Fishing Lake Monona
AKA: Monona Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Monona, WI
Muskie Fishing
Fishing for muskellunge in Lake Monona could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Lake Monona, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Monona. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch, musky, northern pike and sturgeon at Lake Monona in Wisconsin.
Lake Monona Fishing Video
Completely encircled by cities, Lake Monona with 13 miles of shoreline, is easily accessible for boating and fishing. The lake covers 9,800 acres and is located in the south-central part of the state, at Madison, WI. Ice fishing is popular in winter when the ice is safe.
Lake Monona is located in south-central Wisconsin and is one of the prominent lakes in the Madison chain of lakes. It offers excellent fishing opportunities and is known for its diverse fish population, making it a popular destination for anglers.
Walleye is one of the sought-after species in Lake Monona. Anglers can target walleye by trolling with crankbaits, casting jigs or live bait rigs, or fishing with slip bobbers and leeches or nightcrawlers. Key areas to focus on include points, drop-offs, and submerged structures where walleye often gather.
Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are abundant in Lake Monona. Anglers can find largemouth bass near weed beds, docks, and submerged vegetation, while smallmouth bass are commonly found near rocky shorelines, points, and drop-offs. Techniques such as casting crankbaits, plastic worms, or topwater lures can be effective in enticing these species.
Channel catfish are also popular in Lake Monona. Anglers can target them by using cut bait, stink bait, or live bait along channels, deep holes, or areas with structure. Channel catfish provide a thrilling fight and can be caught throughout the year.
White bass, black crappie, and white crappie are other popular fish species in Lake Monona. Anglers can target them using small jigs, minnows, or live bait near weed beds, submerged structures, or around docks. These species offer great angling opportunities and are often found in schools.
Northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are also present in Lake Monona. Anglers can target northern pike near weed beds, points, and areas with structure using larger lures or live bait. Yellow perch and bluegill can be caught using small jigs, worms, or live bait near weed beds, drop-offs, or submerged structures.
Lake Monona in south-central Wisconsin offers a variety of popular fish species including walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white bass, black crappie, white crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. With its diverse fishery, recreational activities such as boating, and nearby camping facilities, Lake Monona is a favored destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience on the water.
Anglers here can search out walleye, bass, crappie, perch, muskie, sunfish and even sturgeon. Canoes, kayaks and pontoon boat rentals are available at the lake. For fishing from the bank, there are a couple dozen access points around the lake including parks, landings and beaches. Restaurants, lodging and shopping are all close by.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Monona
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Monona Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Lake Monona not only provides excellent fishing opportunities but also offers recreational activities such as boating. Boaters can enjoy cruising the lake, waterskiing, or simply taking in the scenic beauty.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Brittingham Boats
Rentals: Pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks
608 250-2555
Capital Lake Pontoons
Rentals: Pontoon boats
608 571-4889
Olbrich Park Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing kayaks and canoes
608 513-1308
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Law Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off US Highway 151, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Olbrich Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Atwood Avenue, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Olin Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Olin-Turville Court, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Tonyawatha Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Tonyawatha Trail, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited paved parking.
Winnequah Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, off Winnequah Trail, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and no parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Monona
Pike Pole Fishing Guide Service - walleye, pike, perch, crappie
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Wisconsin Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available nearby, providing a convenient option for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the lake's offerings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Capital Springs State Recreation Area Campground - 608 224-3730
Lake Monona WI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Monona
Capital Springs State Recreation Area
Beltline Hwy
Madison, WI 53703
608 224-3730
Fishing lakes in each state.
091724
Lake Monona in Wisconsin.
WISCONSIN
Information about fishing lakes in WI
Walleye, bass, crappie, perch, muskie, sunfish and even sturgeon fishing is available for local and visiting anglers at Lake Monona, in south-central Wisconsin.
