Every year about this time -- or a little earlier -- muskellunge move from Madison's Lake Monona and make a "mock" spawning run up Murphy Creek and attempt to jump the waterfall going out of Lake Wingra. Though the spawning temperature for muskies is weeks away, the muskies get active around the beginning of April when the water temperature is in the low 40s.

Few fish make it over the waterfall from Lake Wingra, but they will continue to try. The reason why is because the creeks and surrounding marsh water is warmer than the water in Lake Monona, according to Department of Natural Resources fisheries technician Scott Harpold.

A degree or two in warmer water is a "big deal" to fish and that, in combination with current flow, attracts the muskies early in the spring. Though their spawning temperature is in the 50s the muskies are still attracted to the warmer water.

The same behavior is shown by most fish in the spring where fish seek out warmer water and water with a flow and some current. Often, spawning by northern pike, walleyes and muskies can overlap with some fish spawning at the same time.

The location is a great one to see some big muskies up close and personal. The Capital City Chapter of Muskies Inc. has helped make the grate in front of the water more fish friendly --  so they don't injure themselves as they try to make the jump.

Keep in mind, however, this is a fish refuge and fishing is prohibited.