What You'll Find at Lake Monona
Lake Monona is a 5,300-acre urban lake in Dane County, bordered by Madison on the north and Monona on the south. The lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, panfish (bluegill and crappie), and catfish. Depths range from shallow bays and weed beds along the shoreline to about 80 feet in the deepest holes, which makes it productive for both shallow-water and structure fishing.
The lake sits in a heavily developed area, but it remains a working fishery with public access at multiple points. The water is moderately fertile — not crystal clear, but not murky either — and the mix of residential shoreline, public parks, and natural areas creates varied habitat. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons, though summer fishing is possible if you fish early morning or evening and focus on deeper water.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Monona holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and panfish in a 5,300-acre urban lake with public access at parks and boat launches.
- Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons; summer requires early morning or evening fishing in deeper water.
- A Wisconsin fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older, and current regulations include specific size and bag limits that vary by species.
- Public boat launches operate at Tenney Park, Warner Park, and Olbrich Gardens; shore fishing is available at multiple parks around the lake.
- Weed beds and drop-offs near the shoreline hold bass and pike; deeper holes and structure attract walleye and larger catfish.
Public Access and Boat Launches
Three public boat launches serve Lake Monona. Tenney Park on the north shore (Madison side) has a concrete ramp, parking, and restrooms. Warner Park, also on the north shore, offers a ramp and is less crowded than Tenney. Olbrich Gardens on the south shore (Monona side) has a smaller launch and limited parking but provides access to the southern half of the lake.
All three launches charge a daily fee or require a Wisconsin state park vehicle sticker. Parking fills quickly on weekends during spring and fall. Shore fishing is possible at Tenney Park, Warner Park, and several smaller parks around the shoreline, though some residential areas restrict access. Check the City of Madison Parks and Recreation website for current hours and any seasonal closures.
Bass and Pike Fishing Seasons
Largemouth and smallmouth bass season runs year-round on Lake Monona, but spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive. In spring, bass move into shallow bays and weed beds to spawn and feed heavily before and after the spawn. Target areas with emergent vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky points in 2 to 8 feet of water.
Northern pike follow a similar pattern. They are active in spring shallows and again in fall as water cools. Pike often hunt in weed edges and near structure; casting large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures along weed lines produces strikes. Summer bass and pike fishing is slower but possible in early morning or late evening when you fish deeper structure — drop-offs, submerged trees, and deeper weed beds in 15 to 30 feet of water.
Walleye and Panfish Opportunities
Walleye are present in Lake Monona but less abundant than bass or pike. They concentrate near deeper structure and are most active at dawn, dusk, and during low-light conditions. Fish the deeper holes (40 to 80 feet) with live bait — shiners or crawfish — or vertical jigging with small jigs and minnows. Spring and fall are again the most reliable times, though some walleye remain active through summer in the deepest water.
Panfish — bluegill and crappie — are abundant and accessible to anglers of all skill levels. Bluegill spawn in shallow bays in late spring and early summer; fish weed edges and drop-offs in 3 to 8 feet of water with small jigs, spinners, or live crickets. Crappie are slightly deeper and more structure-oriented; they school around submerged trees and brush piles. Both species bite year-round, though spring and fall are peak seasons.
Regulations and Licensing
All anglers 16 years old and older must carry a valid Wisconsin fishing license. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops. A three-day license is available if you do not want to purchase an annual license.
Current regulations for Lake Monona include specific size and bag limits for each species. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size with a 5-fish daily bag limit. Smallmouth bass are also 12 inches minimum with a 5-fish limit. Northern pike are 24 inches minimum with a 1-fish daily limit. Walleye are 15 inches minimum with a 5-fish limit. Panfish (bluegill and crappie combined) have no size minimum and a 25-fish daily bag limit. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you fish, as rules can change year to year.
Bait, Tackle, and Local Resources
Live bait — shiners, crawfish, and minnows — is available at several shops near the lake. Monona Bait and Tackle on the south shore stocks live bait, tackle, and local knowledge about current conditions. Artificial lures work well for bass and pike; spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, and topwater plugs are standard choices. For walleye and panfish, small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) with live bait or soft plastics are effective.
The lake is close enough to Madison that you can also visit larger sporting goods retailers in the city for specialized gear. Local fishing reports and conditions are sometimes posted on the Wisconsin DNR website and on regional fishing forums, though Lake Monona does not have a dedicated monitoring program. Your best source for current information is a conversation with staff at a local bait shop or other anglers you meet on the water.
What Makes Lake Monona Different
Lake Monona is an urban fishery with reliable public access and a solid mix of species, but it is not a trophy lake. Bass and pike are present and catchable, but fish tend to be smaller than those in more remote Wisconsin lakes. The trade-off is convenience — you can fish Lake Monona without a long drive, and the lake is productive enough that you will catch fish if you fish the right structure at the right time of year.
The lake's fertility and moderate depth make it especially good for panfish and for anglers learning to fish structure. If you are new to bass or pike fishing, Lake Monona's weed beds and shallow bays offer clear, accessible places to practice. If you are after a fast panfish outing or want to fish close to home, this lake delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Lake Monona in winter?
Yes. Ice fishing is possible when the lake freezes solid, typically December through February. Panfish and some walleye are caught through the ice. Check ice thickness (at least 4 inches for walking, 5 to 7 inches for small vehicles) and current conditions before heading out. Winter regulations are the same as open-water season.
What is the best time of day to fish Lake Monona?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (late afternoon through sunset) are most productive, especially in spring and fall. Summer fishing is slow during midday; focus on early morning or evening when water temperature is lower and fish are more active. Overcast days are better than bright, sunny days.
Do I need a boat to fish Lake Monona?
No. Shore fishing is available at several public parks, including Tenney Park and Warner Park. You will have access to shallower water and weed beds from shore, which is good for bass, pike, and panfish. A boat gives you access to deeper structure and more of the lake, but it is not required.
Are there size restrictions on boats at Lake Monona?
Lake Monona allows all types of boats, including kayaks and canoes. There is no horsepower limit, though the lake is relatively small and crowded on weekends. Kayaks and canoes are popular for fishing the shallows and weed beds along the shoreline.
Where can I find current fishing reports for Lake Monona?
The Wisconsin DNR website posts general statewide fishing reports. Local bait shops near the lake often have current information about what is biting and where. Online fishing forums and social media groups focused on Wisconsin fishing sometimes include Lake Monona reports, though these vary in reliability.