Lake Winnebago landing at Quinney, January 5, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
CALUMET COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As we mark the first week of January, many people are taking to frozen lakes for fishing.
That includes the state’s largest inland lake — Lake Winnebago.
At the landing on the eastern shoreline of Lake Winnebago, Quinney Fishing Club Member Adam Ecker says conditions on the ice are improving.
“It seems pretty good. Anybody’s been saying anywhere from 11-14 inches over here. It seems like good ice. Is it early? It’s about the same as last year, but it’s early for most years,” said Adam.
Quinney Fishing Club Plow Committee President Mark Ecker says it’s been busy on the lake, and that people need to be careful at all times.
“If you’re coming out here, stop and check with your local bait shops or bars or restaurants. Make sure you know the conditions before you head out. If you are coming out, unfasten your seatbelt. Have your kids in the front seat. If there’s bridges, use them,” said Mark.
He says Quinney Fishing Club has seven steel bridges capable of carrying vehicles over cracks in the ice. The club is collecting old Christmas trees to help mark the trail and changing conditions along the way.
“Right now, we have no bridges out. But if we need to, we’ll put them out for UTVs,” said Mark.
Quinney Fishing Club members recommend using UTVs to travel. Adam Ecker says ice fishing activity is picking up, too.
“I’ve been hearing a lot of white bass, perch and walleye. Everybody gets a little happier when they get out there earlier. A little more ice fishing and everybody’s in a better mood,” he said.
Experts warn people no ice is ever considered to be 100% safe. If you’re going out, make sure to tell others where you are going and carry a charged cell phone with you.
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