1/7/09 Fishing Report

[Gene Dellinger]

Ice thickness on Lake Mendota have reached the 8" mark and 4 wheelers have been traveling the whole lake. Perch action has been picking up, especially on the west side of the lake. Look for fish in 55-65' of water. The more active fish have been near the bottom. Size ranges from 6-10". They are using Rat Finkies & Rockers tipped with spikes. Walleye action on Mendota has been exceptionally good in the last 5-6 days fishing in 15-40' of water off bars and steep breaks. Try using medium shiners on tip-ups, or #5 Jiggin Rapalas. Bluegill action on Mendota continues to be slow. Lake Monona Perch action has been spotty. Try out from Law Park, or east towards BB Clarke Beach. Monona Bay continues to be the Bluegill hot spot! Of course, there is sorting to be done there. Mud Lake has been producing Bluegill and Crappie action. Sorting is also required there. Lake Waubesa continues to be difficult for Bluegill fishermen due to a lack of vegitation in most of the popular areas. Some positive reports have been coming from the Goodland Park and Christies bar area. We have yet to hear an accurate Perch report on Waubesa. Lake Kegonsa continues to be difficult for the Perch fishermen, but some success has been reported off of Sugarbush and Quam Drive. Crystal Lake has been producing some Bluegill action, with most fish being in the 6 1/2 - 7" catagory, with some being bigger. We've heard Beaver Dam and Fox Lake is slow. There have been some decent Crappies being caught on Cherokee Lake, but most of the fishing has been spotty.

[BUGMAN]

Lake Pelican outside Albertville(NW MPLS suburb)has 11" bluegills and lots of 9"+ fish. Find the fish and they'll bite on anything but the northeast corner of lake seems the best. Millacs has been slow this winter but the jumbo perch there should start biting by the end of Jan. 15" of ice on most lakes with very little snow cover. Bring your own plastics since they're not sold here.