Lake Monona

Lake Monona

Madison, Dane County, WI
5mi²
259.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Lake Monona is a stunning 3,359-acre lake located in Dane County, Wisconsin. It is a popular recreational destination for visitors from across the state, thanks to its numerous public access points, including public boat landings and beaches. The lake's maximum depth of 74 feet and moderately clear water make it an ideal location for a variety of water-based activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. Lake Monona is home to a wide variety of fish species, including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Sturgeon, and Catfish. The Musky population in Lake Monona is particularly robust, with anglers coming from far and wide to try their luck at catching one of these trophy-sized fish. In addition, the lake's healthy population of Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass provides plenty of action for anglers of all skill levels. Lake Monona is also an important cultural and historical landmark in the region. It is part of the Yahara River chain of lakes, which also includes Lakes Mendota, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. These interconnected bodies of water played an important role in the lives of the region's Native American tribes, who relied on them for fishing, transportation, and trade. Today, Lake Monona and the other Yahara chain lakes continue to serve as important economic, cultural, and recreational resources for the surrounding communities. Visitors to Lake Monona can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, both on and off the water. In addition to fishing, boating, and swimming, the lake is a popular destination for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports. The shoreline is also home to numerous parks and picnic areas, as well as scenic hiking and biking trails. The area surrounding the lake is rich in history and culture, with numerous museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions within easy reach. In summary, Lake Monona is a beautiful and vibrant natural resource that offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests. Its clear waters, healthy fish populations, and numerous public access points make it a popular destination for anglers, boaters, and swimmers, while its cultural and historical significance add to its appeal as a destination for those interested in history, art, and culture.

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Current Conditions

68°F°
Feels like 69°F°
Clear
Today's High
75°F°
Today's Low
48°F°

Water Temperature

47°F
Updated: (May 9)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Lake Monona is 47°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind4 mph SW (Gust 6 mph)
Pressure
30.13 inHg
Visibility39 mi
Humidity28%
Cloud Cover9%

Forecast: Saturday, May 10

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
55°F°
10 AM
64°F°
1 PM
72°F°
4 PM
75°F°

Temperature

High
75°F°
Low
48°F°

Precipitation

Chance0%
Amount0.00"
Typeclear

Wind

7mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
21mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed11 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise10:39 AM
Sunset1:09 AM
Moon PhasewaxingGibbous
Max UV Index8 (Very High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
3/5

Todays action is rated a 3 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

5:00 AM - 5:00 AM

3:58 PM - 6:28 PM

Minor Times (Good)

11:04 PM - 12:34 AM

8:56 AM - 10:26 AM

Outlook for Saturday at Lake Monona

Expect temperatures ranging from 48°F to 75°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 7 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 21 mph. The maximum UV index will be 8 (Very High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 3/5 (Todays action is rated a 3 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 5:00 AM and 3:58 PM, or try the minor windows near 11:04 PM and 8:56 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Lake Monona.

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May 10th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
259 ft
Area
5 mi²
Coordinates
43.049, -89.363

Weather Forecast

Saturday

75°F
48°F

Sunday

74°F
42°F

Monday

79°F
50°F

Tuesday

75°F
57°F

Wednesday

77°F
58°F

Thursday

86°F
61°F

Friday

68°F
58°F

Saturday

62°F
50°F

Sunday

61°F
49°F
Saturday - 5/10/2025
75°F
48°F
12am
54°F
47°F
30.13 hPa
4 mph
S
G: 7 mph
2am
53°F
47°F
30.13 hPa
5 mph
SW
G: 15 mph
4am
53°F
47°F
30.12 hPa
4 mph
SW
G: 13 mph
6am
52°F
47°F
30.13 hPa
4 mph
W
G: 15 mph
8am
58°F
47°F
30.18 hPa
9 mph
NNW
G: 20 mph
10am
64°F
47°F
30.21 hPa
11 mph
NNE
G: 19 mph
12pm
69°F
47°F
30.22 hPa
10 mph
NNE
G: 15 mph
2pm
73°F
47°F
30.20 hPa
8 mph
N
G: 15 mph
4pm
75°F
47°F
30.18 hPa
9 mph
NNE
G: 13 mph
6pm
73°F
47°F
30.20 hPa
8 mph
NE
G: 12 mph
8pm
63°F
47°F
30.23 hPa
9 mph
ESE
G: 16 mph
10pm
53°F
47°F
30.29 hPa
9 mph
ESE
G: 20 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Lake Monona

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

35°F

On Jan 12

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

55°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (76°F).
  • Coolest avg: December (37°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: May → June (+13°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: October → November (-12°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm05101520

Wind Direction

173°

Pressure

1020 mb

Cloud Cover

0%

Visibility

24 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

SatSunMonTueWedThuFriSatSun0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Monona

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