Fishing At Lake Monona

AKA: Monona Lake

What 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.

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 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. 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.

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

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.

Click here for a Wisconsin Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Capital Springs State Recreation Area Campground - 608 224-3730

Lake Monona WI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Lake Video

Contact Information

Lake Monona
Capital Springs State Recreation Area
Beltline Hwy
Madison, WI 53703
608 224-3730

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