Lake Waubesa Fishing near McFarland, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Lake Waubesa stands in Dane County, Wisconsin. It lies 840 feet above sea level. This is sizeable water at about 3.6 sq miles, and a boat opens up most of it. Few waters listed in Dane County are bigger. McFarland lies 1.7 miles from the water. Beyond it, Monona at 3.4 miles and Madison at 5.7 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lake Waubesa

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Reported across Dane County: brown trout, common carp, bluegill and rainbow trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Lake Waubesa where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 72°F in July and bottoms out near 16°F in January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. After early April the shallows warm and the fish move up. The lid tends to go about early April and return around early December. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. The season on Lake Waubesa follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. A ramp at McConnel Street Boat Launch is mapped half a mile away. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. There is a jetty half a mile off, worth knowing on a busy day. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Upper Mud Lake at 1.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat Lake Waubesa as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.