Lake Mendota, Dane County (all postings)

The walk to deep water is about a half mile from the parking lot. Most guys fish farther out but there are fish off the point as soon as it gets deep.

Went out Sunday, what a fun walk from Governors to 65fow...not! It takes me about 25-40 minutes. I usually haul 120-130lbs of gear. It was a fun day, missed a lot of bites but did catch a nice 11 inch perch at around 45fow. Marked huge schools as well. Maybe it will get better with the warm weather coming up!

I've been out there about 10 times this winter and it just depends. Right now its pretty easy because most of the snow is melted off making it easy to slide and haul your gear out there. Walking now only takes me about 10-15 min. The fish aren't as far away as earlier this year. However, with a bunch of snow and slush out there, it sucks. Don't try it if your an oldtimer and can't walk well. Invest in a 4-wheeler. Fishing out there is a good time!

With warm weather near, it will probably suck for someone to walk in the slush with bad legs.

Hi. Can anyone tell me, on average, how long the walk is off Governor's Island to where the perch are at??? I'd love to give it a try but I don't walk to great anymore. Thanks much.

White bass are very good eating fish. The important thing to do when filleting is make sure you remove as much of the reddish layer of meat next to the skin as possible. That red flesh is what gives it an off flavor. I only take the upper half of the fillet above the ribs, then I cut each fillet in two or three pieces and batter and deep fry. Really nice white firm and tasty! Always pisses me off when I see all the "Mendota perch pros" leaving them to waste on the ice. Lots more meat on them than a perch and just as good to eat if you clean them right.

Not a bad bite today. Out from about noon till 5. Maybe the warmer temps helped. Not as slow as the 2 previous weekends I was out. Couple schools rolled through. Most near bottom. All 8-10in. Actually spotted a couple deer leaving.

Never ate white bass. Figured I would give it a shot since there so easy to catch.

thebearswillalwayssuck!

Going out tomorrow by Governors island. Thanks for the update brook, if you see a frabill shanty out there then you'll know it's me!

I walked out yesterday and saw 1 other person and 2 trailers for 4 wheelers but didnt see the 4 wheelers on the lake or hear them. Visibility was not good though. Ice was at least 16 inches where I was. Shore looked good too. Caught fish all day long 9-5.

Thinking about getting on the lake tomorrow for the first time in about a month. Just curious if the ice is still safe to venture out deep. Looking to target perch. If anybody is willing to PM me with some information that would be great! Thanks!

Hey Chisel check your inbox and give me a call if you will.I also target nothing but Catfish on jig poles in the winter on Mendota.Might go Wednesday if I think I can stand the wind.Thanks

You are perfectly legal to use tipups. Just don't be using 6" suckers on a quick strike rig. The guy who said its illegal does not know what he's talking about. Lots of people use tipups for perch and crappies on weedlines. Many people on dota also use them for cats as mentioned.

Just saw a guy this weekend who had a tip up and a heavy jig rod. I asked him what he was doing and he said he fishing catfish and has been getting them all year. I don't think he was giving me any bull. I would think that is still legal to do as long as season is open.

illegal

Don't want to sound like an idiot, but also don't want to be doing something I'm not supposed to. So can you still use tip ups now? or is it illegal? I've been looking all over the DNR website and can't find anything. Thanks for your help.

Good day at Mendota, caught 12 perch off 65fow, a long walk off Gorvernors. Huge schools swimming by anywhere from the bottom up to 50 fow.