How to Fish Lake Monona: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Monona

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Monona

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	50-62	Pre-spawn bass are actively feeding and transitioning from winter areas to spawning locations, staging near submerged vegetation in 6-12 foot depths. Fish are responding well to moving baits as evidenced by success with jerkbaits and swimbaits. Bass are seeking warmer water areas, particularly in the mid-50s to low 60s, and showing aggressive feeding behavior when proper temperature zones are located.	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly coontail weed beds in 6-12 foot depth range Docks and dock areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water Points and wind-blown areas where water may be slightly warmer	Hard Jerkbaits worked with pauses along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily over weed flats Ned Rigs worked around dock areas Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation	Bluegill - consistently mentioned in reports as primary forage Smaller baitfish - indicated by success with swimbaits and natural baitfish colors	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Pre-spawn smallmouth are transitioning from winter areas to spawning grounds, staging on transition areas like points and rocky shelves Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning	Main lake points with boulder/rock structure Secondary points leading into spawning bays Transitional areas between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning flats	Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations along rocky transitions Drop Shot with subtle movements near structure Ned Rigs dragged slowly across rocky points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small perch in transitional areas Juvenile bluegill near developing weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes are transitioning from winter areas to spawning locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, with the turbid water (1.5m secchi) extending feeding windows Movement patterns follow shoreline breaks and hard bottom areas as fish stage for spawning	Rock piles and rip rap areas in 8-15 foot range, especially near spawning areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays Transition areas where hard bottom meets emerging weed growth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows for neutral/negative fish	Minnows concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small perch near rock/gravel transitions Juvenile bluegills near emerging weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Bluegill are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive and territorial as water temperatures rise, congregating near emerging vegetation and protected shoreline areas	Shallow weed edges in 7-10 feet transitioning to spawning flats Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 4-7 feet Secondary points near spawning bays with hard bottom composition	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet below surface near weed edges Hover/Mid-Strolling with micro presentations along transition areas Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through emerging vegetation	Early season aquatic insects including chironomids and mayfly nymphs Small crustaceans in and around vegetation Emerging weed-based microorganisms	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	58-72	Muskie are actively patrolling shallow water transitions (6-10 feet) along weed edges, using these areas as primary ambush points Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, actively striking moving baits like swimbaits and crankbaits along structure Pre-spawn movement patterns focus on warming shorelines, particularly the south and southwest areas	Deep weed edges in 6-10 foot depth range, particularly along south and southwest shorelines Rocky areas and rip rap, especially in shallow water Transition areas where vegetation meets harder bottom structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to weed edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') bounced off rocky structure Bladed Jigs worked through transition areas Spinnerbaits cast along weed edges	Shallow water baitfish schools Young of year panfish in weed edges Small northern pike in transitional areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from deeper wintering areas to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on minnows around submerged vegetation Fish are becoming more aggressive in feeding as water temperatures rise, particularly during afternoon hours when temperatures peak	Submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depths, especially near deeper water access Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation Dock areas adjacent to spawning flats	Bobbers with small plastics suspended 2-4 feet deep near cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around vegetation edges Crappie Dock Shooting when fish are relating to dock structures	Small minnows in the 1-2 inch range Young-of-year baitfish around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are moving into spawning areas and transitional zones, with aggressive feeding around laydowns and submerged vegetation as evidenced by recent reports Fish showing reactive strikes on suspended presentations with long pauses, particularly during feeding windows near dusk	Laydowns and shallow wood cover in spawning bays, particularly in wind-protected areas Submerged vegetation edges in 6-12 foot range Secondary points leading into spawning bays with complex shoreline development	Texas Rigs (Worming) with soft plastics around laydowns and wood cover Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses, especially in areas with submerged vegetation Wacky Rigs for finesse presentation in clearer pockets	Bluegill in spawning areas and around vegetation Minnows suspended near vegetation edges Crawfish becoming active around wood cover and rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, actively moving to shallow boulder and gravel areas to establish nests. Males are aggressive and territorial, defending nesting sites. Fish are primarily in the 3-8 foot depth range, with activity levels highest during warmer parts of the day when water temperatures climb.	