Catfish

For those seeking whiskered giants, the Madison area offers excellent Catfish opportunities. The Yahara River chain of lakes – Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa – are all home to channel and flathead catfish. The best time to target them is during the warmer months, especially at night. Focus on areas with current, such as the Yahara River itself, and near deep holes and submerged structure. Stinkbaits, cut bait, and live bluegills are all effective baits. A local tip: try fishing below the dams on the Yahara River; catfish often congregate there. Also, be prepared for a fight; the catfish in this area can be surprisingly strong. Public access is available at numerous parks and boat launches around the lakes. Be sure to check local regulations regarding bait restrictions and size limits. The channel catfish in the Yahara River are known to be particularly abundant.