WISCONSIN - Lake Reports 2011

[Whopperhead]

Lake Mendota - Madison, WI

Went out today in not so nice conditions. I had 3ft swells and bad vis until I got to the bottom of the lake in 12-15ft of water, then I had 10-12ft vis. Shot 19 fish, All with a 3 Prong Pole Spear. Water Temp was 66/67. Was in water for about 2.5 hours. I'm tired. :-)

Bluegill measure 10.25" Biggest one I've shot - yet.

Here's a Video I made from that Day. Enjoy :thumps:



YouTube - ‪Carp Slayers - Wisconsin Speargun Hunters‬‏



More Videos coming this Summer!

[Turyturbo]

Nice video. Clear viz comparing with most freshwater lakes.

Check Noble's World Freshwater Record website. I know that the record for bluegill is 1 lb flat. What is yours?

[Whopperhead]

I didn't weight it. I will go back and shoot another one like it - hopefully.

[Whopperhead]

Lake: Monona

Water Temp: 71

Vis: Sucked Arse! (3ft on surface - 6 to 10' on the bottom in 12-15' of water)

I wish we had good vis in our lakes. I still saw a lot of fish. There are a TON of Perch out right now. I shot 4, my biggest was 11". I shot 1 Bluegill 9.75" (.88lbs or 14.01oz). A few Black Crappies, my biggest 12.5" (1.11lbs) and I saw a lot of White Bass today - I don't usually see them so, I shot one 14.5" (1.52lbs)

Not sure if I will go back to that lake - the vis just sucks. I'll be in search of clearer lakes.

Oh, Saw lots of Carp, but didn't shoot any.

[H2O ADDICTION]

Here we go feeding more info to the needy! Monona is a FISH FACTORY when the vis is there. Unfortunately it's usually a short window. Try checking Lauderdale Lakes in Walworth County - It's a chain and has ONE good clear lake most of the summer.

Lake Beulah, also in Walworth has clear water most of the year too but can be hard to get out on. Need a boat and the launch is PACKED on the weekends.

Nagawicka as you know can be hit or miss but should still be good. There's always Lake Geneva if not too much rain - Learn some 30-40 foot structure and you can safely dive from a boat. Lots of record size fish in that lake. Big gills should be at 30-40 over mud or structure if they're done spawning and have left the shallows. Check the narrows area - But not too deep 30-40

Genessee lakes (Lower) Can be clear this early still - The little lake I took you and Tass to. Also Golden should still be good if not great. But I understand you guys have had LOTS of rain. Rain could have put the stop on good vis anywhere for awhile.

Lulu (near Beulah) is a great little lake too - Was my secret spot until lately - Seems one of you guys found it! That lake stratify's early and then gets really clear for about a month. Should be great right now (except for all the rain) Nice crappies in there when you can find'em! 15 plus! But the gills and perch usually have alot of black spots in the meat (larvae) - Good idea to have a canoe or a yak.

Lake Michigan perch should be going pretty soon too as you may know.

I read something about Lannon quarry (Jon) - Well Lannon sucks and they DON'T allow freediving there, or spearing.

I know more but I won't feed it to you all at once. I hope you are enjoying some of the primo spots I turned you guys onto - Lake Michigan Perch spearing at SSYC and Kenosha - Golden etc. Oh and BTW Racine can be good - and is an easy shore dive too! :thumps:

The ocean is clearing up nicely here - Had 40 foot of vis off the beaches the other day! My freezer is full! Nothing like filleting one fish and getting 20 bluegills or more worth of meat! :D

Next spring or fall try Delavan - It's even BETTER than Monona - But again a real short window for the vis.

Later Scott -

-Dan-

[Whopperhead]

My Daughter Lilee went Spearfishing on July 4th at Crystal Lake and shot her 1st fish: Pumpkinseed (sunfish). 1 shot - 1 Kill!! :notworthy

She was ecstatic about shooting a fish!! She's hooked...... and 9.

Good Job Lilee! :toast:

[Schnibbz]

Hit Lake Michigan both Saturday and Sunday; vis was pretty shitty, but there was west winds from Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon so I had to try. I'd say 3-4 feet on the surface and 8-10 downstairs. Perch have moved into 15-30 feet. Biggest one was 13.25", lots of 12" perch around, just need a solid week of west wind to get some awesome 80' vis like we had last July. GoPro footage to come soon.

[Whopperhead]

Nice Dude! That one in your Left hand is a FATTY! Can't wait to get back there!

[Schnibbz]

Scott,

I'll shoot you an email the next time the visibility is shaping up to be killer. Wish I could make the FII course at Wazee; I don't think I can get my permission slip signed as it is the little lady's 30th birthday that weekend.

[Whopperhead]

Scott,

I'll shoot you an email the next time the visibility is shaping up to be killer. Wish I could make the FII course at Wazee; I don't think I can get my permission slip signed as it is the little lady's 30th birthday that weekend.


Bring her with! There will be ADULT BEVERAGES :toast: - We can sing her HAPPY BIRTHDAY. My GF will be there and she's a non-diver.