Lake Mendota
Walleye Fishing Guide
Lake Mendota — Madison's biggest lake, 9,842 acres of urban walleye + muskie + smallmouth fishery. UW–Madison sits on the south shore. Pressured but consistent producer.
Part of the Wisconsin walleye guide region · See also all walleye states
Species Present
- Walleye
- Muskie
- Smallmouth
- Panfish
Lake Layout & Key Structure
Picnic Point and Maple Bluff produce smallmouth on rock. Governor Bay and University Bay hold walleye in summer. Mid-lake humps near Second Point. Muskie cruise the deep weed edges.
Money spots: Picnic Point, Maple Bluff drop-off, Capitol Drive flats, Yahara River outlet
Seasonal Walleye Tactics
May walleyes shallow on rocky shoreline 4-12 ft, jig + minnow.
Walleyes deep basin 22-32 ft slow-troll cranks. Muskie on shallow cabbage 8-14 ft, big bucktails. Bluegills off docks shallow.
Fall walleyes on the deepest holes 28-38 ft, live-bait rig.
Ice walleyes hit mid-lake humps and break edges 18-28 ft.
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