Category: General

Well Mother Nature dropped a major deep freeze on us and with the already good start to the ice pack
on Green Bay we now are seeing the best ice we have seen in years by the end of January. This is great
news for all of us ice fishermen. The weather forecast moving forward is looking ice friendly so anglers
can expect continued good ice for the near future.
Walleye angers on the Fox are reporting lots of 2025 Young of the Year Walleye being caught. A few
bigger fish have been showing up on occasion also. Jig and minnow has been the best tactic reported.
Anglers fishing the West Shore areas like Deadhorse and Suamico reporting Perch action slightly finicky
with the super cold weather front. The best Acton was reported on Box Tip ups with Rosie Reds and
Shiners.
Some reports from the Geanos area have been coming in of a decent Perch bite along with a few Pike
and Walleye. Some anglers jigging in the morning and evening have found some Walleye around the
reef. Woking Jigging Raps and Slab Raps tipped with minnow heads have been the best baits. Perch
again on Box Tip ups with minnows were the best with the cold front weather.
Whitefish action on the east shore around Volks reef has been reported as good most days. Moving
around a bit finding the schools has been key. Jigging plastics or tungsten jigs tipped with minnows has
also been good. Anglers in that area also report stumbling on an occasional Walleye. Up the east shore
from Bayshore park to Red River Perch anglers continue to report decent success both on box tip ups
and tip downs. Although over the weekend with the bitter cold box tip ups were more productive.
Shiner minnows and Rosie Reds both taking active fish. A few Whitefish have also been showing up in
these areas for anglers willing to work at it.
The Walleye bite in Door County has slowed with the cold front but a few hardy anglers have been
rewarded with a trophy if they are willing to commit the AM and PM feeding window time frames to sit
and jig. Blade baits Jigging Raps and Slab raps have been the best.
The big news from the Sturgeon Bay area is this cold blast has finally provided the weather needed to
lock up Green Bay and solidify the Larsons reef area for those looking to venture out to chase deep
water Lake Whitefish. Most of the Guides up in that area have been able to move their ice shacks out to
the deep-water breaks and like yours truly we are open for business jigging up some Door County
Whitefish. Over the weekend the bite with a plastic was outstanding. Keitech Easy Shiners and Swing
Impacts was the best. Most goby looking plastics will the active fish to bite.
Currently the Shipping Channels on Green Bay will remain open through the month of January. So
please be aware the USCG will continue to be breaking ice for boat traffic for a bit yet.
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

The arctic weather we want for solidifying Green Bay has arrived and it looks like it is here to stay for a
bit! Continue to use caution as the snow covering that came in over the weekend has covered freshly
skimmed areas all over the bay from Suamico to Red River to Sturgeon Bay. Just because you ran out to
your spot with your ATV last week doesn’t mean that the rout you took is 100 the same. Pay attention
and stay alert for new cracks and thin ice. Also keep in mind that the shipping on Green Bay to the port
of Green Bay will continue for a couple weeks yet. This ca cause cracks t open any where on the bay.
R the weekend reports were that most fishing was a b it tougher with the cold front we had move
through. Areas around Deadhorse and Suamico still produced Perch action but just not as strong as
weeks past. Tip ups and Tip downs with minnows was still the best bet for finicky biters.
From some reports over the weekend action for Whitefish around Volks ref did pick up. Jigging plastics
or Slick jigs with minnow tails seemed to be the best bet. A few Perch were also caught in that area on
Tip downs and Tip Ups. From Bayshore all the way to Red River the best action was still the Perch bites.
Again, anglers report spreading out tips ups or Tip downs with Rosie Reds or Small Shiner minnows
being the best for action. A few Whitefish have also been caught with an occasional Walleye in these
areas.
Anglers in Sturgeon Bay around Litle Sturgeon and Sawyer Harbor working the same techniques of tip
ups and tip downs are reporting some action but slower over last weekend. Anglers fishing off Limekiln
Rd, Big Rock, Riley’s point are finding a few Whitefish, but action continues to be spotty. Jigging Goby
style plastics has been the best tactic for these fish. Anglers working shoreline areas early morning and
evening continue to find an occasional Trophy Walleye. Jigging blade baits, and glide baits tipped with a
minnow head have been the tactic of choice.
Most of the offshore Whitefish areas are still not reachable but that may change over the next week
with this cold spell.
Currently the Shipping Channels on Green Bay will remain open through the month of January.
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Well last week we were talking about cold weather and this week we are talking about the blast of
warm weather and rain we had at the end of the week. Some areas took a slight hit and coupled with
the continued Tanker/Freighter traffic coming int Green Bay awareness of winds and caution is a must if
heading out to the ice anywhere around the area.
Reports from west side areas of popularity like Suamico and Dead Horse Bay continue to show action for
Perch primarily. Although as always when the crowds move in the bite gets tougher. Box Tip ups and
Tip downs are taking most of the Perch. Rosie Reds and small shiners continue to be the best bait on
these set ups. Some folks jigging away from the crowds with small spoons tipped with waxies are also
reporting some decent action at times. Not a lot of reports from the Pike and Walleye angers in these
areas but I am sure a few have been iced using large shiners on Tip ups.
Not many reports have come from the Volks landing area this last week, but anglers venturing out from
Bayshore Park, Dykesville and up to Maccos reef area are all reporting some mixed catches Perch
anglers using tip downs and tip ups with small minnows are reporting good action off rocky bottoms.
The same anglers are seeing an occasional Walleye and a few schools of Whitefish moving around.
Jigging Spoons, Shiver minnows or just a jig/minnow or plastic are producing a few of those Whitefish
and Walleye catches. Some of the Perch coming out of these areas have been large fish please consider
releasing those 12” or bigger fish to keep those big females in the system.
Around the Sturgeon Bay area the Perch action has slowed a little. But anglers working the same
techniques of tip ups and tip downs are reporting some action. Hole hopping and jigging spoons tipped
with Waxies has also been a good tactic to stay on the schools of active Perch. Anglers fishing off
Limekiln Rd, Big Rock, Riley’s point are finding a few Whitefish but action has not been great. Jigging
plastics has been the best tactic for these fish. Anglers willing to venture out to some shoreline areas
early morning and evening times have been rewarded with a Trophy Walleye on occasion. Jigging blade
baits, and glide baits tipped with a minnow head have been the tactic of choice.
Most of the offshore Whitefish areas are still not reachable but that may change over the next 2 weeks.
Currently the Shipping Channels on Green Bay will remain open through the month of January.
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

