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The 2026 Guide to Boating in the Fox Valley

Feb. 24 2026 News By Sawyer Erickson

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The 2026 Guide to Boating in the Fox Valley: Spring Countdown Edition

It’s late February in the Fox Valley. The Sturgeon Spearing season was a success, the days are getting noticeably longer, and if you listen closely, you can almost hear the ice cracking on Lake Winnebago.

Whether you spent the last few weekends walking the aisles at a boat show or you've been staring at boat listings from your couch, the 2026 season is no longer "on the horizon"—it’s right around the corner. Here is everything you need to know to get ready for summer on the Winnebago System.

1. The Post-Boat Show Strategy

The local boat shows in Green Bay and Oshkosh may be behind us, but the window for 2026 summer delivery is closing fast.

  • Did you find "The One"? If you spotted a Chaparral, Godfrey, Tidewater, or Recon that you loved at a show, now is the time to finalize the paperwork. Dealer inventory moves quickly once the first 50-degree day hits.

  • The "Showing" List: If you didn't buy at the show, don't worry. Now is the perfect time to schedule a private viewing at Lakeside. Seeing a boat in a quiet showroom is often better for checking storage, layout, and tech than a crowded expo floor.

2. Water Watch: Winnebago System Update

According to recent DNR reports, 2026 has started with impressive water clarity (averaging nearly 14 feet in some areas!). While that’s great for spearers, for boaters, it means we’re watching the spring thaw closely.

As the snow melts and the spring rains arrive, keep an eye on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water level gauges. The target is usually the "navigation band" which begins to rise in April. For those of us on the Fox River, this is the time to check your dock and lift status—make sure you're on the schedule for early installation!

3. Mark Your 2026 Calendars

The Fox Valley comes alive on the water. Here are the "Can't Miss" dates for the 2026 season:

  • May 1st: Traditional start of the navigation season.

  • June 6th: Wisconsin's Free Fishing Weekend (no license required!).

  • July 4th: Oshkosh Fireworks (Best viewed from a boat of course).

  • July 20–26: EAA AirVenture 2026. Boating during EAA is a world-class experience. Watching the warbirds fly low over Lake Winnebago while you’re anchored out is something you’ll never forget. Charter a cruise through Lakeside Cruise Company for a luxury, no hassle day (or hour) on the water.

  • August 1–7: Sturgeon Bay Maritime Week (A great "big water" trip for those looking to venture north).

4. The "Spring Start-Up" Checklist

Don’t wait for the first sunny Saturday in May to find out your battery is dead. Start your prep now:

  • Service Check: If you haven’t scheduled your de-winterization, call the service department today. The wait times in May can be weeks long.

  • Safety Gear Audit: Check the expiration dates on your flares and fire extinguishers. Do you have enough life jackets for the new guests you’re planning to host this year?

  • Trailering: If you trailer your boat to the High Cliff or Menasha launches, check your tires and grease your bearings now.

5. Join the Club

If you’re not ready to own but want to be on the water every weekend, On The Fox Boat Club is currently accepting 2026 memberships (only 4 spots left). It’s the easiest way to enjoy the Fox River and the Winnebago System without the maintenance, storage, or trailering.

Here is the updated section for your blog post, focusing on the ultimate convenience for the 2026 season:

6. The Ultimate "Easy Button": Valet In-and-Out Service

If your goal for 2026 is to spend more time on the water and zero time at the boat launch, our Valet In-and-Out Service is your solution. This is the premier "concierge" experience for Fox Valley boaters who want to skip the trailer stress.

  • How it Works: Simply use the SpeedyDock app to schedule your launch at least two hours in advance.

  • The "Step On and Go" Experience: Our team uncovers your boat, launches it, and secures it in a slip. We can even have it fueled and cleaned for you upon request. Cooler full of ice? We can do that too.

  • The Best Protection: Between trips, your boat isn't sitting in the sun or water; it’s stored safely indoors. This keeps your hull pristine (no algae growth!) and protects your upholstery from UV damage, preserving your boat's resale value.

  • Total Convenience: When you’re done for the day, just dock the boat and walk away. We’ll haul it out, cover it, and put it back in its secure indoor spot.

Spaces for the 2026 Valet season are limited and often fill up before the ice is even gone. If you want to experience the most "hassle-free" summer of your life, reach out to us today to reserve your spot.

Final Thoughts

The Fox Valley is one of the most unique boating destinations in the Midwest. From the sandbars on Lake Butte des Morts to the riverfront dining in De Pere and Oshkosh, 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year.

Ready to get started? Stop by Lakeside Marina this week. The coffee is hot, the boats are shiny, and summer is closer than you think.