Early Winter Fishing on Lake Winnebago - December Bite Heats Up Despite Cooling Temps

# Lake Winnebago Fishing Report – December 4th, 2025

Well folks, it's Artificial Lure here with your early winter fishing report for Lake Winnebago. We're deep into the transition season now, and the bite is heating up as the water cools down.

**Current Conditions**

We're looking at crisp December mornings with brisk winds pushing across the lake. The water temperature is dropping fast, which means the fish are feeding aggressively before the ice sets in. This time of year is absolutely prime for both walleye and panfish, especially when you've got the right approach.

**What's Working Right Now**

The pros competing in the recent Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Stage Eight showed us exactly what's effective on Winnebago. Jigs are absolutely dominating – black and blue jig combinations with soft plastic trailers are your bread and butter. If you're fishing the manmade canals where baitfish are congregating, Chatterbaits are producing excellent results. One successful angler was running 90 percent Chatterbaits with green pumpkin wacky worms as a backup.

For topwater action in the shallows, black frogs are connecting consistently. If you're working the deeper channels, drop-shot rigs with finesse worms in green pumpkin or black and blue are your ticket. Don't overlook vibrating jigs either – they're pulling fish off the dock areas and scattered structure.

**Fish Activity**

Right now you've got panfish and walleye actively feeding. The recent reports show consistent action with multiple species responding well to jig presentations. The fish are guarding fry in the shallower canal systems, which means they're aggressive and territorial. Early morning and late afternoon are prime windows.

**Hot Spots**

Check out the manmade canal systems around Winnebago – the fish are stacked there right now. The shallow water around docks and matted grass in the backs of bays is another excellent option. These areas concentrate baitfish and predators alike.

**What to Bring**

Stock your box with quality jigs in black and blue, along with green pumpkin options. Bring wacky rigs, some finesse worms, and topwater frogs. Chatterbaits are money right now if you want to cover water quickly.

Thanks for tuning in to the report today, folks. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss future updates from Lake Winnebago and beyond. This has been a Quiet Please production – for more, check out quietplease dot ai.

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