Category: General

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

The reports from the Fox have been an increase of some bigger fish showing up but overall action has
been fair with the changing weather this last week. Vertical jigging the channel edges during the cold
spells has been productive with Jig and minnow and jig and brighter plastics. When the sun does pop
out reports of fish moving up into warming shallow waters. Casting blade baits and hair jigs and rippin
raps have all been productive. The increase in current should start to really kick off the spawning
activity soon if the wait temps increase.
The night trolling bite on the Fox has started to produce some bigger fish. Most anglers are reporting the
best action trolling Smithwick P-10’s in brighter colors after dark.
University Bay has now remained ice free, and many anglers have been targeting he east shoreline both
during the day and night. Reports are over all slow activity both casting and trolling.
Areas around Little Sturgeon and Henderson’s point are seeing an increase in fishing as the ramps up the
bay have begun to clear from ice. Reports are of colder water temps and fishing activity as slow.
Trolling at night has been the best activity. Stick baits along shorelines have been reporting taking some
fish. P-10’s and Rapala Husky Jerks have been the best.
The Oconto area also has now been ice free in general and many anglers are heading out looking to
locate Walleye. Again, reports are of colder water temps so overall action has been slow. The best
tactics have been casting hair jigs and jig and plastic combos. Look to use darker colors with the clear
water.
Reminder – The Walleye limit on the open waters of Green Bay is 1 fish over 15” (Until Sat May 3 rd ) and
Perch fishing is currently closed (until May 20 th )

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!

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

Ice on Green Bay is done. Do not come here hoping to jump on a piece of ice please.
The Fox River is in full swing with fish spread from the mouth of the river all the way up to the dam at
DePere. Please remember the limit on the Fox right now (Until Sat May 3 rd) is 1 fish over 28” for
Walleye. The best tactics this last week were casting hair Jigs or Blade Baits. Dark Purple colors and
variations were the best. Do not overlook gold jigs and blade baits also. Working the shallow flats and
the channel edges from 10’ up into 2’ of water were good. Folks vertical jigging the channel with
jig/minnow and jig/plastic combos also had some success. The night trolling bite has also started with
reports of some bigger fish showing up trolling Rapala Thunder sticks and Smithwick P-10’s after dark.
University Bay when the wind is pushing the ice out to the north has been fishable at times and guys are
reporting some catches along the East shore both casting and trolling. Further up the Bay has been still
hampered by the ice moving around with the winds. It will not be long now before we will be talking
about Suamico, Geanos, Oconto and Door County fishing. Remember the limit on the open waters of
Green Bay for Walleye is 1 fish over 15” (Until Sat May 3 rd)
Perch fishing is currently closed on Green.
Be safe!
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
For all you open water seekers, it on! As of the writing of this report all 3 boat tramps (Green Bay
Metro, Fox Point and Brown Cty Fair Grounds) are all open for launching. At least some docks have gone
in at Green Bay Metro and I believe Fox Point and the Fair Grounds are to follow this week.
For activity on the river the reports are of good over all activity of Walleye catches up and down the
river. Casting the flats and river edge areas has been best with everything from Jigs and Plastics to blade
baits and hair jigs. Remember you do need to pay for a boat lunch pass even though there may not be
docks in the water. For all your live bait needs or your hair jigs and plastics to hit the water check out
Smokies on the Bay near the mouth of the Fox River. Jeff is back from Florida and ready to help you
with those spring catches!
Ice conditions on the entire Bay have become very suspect in most locations and EXTREME Caution must
be taken. I would not advise doing anything more than walk out trips and certainly pay attention to
your wind conditions. There is open water and cracks at just about every popular fishing location
currently Ice breaking on Green Bay is set to commence this week with the arrival of the USCG Ice
Breaker Mackinaw any day now. The best advice I can give is not to venture out anymore.
Perch fishing is coming to a close on Green Bay on March 15 th . Not many reports have some in with the
lack of folks out exploring this past weekend.
Whitefish activity was good overall at Volk, Bayshore, Red River and the Sturgeon Bay area this past
weekend. Again, I would highly advise not to head out this week as most of those areas have very
compromised ice conditions with cracks and soft areas with the current weather and winds.
Over the course of the next week or 2 we will see more areas open to boat traffic so stay tuned for more
open water reports.
Be safe!

Smokeys on the Bay has reopened we have everything you need to catch fish on the bay, Yah only at Smokeys!!!
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice. 

For those of you looking to target the Fox River, Fox Point Boat ramp has one lane open to launch currently and after the upcoming rain this week I suspect more will follow including the Fair Grounds and Metro landing.  No docks are in yet before you all ask!     Walleye fishing has been good right out of the gate with decent numbers of 16-23” fish showing up.  Jig and minnow of course have worked but hair jigs and blade baits should be in your planned arsenal if heading out.  Kee in mind the regulations have now switched on the river to 1 Walleye over 28” from now until the first Saturday in May. 