The cold weather through the rest of the holidays certainly has helped firm up quite a few areas around
Green Bay. Please continue to use caution when venturing out as last Monday’s high winds did toss the
ice a bit and the continued boat traffic and ice breaking can present ice issues quickly with the wrong
winds.
The West shore areas from Suamico and Dead Horse Bay have become popular for folks looking to get
out and chase Perch. Reports are that at times the bite can be good. Folks doing their best to stay away
from the main pack are reporting better catches. Tip Downs and Tip ups with small shiners and Rosie
Reds have been the best for action. Some of the folks running and gunning jigging are also reporting
some decent catches. A few bonus Walleye have also been reported in these areas both jigging using
glide baits like jigging raps or tip ups. Areas Like Geanos have had reports of a few anglers cautiously
moving out but if you go venture out to these less protected bays please use caution checking ice as you
go and mind your winds.
Reports from University Bay have been sparse as the action there for Perch and Walleye and Whitefish
has been slow. Some better action has been reported up off Volks landing and Bayshore Park. Anglers
using jigging techniques are reporting a mixed bag of a few Perch, Whitefish, and an occasional Walleye.
Shiver minnow, Jigging Raps, Spoons all tipped with a minnow head have been good along with Jig and
Plastics like 3” Keitech Easy Shiners.
Moving up the east shore a few anglers have begun to venture out of Dykesville up to Red River but
some of that area sounds like travel is not great. Decent catches of Perch have begun to trickle in from
that area.
Around the Sturgeon Bay area the best reports from the weekend came from Sawyer Harbor and Little
Sturgeon Bay for Perch catches. Tip downs with minnows and jigging small jigging raps or spoons being
the best tactic. Again, if you can get away from the pack your chances will go up. Some anglers are
reporting they have to sort through a few smaller 6”-8” Perch to get a few nicer keepers. Pike anglers in
these areas are reporting a few Pike showing up running large Golden Shiners on tips ups just off the
bottom.
Most of the offshore Whitefish areas are still not reachable but that may change over the next 2 weeks.
Some anglers are finding a few Whitefish out near the mouth of Little Sturgeon and Riley’s Bay and. If
you venture out off areas like Big Rock, Limen Kiln, Oak Ave Cabot Point do use caution and watch your
winds as the continued shipping traffic and Ice breaking can make those areas susceptible to ice
movement.
Currently the Shipping Channels on Green Bay will remain open through the month of January.
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

