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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
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? No
Trout stocked in spring
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2021 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
840 |
Additional information for stocking on MENDOTA, LAKE
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Very Good | The Bluegill population is low density in samples, but the overall population continues to produce large bluegills in good conditions. The Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie 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, prompted supplemental Bluegills stocking in 2018. Bluegills have rebounded from declines in 2019, and are providing for excellent fishing. | |
Good | Good numbers of fish in the 12-24 inch range, with good chance at fish larger than 25 inches. Channel Catfish are stocked annually. | |
Average | Black Crappie are present in Lake Mendota, but are in low density. The few Black Crappie 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 | 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. Largemouth Bass have averaged 381 fish/hr over the last three years. The dominate size group is 12-15 inch fish. Good numbers of larger 15-20 inch fish are available. | |
Excellent | Rainbow Trout are stocked in the Spring. | |
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 over 15 inches and 2 fish under 12 inches daily limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: Statewide Regulations
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: Statewide Regulations
Contact Information: Mendota Park District 815-539-7287IDNR Fisheries Biologist, David Wyffels630-360-4185