Fishing Report 5/17

Weather conditions have changed for the better, with the temperature warming up and the wind subsiding a bit from previous days. Water temperatures have warmed from the mid to upper 50's, touching the low 60's at times.

Lake Mendota small mouth bass should be beginning to move in. Look for spawning areas in the next week or so. At present, they appear to be in 9' to 12' of water. Some reports have come in of blue gills in 10'-13' of water near rocks by Governor's Island and Picnic Point.

Lake Monona blue gills and crappies have been very active, showing up in large numbers over the weeds in 6'-9' of water. Look for fish in and around Slueter Beach, Hudson Park, near the Rock Pile and Squaw Bay, as well as in front of Turville Bay. Muskies seem to be following lures more than hitting them. With warmer conditions, that should change soon.

Lake Waubesa blue gills and crappies have been active at times in 4'-8' of water. By Lake Farm Park and south of Hog Island to Christie's and along the south shore near the buoy by the Rock Pile. Reports of walleyes in deep water during the day continue to come in. They also reportedly have been hitting shallow by Babcock Park at night.

Mud Lake large mouth bass have been quite active according to a couple recent reports.

Crystal Lake shore fisherman have been reporting good action on crappies as of late, along with some white bass.