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MENDOTA, LAKE
Lake Information
County: LaSalle
Acreage: 18
Average Depth: 6 feet
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Yes, Electric motor Only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Trout stocked in spring
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Lake Status Summary ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Black crappie are present in Lake Mendota but are in low density. The few Black crappies that do show up in samples have been of quality size and in good condition. Anglers have reported some good catches in the past year. | ||
Very Good | The Bluegill population is low density in samples but the overall population continues to produce large bluegills in good conditions. The Largemouth and Black crappies are keeping numbers down, helping to produce larger individuals. The 2017 summer kill issues took out much of the 2017 Bluegill spawn, and the lack of Bluegill young of the year in 2018, supplemental Bluegills were stocked in 2018. | |
Very Good | Lake Mendota did have a history of a poor Largemouth population with poor to average growth. Regulation changes in 1992 to the current regulation have produced a quality Largemouth population. The 2018 sample shows a stable population with good numbers of fish at 15 inches. The summer kill in 2017 did not hurt the population and will continue to provide excellent fishing for 2019. | |
Location: Lake Mendota is a small 18 acre lake located on just off Illinois Route 251 in Mendota Illinois.
Description: Lake Mendota is owned by the city of Mendota and the Fishery is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fishery Division. Lake Mendota has one boat ramp, but the lake has a no gas motor regulation. A handicapped fishing pier, picnic area, shelters and restrooms are available for use at the lake.
Additional Lake Information: All Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Large or Smallmouth Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Fish Daily Creel Limit over 15 inches and 2 Fish
under 12 inches Daily creel Limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . Statewide Regulations
Channel Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fish Daily Creel Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie . . . . . . . . Statewide Regulations
Contact Information: Mendota Park District 815-539-7287IDNR District Fisheries Biologist, David Wyffels630-360-4185