Trophy ‘eyes in Lower Fox River, Lower Green Bay
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Don’t miss the trophy walleye fishing available this fall near Green Bay in the Lower Fox River and Lower Green Bay. Monster walleyes in the 8- to 12-pound range roam the river from the mouth to De Pere.
“The fall, and October in particular, is my favorite time to fish,” said Ranger Boats pro Pat Cavins of Green Bay, Wis.
Lower Fox River
“The Fox River produces trophy walleyes in the fall,” Cavins said. “This time of year starts a migration of walleyes into the Fox River that will remain there until the spring spawn.”
Warm-water discharges
“The first place to try is straight across the river from the Green Bay Metro boat launch at the WPS warm-water discharge,” said Cavins. “Pitch an 1/8-ounce jig and minnow, or half crawler up by the discharge, or cast size 5 and 7 Shad Raps.”
Other discharges on the river that hold plenty of walleyes include Green Bay Packaging, Georgia-Pacific, the Sewage Treatment Plant and Nicolet Paper near the dam.
Bridges
“All of the railroad trestles and bridges hold fish,” said Cavins. “I have found it to be best to fish the east side of these structures above and below the abutments and shoreline – the exception being the Main and Walnut Street bridges. On these, also fish the west-shore riprap as deep as 15 feet. Use jig and minnow, or half crawler, or troll Rapalas, Husky Jerks or Smithwick Rogues.
“At the Highway 172 Bridge, troll three-way rigs with stick baits in the main river channel,” he said. “Then up to the 30-foot hole in front of Voyager Park, vertical jig, minnow or half crawler. I caught a 9.85-pound walleye there, handlining, on a shallow Thunderstick, pre-fishing for the RCL Championship in 2001. My 619 Ranger is the ideal boat for this technique, in my opinion, as the rear of my 619 sits a little lower in the water than most.
“One trick I occasionally use is adding a stinger hook with about 3 inches of line to the back of your crankbaits for short biters,” he said. “I know it has improved my hookups.”
The Dam
“Probably the best spot on the river is the dam and Nicolet Paper Mill,” said Cavins. “I suggest casting size 4 to 7 Shad Raps, making sure that they dig bottom to trigger walleye strikes. Make sure you bring along plenty of crankbaits; there is plenty of cover there, and you will get snagged and lose a few lures. Also try fishing this area at night; use large size 13 or 18 Rapala stick baits. Some huge fish are caught after dark.”
Lower Green Bay
Jigging
“Try pitching jigs with a minnow or half crawler all around Grassy Island,” said Cavins. “Let it fall down the steep break; make sure to check the 8-foot-deep shelf at the north end of the island.
“Recently I caught three nice walleyes in less than an hour, vertical jigging a ¼-ounce jig and half a crawler,” he said. “I suggest using a high-quality jigging rod, like a St. Croix Avid series, to help you feel more bites and catch a few more fish.”
Trolling
“Another area I like to fish is south of Frying Pan Shoal,” said Cavins. “This is a real good area to troll.
“Start by the first green can past Grassy Island, head east – showing extreme caution since there are plenty of shallow-water hazards in the area,” said Cavins. “In my opinion this area holds a minimum of two schools of walleyes. When I turn by the buoy, I start trolling using crawler harnesses – minimum 6-foot length – with 5-millimeter beads. My most productive colors are blue and pearl, or purple and pearl.
“As for blades, size 5 or 6 in pearl, hammered gold or nickel,” said Cavins. “Run them 15, 30 and 45 feet behind the planer boards with no weight, or add a small split shot. Make sure to thumb the spools as you let the boards out so you don’t snag the bottom. You’ll be fishing in 5 to 9 feet of water. Make sure to troll the weedline in front of the Eagles Nest Supper Club all the way to Bay Beach. This area usually holds 3- to 6-pound walleyes.
“When I am trolling, I use St. Croix Pro Glass GT80M rods because of their great sensitivity,” he said. “I feel they help me catch a few more fish.
“Another great spot is following the shipping channel out to Lighthouse No. 14,” said Cavins. “At the base of this lighthouse are leftover boulders and cement, which hold an abundance of walleyes. Fish with a jig and minnow, or half crawler or a Lindy Rig and bait in the 7- to 25-foot depths.”