Category: General

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
I know a lot of folks are itching to get on ice, especially since we have had such mild winters as of late.
A couple cold snaps the last couple weeks surely got us started in the right direction, but with that said
extreme caution should be used on any of this early ice on Green Bay no matter what the location. You
should plan on limiting your travel to walking for your first adventures out. Just because you may see
other people never assume you can just head out onto that area. Check the ice yourself and use
caution. Use a spud bar and use it to work your way out \slowly, wear a life jacket or float suite, have
your ice picks ready, use the buddy system and let others know exactly where you are venturing out to.
As far as locations around Green Bay, there are reports of folks walking out by Joliet Park, and Volks.
Also reports of a few folks on the Fox river going into the weekend. ALL these locations should he
evaluated daily as we experienced some rain and a slight warm up the last couple days especially the
Fox River, there is more current than you may think.
If you are considering heading to the Green Bay to get your ice fish on, my advice is to wait for more
cold weather to really begin to firm things up. Even though the last few weeks did provide us with a
good start to making some ice no areas are in mid-winter form and should be all approached with
extreme caution. I can not over state that fact!
Many local inland waters also have seen ice from 3’-6” and are less dynamic than the Green Bay waters.
I suggest you explore with caution those fishing holes vs venturing out on Green Bay currently.
Also be advised that shipping traffic out on Green Bay does continue and can cause high potential for
issues even near shore.

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

Its getting down to the last of the open water fishing. The last dock was pulled from the Green Bay
Metro ramp as of this morning. Yesterday anglers reported “icing” issues while out trying to squeeze in
one more Musky troll.
Walleye action on the Fox has still been reported as slow overall. The few anglers out report catching a
few fish dragging jig and minnow combinations along the channel edges upriver from Voyager Park to
Hwy 172. A few anglers casting hair jigs and jig and plastic combinations down by the paper mill also
reported a few fish caught. When the wind was not blowing the water out of the river making the levels
low guys casting cranks like Berkley hit sticks with a slower retrieve were catching some Walleye up at
the Dam in DePere.
Musky Trollers reported action slow with 0 -2 fish per outing with the dropping water and air temps this
last week.
Once we begin to get some ice formation around Green Bay we will continue the reports so lets hope
this cold spell hangs on and begins to lock things up.
If you go fishing, please be safe.
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

With the WI Gun Deer Opener this past weekend most, reports were sparse for fishing.
The Fox River continues to produce some catches of Walleye with the continued current from recent
rains. Folks that ventured out and used Hair Jigs, Blade baits and Jig/Plastics had the most success, with
4-8 fish a trip. Jigging up around Voyager Park and the flats by Georgia Pacific Paper Mill north of Hwy
172 were the best spots to target. A few folks venturing out at night continued to produce some very
nice sized Walleye casting P-10’s near the discharges or Trolling P-10’s in the flats. Walleye Reports
from out of Green Bay have been few and far between.
Musky anglers continue to troll the lower Bay near the mouth of the Fox and the river edges and shallow
areas all reporting very slow activity. Also casting rubber in front of Smokeys.

Metro is still giving angles some nice shore fishing with walleye, perch, northern and musky being caught. Night bite is the best. Behave out there mangs.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
The upcoming weather forecast shows cold enough season fronts that we may see landings begin to
freeze up by this time next week. We will try our best to keep you updated.
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

Most of the recent reports are coming from the anglers fishing the Fox River. The water remains low
and very dirty contributing to action has been reported as spotty most days. Some anglers are reporting
hair jigs and blade baits are catching Walleye on the flats north of Hwy 172. A few anglers trolling that
area with Flicker minnows are also reporting catching a few fish. Anglers casting crank baits like Flicker
Shads and Berkley Hit Sticks at the Dam in DePere are reporting catching some Walleye each trip. The
best action on the river seems to be morning and evening. A few boats when the weather has been
decent have tried trolling P-10’s at night and have reported some limited success also.
Musky anglers continue to troll the lower Bay near the mouth of the Fox and the river edges and shallow
areas all reporting slow activity.
There are reports of perch being caught in Dead Horse Bay and by the west side of the 172 bridge on the Fox river

Shore fishing by Metro (The Wall) is still not up to par but fishermen are catching some walleyes, pike and a few musky.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
Good luck to all participating in WI Gun Deer Opener this coming Saturday!
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

