Category: General

The weather settled out nicely this last week and allowed the runoff from the heavy flooding to relax a
bit. Still use caution in most areas traveling around Green Bay as there is still a fair amount of debris on
the water. The water temps are warming all over the Bay and this has driven 90% of our Walleye
spawning activity to near completion.
The Fox River remains dirty, but visibility has improved much, and this has allowed the fishing activity to
get better. The warming waters are starting to kick on the Sheep head and White Bass activity in the
river. Reports of Walleye catches are still coming in from anglers casting crank baits up at the Dam in
DePere. The few night trollers on the Fox have reported catching post spawn fish every evening running
P-10’s and Flicker Minnows.
University Bay has started to show signs of life once again. Reports are the trolling bite with #7 Flicker
minnows in brighter colors are producing a few Walleyes. Shallow shorelines and along the area in front
of Bay Beach have been productive.
The East shore from around Volks Lading all the way up to Macco’s Reef has shown some signs of post
spawn Walleye looking for a mean in the shallows. Casting hair jigs and blade baits can be a good tactic
along rocky shore areas. Trolling #7 Flicker Minnows or Shads in brighter colors or White bases patterns
have been producing catches. The water along there remains dingy from the runoff.
The Door County shorelines have seen good catches of Por Spawn Walleyes on and off the past week.
Casting hair jigs with Purple dominating the productive colors has been working for most anglers. Don’t
overlook jigs and plastics like Keitech Easy Shiners as they have been doing well in darker Goby color.
This area has also shown a variety of fish like a few Brown Trout, Small Mouth Bass, Pike and Musky.
Night trolling of the shoreline has been good from Sugar Creek to Sturgeon Bay has been good most
nights. Running P-10’s and other stick baits shallow has been the choice of most anglers. Day time
trollers are also reporting good action but trolling 15-30 feet of water once the sun is up higher.
The West Shore of Green Bay has been fairly quit but over the weekend a few more fish have started to
show up in their shallow post spawn areas like around Suamico and Geanos Beach area. The water
clarity has remained a bit more stained over on the West shore.
Small Mouth Bass anglers have been reporting staring to see fish moving into the Shallow Bays with
warming water around Sturgeon Bay. Tube Jigs hair jigs and Jerk baits have all had some catches. This
should start to improve as the weeks move on.

Reminder this coming weakened Saturday May 2 nd is WI fishing opener and the Walleye limits on Green
Bay and the Fox River switch. Green Bay moves to a 15” min length with a 5 fish daily bag limit and the
Fox river moves to a 3 fish daily bag with no min length limit.
Perch season remains closed until May 20 th
Please consider a selective harvest methodology in your Walleye targeting this season. Pleases consider
releasing your larger Walleye, a good length limit would be 22”-23”.

Remember that Musky fishing on the bay and it’s tributaries opens May 23rd not May 2nd.
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

The heavy run off from all the rains has dumped a bunch of debris all over the Green Bay system.
Everything from small branches to full sized trees and logs have been seen floating. So be careful out
there for a while in any of your boating activities.
The Fox River was extremely dirty this last week but despite the “Chocolate Milk” anglers reported a
decent bit at times for the post spawn fish moving down river. Night anglers are having success casting
cranks below the power lines and nighttime trollers below the172 bridge are putting some nice fish in
the boat using P-10’s in brighter colors. Jigging channel edges with bright lade baits and Jigs and bright
plastics have also seen some daytime success.
Fishing out on Green Bay has seen an increase in numbers of post spawn fish. The dirty water and heavy
run-off has made it challenging in many areas but anglers that use their side imaging and forward-facing
sonar to locate groups of nomadic fish have had good to above average success. Areas to target are
shallow sand edges from the Oconto River south, also the shallow break out from the Peshtigo River.
Other areas of interest should be the shallow sand edge along from Pensaukee to Oconto and both
north and south of Geanos Beach along the West shore. Casting hair jigs, jig/plastics, jig/minnow
combos also Rip n Raps have all been good tactics when you locate some fish. Try your best to stay
away from bigger groups of anglers to keep your presentations in front of active fish. Trolling in these
areas has also seen an increase in both daytime and nighttime catches. P-10’s and Flicker Minnows have
been the preferred baits.
Out on the East shore from Chaudior’s Dock up to and around the Sturgeon Bay shorelines has also seen
good activity. Casting hair and blade baits has been good once again using your electronics to locate
areas holding fish. Trollers both day and night have reported an increase in action as the water has
warmed with all the rain in the area. The Sturgeon Bay area has seen more Pre-Spawn vs post span fish
showing up currently but that will change rapidly with the warming weather this week.

