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6/24/07
Madison Chain of Lakes Fishing Report -
Lake
Mendota
By
Paul Strege
Conditions:
Winds Calm, Water Temp 72 deg, Visibility Good.
I
spent this morning pursuing
Lake
Mendota
’s famed smallmouth bass population. Conditions were almost ideal: a
very slight breeze and low light / fog until mid-morning. Although the
conditions were to my liking, the fishing was sub-par. I found only two
smallies. Both fish, however, were holding on similar structure: rock
flats adjacent to weedline edges. Those locations produced a fish within
minutes of arrival on the spot. I located these areas with my Humminbird
997c Side Imaging unit. This piece of electronics never ceases to amaze
me with how fast I can dissect a completely new area. Once I had located
an area to my liking, I threw out my Fishermans Marker and started
fishing. Both fish fell victim to a Carolina Rigged Gambler Ugly Otter.
For those that consider themselves smallie fanatics, you must give this
lure a try. I like to think that the smallies see it as an
attention-seeking crayfish. Although the numbers weren’t great, both
smallies I landed were a healthy 17 inches and bright gold in color.
Carolina
Rig Gear: Rogue Rods
Magnum Bass MB704C with 15 lb P-Line FloroClear leader and 5/0 Owner
J-Hook. Ripe Melon Gambler Ugly Otter.
The
two attached photos are from my side imaging unit taken this morning.
Note that in both cases, the rock flat (white, small, granular-looking
bottom) extends from the weedbed (appearing as a puffy wall). I had the
boat positioned in 20’, but the weedline edge was actually 14’ +/-.
Since the SI unit actually displays shadows, it is much easier to see
the bottom when looking “up-hill” (from deep to shallow).
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