Fishing at Mud Lake, Jefferson County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Mud Lake lies in Jefferson County, in Wisconsin. It stands 771 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 126 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The whole outline is near 1.8 miles, and most of it is walkable. It is low-lying compared with other Wisconsin water we list. 6.5 miles away sits Waterloo, the nearest town. It is 29 miles to Madison, the nearest city. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Mud Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Survey and observation records for Jefferson County include common carp, bluegill, green sunfish, walleye and black crappie. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The near bank of Mud Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 17°F and July at about 72°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about early December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. The season on Mud Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Boat access is recorded roughly half a mile away. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Chub Lake, 0.9 miles away. Rules at Mud Lake are worth checking on the day.