Fishing Lake Mendota

AKA: Mendota Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Mendota Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
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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.

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

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