As of November 22, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin.

First off, the sturgeon spearing season has already concluded, so we're focusing on other species now. The weather today is relatively calm, with clear skies and mild temperatures, ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

For Lake Winnebago, there isn't a tidal report since it's a freshwater lake, but water levels and temperatures are crucial. Currently, the water temperature is around the mid-40s to low 50s, which is typical for this time of year.

Sunrise today is at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 4:20 PM, giving you a good window for fishing.

Fish activity has been decent, especially for walleyes. Yesterday, anglers reported catching walleyes using various tactics. Trolling classic crawler harnesses on calmer days and crankbaits like Flicker Shads, Shad Raps, and Northland Rumble Shads on windy days have been effective. The best colors for both spinners and crankbaits are pink, perch, and white.

For casting, pitching jigs, especially with a 2-inch tube style ned trailer in chartreuse and purple, has been super effective in the weeds. On windy days, fish the wind-blown structure up close to shore and the shallows, targeting rock piles and rubble.

In terms of specific catches, while the sturgeon spearing season is over, recent reports indicate that walleyes are the main target. Anglers have been catching a mix of sizes, with the best locations being the reefs and mud flats, as well as deeper mid-lake flats on calmer days.

Hot spots include the southern portion of Lake Winnebago, particularly around the Southwest Winnebago registration station area, which has seen consistent activity. The Pipe registration stations and the areas around the weed edges and rock piles are also worth checking out.

For bait, nightcrawlers, minnows under a bobber, and jigs with plastics are good choices. Crankbaits that dive into the 8-10 foot depth range are also effective.

Overall, it's a good time to be out on Lake Winnebago, especially if you're targeting walleyes. Just be sure to check the current weather and water conditions to adjust your tactics accordingly.