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MENDOTA, LAKE
Lake Information
County: LaSalle
Acreage: 18
Average Depth: 6.00 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
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Bluegill |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
19526 |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
840 |
2024 |
Bluegill |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
15412 |
2024 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
504 |
Additional information for stocking on Mendota, Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
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 | The Bluegill population historically was a low-density population that produced few large individuals. Stockings of Bluegill were done to boost Bluegill numbers post summer fish kills. The 2024 survey showed decreased catch numbers for all sizes of fish. Bluegill population go through 5-year cycles of up and down. The lack of fish that were less than 3 inches indicates reduced reproduction and stocking will continue in 2025 to help boost bluegill numbers. | |
Good | There are good numbers of fish in the 12-24 inch range, with a good chance at fish larger than 25 inches. Channel Catfish are stocked annually. | |
Very Good | The 2024 sample showed a diverse population with a PSD of 50. Total catch per unit effort (CPUE) was comparable to the 2023 survey, but fish in the 15-20 size group have not rebounded to pre-2019 numbers. Harvest by anglers in the smaller than 12-inch size group will be required to help fish get larger than 15 inches. Strong year classes from 2021, 2022 and 2023 have caused slowed growth in fish less than 12 inches. | |
Excellent | Rainbow Trout are stocked in the spring only. | |
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 Division of Fisheries. 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
Site Regulations:
Large or Smallmouth Bass: 1 fish over 15" and 2 fish under 12" daily limit
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Contact Information: Mendota Park District 815-539-7287IDNR Fisheries Biologist, David Wyffels630-360-4185
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