Drainage lake

Cherokee Lake

Dane County, Wisconsin

Cherokee Lake is a shallow widening of the Yahara River in Cherokee Marsh on Madison's north side. The marsh is a key spawning area for northern pike.

Air temp in Waunakee, WI Loading current temperature…

Outline: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 24K Hydrography.

Current air temperature at Cherokee Lake (National Weather Service) ↗

Surface area193 acres

Max depth20 ft

Shoreline—

Boat motorsCheck local rules

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Northern Pike●●●○○

Marsh is spawning and nursery habitat

Boat launches

2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

Cherokee Park launchPublic
School Road launch in Cherokee Park, 1000 Burning Wood Way, Madison. Best for canoes and kayaks. No motorboat ramp listed by the city.Directions ↗
More public accessPublic
See the WDNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Cherokee Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Wisconsin DNR ↗

Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Wisconsin DNR before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.

Search more bait shops near Cherokee Lake ↗

Local tips

Small boats, canoes and kayaks work best here.
The lake is about 20 feet deep at most and averages 9.
Carp are abundant in the marsh. Expect them near shore.

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Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.