Fishing Lake Mendota

AKA: Mendota Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Mendota Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Lake Mendota, WI

Popular Fish Species Lake Mendota, WI

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskellunge in Lake Mendota could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in Lake Mendota again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Lake Mendota Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Lake Mendota has held a dependable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 40 pounds. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white bass, yellow perch, musky and northern pike at Lake Mendota in Wisconsin.

Lake Mendota Fishing Video

Bragging size smallmouth, walleye and northern pike attract anglers to Lake Mendota for traditional fishing in warm months and ice fishing during the really cold months. Additionally, this 10,000-acre lake has populations of largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, muskie, white bass, perch and sunfish.

Lake Mendota is located in the southern part of Wisconsin and is one of the state's largest and most popular lakes for fishing. It offers a wide range of angling opportunities and is known for its diverse fish population.

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are highly sought-after species in Lake Mendota. Anglers can target largemouth bass in the lake's shallow areas, such as weed beds, submerged vegetation, and near structure. Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, can be found along rocky shorelines, points, and drop-offs. Both species provide exciting action and can be caught using a variety of lures and techniques.

Channel catfish are another popular species in Lake Mendota. Anglers can target them by fishing with cut bait, stink bait, or live bait in areas with deeper water, such as channels, holes, or near submerged structures. Catfish can provide a thrilling fight and are highly regarded for their delicious flesh.

Walleye fishing in Lake Mendota can be productive, especially during low-light conditions or at night. Anglers often use trolling techniques with crankbaits or live bait rigs, or jigging with minnows or artificial jigs. Key areas to target walleye include drop-offs, points, and areas with structure or submerged vegetation.

Both black crappie and white crappie can be found in Lake Mendota. Anglers can target crappie by using small jigs, minnows, or live bait under bobbers near weed beds, submerged structures, or docks. Crappie provide excellent table fare and are a favorite among anglers.

White bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are also popular species in Lake Mendota. White bass can be caught using spinners, spoons, or small crankbaits near schools of baitfish. Northern pike can be targeted with larger lures or live bait near weed edges, points, or areas with structure. Yellow perch and bluegill can be caught using small jigs, worms, or live bait near weed beds, drop-offs, or submerged structures.

Lake Mendota in Wisconsin's southern region offers abundant fishing opportunities for species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, black crappie, white crappie, white bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. With its diverse fishery, ample recreational activities, and camping facilities, Lake Mendota is a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable and enjoyable experience on the water.

Mendota Lake is conveniently located in the south-central part of the state, at Madison. For anglers and outdoor enthusiasts there is over 21 miles of shoreline to explore and fish. Access to the shore for bank fishing is via a dozen or so parks and boat landings around the lake. Boat rentals, including fishing boats, pleasure boats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks and jet skis are available at a half dozen places. Marinas, stores, lodging, restaurants, camping and most amenities are available at or near the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Mendota

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Mendota Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Lake Mendota is not only a great fishing destination but also offers opportunities for boating and camping. With its size and scenic beauty, it provides ample space for boaters to explore and enjoy various water-based activities.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Marshall Boats
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
608 228-8333

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Marshall Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Allen Blvd, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Mendota Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, northwest side, off County Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Spring Harbor Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Lake Mendota Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and no parking.

Tenney Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Sherman Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Warner Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Woodward Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Mazanet Marina
5320 Blue Bill Park Dr S
Madison, WI 53704
608 249-9316

Fishing Guides On Lake Mendota

Big B's Guide Service - perch, walleye, bluegill

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Wisconsin Fishing License.

Camping facilities around the lake offer a convenient option for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to extend their stay and make the most of their experience.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Mendota County Park Campground - 608 224-3730