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

Rain, rain, and more rain, it sounds like we are on pace for a rector April. Our grand Lake MI and Green
Bay needs it though! Walleye along the West Shore and the Fox River are all shifted into full on
Spawning mode with the warmer water and higher flow rates.
The Fox River has been up and down for action based mainly on the water clarity. This current weather
is going to make the water even more turbid for the coming week. If you are venturing out for a day
time fish, try using baits that are brighter in color along with giving off some vibration. Blade Baits and
Ripn Raps in chartreuse, or white body tones will be more productive in the chocolate milk water. If
you are using a jig and minnow or plastics also switch up using brighter colors.
Night trollers were reporting some very good catches on the Fox using P-10’s as the primary bait. With
the dirty water expect that bite to slow down.
University Bay has been reported as being slow for action both trolling and casting. A few fish have
been caught working the east shore line from the University up to the Eagles nest. Trolling Flicker Shads
or P-10’s shallow in less than 8’ of water has resulted in a few fish being taken.
A few anglers are starting to venture out to fish around Suamico and Geano’s up to Pensaukee. All that
turf has been reported as very slow with very little to no action.
Up in the Oconto to Peshtigo area fish have moved into the rivers heavy to begin their spawning and
that is making for a tougher bight out on the Bay.
The east shore around Bayshore has seen little activity but that should change this week after the rain.
Areas up from Sugar Creek to Sturgeon Bay are also reporting in as super slow with much colder water
temps being reported over the West shore.

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

he continued topsy-turvy weather pattern has many anglers frustrated, and some anglers happy, as the number of fishermen on the Fox River and Green Bay is low, considering we are near the peak of walleye spawning, based on the calendar. Windy days in both places hampered typical finesse presentations, but many who braved the rough conditions were rewarded with beautiful prespawn walleyes. The Bay at Oconto has been hit and miss, with some days finding big walleyes aggressive, pouncing on hair jig and rippin raps, and other days begging for the bite to turn on. The Fox River has been also hit and miss, with daytime catches lagging behind the night bite. Those fishing at night have met success trolling the flats below the 172 bridge with big stickbaits such as Hit sticks, husky jerks, and P10’s behind lighted planer boards. Night trolling and casting rippin raps is also putting walleyes in the boat on the Bay. With east shore areas still dealing with ice, the west side has been the place to go. Shore anglers are finding success by Voyager Park casting hair jigs and rippin raps, with the better bite there also taking place at night. Just a reminder:  the limit on the Fox River up to the refuge line near the De Pere dam in 1 walleye 28” or bigger, and the limit on the Bay is 1 walleye 15” or bigger. Please let those big female walleyes go and finish their spawning ritual! As always, if you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing!
Capt Jerry Ruffolo 
Anglers Plus Guide Service 
920-973-2868

Fishing on the Fox river was best described as tough for the last week or so after the storm. The river re-
froze with a pretty hefty layer of ice dropping water temps from the low 40’s to freezing. All the runoff
from the snow has also taken visibility down to less than a foot.
Jigging along the channel edges in 10-12’ or less has produced some catches. Both Hair jigs and jig and
minnow combinations. Brighter colors have been the ticket. Jigs and plastics have also caught a few
fish. Working the baits very slowly as the water temps have been holding around 35-37 Deg. Fishing
along some of the rocky flats and shallow sand areas at times has also produced some nice fish. When
casting do not overlook blade baits worked slowly as the flash and vibration in the stained water can be
effective.
The night trolling bite continues to be very slow as the stained water makes that tough. Boats reporting
1-3 fish a night trolling Husky Jerks and P-10’s around shallow flats.
University Bay has cleared out of ice, out past long tail and Frying Pan shoal allowing boat traffic to
target shorelines both trolling and casting. Like the Fox River, the water has heavy stain due to the
runoff also the water temps are cold as just north is a large ice pack. If you are venturing out there, be
very conscious of the wind direction as a good north wind may push the ice pack down and block the
river mouth access.
Other areas of Green Bay are mostly still socked in with ice coverage except the Oconto area. But use
caution in that zone as again the daily changing wind conditions can quickly block off the river mouth
access. Water temps up out of Oconto remain cold between 33 and 38 Degrees for the most part.
Spending time scanning with your electronics can pay dividends before you start fishing. Casting hair
jigs and Rip N Raps along with a few plastics have produced some nice fish for anglers willing to put in
the time and take the risk. With water temps that cold, again work your presentation very slow.
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Well hopefully everyone survived the big Blizzard. The good news is the added snow fall both locally
and to the north should assist with bringing the Green Bay water levels up a bit. Let’s hope for a bit
more spring precipitation as we move into April to keep them coming up a bit more.
The Fox River is just about the only fishing show in town currently. Depending on winds and ice pack
movements areas like University Bay or Oconto have had very brief periods of fishability. If you venture
out in those areas, just be very cautious as there are still large ice flows blowing around Green Bay in
general and your access can get blocked quickly with one wind switch.
The Fox River has dirtied up a bit, but action overall remains decent. Casting the current breaks along
the channel edges or flats with hair jigs and jigs/plastics has been productive just work the baits much
slower as that water cooled off a lot with last weeks storms. Blade baits have also been getting bit on
occasion later in the day if the water warms. Jig and minnow combinations slipping the river channel
and edges have also been productive but normally guys doing that are finding smaller sized fish.
There have been boats out just about every night now trolling the flats and channel edges shallow on
the Fox looking for that “Big Girl”. Reports are that a few larger fish have begun to show up. Trolling P-
10’s in brighter colors or White based patterns have been the best so far.
Reminder that the Walleye regulation on the Fox is currently 1 fish over 28” and on Green Bay it is 1 fish
over 15” and if you keep your 1 fish you are done fishing for the day. Wardens and others are
watching!
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

