Lake Monona

(Video sequence by Lakesediton.com staff)

Bordering the southern edge of downtown Madison's isthmus, the lake has become very popular all year round with anglers from across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois especially in the winter months when Monona Bay freezes over.


There are several boat launches and places to rent kayaks, paddle boards and canoes around the shore. Lake Monona is moderately clear. and has the following invasive species: Banded Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Spiny Waterflea, Zebra Mussel.  Always remember to clean your boat hull after exiting each lake.


Catch and release fishing on Lake Monona for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year round unless otherwise noted. Motor Trolling is allowed with up to 3 hooks, baits, or lures, per angler.


Lake Monona is popular destination for northern Illinois anglers who use boat launches at Olin-Turville Park. Olin-Turville Park is located in Lake Monona's southern shore just off of John Nolen Drive. .The lake is equally popular in the winter as many fisherman try their patience and mettle when Monona Bay freezes over.



FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY: Recent sampling by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources  shows elevated PFOS in fish tissue and surface water of Lake Monona.. PFOS is one of many per- and  polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found. This chemical was used in firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and  food wrappers. According to the DNR white bass, bluegill and crappie tend to have higher levels of PFOS.



This chemical accumulates in the body, and can cause long term health issues such as cancer.


Local Bite

Most anglers visiting Lake Monona try their luck with a twisting jig or minnow near Yahara River entrance. Catfish, walleyes and walleye's relatives Saugers can be found in the shallows of the Monona Bay. Try for crappies and large mouths near Monona Terrace.

Events

Tuesday, April 22 | Eco-Action Tuesdays | Monona Public Library

Celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day with environmental authors

Jerry Apps and Natasha Kassulke will be at the Monona Public Library!

Join us on the 55th anniversary of Earth Day for a special event featuring Jerry Apps, renowned Wisconsin historian and author, as he reflects on his legacy of environmental writing. This discussion, which includes his co-author of Planting and Idea: Critical and Creative Thinking About Environmental Issues, Natasha Kassulke, will explore the role of storytelling in environmental conservation and the importance of fostering a sustainable future. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from one of the state’s most celebrated voices in environmental literature. Learn more & register.


Olin Park Holiday Light Display


With Lake Monona as the backdrop and a dramatic view of the downtown Madison skyline at night the Olin Park Holiday Lights at Olin Park are free night time adventure of holiday cheer for the whole family.  Drive through anytime Dusk until Dawn to enjoy this magical light show for free, brought to you by The Electric Group. Olin Park is located of John Nolen Drive at 1156 Olin-Turville Ct

The Lake Monona 20K Run and 5K Run/Walk, offers a beautiful course  around the lake with springtime temperatures ideal for running, and combines small-race feel with big-race perks. For those with longer distance ambitions, this “almost” half marathon is a great way to peak your spring training, or to prepare for a spring marathon. For those interested in a shorter distance to tackle, there is also a 5K run/walk option. The races with several age groups begin and ends in Winnequah Park, Monona. Consult the Lake Monona 20K website. For more information

Lake Monona In Depth

Lake Info. Data
Area 3359 acres
Max. Depth 74 feet
Median Depth 24 feet
Boat Landings 4
County Dane
Fish Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Sturgeon and Catfish

Towns Nearby

MADISON


Located on the Northern shore of Lake Monona, Wisconsin's Capitol City is not just a college town, it is a progressive bastion of thought and a biotech and health technology powerhouse. There is little doubt when you visit the Badger State's 2nd largest city, located on an Isthmus, why it is often chosen as one of the top urban centers to live, from Wallet Hub to Livability.com see why so many choose Madison as great place to visit and live

MONONA


More than just the namesake for the lake bordering the town's northern and western edges Monona is growing up beyond its' simple beginnings in the 1860s. Today, the urban center is home to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and several new developments along the Yahara river banks. Monona also is a great place for local foodies to find a diverse offering of ethnic restaurants and grocery stores.