As I type this report Mother Nature is doing some nasty work demolishing some of the Ice on Green Bay.
Late last week she had already taken a toll on some landings on the Bay due to the warm weather and
rain, then fast forward to the 30mph NW winds pushing ice off the NW shore and really tearing up the
ice on the NE shores.
So, the next few days USE EXTREME caution any where you decide to venture out on Green Bay.
Areas around Suamico and Deadhorse Bay have seen good action for Perch mainly. Tip downs and box
tip ups with minnows and Rosie Reds have seen the best action for catching Perch. Some fish have
certainly been caught jigging plastic and small glide baits like jigging raps. The same areas have some
anglers reporting a few Pike showing up on tip ups and Large Golden Shiners.
University Bay from Joliet Pary to the Eagles Nest launch has seen some activity for a mixed bag of fish.
Whitefish, Walleye and Perch have all been caught but not hot and heavy. Again, Tip ups and Tip downs
with minnows showing up as the best tactic.
Reports last week of some action for Whitefish showing up from Volks Landing to Bayshore landing.
Jigging plastics or glide baits. After this wind today this is an area I would avoid until the weather settles
down and gets cold again.
Little Sturgeon Bay has had a fair number of anglers out and getting decent Perch action. Mostly fishing
6-10 fow. The same Tip downs and box Tip ups with minnows and Rosie Reds providing action.
Most of the prominent Whitefish areas have not had any amount of good ice yet so those reports are
slow.
One more caution reminder – The Shipping Channels on Green Bay will remain open through the month
of January.
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Well as most folks know by now, we have seen some early ice development out of Green Bay.
My first priority of this report is to preach to USE EXTREME CAUTION when looking to venture out on
Green Bay especially this early ice conditions. Green Bay shipping traffic will continue throughout the
month of January that means the center of the Bay and the shipping lanes will remain open and active
for quite a while yet. Early ice on Green Bay means LOTS of open water out in the middle and to the
north yet as this large and dynamic body of water takes time to settle in and “lock up”. If you are out
anywhere on Green Bay pay very close attention to winds both speed and direction. It does not take
much for the winds to move or break up ice when it is this early in the season.
On the lower bay folks are venturing out on Deadhorse Bay, Suamico Bay and University Bay and having
some decent early ice success. Ice thickness varies so use caution and work your way out with your
spud or by drilling holes. Perch action on Tip downs with minnows has been reported as good in
Deadhorse bay. Folks walking out from the Eagles nest landing to Joliet Park are reporting a few Perch a
few Whitefish and a few Walleyes but not great numbers of any one think. Tip ups and tip downs are
reportedly taking most of the activity. The other east shore locations like Volks Landing and Bayshore
park I would recommend using extreme caution as both those areas have seen ice movement in the last
couple weeks. Up the east shore Little Sturgeon Bay has seen a fair number of Perch and Pike anglers
venturing out around the shallows. Reports area few Pike have been taken on tip-ups soaking Golden
Shiners and the Perch bite jigging, and on tip downs has been good in 6-10 fow. Lots of folks are
reporting sight fishing for those Perch. Rosie reds and medium shiners minnows have been the best bait
but don’t forget some Waxies! Just a reminder Smokeys is closed until March 1st 2026. Thanks for your support in 2025, see you again in spring, Yah!!!
Have a Wonderful Holiday Season and Merry Christmas
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Well, the open water fishing season on Green Bay has come to a screeching halt. There may be a few
hearty anglers still trying to sneak out but the cold temps are starting to freeze up the harbors and the
shore areas making launching difficult.
Thanks to all the folks out there that follow our reports for the season. We will be back with ice
condition and fishing reports once we get through the holidays and into more ice fishable conditions.
Until then have a Wonderful Holiday Season and Merry Christmas from all of us at Smokey’s on the Bay,
FinFanatic Charters, and Anglers Plus Guide Service.

Smokeys on the Bay will be closing December 17th 2025 through March 1st 2026. Thanks for all your support, see you next spring,Yah only at Smokeys!!!
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

It’s that time of year again most fishermen are putting their boats away and getting ready for deer hunting. With that said there is still alot of good fishing to be had. On the east shore of the bay walleyes and perch are still being caught out of Bayshore . The walleye fishermen are trolling flicker minnows, flicker shads, P10s and jigging with hair jigs. Perch fishermen are having luck with perch fly rigs tipped with a minnow. Geano’s reef is still producing some nice walleyes and perch using the same techniques.

The fishermen fishing the Fox river from the mouth to dam are reporting some nice catches of walleyes, white bass and white fishing trolling cranks, casting blade baits, hair jigs and a jig and minnow.

Water levels are low on the river and the level changes daily with the wind direction.

Musky fishing has been slow but guys are still getting them trolling U-Bay, the mouth of the Fox River and the 172 flats. Trolling baits like Raz Shads that have rattles have been working well. Shore fishermen are having luck at Metro and Voyager catching walleyes and some musky’s.