We quickly moved into late ice conditions all over Green Bay. I would not recommend taking any kind of
ATV, UTV, or other vehicle out on to any ice around Green Bay from here on out. Walking only to spots
to get that last fix in. Also as with first ice the ice pack has greater potential to move away from shore,
so be very aware of all winds and your location. As I am writing this, we are experiencing 60 Deg
weather and even though there are areas with over 20: left they will deteriorate quickly. Be smart and
safe. For these reasons I am not going to do any ice reports for Green Bay locations. Travel and fish at
your own risk.
The Fox River has full open water and all boat ramps are open. Word of caution if heading out is that
the water levels are EXTREMELY low. Take your time maneuvering around so you do not find any of
those rocky areas with your new prop! Water clarity was good but the rain over the weekend did dirty
it up some.
The best tactics with the low current have been working Hair jigs slowly or jigs and plastic slowly off the
channel edges and flats. Colors have changed with the dirtier water to more bright colors. Fish have
been holding in pods in various areas, using your side imaging to locate schools of early fish is key. The
main run has not begun yet and is a couple of weeks out as there is still a large ice pack on the main Bay.
Also a reminder that the Perch season on Green Bay closes on March 15 th .

Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Well we are officially moving into Late Ice time here on Green Bay. This means Extreme Caution should
be used on all areas of Green Bay if venturing out to ice fish.
Areas along the West shore have become foot traffic only recommended due to the landings nbeing
thinned up and messy. A few folks are still venturing out chasing Perch but the bite has not been great.
Suamico and Geanos both have seen some catches but less people are out due to deteriorating
conditions.
The East shore areas from Volks landing to Bayshore continue to give up some mixed bags of Whitefish
and a few Perch. Whitefish have been hitting jigging raps and jig and plastics like slick jigs and Keitech
tails. Goby colors have been the ticket. Fo Perch action the best bet is still the tip down or box tip ups
with small shiner minnows.
The Areas around Little Sturgeon and Sturgeon Bay have been giving up some smaller Pike on tip ups
with large golden shiners. Perch have been willing to bite Tip downs with small shiners and rosie reds.
The Whitefish action on Larsons Reef has been up and down but overall fishing has been good for those
that focus and work the jigging cadence. Jigs and plastics like 3” and 4” Keitech Easy Shiners or Swing
Impact Fats in a 2.8” have been good in Goby colors or dark gold/Goby colors.
Fox River action and boat traffic have both increased. All the boat ramps are now free of ice and being
used. Casting shallow flats with Hair Jigs and Blade Baits has been the most effective. Do not overlook a
good jig and plastic like a Ringworm. Use your electronics to locate schools of fish.
Do not forget as of March 2 nd the Walleye limit on The Fox River switches to 1 fish over 28” and on Green
Bay is drops to a daily bag limit of 1 fish over 15”.
Also a reminder that the Perch season on Green Bay closes on March 15 th . Great news Smokeys on the Bay is open for business. Yah!!!

Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

Well last week’s warm up and rain sure did a number to several areas around Green Bay. Here is a
general overview of ice conditions around the Bay.
Fox River – No ice fishable and boats are out on the water
Deadhorse Bay and Suamico – Fishable ice but landings are difficult, and you need to use extreme
caution getting on and off right now. Lots of thin spots and exposed shorelines.
Geanos and Oconto – Fishable ice but traitorous landing areas. Use extreme caution
I do not recommend driving trucks on the West shore anywhere and ATV, UTV, Snowmobile is also
difficult at the landings until they firm up.
University Bay, Vincent and volks still decent ice but no trucks should be out. Use caution around
shallow rock areas with this current from the river. Reports are soft ice but that should start to harden
up a bit with the improved colder weather.
Bayshore, Dykesville and Red River all decent ice and landings are not really bad but still avoid vehicle
traffic.
Sturgeon Bay areas – No vehicle traffic recommended, and most landings are still in good shape but
even with ATV, and UTV traffic stay away from shallow rocks and areas of current and use caution.
As we move into late ice conditions use extreme caution at all times and know your travel areas.
Fox River boats are using the landings at Fox Point and the Fair Grounds. Catch rates for Walleye are
high, but size is low. Expect to boat many Walleyes 13-16” right now as the big girls will be a while to
get up the river with the ice out on the bay. Jig and minnow or hair jigs and blade baits would be a good
lure to target some action.
With the bad landings I have no reports form Perch activity on the West Shore.
Whitefish action on the east shore around Volks, Vincent, Bay Shore, Red River and Sugar continue to be
fair at best. Jigs and plastics or Lindy Slick jigs tipped with minnow tails leading the way for tactics.
Perch action up around Little Sturgeon and surrounding areas reported still to be slow but size is
impressive for the fish being caught. Several fish over 15” have been seen the last week or so. Tip
downs and box tip ups with small shiners or rosie reds continue to be the most productive method.
Please consider releasing all those 12” or bigger fish if you can.
Whitefish action around the Sturgeon Bay area has been good to fair. Anglers willing to focus on
technique are being rewarded for the patience with a limit of fresh Whitefish. With the mixed bag of
weather last week the bite has been off a few days also. We should start to see a late season
improvement in action soon. Best presentations have been ¼ ox jigs and plastic like Keitech Easy
Shiners in 3” to 4” size. The Goby color being the best. Grumpy Goby baits have begun to pick up some
momentum his week along with other Goby colored plastics. One tactic that has produced a few fish as
of late is on occasion rip jig the bait off the bottom a couple times then back to a softer cadence and this
has drawn a reactionary bite.
If you are out targeting Whitefish, please consider releasing all fish under 16” to 17”. It takes several
years for a female to reach maturity to be able to effectively reproduce. Keeping fish under that 17”
mark increases the chances you are keeping an immature female before she has a change to give back
to the population at least once. Smokeys on the Bay will be open April 2nd
Remember to take a kid fishing

Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

I have been getting lots of questions about how the ice will hold up with this warmup. The short answer
is I am not 100% sure and Mother Nature only knows, but based on our current ice thickness and
conditions I don’t suspect we will suffer much damage to the ice with this warmup other than the
landings or areas where a crack might be present. Overall, right now ice conditions remain great all-over
Green Bay but please remember to stay vigilant and always use caution!
One location to really use more caution would be walking out onto the Fox River. The warmer days can
increase current and cause ice erosion that will not be very noticeable. Reports have not changed much
from the Fox with lots of the 2025 spring young Walleye being around. A few better fish are reported
every week. Jigging Raps tipped with a shiner head or Jig/Minnow combos have been the best.
Perch action along the West shore in Deadhorse, Suamico and Geanos and Oconto area continue to be
very good. Box Tip Ups have dominated the catches with Tip Downs being a close second. Spreading
out your lines has been key to covering more area to catch the schools moving around. Small shiners
and Rosie Reds are still the best baits.
Whitefish action on the east shore around Red River and Sugar continue to be fair at best. Jigs and
plastics or Lindy Slick jigs tipped with minnow tails leading the way for tactics.
Perch action up around Little Sturgeon and surrounding areas has slowed a bit. Guys willing to fish areas
away from the groups have reported some success. Tip downs and box tip ups with small shiners or
rosie reds continue to be the most productive method. Jigging small spoons tipped with minnow heads
or waxies when schools of fish show up has also worked well in those areas. The size of the fish has
been good quality all over Green Bay. Please consider releasing all those 12” or bigger fish if you can.
Whitefish action on Larsons reef slowed this past week and anglers needed to stay more diligent and
focused in their jigging tactics to get fish to bite. ¼ oz jigs like slick jigs and plastic tails like Keitech Easy
shiners or Keitech Swing Impact Fats in a 2-4 length continue to dominate the catches Don’t be afraid to
move up shallower than 40 feet at times looking for active fish especially in less pressured areas. We
have had a robust bite off in 80’-90’ at times and also in 40’-50’ even on the same day. The best advice
is set up far away from others and travel routs to keep fish from getting spooky. The feeding windows
have become very focused so if you get bit stay focused on your cadence and watch your rod ti for
subtle changes and set the hook with something feels different.
If you are out targeting Whitefish, please consider releasing all fish under 16” to 17”. It takes several
years for a female to reach maturity to be able to effectively reproduce. Keeping fish under that 17”
mark increases the chances you are keeping an immature female before she has a change to give back
to the population at least once. Smokeys will reopen 3/2/26, Yah!!!
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com