Smokeys on the Bay weekly fishing report by Captains Klaus and Ruffolo 7/8/24

Summer finally seemed to arrive as far as Walleye activity on Green Bay.
The ”Mud” bite of the “Shark Fin” all the way up to the Pensaukee area has seen an increase in trolling
activity and catch rates. The fish are not jumping into the boat but enough fish are starting to feed
every day that activity levels are good. Between 4 and 8 fish can be expected in general right now.
Crank baits lie #9 Flicker Minnows both snap weighted with the 50+2 method and unassisted have taken
walleye. Greens, purples and blues have all been the most productive. Crawler harnesses and spoon
harnesses have also been working for some anglers.
In the mornings a few fish have come both jigging and trolling around the reef structures like Geanos
and Volks reef. Shiver Minnows and Jigging spoons have both been good choices for snap jigging.
Please practice some selective harvest as the future of our fishery depends on keeping those 23”-28”
fish in the system.
The Perch bite continues to be good. Areas around the weeds by Geanos have been good along with
the rock to sand transitions near Oconto and the East Shore. Minnows and crawler chunks have both
been working with a slight advantage to the minnows. Dead sticking vs slip bobbers has been better but
both have been working.
Small Mouth Bass activity all along the Door County bays and shorelines has been good most days with
Ned Riggs and Tubes dominating the catches. Reports of some muskies being caught on the west shore weed beds. Fishermen are throwing bucktails, rubber and crank baits.

Yah, Only at Smokeys!!!!
As always, be safe on the water! Be safe and tight lines.
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-937-2868
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Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Klaus and Ruffolo 7/1/24

Walleye action on Green Bay has seen a long-awaited increase in catch rates. Areas around Geanos reef
have produced catches both trolling crank baits like Flicker Minnows around the structures or jigging
around the structures with Spoons and Shiver Minnows. The “Mud” bite has also begun to show
promise due to bait fish diminishing. Trolling 22’-30’ of water out off the West shore with both
harnesses and Cranks has shown some signs of life. The East shore continues to be a little on the
tougher side for Walleye but a few fish have begin to bite on Volks and Vincent reef areas. Jigging has
been the best tactic there along with scanning for fish with your electronics before making a cast.
The Perch bite continues to be good. Areas around Geanos and Oconto have been some of the best for
seeking out a catch for a meal. Some folks fishing off of the Dykesville area have had some mild
success, but the fluctuation water temps over there have made some days more difficult. Minnows and
crawler chunks have both been working. Transition areas from rock to sand have been the best.
Small Mouth Bass activity on the Fox River has been good for those willing to go out and give it a try.
Both above the DePere Dam and below it have seen a fair amount of fishing willing to bite. Casting
spinner baits and top water baits along with crank baits have all been productive. Musky fishing is picking up on the west shore bucktails and small stick baits are working. Yah, only at Smokeys!!!


As always, be safe on the water! Be safe and tight lines.
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-937-2868
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Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 6/25/24

Green Bay has finally begun to warm up and push some of the bait fish out of the shallows and leaving
behind a few hungry Walleye. We could continue to use some warm weather to really get their
appetites going but that should happen soon.
Several areas like Geanos and Vincent and Volks are all showing some signs of life for guys willing to
work at it with jigging techniques. Hair jigs, shiver minnows and Bink’s Spoons have all take a few fish
on any given spot.
The Perch bite continues to be good. Both on the west and east shore. Areas like Geanos or Pensaukee
on the west side and Dykesville and Bay on the East side. Minnows continue to show dominance when
targeting Perch. Musky fishing has been slow on the lower bay, hopefully it will pick up soon. Shore fishermen are having a blast catching cats, sheephead, bass and perch out of metro.
Anyone looking to get out Salmon fishing in our area Kewaunee Algoma and Sturgeon Bay are all going
strong. 60’ out to 100 early mornings and 130 out to 170’ later in the day. seems to be holding bait and
good action for most folks heading out. Flasher Fly combos dominate the catches with Spoons taking
just a few fish for the most part.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
As always, be safe on the water! Be safe and tight lines.
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-937-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captains Claus and Ruffolo 6/18/24

The lower Bay of Green Bay continues to be slow for the most part. Catches of rough fish along with an
occasion Walleye are more common than the other way around. Trolling Flicker minnows has been the
best action working areas with a bit of scattered rocks. A few anglers report having luck on days casting
Binks spoons around the rocky areas of University Bay. The East shore Walleye activity continues to be
minimal, and your best bet would be an evening trip trolling the shorelines on structure like Volks Reef
or Vincent Reef or casting Shiver minnows or hair jigs.
The Fox River has shown a little signs of Walleye activity trolling cranks like Flicker Shads or Minnows up
on the flats north of highway 172 as of this last week.
The Perch bite continues to be good. Mainly on the West shore areas like Geanos or Pensaukee.
Minnows suspended below slip bobbers or on a drop shot have been the best. Working Weed edges
seems to be better than rocky areas currently.
As we move into the end of June look for the mud bite on Green Bay out of Geanos so begin showing
signs of life. The continued hot weather should warm the water even more bringing better fishing days
ahead. Musky fishing still slow once the alewives leave the system things will get better.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
As always, be safe on the water! Be safe and tight lines.
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-937-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus and Ruffolo 6/10/24