Happy Veterans Day and Thank you to all who have served to protect our Freedom!
Somewhat stable water temperatures on Green Bay should have Walleye activity on a slight upswing for
those looking to venture out. University Bay has continued to hold dirty water, limiting the Walleye
activity. A Few angles that have been out trolling cranks report very limited catches.
The night bite around the Oconto and Door County shorelines has both seen an increase in activity.
Anglers trolling Stick baits like Perfect 10’s and Berkley Hit Sticks and Rapala Husky Jerks are all reporting
some decent nighttime catches when the wind allows.
The Fox River has seen an increase in current due to the recent rains in the area and some gates being
open both at the dam in DePere and up river to the Winnebago System. . The increase in flow has
certainly drawn lots of Shad upriver to begin their spawning activities. This increase in flow has also
drawn in more Walleye to chase those Shad. The more turbulent water has continued to keep the Fox
water clarity very low. Anglers jigging areas along the channel edges and current breaks have seen
some catches. Both Hair jigs and Jig/Plastic combinations have worked along with Jig/minnow
combinations. Casting crank baits up at the Dam in DePere has also seen an increase in catches. Anglers
working around in the current seams casting Flicker Shads in #5 and #7 along with Berkley Hit Sticks
have had fair success.
Musky report finding fish scattered from near the mouth of the Fox all the way to the dam with the
increase of Shad upriver. Most anglers seem to prefer trolling tactics vs casting. Most anglers are
reporting 0-3 fish boated per trip.

Shore fishing at Metro is producing some nice walleye, nothern pike and musky.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
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

Angler activity in the Fox River continues to improve overall. Rains this week have continued to draw in
Baitfish with Walleye and Musky close to follow. There have not been any gates open at the dam yet
this season and that has allowed the water levels and current to really fluctuate more than normal. If
the wind is from a southerly direction the currents are more normal keeping fish activity decent. If the
wind blows from a northerly direction, it easily backs up the river slowing activity. Walleye action
overall has been just OK in general. Most days some fish can be caught with jig and minnow vertical
jigging the channel edges if the current is favorable. Casting hair jigs and or jig/plastic combinations has
also been decent at times around areas like rocky points or bridges or by the river mouth. Working the
same jigging presentations around the 8-12’ edges out from Voyager Park has also been ok at times with
favorable current. Some action up at the dam casting cranks like Flicker Minnows or Berkley hit sticks
has been good at times but the fluctuation in current and water levels have made it challenging from
day to day.
Musky anglers continue to troll heavily near the lower stretches of the Fox and out around the mouth of
the river and shipping channel with reports of a few fish being caught. A few anglers are reporting
casting for Muskies in areas both upriver along the shallows and near the mouth of the Fox and having
some success.
Very few Perch report came in this week but from the sounds of it minnows on slip bobbers or dead
stick rigs have been producing a few decent catches if you are willing to search for fish. Most reports
were from shallower waters along the East Shore like Volks and Vincent and Red River area.
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing. Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
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

With less and less anglers on the water due to more folks hitting the woods angler reports are getting
scarcer.
There have been some scattered reports of Perch anglers still finding decent fish catches up around
Sturgeon Bay, Chaudior’s Dock, and Red River. Minnows on dead stick tactics near the bottom have
been the live bait of choice.
Some Walleye activity continues around the University Bay area. Most anglers out there are trolling
cranks like Flicker Shads and Flicker Minnows slow up in shallower waters. Working the areas along the
channel edges north of Grassy Island and also the east shore of University Bay up to the Eagles Nest.
College reef and the Kidney Island areas continue holding some fish. Winds have had a tendency to dirty
up the waters at times currently making it a little more difficult fishing.
Walleye activity in the Fox River has continued to improve and anglers are reporting seeing more Shad
moving up river this last week. Some anglers are finding decent activity up at the Dam in DePere in the
mornings and evenings casting both Flicker shads in #5 or #7 and Berkley Hit sticks. Use caution as the
water levels have been a concern at times when the wind blows from the south. Down river water
clarity has made fishing a little slower but many areas around bridges and the channel edges have
produced some catches. Bright colored plastics and Hair jigs have been the predominate choices down
river.
Musky anglers are reporting trolling Super Shads still being more productive. University Bay and areas
near the Mouth of the Fox being the most popular. Upriver anglers are reporting finding some fish up
the Fox from the Papermill to the Dam. Casting some of the shallower areas along the shore in the Fox
has also been producing a few fish. Bait choices have varied but large plastic have been the more
popular choice.
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing. Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
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

