5/1 Fishing Report

Tonight at midnight is the start of the 2009 game fishing season. The weekend is expected to be provided with favorable weather.

Typically, the fishermen on the water at midnight are in pursuit of walleyes. Traditionally some good areas to look for on Lake Mendota for action are Governor's Island, Maple Bluff, Second Point, Picnic Point and University shoreline. Some productive methods include casting and slowly retrieving countdown or husky-jerk rapalas in 0 to 8' of water or trolling in 5' to 15' of water. Look for the catfish to be active on the north end of the lake, day or night. The crappies have also begun to turn on in the 3' to 8' of water range in University Bay and along the University shoreline. Bluegill action continues to be spotty. Look for large mouth bass to become more active in the shallow, warmer waters as the season gets started. For smallmouth, try throwing crank baits off the 8' to 15' breaks.

Lake Monona early birds should look for walleyes in and near the Yahara River from Tenny Park locks all the way down to Lake Monona.

Lake Wabeusa opening night anglers usually are looking for walleyes in and around the inlets and outlets such as up by the railroad tressel on the north end of the lake and near Babcock Park on the east shore. Also look for activity near the Bible Camp and Rockford Heights. During the day, crappie and bluegill action should be picking up Lake Farm Park, Goodland Park and possibly down by the Marsh on the South end. Look for muskies and Northerns to be lurking in these same areas.

Good luck to all Opening Weekend anglers as well as everyone else who tests the waters. Happy Fishing!