Boulder fields in 3-8 foot depth range, especially those near deeper water access Protected bays with gravel or rock bottom substrate Points with scattered rock and boulder structure	Swim Jigs worked slowly near spawning areas, matching the recent success reports Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured or spooky fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking bluegill forage	Bluegill, which are confirmed primary forage based on fishing reports Crawfish becoming active in warming spring waters Small perch in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are moving into shallow rocky areas and current areas for spawning, typically most active during dawn and dusk periods Post-spawn fish transition to nearby recovery areas, often relating to the first drop-off or structure adjacent to spawning grounds	Rocky shorelines and points in 2-6 foot depth range Riprap areas near deeper water access First drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas in 8-12 foot range	Blade Baits worked slowly along rocky areas Live Bait Rigs with minnows near transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations	Minnows gathering in spawning areas Small perch in transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively engaging in spawning behavior, with males building and guarding nests in shallow protected areas Congregating in large numbers around shallow bays and coves with hard bottom composition Most aggressive during pre-spawn feeding periods, becoming more protective during actual spawn	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom in 2-4 feet of water Edges of emerging weed growth in 4-7 feet Shallow coves with morning sun exposure	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 1-2 feet below surface Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small aquatic worms	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Muskie are transitioning into spawning areas in shallow bays and flats, with females moving in first followed by males. Post-spawn fish remain shallow but become more aggressive Fish are relatively lethargic during the actual spawn but become more active as water warms, particularly during daily warming trends	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-6 feet of water, especially on the southwest and south shorelines Transitional areas between spawning bays and deeper water, particularly where weed edges are developing Protected areas near points that offer quick access to both shallow and deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas and along emerging weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speeds parallel to developing weed lines and shoreline structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked around transition areas and points	Northern Pike (smaller specimens) Yellow Perch Various Panfish species gathering in similar spawning areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) around docks, laydowns, and vegetated areas as water temperatures rise Males arrive first to prepare nests, followed by females, with peak activity during stable weather patterns Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, becomes sporadic during actual spawn	Protected shallow bays with docks and laydowns in 2-6 foot depth range Vegetation edges and pockets in 4-8 foot range Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Young-of-year baitfish Small bluegills Aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	75-80	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding but scattered across multiple depth zones, with some fish relating to shallow vegetation for bluegill forage while others are moving to deeper weed edges Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior when located, particularly around vegetation edges and matted grass, with reports indicating strong strikes on crawfish imitators	Weed edges in 7-14 foot depth range, particularly where submerged vegetation creates defined edges Matted vegetation near shallow bluegill spawning areas Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those with nearby vegetation	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through thick vegetation and along weed edges Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation, especially during warmer parts of the day Wacky Rigs worked around docks and sparse vegetation Bladed Jigs for covering water and locating active fish	Bluegill, particularly around shallow spawning areas Crawfish, as evidenced by strong strikes on craw-imitating presentations	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding along weed edges in post-spawn transition, taking advantage of emerging vegetation and abundant forage Fish are showing suspended feeding patterns, striking both bottom presentations and water column baits	Weed line edges where vegetation meets deeper water Rocky points and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays Transition areas between hard structure and emerging weed growth	Damiki Rig worked along weed edges and suspended over structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish Swim Jigs worked parallel to weed edges	Young of year perch Bluegill Crawfish emerging from winter locations	Light Neutral Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	55-67	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing weed edges and rock structures in 12-16 foot range Fish are responding to both slow and aggressive presentations, suggesting mixed activity levels as water warms Due to turbid conditions (1.5m secchi), fish remain active throughout the day, with traditional peak feeding during lower light periods	Sparse weed edges in 12-16 foot range Rock piles in similar depth zones Points and transitions near spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked with slow swimming or snap-jigging retrieve Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly Live Bait Rigs with slow dragging presentation	Bluegill Minnows Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding but still relating to shallow areas, gradually transitioning to summer patterns Fish are spreading out along weed edges and utilizing the extensive vegetation zones in 7-14 feet of water Feeding activity increases during morning and evening hours, with fish moving between shallow and deeper vegetation	Weed edges in 7-14 feet adjacent to spawning areas Protected coves with submerged vegetation Secondary points with vegetation near deeper water	Bobbers with small jigs suspended near weed tops Hover/Mid-Strolling along weed edges Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Tiny crustaceans in weed beds Small minnows in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	55-68	Post-spawn muskies