Fishing Lake Monona, WI
AKA: Monona Lake
Boat and bank fishing
Last updated on .
Popular Fish Species
Muskie Fishing
Fishing for muskellunge in Lake Monona could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Lake Monona, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Monona. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Lake & Fishing Video
Fishing tips for boat or bank fishing
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch, musky, northern pike and sturgeon at Lake Monona in Wisconsin.
Completely encircled by cities, Lake Monona with 13 miles of shoreline, is easily accessible for boating and fishing. The lake covers 9,800 acres and is located in the south-central part of the state, at Madison, WI. Ice fishing is popular in winter when the ice is safe. Lake Monona is one of the prominent lakes in the Madison chain of lakes. It offers a variety of popular fish species including walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white bass, black crappie, white crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Monona
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Monona Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
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Fishing Boat Rentals
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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
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Fishing License
Click here for a Wisconsin Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Capital Springs State Recreation Area Campground - 608 224-3730
Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Capital Springs State Recreation Area
Beltline Hwy
Madison, WI 53703
608 224-3730
Fishing lakes in each state
020626
WISCONSIN
Information about fishing lakes in WI
Walleye, bass, crappie, perch, muskie, sunfish and even sturgeon fishing is available for local and visiting anglers at Lake Monona, in south-central Wisconsin.