Walleye action in some areas of Green Bay has started to pick up. The West Shore areas near the weeds
with warmer waters have begun producing some catches of Walleye. Dead Horse Bay, Suamico, Geanos
Beach Pensaukee have all had some increase in activity. Trolling spinners over the weeds has worked
well along with casting hair jigs and plastics and jigging spoons like Bink’s Spoons. The key is to be a
little agile and be willing to move round a bit to find active fish.
The lower Bay has seen catches o rough fish along with an occasion Walleye. The East shore Walleye
activity has been minimal, and your best bet would be an evening trip trolling the shorelines or structure
like Volks Reef.
The Perch bite continues to be good if you are willing to put in some time and search for them with your
electronics. Minnows suspended below slip bobbers or on a drop shot have been the best. Some
anglers are reporting success using small plastics like 2” Keitech Easy Shiners when they locate fish.
In Door County Small Mouth Bass activity has continued top be good. Getting out away from bedding
fish has been very good throwing Ned Rigs, swim baits, and spinner baits.
The little heat wave headed our way locally should do the trick to push out the remaining Alewife and
bring us better Walleye activity soon. Musky fishing has been tough due to the influx of alewives in the system, hopefully they will be gone in the next couple of weeks. Shore fishermen are reporting catches of sheephead, cats, perch, bass and a few walleye out of metro.

Yah, only at Smokeys!!!
As always, be safe on the water! Be safe and tight lines.
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-937-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Smokeys on the Bay weekly fishing report by Captain Claus 6/4/24

With all the rain and massive amounts of bait fish down in Green Bay the Walleye activity  is slow at best.  Some of the best areas to locate a few Walleye have been the edges of shallow weeds to sand in the lower Bay.  Trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses around Kidney Island, Frying Pan Shoal, or the shoreline between Point Sable and Bay Shore are some of your best bets.  You will find a plethora of “other fish” around to keep you busy also.   Geanos Reel and the Pensaukee area also shallow have had a few Walleye .

The Perch bite both along the east Shore and West shore has continued to be decent. Minnows and crawlers suspended below bobbers or on a drop shot have worked well.  Chaudoir’s dock to Maccos on the east shore and around Pensaukee on the West shore have been good areas to target.  Hopefully the baitfish intrusion  will be over soon and activity will pick up.

The Fox River is giving up a few Walleye along with other fish so if you are looking to take a kid out fishing that is a great choice.  

Door County the Small Mouth Bass activity has been the best show in town for continued action.  The areas nirth of Sturgeon Bay have been the choice of most anglers.  Tossing Ned rigs, and jerk baits has been good.  Also Hair jigs and tubes have been productive.  Don’t overlook swim baits also as they catch Small Mouth everywhere!   Anything looking like an alewife or Goby will get bit.  

Musky bite has been tough, influx of alewife in the system is good for the fishery but not good for the fishermen at this time. Another 2 weeks and the bay will be on fire for all species.

As always, be safe on the water! Be safe and tight lines.   

Brought to you by Yah, only at Smokeys!!!

Capt. Robert Claus Capt.

FinFanatic Charters

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Smokeys on the Bay weekly fishing report by Captain Claus and Ruffolo 5/28/24

Walleye activity on Green Bay has become touchy day to day. Water temps have been all over the
board and the rain and weather fronts have kept the action off balance. The Alewife have come in
heavy in areas to spawn and the series of Bug hatches have combined to provide plenty for the Walleye
to snack on. Some of the best areas to locate a few Walleye have been the edges of shallow weeds to
sand in the lower Bay. Trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses around Kidney Island, Frying Pan Shoal,
or the shoreline between Point Sable and Bay Shore are some of your best bets. You will find a plethora
of “other fish” around to keep you busy also. Geanos Reel and the Pensaukee area also shallow have
had a few Walleye take this last week also.
The Perch bite both along the east Shore and West shore has been decent if you use your electronics
and look for some fish near bottom. Minnows and crawlers suspended below bobbers or on a drop shot
have worked well. Chaudoir’s dock to Maccos on the east shore and around Pensaukee on the West
shore have been good areas to target. Keep in mind the water temps and weather has also played a role
in that day to day activity right now.
In Door County the Small Mouth Bass activity has been the best show in town for continued action. The
areas around Sturgeon Bay have slowed up a bit but the action north of sturgeon Bay has been strong.
Tossing Ned rigs, and jerk baits has been good. Also Hair jigs and tubes have been productive. Don’t
overlook swim baits also as they catch Small Mouth everywhere! Anything looking like an alewife or
Goby will get bit.
Big Lake fishing continues to get stronger and some dandy Kings are starting to show up even out of
Sturgeon Bay already. Areas like Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and Algoma have all reported good catches.
Flasher Fly conbos have been dominating currently. Anywhere from 60’ out to 250’ of water has seen
activity.
As always, be safe on the water! Be safe and tight lines.
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-937-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Claus and Ruffolo 5/20/24