are actively recovering and starting to feed, primarily targeting shallow areas with abundant forage and cover Fish are establishing predictable movement patterns along weed edges in 6-10 feet of water, with increased activity during warming trends	Weed edges and transitions in 6-10 feet of water, especially on the southwest and south shorelines Complex shoreline points and bays with emerging vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish are congregating	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through transition areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') targeting points and bay entrances	Shallow-oriented walleye and northern pike Various panfish species gathering in emerging weed growth Baitfish schools moving into warming shallows	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, suspending near cover in 6-12 foot depths Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, targeting small baitfish and insects around vegetation edges and cover	Outer edges of vegetation in 6-12 foot range where crappie can suspend and ambush prey Deeper dock edges adjacent to spawning flats where fish stage during post-spawn recovery Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot zones providing shade and cover	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to cover water and find active fish Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around docks and brush with light jigs Hover/Mid-Strolling with small soft plastics near suspended fish	Young-of-year baitfish growing in and around vegetation Small insects and invertebrates in vegetation Smaller bluegill fry in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	77-82	Largemouth bass are actively feeding on bluegill beds in shallow water (2-4 feet) and along weed edges (8-12 feet), with increased activity during lower light conditions Fish are showing aggressive responses to fast movements when baits are ripped through cover, particularly in brush pile areas	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range, particularly where they intersect with other structure Shallow bluegill spawning areas in 2-4 feet of water Brush piles and matted vegetation, especially in areas with shade	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around bluegill beds and weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with soft plastic craws along weed edges Bladed Jigs through brush piles with aggressive rip-through retrieves	Bluegill - primary forage, especially around spawning beds Shad - secondary forage around brush piles and weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-78	Actively feeding on edges of weed beds, showing aggressive behavior toward suspended bait presentations Splitting time between submerged vegetation and nearby rock structure, using these areas as ambush points for prey	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water Rocky points with nearby vegetation Submerged boulder fields near vegetation transitions	Damiki Rig with suspended bait presentations Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with craw imitations Drop Shot along weed edges	Bluegill Crawfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Walleye	72-78	Walleye are suspending in the water column over deep basin areas, actively chasing baitfish schools 10-25 feet down over 35-40 FOW Fish are responding well to slow-twitched presentations above their holding depth, showing classic summer suspended feeding patterns Due to the turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi), walleye are remaining active throughout daylight hours	Deep basin areas in 35-40 FOW where baitfish schools are present Weed edges in 12-16 foot range, particularly during lower light periods Rock piles and hard structure areas, especially during evening transitions	Hover/Mid-Strolling with suspended bait presentations Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly above fish Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses to trigger suspended fish	Minnows suspended in the water column Perch along weed edges and structure Bluegills relating to weed edges	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Bluegill actively feeding in and around weed edges and submerged vegetation at depths of 7-14 feet during summer, moving shallower during morning and evening hours Adult bluegill establishing colonies near hard-bottom areas in 2-4 feet for spawning, with non-spawning fish maintaining deeper patterns Feeding actively on insects and small invertebrates throughout the water column, particularly concentrated around vegetation	Weed edges at 7-14 feet depth, particularly where there are transitions in vegetation density Protected coves with submerged vegetation Hard-bottom spawning areas in 2-4 feet of water near shore structure	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at various depths around weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs around vegetation Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shots for finesse presentations	Aquatic insects including mayflies, caddisflies, and midges Small crustaceans and invertebrates in vegetation Zooplankton in open water areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Muskie	72-80	Muskies are suspending near weed edges in 6-10 feet, making periodic moves to deeper water during peak heat Active feeding occurs during dawn/dusk periods, with fish utilizing weed edges as primary travel corridors Fish are following suspended baitfish schools and ambushing prey from structure edges	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially on southwest and south shorelines Points and bays with complex structure where baitfish schools congregate Offshore suspended baitfish locations during peak heat periods	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points during prime feeding periods Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits during lower light conditions near structure	Suspended baitfish schools Northern Pike Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Suspending along deep weed edges in 6-12 foot range, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Relating strongly to shade during bright days, utilizing dock shadows and thick vegetation for cover Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish gathering in larger groups around prime feeding areas	Deep weed edges in 6-12 foot range, especially where vegetation meets distinct breaks Shaded areas under and between docks with nearby deep water access Thick vegetation patches near channel edges or basin transitions	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to cover water efficiently Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in shaded areas and dock corners Crappie Spider Rigging along deeper vegetation edges	Young-of-year baitfish relating to weed edges Small minnows schooling in shade Juvenile bluegill in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Monona

