Category: General

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
Continued cold weather has keep our ice pack growing for the most part. Not by leaps and bounds yet
but the forecast over the next 2 weeks looks even better.
Keep in mind that the ice breaking operations on Green Bay are continuing to happen often and will
continue at least through the end of January. This can make some areas suspect with the wrong wind
conditions. So pay attention to boat traffic and wind conditions daily.
The Fox River off Voyager Park has seen reports of 6”-8” now this week. There were areas of the river
near the channel that were still open water early last week so some of those spots were less ice so
continued caution should be advised when venturing out on the Fox. Anglers continue reporting some
action jigging Walleyes in the morning and evening. Jigging raps and jig/minnow combinations being the
most productive.
Anglers continue to venture out of Joliet Park area, but no reports have some in of catches. So either
the fish are biting and its hush hush or it has been tough. You decide. Ice conditions are 10” for the
most part.
Deadhorse Bay continues to see increased traffic, and anglers are mostly targeting Perch. Tip downs and
box tip ups with minnows have been the most productive with some fish caught on small plastic and
jigging raps actively jigging. Perch anglers are reporting good conditions over all out of Suamico but
action can be better away from others
Reports from Volks and Bayshore have been that action has been good overall for Whitefish. When
schools move through the bite can be good with above average numbers being reported most days.
Jigging goby style plastics and jigging raps tipped with wax worms are being reported as the best tactics.
An occasional Perch has been popping up around Bay Shore also. Most anglers are reporting staying
fairly near shore still with the potential for ice movement. These areas are also advised only walking
traffic still at this point.
Areas like Red River and Sugar Creek been more suspect to the moving ice conditions so I would use a
ton of caution if thinking about venturing out of those locations. Reports have been sparse but a few
anglers are getting out there on foot and finding a few Whitefish.
Little Sturgeon Bay has been reporting from 8-12” of ice depending on where you are in the bay. There
were also areas of open water around the points and some rock points early last week so those areas
should be avoided. Reports of good Perch action are coming form anglers again using tip downs and box
tip ups with minnows. Anglers actively jigging are also reporting having decent luck with most fish
running average to slightly above average in size. Pike anglers are reporting a good tip up bite using
large golden shiners around the back areas on Little Sturgeon.
The Larsons reef area is still weeks away from being fishable and lots of ice movement over the
weekend was evident. Please do not venture out there currently.
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
Well, the cold weather has dropped in on us and it looks very promising to stay cold overall and keep us
on a path building ice around Green Bay daily. With that said this early ice can be the most dangerous
and most suspect to cracking and shifting and even “blowing out” until all of Green Bay freezes across
and to the north. So please be mind full of your wind conditions and direction every day when planning
to head out. Even a 5-10 mph offshore wind can be enough to set you a drift on an iceberg.
The Fox River off Voyager Park has seen reports of 4”-6” the last few days and anglers are reporting
some action jigging Walleyes in the morning and evening. Jigging raps and jig/minnow combinations
being the most productive.
Anglers venturing out of Joliet Park are reporting slow action for everything.
Reports of good ice conditions on Deadhorse bay have anglers targeting Perch with tip downs and box
tip ups. Minnows being the best bait choice. Most reports are fish are scattered and it may take you a
bit of looking to find some schools. Not too many reports out of the Suamico area yet but anglers have
been venturing out there looking for Perch action.
East shore locations like Volks and Bayshore have walkable ice but use caution as much of that ice “blew
in” and is suspect to wind shifts. Some reports are Whitefish activity has been up and down. Guys
willing to stick it out and move arounds a little are picking up Whitefish jigging goby style plastics and
spoons tipped with wax worms.
Areas like Red River and Sugar Creek have just begun to ice in so I would use a ton of caution if thinking
about venturing out of those locations.
Also be advised that shipping traffic out on Green Bay does continue through the entire month of
January and can cause high potential for issues even near shore.

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

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
The last several days of warm weather, rain, and some wind has made many areas that had walkable ice
around Green Bay much more dangerous. I CAN NEVER STATE THIS ENOUGH USE EXTREME CAUTION!
With that said I suggest holding off venturing out until the temperatures drop once again. It looks like
by the coming weekend some areas may be walkable once again.
Hopefully next weeks report will be much improved!
Also be advised that shipping traffic out on Green Bay does continue through the entire month of
January and can cause high potential for issues even near shore.

Be safe out there, yah only at Smokeys!!!
Happy Holidays!
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net

First and foremost, no ice is ever safe ice.
As of the writing of this report there are a few areas around Green Bay that have walkable ice. ALL of
those areas should be traversed with EXTREME CAUTION.
We were lucky enough to have a couple very cold days to firm up a few locations again and allow some
foot traffic. But the Christmas forecast looks to be an upswing into mild temperatures and some rain
and that once again will create even more danger zones. A location that is walkable ice today may not
be so come the end of the week so spud your way out every time and I cannot say this enough use
EXTREME CAUTION. With the major portion of Green Bay being open water anglers should also pay
very close attention to wind conditions if moving out along exposed shorelines. One wrong shift in wind
or current will send you a drift.
Some areas Anglers are walking out cautiously are Deadhorse Bay, University Bay around Joliet Park, the
Fox River by Voyager Park. A few cautious anglers ventured out on the ice out of Bayshore staying very
close to shore and the same at Volks landing. Also, Little Sturgeon Bay and Riley’s Bay have had some
cautious foot traffic. Anglers in University Bay are finding a few Whitefish and a few Walleye, both on
Jigging presentations and tip ups. Volks landing and Bayshore most action is Whitefish but catches are
not great. When fish are present Jigs with goby pattern plastics are the best for Whitefish. The Fox
River has seen both few Walleye and Whitefish being caught by anglers using jigging raps tipped with
minnows. Little Sturgeon and Riley’s Bay have both seen a few catches of Perch but again not heavy
action. Tip downs with minnows being the most productive presentation. Some Pike anglers have had
limited success with Tip ups suspending Large Golden Shiners a couple feet of the bottom.
Hopefully the next cold snap approaching after the new year will be here to stick around longer and firm
up more of Green Bay.
Also be advised that shipping traffic out on Green Bay does continue through the entire month of
January and can cause high potential for issues even near shore.

Smokeys on the Bay will be closed from December 28th until March 1st. See you for the spring walleye run. Captain Claus will continue his fishing reports and will will post them.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
Happy Holidays!
Capt. Robert Claus
FinFanatic Charters
920-360-2904
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net

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