Lake Monona

Does anyone know if any piers are in at any of the launches? We’ve had open water for a month now, would be nice to get out! Thanks for any information available!

Hit Monona for the first time this open water season. Was able to get through the narrow, shallow area at Olbrich with the trolling motor. Water temp was 39.6°F, clarity poor. Bunch of larger (than panfish) fish seen after getting out past the breakwater. Historically they're Carp but I didn't take the time to try and find out. The snapshot shows the end of one of the large schools. Was nice out there this afternoon, only saw one other boat. Found a couple of new objects, shot some video but they weren't very good unless you were right on top of the hit. Was surprised to not see a single panfish on a piece of structure that almost always holds them.May hit  Mendota again tomorrow, we'll see what the wind is doing first.

Water levels are low all over.  Another likely contributing factor is the lack of ice cover which leads to increased evaporation. 

In my 20 yrs fishing this chain (I know, a nube), I've never seen the water this low, this time of year (recognizing of course that the lakes have not been ice free this early). West Waubesa shoreline is now a bonafide beach.  

When you look at the current water levels the county is correct in their statement, and to further push the envelope they're above the winter minimum levels. So they're managing the levels according to their set levels, but in reality their parameters are not realistic. Just makes it accurate to make statements like this. They are adjusting the percentage the dams are open now at Babcock and LaFollette, both single digits open now and the last posted opening at Tenney was a while ago and it was at 22% open. They need to readdress their summer and winter minimum levels so we're not in the shape we currently are.

LOL at you guys.  You want him to make it rain?

It's a chain, folks.  You can't let more water out of the lakes than is coming in, otherwise the level drops.

And your understanding of physics is a bit strained if you think dredging has anything to do with water levels, particularly if there is no water flowing....the dams determine the levels.

The USGS has level gauges with historical data back decades if you would like to review....
​Mendota​​​
​Monona​​​
​​Waubesa​​​
​Kegonsa​​​

It's 3 weeks before normal ice-out.  Patience, and precipitation, please.

This is the guy who told me this is normal and the lakes are only 1’ below summer min, I encourage everyone to email this guy and ask what’s going on?  The lake levels are 100% from mismanagement from the county.  I spoke directly to the USGA and he can’t believe that the dredging in McFarland was allowed to happen and they exceeded the depth of the permit,  now they are trying to add rocks back for the walleye to spawn.  

[email protected]

I'm 57 and grew up on the shores of Lake Monona. The water levels on Monona and Waubesa are the lowest I have ever seen them. My buddy and I went and checked out launches on Waubesa and Monona today. It appears they are down between 2 and 3 feet. Mendota appears to be down maybe 10-12 inches. I called Dane County Land and Water to ask if the Tenney Locks and Dam are operating properly and they said they were. I have no insight as to why they are this low, but I do not believe the lack of snow and/or the dredging are solely to blame. If the levels don't come up dramatically, motoring between Waubesa and Monona and even launching are going to be a concern. The photos are of Babcock and Lottes launches, which appear to be significantly low. The other photo is the Mendota side of Tenney, Water appears down 10-12 inches based on the white water line. Just my 2-cents.  

More low water pics. The county control the water level . They kept it low all last year . I hope we get some big rains to fill it back up . 2picks from Four Lakes Yacht club/Buck &Honey's. Other pic shows past levels vs now .  

The water is low because of lack of precipitation the last year and also because of the county's dredging operations. When you remove the amount of sediment they have its going to lower levels.