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively feeding in preparation for winter, keying on baitfish and bluegills around vegetation edges and wind-blown areas Fish are transitioning between shallow and mid-depth zones, showing increased activity during morning hours and in turbid water conditions	Weed edges in 6-12 foot depth range, particularly where vegetation is dying off Docks with nearby grass, especially in wind-blown areas Dying lily pad patches in shallow water	Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Swim Jigs around docks and through windblown areas Buzzbaits over dying vegetation and lily pads during morning hours	Bluegill congregating around weed edges Minnows schooling in wind-blown areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	63-73	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on forage fish, particularly perch, while relating to rocky structure as water temperatures cool Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, moving along points and rock structures while pursuing baitfish schools	Main lake points with boulder structure Rocky areas adjacent to deeper water Transition areas between summer weed edges and winter holding areas	Drop Shot with finesse presentations - proven effective in recent reports Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Small Soft Body Swimbaits to mimic perch	Perch - confirmed primary forage in recent reports Bluegill - noted in lake profile as common forage	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-65	Feeding actively in response to cooling water temperatures, with increased activity during daylight hours due to turbid conditions (1.5m secchi) Transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding locations, utilizing structural elements and following baitfish schools	Hard structure areas like rock piles and rip rap, especially near deeper water Weed edges in 12-16 foot range that are beginning to die off Main lake points and breaks where baitfish are congregating	Hard Jerkbaits with slow, subtle jerks as validated by recent success Live Bait Rigs near structure during peak feeding periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on specific structure	Perch, as evidenced by successful bait patterns Bluegill, mentioned in recent fishing reports Other baitfish schools transitioning to fall patterns	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegill transitioning to deeper weed edges and points as water cools, forming loose schools in 8-14 foot depth range Feeding patterns become more concentrated during midday hours when water temperatures are optimal	Deep weed edges at 10-12 feet where vegetation meets clearer water Protected bay areas with remaining green vegetation Points and inside turns with access to both shallow and deep water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs Bobbers	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-65	Muskie become increasingly active in fall as water temperatures cool, focusing on aggressive feeding to build energy reserves before winter Fish are following large schools of baitfish and transitioning between deep weed edges and adjacent structure	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and bays, particularly on the southwest and south shorelines Structure breaks near suspended baitfish schools in 15-25 feet of water Sharp breaks and points with access to both shallow and deep water	Large Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weed edges and through baitfish schools Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large profile baits parallel to weed edges Blade Baits retrieved with aggressive bursts to trigger reaction strikes	Walleye and Northern Pike in the 6-12 inch range Large schools of suspended baitfish Panfish species around weed edges	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Transitioning from shallow weed edges to deeper structure, following baitfish schools and actively feeding to build up energy reserves for winter Forming larger schools in the 8-15 foot depth range, especially during prime feeding periods at dawn and dusk	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom Deeper dock areas adjacent to channels or deeper water Points and channel bends with submerged wood cover	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Young-of-year baitfish schools Small bluegills Remaining insects and larvae	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	42-52	Late fall/early winter walleye will be actively feeding in preparation for winter, often following baitfish schools in the water column and around structure Fish become more concentrated around key structural elements as water temperatures drop, with peak feeding during low-light periods	Deep rock piles adjacent to the main basin in 25-35 foot range Last remaining green weed edges in 12-16 foot range Steep breaklines near points where baitfish schools concentrate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive jigging cadence Blade Baits worked with controlled lifts and drops Live Bait Rigs with larger minnows for suspended fish	Schooling minnows concentrating near structure Young-of-year perch around remaining vegetation Late-season bluegills near deeper weed edges	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Bluegill are actively feeding during warmer winter days, suspended near edges of weed beds and drop-offs where insects and zooplankton are present Fish are schooling in protected areas like bays and coves, particularly around remaining green vegetation	Deep weed edges in 7-14 feet adjacent to protected bays Protected coves with remaining green vegetation Deeper holes near shallow flats where winter insect hatches occur	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Micro Crankbaits	Aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	45-55	Muskie become increasingly active in late fall as water temperatures drop, focusing on last heavy feeding before winter Fish are actively patrolling shallow to mid-depth structure, particularly weed edges that still remain intact Feeding windows are shorter but more intense, with fish most active during warmer parts of