminder, the Chaudoir’s Dock boat ramp will be closed until approximately September due to dredging
work.

Remember to 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

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 8/10/26

Another good weather week overall on Green Bay had lots of Walleye and Perch and fa few Musky
anglers out chasing their favorite species.
Walleye action overall was decent most days. East shore reefs like Vincent Volks and 2-Mile all had
some walleye activity. The best tactics were jigging with shiver minnows or hair jigs. Anglers trolling
Flicker Minnows had some success also but working around the structures casting seemed like it
produced a few more keeper sized fish. Lots of undersized Walleye are still being reported in these
areas. Trolling the east shore areas from Vincent all the way to Maccos reef at times has also been
good. If there is some wind get into 10’-14’ of water along the shore line and a mixed bag of Walleye,
Perch, and Sheephead will provide dome action. With less wind anglers are reporting a decent, bite out
from 19’-22’ in the mud off the same areas. Both Flicker Minnows and Crawler Harnesses are producing
catches. Action in the mud has slowed a bit but some anglers are still finding Walleyes out there from
22’-30’ of water from Geanos to Pensaukee trolling both harnesses or crank baits. Jigging and trolling
around Geanos reef itself has produced a few keeper Walleye but more short Walleye have been caught
in that area over legal fish.
The Perch bite continues to be very productive most days all over. Fishing just off the structures of
Volks and Vincent reefs along with the rock to sand transitions areas from Dykesville to Macco’s reef
have all been good choices. Geanos Reef area just off the reef or around the weeds has also been good
for Perch action. Both the Oconto Shoal and Sugar Creek areas have also had reports of decent Perch
catches the last week. Minnows seem to be getting the bigger fish but Crawler chunks are also working.
Drop shot rigs and Perch Flys have been very productive.
Musky fishermen are starting to show up more day-to-day casting Buck Tails and Jerk Baits around the
weeds North of Geanos and up around Pensaukee Shaol.
Reminder, the Chaudoir’s Dock boat ramp will be closed until approximately September due to dredging
work.

Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 8/3/26

Other than a nasty batch of storms on Monday last week overall was a great week of fishing weather on
Green Bay. Overall, the fishing was great from east to west.
Walleye action in the mornings in University Bay continues to be good. Trolling #7 Flicker Minnows in
brighter colors has been the best. College Reef and the Kidney Island area are both producing some
good catches from daybreak to about 8AM after that it can be more of a Sheephead fest.
Vincent Reef has been OK for Walleye action most days. Casting Jig and crawler or Shiver Minnows has
done the trick around the various humps. Lots of small under sized Walleye have been showing up at
times. Volks reef has been a bit quieter but do not overlook that area for both Perch and Walleye in
your day of fishing. 2-Mile Reef has been good at times for some keeper Walleye. Pulling bouncers or
casting Shiver Minnows has been the best tactic.
The Geano’s reef area continues to be decent for Walleye action. Again, one key element there is some
wind. Fishing 6’-10’ trolling harnesses or Flicker Minnows both have been producing good catches along
with all casting Shiver Minnows.
The “Mud Bite” has been decent most days. Trolling Harnesses, #9 or #11 Flicker Minnows and or
“Sharpshooting” with Live sonar have all caught fish out in the mud. Use your sonar to locate schools
and then work those areas. Fishing the top 15’ of the water column still has been key most days.
The Perch bite continues top be very good. All of the usual areas have been producing. 20-22’ of water
out from Dykesville to Bayshore, 20’ of water out from Vincent Reef and 18’ of water off Maccos’s reef
have all been good areas. You may have to move around a bit to keep on the fish at times but you can
be rewarded with good catches of 9”-12” fish. Crawlers and minnows are both working but it does seem
like minnows are getting some of the bigger fish. Drop Shot rigs or dead sticks have outperformed slip
bobbers most days.
Reminder, the Chaudoir’s Dock boat ramp will be closed until approximately September due to dredging
work.

Remember to 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