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