the day	Remaining weed edges in 6-10 foot depths, especially near points and bays Southwest and south shoreline structure with access to deeper water Areas where baitfish schools are congregating near structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses to trigger reaction strikes Trolling Shallow (0-9') along productive structure during peak activity periods	Walleye concentrating in similar areas Schooling baitfish in transitional areas Northern Pike sharing similar habitat	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie will be suspending in schools near deeper structure, typically in the 15-25 foot range, with occasional movement to shallower areas during warmer periods Feeding activity tends to be most concentrated during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more active during stable weather patterns	Deep weed edges where vegetation meets deeper basin areas, particularly in 12-15 foot transitions Deeper dock areas with access to both shallow and deep water Main lake points with sharp breaks into deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Hover/Mid-Strolling	Young-of-year baitfish concentrated in deeper water Small bluegills near remaining green vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	32-34	Actively feeding during low-light periods, especially at night, with aggressive strikes on actively jigged presentations Holding near hard structure (rip rap) during ice fishing season, likely relating to both structural edges and forage concentration	Rip rap areas, especially during evening and night periods Deep rock to sand transitions near shoreline structures Weed edges in 12-16 foot range where they remain present under ice	Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging action, especially during low light periods Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for both active and dead stick presentations Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along structure edges with live minnows	Minnows concentrated near hard structure Perch schooling near structural elements Bluegills relating to remaining weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	28-34	Congregating in protected bays and around submerged vegetation, becoming less active and more selective in their feeding Showing preference for smaller prey items, particularly insects, and requiring downsized presentations when pressured	Protected bays with submerged vegetation, particularly Monona Bay Weed edges in 7-14 foot depth range Areas with dense concentrations of aquatic vegetation where insects are prevalent	Ice Fishing Jigs in small sizes (1/32 oz) with size 14 hooks for finesse presentation Ice Fishing Spoons worked slowly to trigger bites from less aggressive fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Micro invertebrates in and around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappie are suspending in tight schools in basins and deeper areas adjacent to summer weed edges Feeding activity peaks during dawn and dusk, with periodic activity throughout the day related to weather patterns and barometric changes	Deep basins adjacent to summer weed edges in 12-18 foot range Deeper holes near channel bends with wood cover Protected coves with consistent depths of 8-15 feet	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the school Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Small minnows suspended in schools Young-of-year panfish Micro invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Monona

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly coontail weed beds in 6-12 foot depth range	Docks and dock areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with boulder/rock structure	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles and rip rap areas in 8-15 foot range, especially near spawning areas	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow weed edges in 7-10 feet transitioning to spawning flats	Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 4-7 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Deep weed edges in 6-10 foot depth range, particularly along south and southwest shorelines	Rocky areas and rip rap, especially in shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depths, especially near deeper water access	Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and shallow wood cover in spawning bays, particularly in wind-protected areas	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-12 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields in 3-8 foot depth range, especially those near deeper water access	Protected bays with gravel or rock bottom substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky shorelines and points in 2-6 foot depth range	Riprap areas near deeper water access
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom in 2-4 feet of water	Edges of emerging weed growth in 4-7 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-6 feet of water, especially on the southwest and south shorelines	Transitional areas between spawning bays and deeper water, particularly where weed edges are developing
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays with docks and laydowns in 2-6 foot depth range	Vegetation edges and pockets in 4-8 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 7-14 foot depth range, particularly where submerged vegetation creates defined edges	Matted vegetation near shallow bluegill spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Weed line edges where vegetation meets deeper water	Rocky points and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Sparse weed edges in 12-16 foot range	Rock piles in similar depth zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 7-14 feet adjacent to spawning areas	Protected coves with submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Weed edges and transitions in 6-10 feet of water, especially on the southwest and south shorelines	Complex shoreline points and bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Outer edges of vegetation in 6-12 foot range where crappie can suspend and ambush prey	Deeper dock edges adjacent to spawning flats where fish stage during post-spawn recovery
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range, particularly where they intersect with other structure	Shallow bluegill spawning areas in 2-4 feet of water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water	Rocky points with nearby vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Deep basin areas in 35-40 FOW where baitfish schools are present	Weed edges in 12-16 foot range, particularly during lower light periods
