Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your November 24, 2025, Lake Winnebago fishing report, coming to you as local as it gets. We’re heading into the tail of fall, and—with deer hunting on many folks’ minds—those diehards still on the water are finding fish willing, if not plentiful.

Weather out on Lake Winnebago today is downright November: mostly cloudy skies, steady south winds ramping up from 15 to 25 knots, gusting up to 30, with waves pushing 2 to 4 feet later in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Light rain is possible as the day goes on, so dress for wet, blustery conditions. The air’s got that chill, matching water temps right around 40 to 41 degrees—cold by any measure, according to today’s Manitowoc buoy reports. Sunrise came at 6:57 a.m. and sunset will hit at 4:22 p.m., so daylight’s short—make your hours on the water count.

Lake Winnebago tides aren’t much of a factor, but wind-driven flow can stir up the bite. Early and late in the day, or when the wind lays down, seem best.

Now, fish activity: Most local anglers are shifting to hunting or waiting for good ice, but those braving the open water are still finding some action. Walleye have been sluggish, but patient anglers working deeper structure or near river mouths—using slow jigging techniques—are reporting enough bites to keep things interesting, as echoed in Outdoor News’ latest statewide roundup. Saugers and an occasional white bass are coming to net by folks vertical jigging plastics or blade baits near Oshkosh and off the mouths of the Fox and Wolf rivers. The perch action is spotty, but schools are still moving between mudflats and deeper holes—think 10–16 feet.

Recent catch chatter has mostly centered on eater-sized walleye—14 to 18 inches—plus scattered larger fish, and white bass running small but scrappy. Several nice perch have shown for folks using finesse presentations around Fond du Lac, with minnow heads or spikes on teardrop jigs producing best.

As for lure selection, this is prime time to slow it down. Best bets lately are:

- Jigging Rapalas (size 5 or 7) with a minnow head
- 1/8 oz. to 1/4 oz. jigheads tipped with fathead or rosy red minnows
- Blade baits in silver or gold, worked slow near bottom
- For perch, tungsten jigs tipped with spikes, waxies, or even a sliver of crawler

Live bait still has the edge—with fatheads and rosy reds king—but don’t overlook whole nightcrawlers if targeting a mixed bag.

Hot spots this week: Try the reefs off Garlic Island and the break at Black Wolf for walleye, working the edges in 12–18 feet. On the north end, the mouth of the Fox River near Oshkosh is reliable when boat traffic is low, especially at first light or dusk. For perch, check out the mudflats off Lakeside Park—move until you mark fish, then anchor and work small jigs tight to the bottom.

Finally, sturgeon aren’t on the bite much now, but ‘those in the know’ are reminded that winter spearing is coming up fast—time to scout out your favorite holes before hardwater sets in.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s fishing report. Tight lines folks, and don’t forget to subscribe for more local tips and tall tales! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI