Lake Mendota through the Ice

[James Morris]

I was just wondering if any of you have info. on Lake Mendota in Wis. and perch and walleye through the ice. I'm taking up ice fishing seriously this year and want to get my friends involved and have heard there is action to be had there. Was wondering if you guys could help give me a head start.

Thanks,

James Morris

[Lund_Dude]

No ice there yet, it may be a few weeks depending on the weather. Last year was really good for me early and then went into the tank in Feb. We did really well on perch just west of Governor's Island in 60'+ of water. Then the fish really seemed to scatter and it was tough to get more than 10 per trip. Best luck for us was on a Mendota Sinker with purple, red or chartreuse cubby jigs. See D&S bait in Madison and they can help you with the proper tackle. Fishing that deep, I have had best luck with Fireline for its no stretch features. Also make sure that you use a sonar, as the perch hang anywhere from 10' down to the bottom. Be aware of the Dane County regulations requiring floatation on your snowmobile or ATV. You need a permit on your machine to ride on the lake. If you have any specific questions, please ask!

[erico]

James,

Gene Dellinger from D&S Bait will be speaking at the monthly Yahara Fishing Club meeting tomorrow, Tues. Dec. 11 at 7:30 pm at the VFW Club off of John Nolen Dr. and Lakeside Dr. He will be talking about icefishing Mendota. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Hope to see you there!
Eric Olson

[ww]

The weekly forecast is highs in 35+ it will be at least Jan. If you don't have an ATV I would get in touch with D&S.
http://www.dsbait.com/

Walleye fishing the many rock bars on the Lake. Jigging Rapala size 5&7 have worked best for me. Tip ups with small shiners.

Vexilar or Zercom is a must on this lake for Walleye or Perch your going to increase your catch greatly.

Perch baits are usually spikes and ice jigs purple,glow,red,orange and many other colors.

[James Morris]

Thanks for the info on the meeting. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it. I've got finals this week (then I'm done, graduating early).

Hopefully we'll get ice sometime this year :)

James

[James Morris]

sweet-

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help.

James

[James Morris]

ttt

[luvtotroll]

I was out on Mendota on Sunday, the water temp is still 44 degrees. It is going to be a while before we have ice.

Fish are bunched up right now in anput 27' around points.

Scott