Lake Mendota is a 9,781 acre lake located in Dane County. It has a maximum depth of 83 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from many public boat landings. There are also 7 public beaches on the lake. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, muskie, sturgeon, catfish and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and catfish are considered common. Sturgeon are listed as present. The water is murky.