Perch fishing in most locations has seen an increase in activity.  If you can work your way out to safe locations.  Tip downs hare reported as the best tactic with small to Medium Shiners.  Keep in mind that Perch season on Green Bay is March 15^th. 

Whitefish activity finally picked up in many areas.  As always getting away from others helps with the fish activity.  Reports of a good bite from Volks to Redrive rove the last few days have come in.   Jigs and plastics like small 2” Tubes on Slick Jigs or Keitech easy Shiners on a jig have been reported as the best baits.

Larsons reef also showed improvements in the bite most in the morning and afternoon with some slow down mid-day.  Jigs and plastics like Keitech Swing Impact Fats in a 2.8 length were reported as the best baits. 

If you are looking to venture out moving forward on Green Bay ice, please use Extreme caution and mind your wind.  We are now looking at deteriorating conditions with longer days and warm weather.  Many new pressure cracks opened up Saturday and Sunday on both side of Green Bay and the ice down the middle has begun to erode doe to increased run off.  Most guides up on Larsons reef (Including myself) have pulled all their equipment and shacks to shore and are considering removing them from the ice this week due to week ice areas and thinning spots along with compromised ice conditions. 

Great news Smokeys on the Bay is now open, Yah see you soon.

Be  safe! 

Capt. Robert Claus

FinFanatic Charters

920-360-2904

finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

www.finfanatic.net

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
Walleye activity on the Fox River slowed a bit but most still report fish cooperating including some
Whitefish. Bigger fish have not been caught with any consistency, but smaller fish have cooperated.
Jigging raps have still been a favorite choice tipped with a minnow head. Be aware that this warmup
may cause more flow and erode current areas fast. Use extreme caution on the Fox.
Perch fishing in most locations both the West shore and east shore slowed up this last week. Tip downs
and Box Tip-Ups with small shiners or Rosie reds were the best reported tactics to get baits spread out
to catch a school coming around. Small Jigging spoons with spikes or waxies also did produce some
catches.
For Northern Pike action was reported best in the backs of the bays like Little Sturgeon and Sawyer
Harbor or Suamico but not many big fish were reported. Tips ups with Large Golden shiners were still
among the top baits choices.
Whitefish fishing up and down the Bay has slowed this last week. Anglers staying focused and hitting
the right bite windows have done well but in general we are in an odd “funk” when it comes to catching
Whitefish. Downsizing your plastics has been reported as a good change to get these finicky fish to bite.
If you were using a 3” plastic, try trimming off 1” before putting it on your jig. Some anglers reported
bite windows in the morning and late afternoon being the best. Try changing up your cadence on
occasion to try to trigger strikes. The slow down was evident from Volks landing all the way to Larsons
reef.

Another reminder Smokeys will be open March 3rd, Yah !!!

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

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
This cold weather has ice conditions all over Green Bay very good, but the additional snow accumulation
has slowed travel in most areas. Look for that to get better as this snow settles.
Walleye activity on the Fox River has been continued to be above average. Jigging raps have still been a
favorite choice tipped with a minnow head, but Plastics have now shown some promise. Also do not
overlook jigging spoons and blade baits.
Perch fishing continues to be very good to above average in most locations both the West shore and
east shore and up to the Sturgeon Bay area. Tip downs and Box Tip-Ups with small shiners or Rosie reds
have continued to dominate the catches. A few fish have fallen pray to anglers using small plastics and
small jigging spoons also.
For Northern Pike action has slowed to a snails pace this last week with the weather changes not good
reports have some in.
Lower Bay areas from Volks up to Red River have been fair to good for Whitefish. Slick jigs tipped with a
minnow tail or plastic have been good bait choices. Slider rigs also have been taking some fish. If you
are seeing fish on your sonar slow your presentation down and tighten up your jigging and watch for
subtle changes.
The Larsons Reef area has seen much improvement on ice conditions this last week and this cold snap
will continue to provide ice pack depth and growth. Travel conditions over the last few days became
difficult with the blowing and drifting snow. The area in general has received over a foot of new snow in
the last week.
Anglers that were able to get on the reef overall reported the Whitefish bite better mid week last week
Vs. later in the week and weekend. Most likely due to the changing weather over the last few days. Jigs
and plastics continue to be the most prominent and successful tactic. Any plastic that mimics a Goby is
a good choice. As always If you want to find more success out there with Whitefish get away from the
crowd.

Smokeys will reopen Monday March 3rd, hope everyone had a good ice season this year see you soon. Yah!!!!

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