Lake Mendota WI fishing forecast
Lake Mendota WI is a freshwater fishing spot in Wisconsin, United States. Anglers here target Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike. The most productive months are typically May, June, July, August, September.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 17.7 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 16 km/h from W |
| Pressure | 1014 hPa |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jun 19, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Lake Mendota WI
Lake Mendota WI currently scores 67 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 17.7 °C. 6 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Lake Mendota WI:
About this spot
Lakes have no tide, so target structure, drop-offs, and seasonal thermoclines where fish concentrate by depth and temperature.
What you can catch
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Micropterus salmoides
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Micropterus dolomieu
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Sander vitreus
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Esox lucius
Best months by species at Lake Mendota WI
| Largemouth BassMicropterus salmoides | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieu | ||||||||||||
| WalleyeSander vitreus | ||||||||||||
| Northern PikeEsox lucius |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Federal Recreational Fishing License may be required in addition to state license when fishing federal (EEZ) waters., non-residents Same as residents. Many states require their own license even in federal waters.
FishRadar regulations are summaries only. Federal and state waters rules overlap — always verify current federal and state agency rules before fishing.
Check Lake Mendota WI before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 253 km of Lake Mendota WI.
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Lake Winnebago WI
Lake Onalaska WI
Lake Michigan Chicago Waters
Lake Michigan Chicago
Green Bay WI
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Lake Mendota WI?
Anglers at Lake Mendota WI target Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Northern Pike.
When is the best time to fish Lake Mendota WI?
The most productive months at Lake Mendota WI are typically May, June, July, August, September.
What is the fishing forecast for Lake Mendota WI right now?
Lake Mendota WI currently scores 67 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Lake Mendota WI?
Fishing at Lake Mendota WI follows the local rules for Wisconsin, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Largemouth BassHow to Catch WalleyeBest Time of Day to Fish
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.