Coming from Texas to wisconsin.

Hey BASSIN i am from the great state of Texas myself. I am from San Saba. Everything that works down there works here. I am in Kenosha and i go to the local dams and catch gizzard shad for cutbait. Works awesome. If you want flatheads use live bullheads. they are very active on a hook and live all day. I stay away from live bluegills because of northern pike and bowfin like to take those as do the snapping turtles. You are right by lake winnie there is alot of cats there if you have a boat. Dont expect the crappie to be as big in wisconsin as you a probably used to in texas. Good luck

I've had a lot of success this season using this method:

Catch a sheepshead, cut the sheepshead, place guts/fillet/combo of both on a large circle hook and let that soak for a while.

And you nailed the species. If anyone tells you they caught a Blue in MN or WI they are full of it, or misinformed, or both. I fish the Mississippi in the Twin Cities frequently and my northern river spot has channels that are very dark, grey/bluish. I hear people say "Oh nice Blue Cat man!" all the time... and laugh.

in WI targeting flatheads I would not rule out using a live bluegill or something as well... flattys love them pannies more than I do.

Yeah I'll use livers with panty hose or wrap thread around the livers. On average what's a big one? I mostly go for big blue cats and big flatthead. Using cut shad or big live baits. I understand that Wisconsin has bullhead/ channel cat and flathead. But know blues.

Chicken livers are great for the big ones, but leave them out for a day so they stink up.