Lake Monona
Lake Monona is a 3,359-acre urban lake in Dane County, second in the Yahara River chain, with a maximum depth of 74 feet. WDNR lists panfish as abundant, and largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye as common.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Bluegill
Panfish listed as abundant
Crappie
Panfish listed as abundant
Yellow Perch
Panfish listed as abundant
Largemouth Bass
Listed as common by WDNR
Northern Pike
Listed as common by WDNR
Walleye
Listed as common by WDNR
Muskellunge
Listed as present by WDNR
Smallmouth Bass
Listed as present by WDNR
Channel Catfish
Catfish listed as present by WDNR
Boat launches
4 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Olin Park Boat LaunchPublic1156 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison; largest facility; Lake Access Permit requiredDirections ↗
- Olbrich Park Boat LaunchPublic3401 Atwood Ave, Madison; narrow channel at Starkweather Creek; permit requiredDirections ↗
- Law Park Boat LaunchPublic410 S. Blair St, Madison; no trailer parking; permit requiredDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the WDNR lake page for all landingsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye Open May 2, 2026 to Mar 7, 2027 | 15 in | 3 / day |
| Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Open May 2, 2026 to Mar 7, 2027 | 14 in | 5 / day |
| Northern Pike Open May 2, 2026 to Mar 7, 2027 | 26 in | 2 / day |
| Muskellunge May 2 to Dec 31, 2026; open water only | 50 in | 1 / day |
| Panfish Open all year | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 25 / day |
| Catfish Open all year | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 10 / day |
| Trout See specific trout regulations | Varies | Varies |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Wisconsin DNR ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Harley's Liquor & BaitNearby3838 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53714608-222-7941Directions ↗
Local tips
- Fishing piers and fish cribs around the lake are good starting points
- Weed edges and docks hold bass and panfish
- Madison-area launches require a Lake Access Permit
View on interactive map
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.