Opening Weekend Ideas

Walleye action traditionally is best at night. Usually the water is clear this time of year & the Walleyes feed more actively after dark. Some areas historically produce are on Lake Mendota; off of Gov. Island, Maple Bluff, Stoney Point, Second Point, & Univ. Bay. Also ocassionally out in front of Tenney Park. Typical tactics are trolling stick baits in 7-14' of water, or casting Countdown Rapalas or Husky Jerks in 5-10' of water. Shore fishermen typically have some success in the Yahara River from Tenney Park locks down to the mouth of the river on Lake Monona. Lake Waubesa is also an opening weekend favorite for night time Walleye action. Use similar tactics as on Lake Mendota. Look for fish around Babcock Park, Bible Camp, out in front of Christies, also up on the north end near the railroad tressel. During the day look for Walleyes to be in 15-25' of water. Try trolling crawler harnesses behind bottom bouncers. Musky fishermen will typically out in force on Lakes Wingra, Monona, and Waubesa. Try throwing smaller baits this time of year. On Lake Monona start fishing in 5-12' of water out from John Nolen Dr., Olin Park, Turville Point, Squaw Bay, out in front of the warm water discharge, and Olbrich Park. On Lake Wingra, pretty much fish the whole lake! Lake Waubesa try by the railroad tressel on the north end, Lake Farm Park/Hog Island area, Babcock Park, Goodland Park, and along the south shore. Largemouth Bass fishermen typically find some action in the quiet, dark water areas like around upper Mud Lake, in and around the channels in Squaw Bay, also look for some action in Turville Bay and along the rocky shorelines of John Nolen Dr. On Lake Mendota, look for action in Univ. Bay and Warner Bay, and up around Six Mile Creek, and Pheasant Branch Creek.
If you want to fish Catfish, try Northshore Bay on Lake Mendota using cutbait or frozen shrimp. Once the water warms up you can switch over to stink bait. Crappie action should be starting pick up on Lakes Monona and Waubesa. Look for fish in 5-10' of water out from Squaw or Turville Bay on Monona, or out from Lake Farm Park and Christies, or down by the marsh on the south end on Lake Waubesa. There should be some Bluegill action in these same areas.