Category: General

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

The week of weather ahead looks like some gorgeous opportunity for all anglers to get out and enjoy
some of the best ice on Green Bay we have seen in years! A few basic reminders, if you are driving out
to your fishing spot use caution, cracks can happen anywhere. Stay away from shallow rock reefs and
inlets. Roll your windows down, take your seat belt off drive slowly! Fast travel with a heavy vehicle can
force an under-ice wave that can fracture or keg out ice.
Walleye angers on the Fox report finding a few better sized fish mixed in with all the little runt Walleye.
Jigging raps tipped with a minnow head or spoons tipped with minnows have been productive. I have
reports from a few anglers using Berkley Finishers in a size 5 or 7 having some success. There have also
bee a few Whitefish showing up in areas along the fox.
Perch action along the West shore in Deadhorse, Suamico and Geanos area continues to be very good.
Reports are tip downs with minnows and box tip ups still doing most of the damage. Small jigging Raps
and spoons tipped with waxies or minnow heads also are working. Remember stay away form the
overcrowded areas for better success.
Whitefish action on the east shore around Red River and Sugar Creek has been reported as fair this past
week. Jigs and plastics or Lindy Slick jigs tipped with minnow tails leading the way for tactics.
Around the Sturgeon Bay area reports are that Perch action from Little Sturgeon and Sawyer Harbor has
been reported as fair. Tip downs and box tip ups with small shiners or rosie reds continues to be the
most productive method. Reports of schools of smaller fish have been coming in from around those
areas. A few folks are finding some smalls schools of Perch out along the deeper edges of some of the
humps on Larsons reef. Targeting 15-30 feet of water. Not as many numbers of fish but good size has
been reported.
Whitefish action on Larsons reef was fantastic last week had its ups and downs. Sunny days fish moved
deep off the reef in 80-100 feet of water. Overcast days more fish seemed to be moving up into 40-60
feet of water. 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 but the Jigging rap bite is also there if that is your
preference. The best advice is set up far away from others and travel routs to keep fish from getting
spooky.
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 on March 2nd 2026, Yah!!!
Remember to take a kid fishing
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

All across Green Bay we are experiencing the best ice conditions we have seen in recent years. The even
better news is the port of Green Bay has officially shut down shipping traffic so no more ice breakers
until March at some point. Anglers are driving trucks out on the ice at several locations, please use
caution when venturing out in your pickup truck or car or SUV. Even though the ice has been considered
good in many areas like we have not seen in years the temperature swings right now and cloudy vs
sunny days will produce pressure cracks. Here on Green Bay we do not have any lake associations or
groups that put out truck/car bridges. Be aware if you take the truck out in the morning there may be
an open crack there on the way back in later.
Walleye angers on the Fox continue 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 combos have still been the best
tactic but mix it up with a jigging spoon or Jigging rap or blade bait on occasion.
Perch action has picked up a bit the last week in most areas along the West shore like Deadhorse,
Suamico and Geanos area. Reports are tip downs with minnows and box tip ups still doing most of the
damage. Small jigging spoons tipped with waxies and small jigging raps are also working for many folks.
If you are not seeing fish move a bit and try to stay away from the crowds for better results. A few
anglers willing to set up larger golden shiners on tip ups are reporting a few Pike and even a Walleye
showing up in these locations.
Percha action around Dykesville to Red River has also picked up. With the same Tip down and Tip up
tactics being the majority of the catches.
Whitefish action on the east shore around Volks reef has been reported to be consistent but moving
looking for fish has been key at times. Jigs and plastics and jigging raps are a good choice when looking
for these fish. Lindy Slick jigs tipped with minnow tails also reported as a good bait.
Around the Sturgeon Bay area reports are that Perch action from Little Sturgeon and Sawyer Harbor has
also picked up this last week. Jigging small spoons tipped with waxies has been productive and also tip
downs and box tip ups. Some folks report having to sort through some smaller fish to be able to keep
some better ones.
Whitefish action on Larsons reef was fantastic last week and slower over the weekend due to a 10-fold
increase in weekend traffic. The best baits have been jigging shad raps and small jigging raps in black
and gold along with ¼ oz jigs like slick jigs and plastic tails like Keitech Easy shiners or Keitech Swing
Impact Fats in a 2-4 length. Other Goby color plastics have been working as well. When the fish get
picky slow down and downsize a bit to see if it triggers strikes. The best advice is set up far away from
others and travel routs to keep fish from getting spooky.
Remember to take a kid fishing Smokeys will reopen on March 2nd.
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

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