Icin' the Bago - Sturgeon Spearers, Walleyes, and Tournament Targets on Lake Winnebago

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to guy for all things fishin' on Lake Winnebago and the chain. It's January 28th, 2026, and that deep freeze we got is makin' the ice sing—West Shore Fishing Club measured 15 to 18 inches thick out there Sunday, up from a sketchy 6 to 12 just a week prior. Perfect for truckin' on, and with temps stayin' below freezin', it'll only get better headin' into sturgeon spearin' season on the 14th.

No tides on this big freshwater beast, but sunrise was at 7:22 AM, sunset 'round 5:07 PM—plenty of daylight for drillin' holes. Weather's holdin' cold, highs in the teens, light winds from the northwest, ideal for ice fishin' without the slush mess.

Fish activity's pickin' up now that we can get out safe. Recent reports got walleyes over 14 inches, crappies, perch, bluegills, white bass, and even some burbot stirrin' in the depths—folks are pullin' limits with tip-ups and jiggin' rods. Battle on Bago tournament's gearin' up for next week at Menominee Park in Oshkosh, targetin' those same species on Winnebago, Poygan, Winneconne, and Butte des Morts.

For lures, go with a green pumpkin 1/2-ounce Z-Man Evergreen Jack Hammer ChatterBait packin' a fire craw CrushCity Freeloader trailer—Justin Lucas swore by it for rigging here. Live bait? Minnows on tip-ups for walleyes, waxies or spikes for panfish. Keep it simple, fish shallow bays early, deeper mid-day.

Hot spots: Millers Bay off Oshkosh for panfish mobs, and Van Dyne west shore for that thick ice and sturgeon scoutin'. Wear your floaties, check local regs, and get that DNR license.

Thanks for tunin' in, folks—subscribe for more reports! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

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