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges at 7-14 feet depth, particularly where there are transitions in vegetation density	Protected coves with submerged vegetation
Summer	Muskie	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially on southwest and south shorelines	Points and bays with complex structure where baitfish schools congregate
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 6-12 foot range, especially where vegetation meets distinct breaks	Shaded areas under and between docks with nearby deep water access
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 6-12 foot depth range, particularly where vegetation is dying off	Docks with nearby grass, especially in wind-blown areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with boulder structure	Rocky areas adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Walleye	Hard structure areas like rock piles and rip rap, especially near deeper water	Weed edges in 12-16 foot range that are beginning to die off
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges at 10-12 feet where vegetation meets clearer water	Protected bay areas with remaining green vegetation
Fall	Muskie	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and bays, particularly on the southwest and south shorelines	Structure breaks near suspended baitfish schools in 15-25 feet of water
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom	Deeper dock areas adjacent to channels or deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles adjacent to the main basin in 25-35 foot range	Last remaining green weed edges in 12-16 foot range
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 7-14 feet adjacent to protected bays	Protected coves with remaining green vegetation
Winter	Muskie	Remaining weed edges in 6-10 foot depths, especially near points and bays	Southwest and south shoreline structure with access to deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges where vegetation meets deeper basin areas, particularly in 12-15 foot transitions	Deeper dock areas with access to both shallow and deep water
Ice	Walleye	Rip rap areas, especially during evening and night periods	Deep rock to sand transitions near shoreline structures
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected bays with submerged vegetation, particularly Monona Bay	Weed edges in 7-14 foot depth range
Ice	Crappie	Deep basins adjacent to summer weed edges in 12-18 foot range	Deeper holes near channel bends with wood cover

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - consistently mentioned in reports as primary forage	Smaller baitfish - indicated by success with swimbaits and natural baitfish colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small perch in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small perch near rock/gravel transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Early season aquatic insects including chironomids and mayfly nymphs	Small crustaceans in and around vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow water baitfish schools	Young of year panfish in weed edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows in the 1-2 inch range	Young-of-year baitfish around vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in spawning areas and around vegetation	Minnows suspended near vegetation edges
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill, which are confirmed primary forage based on fishing reports	Crawfish becoming active in warming spring waters
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows gathering in spawning areas	Small perch in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Northern Pike (smaller specimens)	Yellow Perch
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year baitfish	Small bluegills
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, particularly around shallow spawning areas	Crawfish, as evidenced by strong strikes on craw-imitating presentations
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Young of year perch	Bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Bluegill	Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Tiny crustaceans in weed beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow-oriented walleye and northern pike	Various panfish species gathering in emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year baitfish growing in and around vegetation	Small insects and invertebrates in vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage, especially around spawning beds	Shad - secondary forage around brush piles and weed edges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill	Crawfish
Summer	Walleye	Minnows suspended in the water column	Perch along weed edges and structure
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects including mayflies, caddisflies, and midges	Small crustaceans and invertebrates in vegetation
Summer	Muskie	Suspended baitfish schools	Northern Pike
Summer	Crappie	Young-of-year baitfish relating to weed edges	Small minnows schooling in shade
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating around weed edges	Minnows schooling in wind-blown areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - confirmed primary forage in recent reports	Bluegill - noted in lake profile as common forage
Fall	Walleye	Perch, as evidenced by successful bait patterns	Bluegill, mentioned in recent fishing reports
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Fall	Muskie	Walleye and Northern Pike in the 6-12 inch range	Large schools of suspended baitfish
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year baitfish schools	Small bluegills
Winter	Walleye	Schooling minnows concentrating near structure	Young-of-year perch around remaining vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Winter	Muskie	Walleye concentrating in similar areas	Schooling baitfish in transitional areas
Winter	Crappie	Young-of-year baitfish concentrated in deeper water	Small bluegills near remaining green vegetation
Ice	Walleye	Minnows concentrated near hard structure	Perch schooling near structural elements
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Micro invertebrates in and around vegetation
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows suspended in schools	Young-of-year panfish

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Monona

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Light Neutral Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals