Fishing Report 5/25

Water temperatures on the chain are approaching the upper 60's with a lot of fish in going into the spawning phase, if not already there.

Lake Mendota crappies have been scattered on the deeper weed edges in 8'-12' of water. Some areas to look include Fox Bluff, Second Point, Picnic Point, and along the University and Downtown Shoreline. There have been several reports of big bluegills being caught at several areas of the lake, but locations are varied. Small mouth bass have been hanging in the 8'-15' area on the Points. They don't seem to have reached the Bars yet, however expect to see them near those areas in the next few weeks.

Lake Monona bluegills, although not yet spawning, have been seen cruising in many of the typical spawning areas. The spawning period should be just around the corner. Recently reports of bluegills in 5'-8' of water place them near Slueter Beach, Wyldehaven, Squaw Bay and Turvle Bay. Crappies have been spotty, however they should be scattered along the outside weed edge. Try drifting with small tube jigs and minnows in 8'-12' of water. Muskie sightings continue to occur fairly regularly but they still seem to be reluctant to bite.

Lake Waubesa bluegills have been seen bedding in several areas on the lake. Try using small jigs tipped with leaf worms or red worms fished under a small bobber. Sometimes these fish are hesitiant to bite on plastics and spikes, but seem to find worms more attractive. Crappies should also be scattered on the deeper weed edges. Walleyes should be starting to use the bars on a more regular basis, if they are not already present there. Try slip bobbers with leaches, minnows or crawlers. Muskies appear to be behaving very similarly to those on Monona. They are present but not biting.

Lake Kegonsa crappies have been scattered along the weedlines in 7'-10' of water. Walleyes seem to be found in deeper water, try dragging crawlers of crank baits to draw them in.

Crystal Lake crappie bite seems to have turned to a bluegill bite. Redworms and leafworms appear to be the bait of choice. Bass have been active along the wooded shorelines.