Size
3,360ac
Boat Launch
Carry-in Launch
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
Species in Lake Monona
Largemouth bass
Walleye
Northern pike
Muskellunge
Bluegill
Perch
Pumpkinseed
White bass
Smallmouth bass
Crappie
Channel catfish
Rock bass
Tiger muskellunge
Sturgeon
Yellow Bass
Overview
Year-round panfishing. Quality largemouth bass and northern pike. Muskie population improving.
Lake Monona Map
Fishing Regulations
Special Fishing Regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Regulations listed below are currently in place. Visit the fishing regulations page for links to upcoming regulations for specific lakes.
Special Waterbody Regulations
- Catch and release fishing 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.
Special Species Regulations
- Walleye, Saugers, and Hybrids: May 3, 2025 to March 1, 2026: The minimum length limit is 15” and the daily bag limit is 3
- Bullheads: Open all year: There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited
- Catfish: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10
- Cisco and whitefish: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10
- Lake sturgeon: Closed. No fishing allowed.
- Muskellunge and hybrids: May 3, 2025 to December 31, 2025: The minimum length limit is 50” and the daily bag limit is 1
- Northern pike: May 3, 2025 to March 1, 2026: The minimum length limit is 26” and the daily bag limit is 2
- Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass: May 3, 2025 to March 1, 2026: The minimum length limit is 14” and the daily bag limit is 5
- Largemouth bass: See Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.
- Smallmouth bass: See Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.
- Paddlefish: Closed. No fishing allowed.
- Rock, Yellow, and White Bass: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited
- Rough fish: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited
- Round goby: Open all year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office
- Ruffe: Open all year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office
- Shovelnose sturgeon: Closed. No fishing allowed.
- Trout and salmon: See Trout regulations layer.
- White perch: Open all year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office
- Bluegill: See Panfish.
- Bowfin: See Rough Fish.
- Channel catfish: See Catfish.
- Crappies: See Panfish.
- Flathead catfish: See Catfish.
- Hybrid, Striped, Yellow, and White Bass: See Rock, Yellow and White Bass.
- Longnose gar: See Rough Fish.
- Sauger and hybrids: See Walleye, Sauger, and Hybrids.
- Shortnose gar: See Rough Fish.
- Urban waters gamefish: This waterbody is not considered an urban water, Urban Waters Gamefish regulations do not apply.
- Walleye: See Walleye, Sauger, and Hybrids.
- Panfish: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25
Features
Lake Monona is located in south central Wisconsin, with the cities of Madison and Monona bordering the lake. Vegetation is abundant along much of the shoreline, offering excellent habitat for fish, and opportunities for shore anglers. Despite the metropolitan setting, there are several public parks that are very accessible for shore anglers.
The lake is highly used for many recreational activities. As a very large, open body of water, heavy winds and heavy recreational use can create large unpredictable waves on the lake. Take caution when operating smaller watercraft on the lake.
The Wisconsin DNR regulates the lake’s fishery through harvest regulations and stocking efforts. Check the current Wisconsin DNR fishing regulation manual for size requirements and daily bag limits.
Forage
Northern brook silverside, bluntnose minnow and both common and golden shiners make up a portion of the forage base. White sucker and juvenile panfish provide an excellent forage base for large predator species.
Seasonal Movements
Several species make spawning runs to the Yahara River, including: white bass, crappie, northern pike and walleye. Northern pike tend to concentrate spawning near Upper Mud Lake. Spring water levels can affect the movement to these areas.
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Top Fish Species
Largemouth bass
7-20 in
Length Range
12 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Understanding Abundance
Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.Species Lengths
2022
May
2022
May