Before the alewife intrusion began, there was a decent walleye bite going in the lower bay, along the
rocky shores near Point Comfort, Bayshore, Macos Reef, and Shoemaker Point. Trolling crankbaits or
casting jig/crawler and hair jigs were the best presentations. Trolling crankbaits like Flicker minnows or
Shads along the edges of the shallow sand bars in University Bay will produce a few Walleyes but you
may have to fight through the onslaught of Drum (Sheephead) to find a few keeper Walleye. Working
from 5-10 feet of water has been the best most days.
To the north, smallmouth bass fishing remained hot, with casting jerkbaits, tubes, and Ned rigs the best
options.
With yellow perch fishing opening up Monday May 20, anglers will be on the hunt for these tasty but
elusive panfish. Start with weed beds and weed edges, working live bait presentations in weeds. These
early season fish should be shallow, feeding on crustaceans, shiners, larvae, and insects emerging from
soft bottom areas. Popular bait choices are fathead or shiner minnows, nightcrawler pieces, red worms,
and hellgrammites. Areas around the north shore of Oconto, Oconto Shoal, Pensaukee Shoal, Geanos
Reef, and Suamico are good early season choices for perch. Many Walleye anglers over the last week
that have been targeting shallow Walleye have reported catching and releasing many nice perch.
In the Fox River, white bass and drum are very active, while both flathead and channel catfish are being
taken along current breaks and near bridges. Getting kids on an active bite and keeping them
entertained is important, and these species, while not always prime targets, are perfect for taking kids
fishing. Casting plastics or in line spinners or the old faithful night crawler below a bopper will all be
productive for these fish.
If you are in the mood for some Big Lake fishing the Coho action from Manitowoc on down has been on
fire. If you do not want to drive that far south, reports of a few kings and Rainbows along with a coho or
2 are coming in from Both Kewaunee and Algoma. The warmer weather should drive this action even
more.
As always, be safe on the water! Be safe and tight lines.
Brought to you by
Capt. Robert Claus Capt. Jerry Ruffolo
FinFanatic Charters Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-360-2904 920-937-2868
finfanaticcahrters@yahoo.com anglersplus@yahoo.com
www.finfanatic.net www.anglerspluswi.com

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Ruffolo 5/14/24

Walleye fishing on Green Bay came with mixed results. Location has been everything! Wind direction proved to be the best indicator of active fish over the last week. When it was a south to southeast wind, the south side of Frying Pan shoal fired up, with current and wave action pushing into the shallow mud stimulating forage and walleyes. When west to northwest winds rolled in, the east side structures of Point Comfort, Bayshore, Vincent Point and College reef came to life with active fish. Trolled crankbaits for all aforementioned structures were best. To the north, walleyes were active in Oconto and Sturgeon Bay. Trolled crankbaits on deep structures during the day, and stickbaits shallow at night were best around Sturgeon Bay, while Oconto walleyes were best on trolled crankbaits adjacent to newly emerged weed growth back near County Park 2 and along the north shore. Smallmouth Bass were still very active by Little Sturgeon and Riley’s Bay on jerkbaits, Ned rigs, and tube jigs. In the Fox River, channel catfish and white bass seekers were striking gold working deep current edges with jig/crawlers and half suckers. Freshwater drum were also very active, as they too are in shallow water for their spawning season. These fighters have made more than one kid’s day, with their willingness to fight hard on light tackle. Speaking of kids, if you get the chance, take a kid fishing.

Shore fishing at metro is still providing anglers with mix bags of crappie, white bass, smallies pike and a few walleyes. Remember that perch fishing is still closed until the 20th of May. Yah, only at Smokeys!!! As always, safety first on the water.
Capt Jerry Ruffolo
Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-973-2868

Smokeys weekly fishing report by Captain Ruffolo 5/7/24

Jerrald Ruffolo <anglersplus@yahoo.com>8:38 AM (18 minutes ago)
to me

Fishing during the week was inconsistent, as for every day of decent weather and accessible water was followed by brutally high winds. To the north, great smallmouth bass fishing was the best bite going, with trophy smallies being caught around Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay, and the Flats on Ned rigs, tube jigs, hair jigs, and jerkbaits. Walleyes were good too, with big post spawn fish still going strong near Squaw Island, Sugar Creek, Henderson Point, and near Stone Quarry. Daytime casting hair jigs, rippin raps and blade baits were best. Nighttime trolling and casting the same mentioned shorelines was also taking fish. On the weekend, the lower bay walleye fishing was good. Trollers found a mix of big and eating size walleyes around Geanos reef, Bayshore, Point Comfort, Frying Pan, Suamico and Deadhorse Bay. Crankbaits and crawler harnesses both were taking fish. Jiggers also did well, finding fish in and on the edges of newly emergent weed growth. In the Fox River, catfish, drum and white bass dominate the catch. Jig/crawler is a great approach for those looking to catch multi-species in the river. For those who go, please be safe and take a kid fishing!

Shore fishing from Metro is still producing nice catches of crappie, white bass and pike. Yah only at Smokeys!!!
Capt Jerry Ruffolo
Anglers Plus Guide Service
920-973-2868

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