The idea 3 years ago to have a free show to share fishing information about the Wolf River and Winnebago system grew a bit in 2008 thanks to the help and cooperation of a number of people. First on the kudos list would have to be my partner and floor manager Denny Fox from Fort Fremont. He took care of the floor space and dealt with the exhibitors in all aspects of the show. That made my job of hosting the seminars, and tossing in a few jokes, pretty stress free. Of course the GREAT lineup of speakers made that even easier. Fishing information from the likes of Dave VanOss, Jim Barczak, Tommy Kemos, Daryl Christensen, Scot “Axl” Ehricke and Jason Przekurat gives those in attendance plenty to chew on. There were many in attendance who were at every seminar, pen and paper in hand. Those gentlemen have enough ammunition to write a novel of fishing information. Hopefully they will be able to take what they have heard and recorded, and turn it in to catching more fish, or the fish of a lifetime. The people in attendance seemed happy with the display as did the exhibitors. Obviously, thanks is due there. All the boat dealers seemed happy with the numbers of people who came through the door as did exhibitors such as Drop-N-Stay anchor systems, B&B Bait Box and Ryan Stanke’s Guide Service. These guys even stayed after to help put away tables for Denny and couldn’t say enough good things about the venue, speakers and friendly attitude of all those in attendance. Personally I think it’s because it’s a free show. No pressure, just come and enjoy. But these guys need special calling out for one simple reason beyond helping with a few tables and stroking my ego about the event. They get special recognition because even though they live within a short drive, they ate breakfast in town. It’s a simple consideration that they did just to say thanks to the village of Winneconne. To leave a few dollars at a business other then the place they were exhibiting for two days. They know that when cars and trucks jam streets, it’s more then just the main building that hosts an event such as this. It is, in part, the entire community. Local residents come out as do many from 100’s of miles away and everybody benefits. Especially in a community where tourist and “fishing dollars” help raise children and provide for families. That’s a part of what my FREE ICE BREAKER idea brings to the table. Hopefully these communities will embrace it and help support Wolf River Country.Com as it grows towards the future.

Warm Spell Should Jump Start Walleye Action

Ice conditions on the Wolf River are such that I expect ice fishing action to continue for the next few weeks. Walleye action has been good for the most part with some days providing at least a fish or two to the people who I know have been fishing. Current levels are pretty strong and some nice eater size males have been being caught. Some spawners have also been caught but most anglers have been releasing them. The 30 day forecast doesn’t give me high hopes of any open water fishing on the Wolf River until possibly April. That means places such as the Fox River at DePere, the Wisconsin River at the Dells and below the Petenwell or Castle Rock dams will draw those looking for open water action. That will be me. I’ll be out this weekend looking for a tug on the line on some stretch of the Wisconsin River.

Now is the time to get in to your boat dealer. Spring will be on us before you know it, and if you want to be out there when the hot action starts, you are going to want to beat the crowd.

For more information on topics such as this and the areas great fall fishing, make sure to check out Doc’s Wolf River Country.Com Joel “Doc” Kunz is a freelance outdoor writer / photographer published weekly by Outdoor Gazette. His work is also seen in many other Wisconsin and Midwest publications. He is a recent READERS CHOICE award winner and a member of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. His is a Pro Team member of Yar Craft Boats, Mercury Marine, Motorguide & Lindy Little Joe.