View Full Version : Is the Madison (WI) Chain Open?
Heading up to the in-laws for the weekend and would like to go out for some walleyes. I know that the Madison Chain (Mendota, Menona, Waubesa...) had been no-wake due to the high water. Is it open to full speed ahead boating?
If anyone has any tips or locations I would appreciate it - I am familiar (somewhat) with the lakes.
Best Regards,
FJH
Marty
06-29-2000, 02:32 PM
As of June 28th the lakes were "no wake" lakes although I have heard lots of pressure from boaters & skiers to lift the ban being directed at Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.
Thank you very much for the update.
Best Regards,
FJH
Fritz
06-29-2000, 08:46 PM
The news tonight (6/29) said that the no wake ban was not going to be lifted on most lakes. Kegonsa has gone done and it might be lifted.
You can still fish, but no wake. Might be kind of nice out there without jet skis and water skiers. I haven't tried it yet, but I am tempted.
If you go north to Columbia County, Lake Wisconsin is open to my knowledge.
wally tap
06-30-2000, 04:43 AM
My personal opinion is the entire system will be "no-wake" for quite some time. Lake levels are still approx. 24" above summer max. and it's only going down 1"/wk. My guess: 3rd. week of july. It's driving me crazy....can't zip from spot to spot and it's tough on the ol' outboard not being able to blow alittle carbon out........Good Luck.
Jarrod
06-30-2000, 06:17 AM
All of the lakes are no wake but there are no recreation boaters on the lakes. The fishing has been really good, if you are willing to idle to the spot you want to fish. Call D&S Bait and Tackle for a local fishing report, (608)BIG-FISH. Good luck.
Thanks everyone! I'm going to bring up the boat and just run the kicker. The in-laws live right by Mendota but I think I'll head over to Waubesa. It should be really nice without the pleasure boaters, an added bonus to a weekend when everyone and their brother is usually flying around.
Best Regards,
FJH
freshH2O
07-05-2000, 06:01 PM
As of today July 5th the only lake without wake retrictions is the southern lake Kegonsa. All Others in The chain have no wake; Mendota, Monona, and Waubesa.
Perch are hitting in Mendota Warner Bay ~30 feet of H2O Smallies on leeches on weedlines and bars, walleye are feeding around the perch at night and moving in shallow late to feed on small fry.