Warm Weather Bad News for Spearers

With the roller coaster ride we have been on weather-wise,  the water clarity on Lake Winnebago has not had a chance to improve.  Snow-cover and consistent temperatures below freezing are the two main factors that allow the lake to really clear up over the winter months, which have been hard to come by this winter! 

Expect water clarity to actually get a bit worse with the run off from today's rain and 45° weather, and then hopefully begin to slowly improve with the next arctic blast which will arrive on Thursday.  With the poor ice conditions, poor visibilities, and new snow on the way, I expect another full Sturgeon Spearing Season, with lower than average harvest numbers, similar to last year.

Since we know there is going to be poor visibility for spearing this year, it brings up an interesting question.  What is your best bet, setup in shallow water where you can see to the bottom, or still spear the same areas where you know there are Sturgeon and set your decoys higher?  There is some debate on this argument, and I am not sure I have a good answer myself!

Regardless of conditions, fun will be had by many this season as I have found out that its not all about getting that Sturgeon, its a combination of the entire process, as well as spending time with close friends and making memories!

Make sure to visit the Message Board portion of the website and chime in on the debate!

Spearing Season Inching Closer

We are now less than two weeks away from opening day of the 2013 Lake Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing Season.  Once again mother nature has thrown us some curveballs, causing some unsafe ice conditions around the lake.  The long range forecast shows another shot of cold air before spearing season begins, but the general consensus is that the east shore has better ice conditions than the west shore.

There are several open water areas on the lake, as well as many large areas that have recently frozen over and only have 2-6" of ice on them, making for very dangerous vehicle travel.  My suggestion for spearers, check with the local fishing clubs before venturing out onto the ice.  There are many fishing clubs around the lake, and they put the time in to drill holes and check ice thickness, plow roads, place bridges over cracks, and mark unsafe areas.

A general rule on the lake that everyone should be aware of; standing trees mark a road, while trees laying down on the ice mark danger, whether it be open water, a crack, or location where someone has broken through.  Stakes are the other marker you will find on the lake, and they simply mark an old Sturgeon Spearing hole, which should also be avoided at all costs.

If you haven't already done so, now is the time to get your shack ready, fire up that saw, organize your spearing equipment, fill your propane tanks, and get ready for another action packed spearing season!  Make sure to check out the forums tab here on the site to see what people are talking about leading up to opening day!

Lake Winnebago Ice Conditions 1/24/13

Here is a map with up to date ice conditions, showing the major cracks and open water areas that remain on Lake Winnebago.  Please take a good look at this map before heading out onto the lake.  The snow we get tonight and tomorrow will hide the cracks and areas that have recently frozen back over, making for an extremely dangerous situation for ice anglers!

Make sure to check back for more updated reports, as well as a few fishing reports!  Also make sure to check out SUNK? Dive and Ice Service's Facebook page for updated ice conditons!  Here is the link. http://www.facebook.com/pages/SUNK-Dive-and-Ice-Service/353323149675

Cold Weather Good News for Spearers

Mother Nature has finally brought some cold arctic air into northeast Wisconsin, which is great news for Sturgeon Spearers!  The long range forecast is calling for a brief moderation in temperatures and then another cold blast from Canada.

The ice on Lake Winnebago and Poygan held up fairly well this past weekend despite rain, wind, and mid forty degree temperatures.  The main lake now has 4-8 inches of solid ice, while the bays have upwards of 10"!

Water clarity is still murkier than desired for spearing, but expect it to improve with the cold temperatures in the forecast.

If you are looking to get out on the ice and catch some fish, Lake Poygan has been good for action.  Anglers are catching a mixed bag of Walleyes, Perch, Crappies, and White Bass.  White Bass are by far the most common fish being pulled through the ice, but a surprising amount of Crappies are also being caught.  The best areas include an area know as Horseshoe Hole, which is located in the middle of Lake Poygan, as well as the edges of the hole.

Being mobile is key right now, as there is lots of barren water out there.  A flasher is also key, since it will allow you to know what is happening underneath you!  Best lures include Jigging Rapalas, Swedish Pimples, Forage Minnows, Buckshot Rattle Spoons, and Castmasters.  Golds, silvers, and purples have been good for colors.

Make sure to check back for weekly updates on ice conditions, fishing reports, ans spearing information!

2013 Lake Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing Season a Month Away

This winter seems to be flying by as the 2013 Sturgeon spearing season is only a month away!  Currently Lake Winnebago is ice covered, however ice depths vary from up to 8" in the protected bays to 2-3" in some areas of the main lake.

Water clarity throughout the lake remains murkier than normal for this time of year.  Hopefully water clarity will continue to slowly improve with the colder temperatures forecasted in the coming weeks.

Anglers all over the lake are reporting seeing large numbers of Shad down their holes, which means the Sturgeon will once again be well fed!

Be sure to check back as the season nears for daily ice reports, harvest numbers, clarity reports, and pictures of successful speakers!