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.

Read more

Current Conditions

75°F°
Feels like 75°F°
PartlyCloudy
Today's High
71°F°
Today's Low
49°F°

Water Temperature

49°F
Updated: (May 6)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Lake Monona is 49°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind5 mph W (Gust 10 mph)
Pressure
29.94 inHg
Visibility32 mi
Humidity38%
Cloud Cover51%

Forecast: Wednesday, May 7

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
55°F°
10 AM
65°F°
1 PM
70°F°
4 PM
70°F°

Temperature

High
71°F°
Low
49°F°

Precipitation

Chance0%
Amount0.00"
Typeclear

Wind

9mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
25mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed13 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise10:43 AM
Sunset1:05 AM
Moon PhasewaxingGibbous
Max UV Index6 (High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

2:14 AM - 4:44 AM

2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Minor Times (Good)

7:57 PM - 9:27 PM

8:03 AM - 9:33 AM

Outlook for Wednesday at Lake Monona

Expect temperatures ranging from 49°F to 71°F. Skies look partly cloudy with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 9 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 25 mph. The maximum UV index will be 6 (High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 2:14 AM and 2:00 PM, or try the minor windows near 7:57 PM and 8:03 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Lake Monona.

Lake Map Views

LakeMonster PRO

Try Premium Features

Find the fishing sweet spots! See detailed temperature readings throughout your lake.

No credit card required for preview

May 7th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
259 ft
Area
5 mi²
Coordinates
43.049, -89.363

Weather Forecast

Wednesday

71°F
49°F

Thursday

63°F
41°F

Friday

67°F
37°F

Saturday

77°F
48°F

Sunday

78°F
48°F

Monday

77°F
57°F

Tuesday

73°F
59°F

Wednesday

80°F
60°F

Thursday

77°F
65°F
Wednesday - 5/7/2025
71°F
49°F
12am
59°F
49°F
29.97 hPa
2 mph
W
G: 11 mph
2am
56°F
49°F
29.96 hPa
5 mph
NNW
G: 10 mph
4am
54°F
49°F
29.98 hPa
3 mph
W
G: 5 mph
6am
53°F
49°F
30.02 hPa
4 mph
NW
G: 6 mph
8am
58°F
49°F
30.05 hPa
5 mph
NE
G: 13 mph
10am
65°F
49°F
30.07 hPa
9 mph
NE
G: 17 mph
12pm
68°F
49°F
30.08 hPa
11 mph
ENE
G: 17 mph
2pm
71°F
49°F
30.05 hPa
12 mph
ENE
G: 17 mph
4pm
70°F
49°F
30.06 hPa
13 mph
ENE
G: 19 mph
6pm
67°F
49°F
30.10 hPa
13 mph
ENE
G: 19 mph
8pm
58°F
49°F
30.13 hPa
11 mph
ENE
G: 22 mph
10pm
53°F
49°F
30.17 hPa
12 mph
NE
G: 25 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

Wind Direction

267°

Pressure

1015 mb

Cloud Cover

14%

Visibility

17 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

Go Premium
Better lake days, better fishing, better you with LakeMonster Pro
Relaxing app background
LakeMonster App Icon
Get a 7 day free trial

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Monona

Get accurate, up-to-date information about conditions at Lake Monona.