The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Monona
Dane County, Wisconsin · 3,270 acres (5.1 sq mi)
53°F water, level 844 ft, windy Friday (15 mph N).
About Lake Monona
In Dane County, Wisconsin, Lake Monona covers 3,270 acres; it is a natural lake. Lake Monona is one of Madison's four connected Yahara lakes.
It stretches about 3.8 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 12.9 miles. The water sits about 840 ft above sea level. It reaches about 74 ft at its deepest, with an average depth near 27 ft. Monona is on the shore.
- Size
- 3,270 acres (5.1 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 74 ft (average 27 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 12.9 miles
- End to end
- About 3.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 840 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Dane County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Lake Monona
The fish here: bluegill and sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike and walleye. At 53°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- GoodMuskie
Fall feed. Big baits along weed edges and breaks.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
7-day trend: not enough daily readings yet.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:47 am · sunset 4:35 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Monona
- Mononaon the shore
- Madisonon the shore
- Maple Bluffabout 2.5 mi north
- Shorewood Hillsabout 2.6 mi west
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Questions about Lake Monona
What fish are in Lake Monona?
Lake Monona holds bluegill and sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike and walleye. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake Monona?
About 74 ft at the deepest point, about 27 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lake Monona?
3,270 acres, with about 12.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Monona?
Monona is on the shore.
What is the water temperature at Lake Monona today?
The surface was about 53°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Monona on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
