Fishing Report 3-27-15

Cold water and low river flows is the story heading into this weekend.

Fish are biting in the usual spring river stretches, but with the low water levels and limited current, anglers are working hard for quality catches.

Anglers at Depere, Oshkosh, Fremont, Omro and Winneconne are reported limited or mixed success, but conditions have been tough. Water temps in most areas are in the high 30's to very low 40's, but the lack of current has kept spring walleyes from large activity periods.

The reports, although a bit limited with the cold snap this week, out of the Dells are almost the same, some, but limited success, and each day has been different. Water levels are apparently very low below the dam, so watch those lower units.

Closer to home, the Rock River is giving up a few fish, but the action has been inconsistent. Again, the water temperatures are in the right range, but the water flow/ water level has been problematic. I've been fishing spring runs on the Rock for many years, and low water years always make for a tough bite. If you're heading down, all reports suggest the mass of the fish are closer to Blackhawk than Jefferson, but some fish have been caught in the stretch above the fish ladder as well.

Tip: Your natural tendency to jig this time of year can work, but if you're out and the bite is tough, catch that drift pulling a split shot rig behind you. Don't forget the key element...a gold hook. When in doubt...go old school.

 On the area lakes, the ice is more or less out, but there's still a few floaters hanging around in some of the areas protected from the wind. The shallow bays and smaller lakes are in the mid 30's, but early panfish action will start to pick up pretty quickly once air temps become a little more seasonal and the weather stabilizes.

Good Luck,
CT

Lakeland Times Story on DNR Walleye Proposal

Lakeland Times Outdoor Reporter Ryan Matthews, who is both a friend and a former student of mine at UWM, just posted a story about the DNR's emergency proposal for walleye limits in the ceded territory.

Check it out here.

Lunker's Garage Sale