Lake Koshkokong
Did you know Lake Koshkonong is not a true lake but flooded marshland? In 1851, Western European settlers to the area built the first Indianford dam which eventually created the lake visible today.
Imagine what the first inhabitants in the area saw and experienced. prior to the damming of the marsh area. The Paleo Indians and later the Ho-Chunk built camps along the shoreline. The Potawatomi migrated from the East Coast in the 17th century to avoid conflicts with the tribes in that region. According to a Wikipedia entry, "The Iroquois colonized the northern shore of Lake Ontario and sent raiding parties westward all the way to Illinois Country. The tribes of Illinois were eventually defeated, not by the Iroquois, but by the Potawatomi." Lucien B. Caswell an early, Western European settler described the marshland "as a flowing stream so densely packed with wild rice and celery that it was hard to even navigate in a canoe."
Today, visitors have access to the lake from public boat landings, public beaches. The lake's water clarity is very low. Shallow lakes tend to have lower visibility issues due to sediment from the lake bottom being suspended throughout the water column during heavy winds and the Spring and Fall overturns. Bottom feeders such as carp can create low clarity as well as runoff from nearby farm lands.
Additionally, the large, shallow lake can whip up chop quick in a storm due to its' shallow depths. Hook and line fishing is open all year for fish species except muskellunge, lake sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered species. Motor Trolling is allowed with up to 3 hooks, baits, or lures, per angler.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Lakeview Campground Beach
Address: 1901 E. State Rd. 59, Milton
A private campground on Lake Koshkonong, just north of Milton. Water is sampled at the licensed swimming beach. Choose from water recreational activities like swimming, fishing, skiing, and boating.
Lakeland Campground Beach
Address: 2803 E. State Rd. 59, Milton
Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds
Address: W7561 Koshkonong Mounds Rd,
Visit the historic, sacred grounds of Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds, near Ft. Atkinson. The 11 remaining mounds overlooking the lake were built by people living in the region between 700 - 1100 A.D. Wisconsin has the highest number of effigy mounds in the U.S. No other country in the World contains as many well preserved indigenous mound building sites as our state does.
Wide-open Walleyes On Koshkonong, Wisconsin's Eighth Largest Lake
by Jeff Brown, staff writer for the Edgerton Reporter
One hundred and sixty-nine years ago Lake Koshkonong was a vast marsh. sac, Fox, Potawatomi and Winnebago (Ho-chunk) tribes lived along Read More
Ice Fishing Tips:
In late January to early February panfishing is good most notably perch and pike. Walleye bite is sometimes variable due to its' popularity with anglers but Lake Koshkonong has an "exceptional" adult walleye population, according to DNR fisheries biologist Don Bush.Shiner. There are four public access points for Kosh. Try the end North Shore Rd, It is quiet but anglers are finding perch there. Also check out Vinnie HaHa Road there’s action going on there. Norm’s Hideaway Bar & Grill (closed) at end of Kuahn Road off Carcajou road is good place to enter Kosh as well. Try out Royce-Dallman park off N. Charlie Bluff Road.
Lake Koshkonong is a year-round fishery so there are no restrictions for fish. Once the ice melts away Walleye will start to become active with water temps around 40 -45F. Look for Walleye getting active post spawning in late April
Events
Karaoke @ Lakeview @ Pettit's Lakeview Campground and Bar
Every Saturday, May 20 - July 15 @ 9:00 pm The best DJ & Karaoke around!
Karaoke @ Lakeview @ Pettit's Lakeview Campground and Bar
Every Saturday, May 20 - July 15 @ 9:00 pm The best DJ & Karaoke around!
Lake Koshkonong In Depth
| Lake Info. | Data |
|---|---|
| Area | 10,595 Acres |
| Max. Depth | 7 feet |
| Median Depth | 5 feet |
| Boat landings | 4 |
| County | Dane, Jefferson, Rock |
| Fish | Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye and Catfish |
What are the current water levels?
Find up to date water level data for the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong from the NOAA and the National Weather Service
Towns Nearby
EDGERTON
Just 18 minutes southwest lies Edgerton, the Cigar Tobacco Market Capitol of the U.S., Pauline Pottery, Chilimania, home to Rascal the Raccoon, and the Sterling North Film Festival. The town has, a great public library, shops and restaurants,, so much awaits you and your imagination in Edgerton.
FT. ATKINSON
Located northeast of Lake Koshkonong, Fort Atkinson is home to Nasco, one of the largest suppliers of farm supplies, toys and educational materials in the U.S., Hoard's Dairyman, an American dairy magazine, the world's only intaglio effigy mound, and of course the venerable Fireside Theater.
Here is more about Ft. Atkinson.
Attractions Nearby
AZTALAN
Spring, Summer, Winter or Fall, Aztalan State Park's over 170 acres of restored prairie and Oak Savannah is a Lakes Edition recommended daytrip for hiking, fishing, learning about Wisconsin's history, play or picnic with families and friends. More
KOSHKONONG EFFIGY MOUNDS
Constructed around AD 650 and 1200. these earthen mounds were purposely sited on the shore of Lake Koshkonong by descendants of the Ho-Chunk people. The effigy mounds were built in various shapes of animals( turtles, snakes, birds) native to Southern Wisconsin.. Dozens of these mounds existed in the area but eventually destroyed by European immigrant agriculture
