Wolf River Country - White bass in May: a “shore” bet

For landbound anglers successful outings are highly dependent upon timing, since location is mostly dictated by public access.  You are limited in your ability to change position, so you have to focus on when to be there.

May is the right month in Wolf River Country to target white bass, and the lower section of the river offers the best opportunities for successful shore fishing trips.  Winneconne, Fremont, and Gill’s Landing at the mouth of the Waupaca River provide consistent success year after year for shore anglers.  New London has plenty of public access, but doesn’t always draw the numbers of fish for consistent success.  However, high water levels this spring may provide the conditions needed to make New London a “hot spot” for shore fishing this year.

In Winneconne, the iconic Winneconne Bridge is the obvious access for fishing, but there are other possibilities that shouldn’t be overlooked.  Especially as the water warms and the fish become more amorous, they can be found quite shallow and near shore.  The public boat docks on the west shore, south of the bridge can be very productive at this time.  Wolf River Resorts, located on the east shore and north of the bridge, is another good location as things heat up.  For $5 you can fish off their seawall for the day.  All of these locations can put you within reach of the same fish being targeted by the guys in the boats.

Fremont, like Winneconne, once offered the angler an opportunity to connect with the Wolf River’s walleye and white bass via the State Highway 10 Bridge.   When it was replaced in the seventies, that tradition ended.  Then in 2000 State Highway 10 was rerouted to by-pass Fremont, and a new bridge was constructed a short distance south of the Village.  The Village took advantage of its location to create Fisherman’s Park.  Located on County Road H just south of Fremont, the park is actually under the bridge at the start of an outside bend in the river.  A prime spot and perfect location for fishing from shore! 

When the white bass are at their peak, the public docks in Fremont located between the Bridge Bar and Channel Cats, will produce fish, too.  In fact, any dock this time of year can produce fish.  It’s a good time to stay with one of the many resorts located on the river.  You may never have to leave their dock to fill your cooler!

Several bends up river from Fremont on County Road H you’ll find Red Banks Resort.  Their docks are located on one of the more productive fishing holes on the river.  For a daily fee of $5 you will have no trouble filling a bucket with white bass during the run.  Live bait, food, and beverage are available at the bar and grill.  During the season they open at 5:00 A.M. every morning for breakfast and stay open until closing or everyone leaves, whichever occurs first.  I recommend the half-pound “build-a-burger” for $6.50, medium rare.

The county boat launch at Gill’s Landing at the end of County Road F, east of Weyauwega, is another location to get in on the white bass run.  The seawall between the bar and the boat ramp provides ample access to the river.  Gill’s Landing Saloon & Tube Trips is open for lunch and dinner and located right on the river.

Between Gill’s and New London there is limited shore access to the public, but the City of New London makes up for this deficiency.  Much of the public access in New London can be attributed to the development of the Wolf River Sturgeon Trail.  The entire trail along County Road X makes for ready access to the white bass run.  Taft Park, St. John’s Park, and the Bernegger River Walk are all good bets in the downtown area.  The river walk also offers handicapped accessible fishing piers.  With all the opportunities available in New London, some will be more productive then others at any given time.  Start your trip with a visit to Johnny’s Little Shoppe of Bait for the best current information on the local bite. 

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all shore fishing opportunities, but it does highlight some of the best.  Be courteous and helpful to other landbound anglers.   You might be surprised of the local knowledge you can gain, including the most effective baits and presentation for existing conditions.

Any lure or bait that has worked for you for white bass is worth experimenting with, but there is one rig I wouldn’t be without:  a wolf river rig.  This traditional rig along with a dozen flies, a dozen minnows, and several sinkers varying in weight up or down from and including an ounce, gives you the ability to create a multitude of presentations.  In its traditional format you will have a three-way swivel with a six inch to a foot drop to your sinker.  Then tie a three-foot lead to a bare hook.   Attach a live minnow or scented plastic and your set.  Since you are landbound, the advantage in this rig is obvious when you experience how far you can cast a one once sinker.  Cast out into the main channel at a 90 to 45 degree angle down stream. You want to be able to feel the bottom, but you also want the rig to sweep down river as you lift and drop your rod.  Adjust your weight accordingly.

Flies are an even better option and can work even when the fish aren’t aggressively biting.  You can simply switch out the hook for a fly, but usually the lead is increased up to as much as six feet.  Make a similar cast as above and then pump the rig back into shore aggressively.  Since dead sticking for white bass isn’t all that effective, many seasoned shore anglers will tie on two and sometimes three flies.  If you can only use one rod, you might as well increase your odds.  Doubles and even triples would not be unusual at the peak of the run.  By leaving a long tag end a Palomar knot is a simple quick way to attach multiple hooks.  

Most of the local resorts and bait shops will carry flies.  The majority are tied by local fishermen in colors that are proven to be effective.  For a comprehensive list of resorts, bait shops, and boat rentals in the Fremont area visit:

travelfremont.com

wolfriverresorts.com

redbanks.net

Fishermen's Park, under the Highway 10 bridge in Fremont, is a consistent "hot spot" during the white bass run in May.