No matter the season, you'll find a variety of activities that allow you to experience being on, in or around our lakes. Whether you're hoping kick back and relax on a pontoon boat, enjoy live music from the comfort of your kayak, find the best catch of the day, take a dip to cool off on a hot summer day or if you're the type to get more adventurous with SUPing and other water sports, we've got you covered.
BOATING
BYOB(OAT)
Bring your boat and take advantage of Madison's plentiful shorelines! A complete list of boat landings, along with detailed information about Lake Access Permits from the City of Madison Parks Department, will help you get started. More information on Lake Access Permits can also be found through the Dane County Parks Division.
PONTOON & CHARTER RENTALS
Looking to rent instead? Pontoon boat rentals are available at Marshall Boats or through Madison School & Community Recreation at the Tenney Park Boathouse. Capitol Boat Club offers memberships, non-member pontoon and speed boat rentals and captained charters.
If you'd like to sit back and relax while taking a tour of Lake Mendota, check out Betty Lou Cruises, enjoy a captained pontoon ride from Madison Boats at The Edgewater.
EVENT BOATING
For a little more adventure, grab your friends, grab some drinks and set sail on Lake Monona or Lake Mendota for a two hour paddle-powered boat tour with Paddle Pub Madison. For large parties, check out the Midnight Splash Houseboat, a 56-foot boat that accommodates up to 40 people.
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SUP, SAILING, KAYAKING & MORE
For canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and more, check out one of Madison Boats' three locations - Brittingham Boats, Marshall Boats and Wingra Boats, visit Rutabaga Outdoor Adventures at Olbrich Park or find rentals from Outdoor UW at the Memorial Union Terrace. For easy, self service kayak rentals, head to Schluter Beach in Monona and reserve through Instapaddle.
Want to take your water sport skills to the next level? Sailing and windsurfing lessons are available through Hoofer's Sailing Club and Wingra Boats. Outdoor UW offers lessons on kayaking, paddling and more! If you're looking for an even more unique experience, join a Madison Log Rolling class, also on Lake Wingra.
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FISHING
The lakes contain a variety of fish species such as perch, crappie, bluegill, walleye, bass and northern pike.
Let Captain Joe Okada at Madison Fishing Charters take you on a guided fishing adventure. Is fly fishing more your style? Book a two-hour, half- or full-day guide trip with Madison Fly Fishing. If you choose to hit the lakes by yourself, be sure to obtain a fishing license from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before you cast your line!
Learn more about where to find the best catch in Madison.
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SWIMMING
The Madison area has 12 beaches to be enjoyed throughout the summer months. Get information about beach amenities before you go, including which beaches have lifeguards, swim ropes, concessions and more.
In addition to the beaches, Madison is also home to Goodman Pool, a large public swimming pool, complete with two water slides and several play areas for children.
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ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS
Throughout the greater Madison area, you'll find hundreds of events nearby or with a view of the lakes, but did you know we also have events on the lakes?
Madison Boats and Outdoor UW host events regularly throughout the summer months. From Burgers on the Bay, full moon paddles or SUP yoga classes with Madison Boats to family-friendly paddle games or SUP & Sip with Outdoor UW, there's plenty of on-the-water events to enjoy.
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