Remember to take a kid fishing. Yah, only at Smokeys!!!

The cold front conditions that moved in late last week made for some tough fishing and tough fishing
conditions on Green Bay.
Remaining anglers looking to chase Walleye on Green Bay my suggestion is to fish shallow along the
shorelines along the East shore anywhere from Vincent point all the way to Sturgeon Bay and your best
opportunity will be early morning or evening/night fishing. Casting plastics, or shiver minnows or hair
jigs can find a few fish on those areas. I do recommend putting out your trolling spread and searching
for fish by covering some water along those shorelines. If you contact fish then go back and cast if that’s
your gig. Running #7 Flicker minnows or P-10s in chrome or natural colors is your best bet and keep
your speeds slow 1.4-1.5mph due to cold water conditions.
The action in the Fox River came to a screeching halt this last week as the river is packed with bait fish
both Shad and Shiners. The lack of rain and flow means the wind direction can have a huge impact on
the current and flow. Any North winds are backing up the river current making the down river areas
holding fish nonproductive. Same can be said for the channel edges with the lack of flow. If the winds
are from the south at all the current increase does impact the feeding windows and anglers casting hair
jigs and jig/plastic or blade baits have seen some fishing action. The huge number of Shad up at the dam
has slowed the Walleye bite up there casting cranks. A few fish have still been caught casting #7 Flicker
Minnows both regular and jointed. Anglers have done ok casting Berkly Hit Sticks around the rocks and
current areas also. A few Whitefish have also begun making their way into the river to begin their fall
spawning activities. A few have been caught in most of the walleye areas as incidentals. Use caution
when boating up at the dam with the very low water levels.
Musky anglers continue to troll the Lower Bay around Point Sable, Kidney Island, Dead Horse Bay and up
in the fox river. Catch rates have been low but some anglers have seen success. Running Tyrant Raz Shads
still have been the angler preference. A few casting anglers also report a catch here and there along
shorelines or “back water” areas along the river throwing big plastics like Bulldawgs. Shore fishing from Metro again is producing some nice walleyes and muskies. Throwing Smokeys custom P-10’s.
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

As Fall moves along less and less anglers are seen launching their boats heading out on the waters of
Green Bay. The cooler overnights have settled in our water temps at about the 50 Degree mark for now
and as things normalize, we should see an increase in feeding activity. The issue will be fish will have a
tendency to spread out a bit more.
Anglers looking to do some trolling around University Bay you can still find a few Walleye willing to bite
trolling Flicker Minnow #7’s in natural patterns as the water begins to clear. Keep your trolling speeds
slow around 1.5 mph and make frequent “S turns” to trigger strikes. Also do not be afraid to toss a
larger profile bait like a P-10 out behind your boards as hungry Walleye will look to feed on larger
opportunities as we draw closer to winter. Walleye anglers wishing to fish out of the Bay Shore area I
would advise you to troll morning and evening time frames along rocky shorelines as that water is fairly
clear up along Point Comfort to Shoemaker point. Get your baits up shallow and run out lures like
Smithwick P-10’s and Rapala Husky Jerks to add length to your profile to tempt the hungry fish.
Like wise the night bite along the shorelines from Chaudoir’s Dock up to Little Sturgeon are a good bet
for both a few eater fish along with a potential trophy this time of year. Keeping your boat in 8-10 fow
and running your baits on one side of the boat up shallow and the other side deeper off the break is a
great technique. Again, keep your trolling speeds low around the 1.5mph range. Stick with chrome or
more natural color presentations.
The action in the Fox River is still fairly slow overall. Casting hair jigs and jig/plastics and blade baits on
shallow flats or the edges of flats adjacent to the channel edges has been producing some walleye. For
example, casting toe 8-10’ edge of the channel out in front of Voyager Park and up to the dam has been
ok at times. Jigging around the channel edges and shallow flats and a few of the bridges through
downtown has also produced a few Walleyes but with the lack of current that has been tough. Folks
casting at night around the moth of the river are having good success on a multitude of species.
Musky anglers reports have been few and far between but most are trolling the University Bay and the
lower stretches of the Fox River and the mouth of the river out to Grassy Island. Super Shads continue
to be the most popular bait. I have witnessed a few successful Musky anglers landing fish casting the
areas upriver holding bait along the bays and some of the shoreline structures along the river. Plastics
like bull dawgs and jerk baits have both been favorites. Shore fishing at metro is still producing some nice walleyes and Muskys. At Voyager they are catching some walleyes, water level is very low.
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com