As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Winnebago is quite active despite the transitioning fall weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. The water temperature is around 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit, which is typical for this time of year. There are light winds out of the northeast, but they shouldn’t hinder your fishing plans significantly.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at about 7:15 AM, and sunset is around 5:45 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been moderate, with several species being targeted. Walleye fishing has been hit or miss, but those who have been out trolling crankbaits in 10-15 feet of water have reported catches ranging from 0-7 fish per boat. Yellow perch are also active, particularly in waters 15-20 feet deep, where anglers are using minnows to catch them. Some white perch and drum/sheepshead are also being caught using live nightcrawlers.

### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes, small crankbaits like Flicker Shad #5's and Salmo Hornets in metallic clown, purple, and pink colors are working well. Slip bobbers paired with a small jig in green or orange tipped with a leech are also effective, especially in the evening hours. For yellow perch, minnows are the go-to bait.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots is the east shoreline of Lake Winnebago, where walleyes are being caught while trolling small crankbaits. Another good area is around the rock piles, where big smallmouth bass are feeding heavily on crayfish. For yellow perch, areas like Oconto Park 2 in waters 5-12 feet deep have been productive.

### Additional Tips
Keep an eye on the water temperature and adjust your tactics accordingly. With the warm water temperatures lingering, fish may be more scattered, so be prepared to move around to find active schools. Using electronics to locate schools of fish can be very helpful.

Overall, Lake Winnebago is offering some great fishing opportunities this fall, so make sure to take advantage of the favorable conditions and target the right species with the right lures and bait.