DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As conditions continue from what many call a very warm winter season, anglers are taking to the open water of the Fox River in De Pere, looking for that trophy walleye.
At the Fox Point Boat Launch in De Pere, a steady stream of pickup trucks, trailers, and boats heads toward the water. Alan Solie and his uncle Lucas Solie drove from the western part of the state, to fish for walleye on that part of the river .
“Our boat’s not big enough to be out in the big water. So, we’re just trying to come in here, get the boat in the water, for the first time this year, and see if we can’t catch whatever we catch. Hopefully, we land some decent walleye though,” said Lucas Solie, Bloomer.
Every year walleye make their way upstream from the waters of Green Bay to places like the De Pere Dam to spawn. The event brings fishermen and women from all over the Midwest. On Monday morning, about a dozen boats were spotted in this area. Anglers don’t need to be on the water. Fishermen lined the shoreline at Voyageur Park in De Pere.
“Hopefully to catch some fish, and use up some of my minnows. I’ve been trying to do that,” said Ed Vanden Elzen, De Pere.
Vanden Elzen says he fishes the river a lot. On Monday, he already has two perch in his bucket.
“Whatever bites. I’ve caught pretty much everything in the river here, over the last few years. Today perch though? Oh yeah. That’s mainly what I’m after,” said Vanden Elzen.
Back on the river, fishermen continue to cast, including Alan Solie.
“I don’t know if it’s more so about the fish, but the experience. Like meeting new people. Doing something you never did before. And catching some quality fish, it’s just a pretty fun time,” he said.
Alan’s uncle Lucas agrees. “Just getting a chance to spend some time with my nephew, while he has the time, is really what it’s all about for me,” he said.
Many fishermen say the walleye run on the Fox River in De Pere is in its early stages. In previous years, the campaign can sometimes stretch into May.
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