As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago is looking promising despite the cooler autumn weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

**Weather and Time**
Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-40s. Sunrise was at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM. The winds are moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph.

**Fish Activity**
Fish activity has been steady, especially in the evening hours. Walleyes are actively biting, particularly on the east shoreline. Smallmouth bass are also very active, feeding heavily on crayfish around the rock piles.

**Catch Report**
Yesterday saw a good number of walleyes caught, with anglers trolling small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets. Colors such as metallic clown, purple, and pink were particularly effective. The slip bobber/leech bite is also heating up, especially in the evening hours, with small jigs in green or orange tipped with a leech performing well.

Big smallmouth bass, some in the 18-inch range and many in the 12 to 15-inch range, were caught around the rock piles. Perch and whitebass are also being caught in decent numbers.

**Best Lures and Bait**
For walleyes, use small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets in metallic clown, purple, and pink colors. Slip bobbers paired with a small jig in green or orange tipped with a leech are also highly effective.

For smallmouth bass, focus on using lures that mimic crayfish, as they are the primary food source right now.

**Hot Spots**
One of the hot spots is the east shoreline of Lake Winnebago, where walleyes are being caught while trolling. Another good spot is around the rock piles, where smallmouth bass are feeding heavily on crayfish.

**Additional Tips**
Make sure to check the ice conditions if you plan to ice fish, as some areas have around 7-9 inches of ice, but the fish can be spotty. For ice fishing, Clam Bomb Jigs, slender spoons, and tungsten jigs in dull orange or gold plated colors have been working well.

Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities right now, so gear up and get out there to enjoy the autumn fishing season.