Bluegills have provided anglers with the best action. A few of the better lakes include Waubesa, Rock, Delavan, Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Monona, and the Nemahbin chain. The best action was along outside weedlines in 8 to 20 feet of water. The bigger gills were found close to the bottom. Anglers also had success drifting for suspended gills over deeper water. Waxworms, spikes, panfish leeches, or giant redworms were the best baits. Jig and plastic combos or black ant flies also work well.

Perch fishing continues to be good on Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa and Winnebago. Most of the perch were caught along the weedlines in 12 to 22 feet of water along the bottom. Jig and plastic combos tipped with a spike, waxworm, or giant redworm has worked best. Red is the best plastic color to use for perch.

Walleye anglers were doing well fishing Winnebago, Pine, Kegonsa, LacLaBelle, Oconomowoc, and Nagawicka Lakes. Look for them along weed lines in 10 to 20 feet of water. Leeches, nightcrawlers, jumbo fatheads, medium golden shiners, or small suckers were the best baits. Bait these on a jig, live bait rig or slip bobber rig for the best results. Trolling crankbaits was also productive, especially for the bigger walleyes.

Largemouth bass anglers continue to do well on the area lakes. Fish the deeper weedlines with Texas rigged plastics, jig and pig combos, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, leeches, medium golden shiners or nightcrawlers baited on a three hook harness. Fishing under piers with plastics will also produce fish. Nighttime hours have provided anglers with great top- water action. Good top-water baits include Zara Spooks, Jitterbugs, Pop R’s, and buzzbaits. Also, try fishing the “slop” with scum frogs.

Northern pike action has slowed a bit on the area lakes. Fish the deeper weedlines with a large golden shiner, chub or sucker baited on a live bait rig or jig for best results. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or spoons can also produce fish.

Musky fishing was fair on Okauchee, Oconomowoc, and Pewaukee Lakes. Trolling crankbaits just off the weedlines will provide the best chance at catching musky. Casting bucktails, crankbaits or Bulldawgs along the weedlines can also work well. Early morning and late evening hours, try using top-water baits.

Catfish continue to be caught from the Rock River and Lake Mendota. Nightcrawlers, suckers, chubs, leeches and Sonnies stinkbait have worked best for cats.

Summer Hours
Monday – Friday: 5 am – 9 pm
Saturday: 4 am – 8 pm
Sunday 4 am – 6 pm