Category: General

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

The continued warm weather coupled with calm seas allowed for some great opportunity to get out for
some early fall fishing the last week. Unfortunately as I type this a cold front has settled on our area and
we will have to wait to see what happens this next week after it passes.
Walleye fishing remained good overall. The bite windows continued to be short in most areas as the
clear water and calm conditions made the activity a little sporty at times. This entire week the best
action was early morning from before sunup until around 8AM and 4pm to just after dark all around the
lower Bay of Green Bay. Volks Reef continued to provide good action at times, and the activity level at
Vincent reef also increased. Some anglers reported decent catches from 16’ out to 18’ along the
shorelines from about Barretts point to Dykesville and from Bayshore landing down to volks landing.
Also some fish were caught running the same depts from Vincent reem to Point Sable. Shoreline
trollers are mainly running #9 Flicker Minnows with good success at times. There has been quite a bit of
bait around those areas, targeting the suspended fish has been best. Around the structures most
anglers are tolling #7 Flicker Minnows early in the day and late and getting those baits close to the
bottom has been key around the reefs. Areas like college reef and the east shore of University Bay
continue to produce some walleye. Trolling #7 Flicker minnows has continued to be one of the most
productive methods down there. Anglers doing some early morning jigging continue having good
success shallow on structures. Jigging raps, Shiver minnows and Death jigs have all caught fish.
Perch fishing continues to be excellent. Anglers reporting high catch rates from around Bay Shore all the
way north to Sugar Creek. 15’ out to 30’ with shallower waters working best early then moving deeper
as the sun gets up in the sky. Also around the Oconto area the Perch bite in deeper water has been
excellent. Dead sticking minnows continues to work well, but many anglers are reporting that crawler
chunks continue to dominate their catches at times. Slip bobbers suspending a crawler chunk about 12”
off the bottom and crappie rigs have been excellent choices also.
Musky anglers are reporting that the bite slowed this past week, particularly for bigger fish. The heat
and flat calm conditions are to blame for that. The fish that have been caught mostly have been
triggered by trolling shad style baits in open water on the west shore as well as around areas in
University Bay like Frying pan Shoal. The cold front conditions should have many musky anglers licking
their chops hoping for a water temperature cool down to trigger more activity.
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

The last week has brought us some gorgeous end of summer/beginning of fall weather and the week
ahead looks like more of the same. Hopefully everyone can get their boats out and enjoy some time on
the waters of Green Bay.
Walleye fishing earlier in the week last week was very good but through the weekend it became a little
tougher. The bite windows seemed to tighten up in most areas as the water had begun to clear up
some. Very early morning from before sunup until around 8AM has been good and 4pm to just after
dark all around the lower Bay of Green Bay. Areas around Volks Reef, Vincent reef, and Dykesville
continue to see Walleye activity. Also, areas like college reef and the East shore of University Bay have
produced some walleye but again in the early morning and late afternoon being the best activity.
Trolling #7 Flicker minnows has continued to be one of the most productive methods. Anglers doing
some early morning jigging are also having good success shallow on structures. Jigging raps, Shiver
minnows and Death jigs have all caught fish. If you are fishing from about 8AM to 3PM time frames
expect the walleye bite to be more difficult especial if the wind is not present.
Perch fishing overall still has been very good. Anglers reporting better catches from around Bay Shore
all the way north to Sugar Creek. 15’ out to 30’ with shallower waters working best early then moving
deeper as the sun gets up in the sky. Dead sticking minnows early has been very good for nice sized fish
but many anglers are reporting that larger crawler chunks on a slip bobber doing some damage as the
sun gets up. Action to the south of Bayshore has been reported to be slower.
Not many Musky reports this last week but that activity should be on the increase once the weather
begins to cool.
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, we survived the first major cold front of the early fall and came out of it with not much negative
effects on the walleye fishing. This week ahead looks like a solid warm up which should drive some
good Walleye activity all over Green Bay
Areas around Volks Reef and Dykesville to Macco’s reef continue to be some of the best Walleye activity
along the east shore of the Bay. Trolling #7 Flicker minnows has been one of the most productive
methods. The water has been very stained so around structure we have had better success getting our
baits as close to the bottom as possible. University Bay has also been decent at times both trolling the
shorelines along the east shore or working around the rocky areas like college reef. Again #7 Flicker
minnows have been the best, but Flicker Shads have also been working.
Perch fishing overall still has been good when anglers can get out along the East shore areas. Anglers
have mainly been working the rock to sand transition areas more than up shallow around the reefs.
Minnows for sure have been much more productive baits. Slip bobbers have been ok but dead sticking
or drop shott rigs have been much better. Anglers are reporting the perch have been “Packed” with bug
larva. Folks from the Oconto area are also reporting very good perch activity bot on Oconto shoal and
the weed areas north of the Oconto river mouth and around Oconto Cty Park 2.
Musky action continues to be good for guys willing to do some casting. Buck tails have been reported to
be the best bait around weed areas along the West shore.
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