What about really shallow, featureless lakes?

[waterflogger_no_more]

Hello all,

I've been prevented from fishing for more than a year now because of a hip injury. Just got a hip replacement a couple weeks ago and am looking forward to getting all the accumulated junk out of my boat and getting out there again.

In looking for a lake rental to take my wife for a couple of weeks I ran across Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin. What strikes me about this lake is that it averages about 15 feet deep with no attractive breaklines (all are too shallow) and kind of featureless. In other words, looks initially like a terrible place to fish.

But... maybe some of you have some thoughts about this. There obviously is fishing being done on that lake. It is reputed to be a good walleye lake. Anyone ever fished it, or other shallow, featureless lakes like it?

Any feedback is appreciated!

Harold

[John Bales]

This place don't look featureless to me at all. Its got reefs out in the middle, bars coming off the shoreline everywhere. Depth is relative in a place like this. Your breaklines are going to be shallow. Just because a lake does not have 30-35 feet of water doesn't mean its not going to produce. It is a very large body of water which will swallow you up in a smaller boat on windy days. The couple lakes to the west could save the day when its windy. Not sure what populations of fish are here. If there are any LM bass they will be shallow for sure, maybe very shallow like boat dock shallow or any shallow weed cover. Not sure what the color is but this lake looks easy. Guessing 250's and 200's on no bo will be players, maybe 400's also. I am sure someone on here has been there that might help more than me. I would look forward to fishing this lake. John

[JohnScheels]

As I'd anticipate, Mr. Bales is right on. Winnebago and the entire Winnebago grouping of lakes is a tremendous fishery. Most likely others that have fished it more than me can be more specific, but those reefs do produce. Walleyes have been my main target and we've found them. I have been blown off that lake more than once, fishing and duck hunting. There are a lot of sources of info on what's going on there, such as Lake Link, because it is such a large popular lake. Once you get your bearings you can knock them. Focus on a limited area, thinking about the entire lake can be overwhelming at first. Have fun.

[waterflogger_no_more]

Thanks for the helpful feedback, as always. After looking at a more detailed contour map I see that you're right John Bales, it's not the flat wasteland I thought. You've got me looking forward to it, John Scheels!

Harold

[Bink]

They called this Winnebago yellow when I was growing up. I’d order some if you dont have any. Good luck

[waterflogger_no_more]

Thanks Bink --