Madison, WI

[Winnie]

I travel to Madison occaisionally for work. Is there a good place where I easily go to catch a some fish? Obviously I won't have a boat, so bank or dock fishing is what I'm looking for. Doesn't have to be walleye, but they would be great. I might go out and buy one of those micro rod/reel travel sets. Any recommendations are greatly appreciatied. Thanks in advance.

[RJmjZ]

It doesn't look like anybody is going to answer you, so I'll give it a shot.

Lake Mendota public boat launch north end of lake afternoon / evening bite. Park yoyur shore bound kiester about 50-75 yards west of the ramp. Use a medium heavy/medium fast tip 7+ foot bait casting rod with 14+ pound test. The rig should be a 2 ounce egg sinker - swivle - 2 foot leader - # 4 salmon egg hook. Bait should be long fat floating worm in blue black hooked once through the nose. Two hand cast that rig as far as you can toward mid lake (south). . . I mean AS FAR AS YOPU CAN! Put the rod butt in a rod holder, sit back in a lawn chair and drink a few brewskies - watch your rod tip. This is no joke.

[ksx3]

Any of the Madison Chain can be accessed from shore. These lakes include Mendota, Menona, Wingra, Waubesa, Mud and Kegonsa. Take a look at any good lake map or a map book to get creel info, launch information, access points, etc. Internet good tool as well. If I specifically wanted to target walleye, I would be looking at the Yahara river and access points. The Rock river / Lake Koshkonng also would be a good option depending on how far you wanted to drive.
Depending on how long your stays are you may be able to find boat rentals in the area. I know you can on Koshkonong. The chain has some great panfishing.

[OOC]

You don't mention whether you're driving or on foot.If you have wheels,take a trip a few minutes west on rt#12 to Sauk City/Prairie duSac. That's where rt#12 crosses the Wisconsin River.It's an absolute fish factory for all species and offers a lot of shore fishing oportunities from the dam north of town to the marsh and canoe landing miles down stream.I highly recommend wading.All you need now is tennis shoes.

[westside]

I would agree with the last post about driving (if you can) up to the Wisconsin River in Sauk. The Madison lakes are truly outstanding but for the shore bound it would be hard to beat the mighty Wisco. From the dam on down you can find good fishing and many miles of contiguous public access. Get up there a few hours before dark and cast chugbugs along shore...the smallies should keep you well entertained.