Continued dropping water temperatures over the last week contributed to slower than normal overall
fishing activity. Once this weather stabilizes to be “fall” we should expect to see an slight increase in
activity levels with angler catches.
Walleye action around the lower bay does continue to have its ups and downs with more downs as of
late. Trolling Crank baits super slow (1.2-1-5mph) still is the best bet to trick a few finicky fish into
biting. Shallow waters along the rocks either near shore reefs or shorelines does seem to be producing
a few catches. Working 8’ or les along the University Bay shorelines with Flicker Minnows has been one
of the better methods of attack. The water clarity has dropped a bit with the little bit of rain and lots of
wind last week. less flashy baits and more combination with white in the lures have produced better.
The lack of significant rain and current has Walleye activity in the Fox River still very slow overall. Slow
jigging presentation along the channel edges near the mouth of the river have produces some limited
action. Also working edges upriver where the channel transitions to flats and current breaks has
produced a few fish. Throwing hair jigs in Purples and casting Shiver Minnows in purple and white
patterns along with various jig and plastic combos have all been getting anglers a little bit of action.
Casting cranks like Berkley Hit Sticks and Flicker Shads up net the dam has resulted in some fish being
caught but the very fluctuating water levels with the winds blowing have made that tricky at times for
both shore fishermen and boat anglers.
Musky anglers are reporting most action trolling over casting. University Bay and areas near the Mouth
of the Fox being the most productive. Some anglers are reporting finding some fish up the Fox from the
Papermill to the Dam. Super Shads are still being reported as the best option to locate a hungry Musky.
If you go, please be safe, and take a kid fishing. Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
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 in general over the last week on Green Bay has become tougher with the more fall like weather
patterns and winds. This week with the predicted warm up we may see an increase in activity if you can
get out and brave some more windy conditions.
Walleye activity around the lower Bay had been slow but saw a slight increase in activity going into the
weekend. Trolling #7 Flicker Shads or #7 Flicker Minnows very slow along the shoreline areas of
University Bay or around College Reef was productive. Mostly fish have been found in shallower water
under 8’, and keeping your trolling speed under 1.5 mph seemed to be the best bet. Some Walleye
action, although a bit slower, has still been seen from Sugar Creek down to Dykesville but that has been
a little bit tougher at times to get the fish to trigger.
Walleye activity in the Fox River has seen a slight increase with the cooling water temperatures. Trolling
cranks along the mud flats like north of 172 have produced some good catches. Trolling cranks or
casting hair jigs or jig/plastics along the river edges in 8’-12’ of water has also produced some action.
We certainly needed the rain this last weekend and could use more to bring the current up in the river.
Casting up near the Dam has been slow and you really must watch the changing water levels with no
current and the continued winds.
Perch fishing remained good overall. Dykesville Bay, Chaudior’s Dock, Sugar Creek, and Sturgeon Bay
area all are continuing to produce good catches of nice Perch. Minnows have certainly become the go
to choice for most Percha anglers right now. Dropshots, dead sticking “Crappie rigs” and slip bobbers
all taking fish.
Musky anglers are reporting action to have slowed way down this last week. Fish are definitely spread
out so trolling stick baits or Super Shads are still being reported as the best option to locate a hungry
Musky. Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
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

Well, the winds last week certainly stirred up the water and the few cooler night s started dropping the
water temperatures. Coupled with the shorter days and bait fish stating to school up fishing is
beginning to move into the “Fall” feel. This instability will most likely keep fishing a bit on the tougher
side as fish begin to spread out over the next couple weeks until it all stabilizes. The fishing pressure has
certainly tailed off on Green Bay with Duck season open and Bow Season open.
Walleye fishing was on the more difficult side this last week. The “Nice weather” days were tough
fishing with no or little wind, but the bit rougher days provided a little more action. Trolling cranks
along the shorelines from Macco’s Reef area all the way to Point Sable was about the most productive if
you want to call it that. Working 10’ out to 18’ of water did provide some limited action for anglers.
The areas University Bay like College Reef and the University Bay Shorelines also provided some limited
action to Walleye Trollers running crank baits. Not a lot of action has been reported.
Some of the Nighttime reef and shoreline fishing up in Door County has been decent for anglers willing
to burn the “midnight oil”. Trolling Flicker Minnows and stick baits like P-10’s had been good and should
continue to get better as the water temps move even more toward fall this week.
One key to having a little better fall success is to slow your trolling speeds as the water temps are
dropping. That Summer 2.0 mph pace might be a bit much going into fall. Try running 1.5-1.7 mph or
even slower at times.
Perch fishing remained very good overall when the wind allowed anglers to get out. Dykesville Bay,
Chaudior’s Dock, Volks Reef, and Sugar Creek area have all been great choices for Perching. Crawlers
and Minnows both are still working. Dropshots, dead sticking “Crappie rigs” and slip bobbers all taking
fish.
Musky anglers are reporting seeing lots of Shad schooling up around the popular musky areas and thus
the trolling bite has been a bit more productive in convincing the fish to cooperate. Trolling Super Shads
being the most popular bait.
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