Yahara River

Boat Ramps: 9
Access Points: 11
Species: 27

The Yahara River offers anglers a serene and peaceful fishing experience in the heart of Wisconsin. Winding through Dane County, this 62-mile waterway starts at Lake Mendota and flows through several lakes before emptying into the Rock River. The river provides diverse fishing environments from dense woodlands to urban sections in Madison, with each stretch offering distinct challenges and opportunities. Known for its clean waters and rich biodiversity, the Yahara River is home to a variety of fish species that attract both novice and experienced anglers. Whether you prefer shore fishing or exploring by boat, the picturesque surroundings and accessible waters make the Yahara River a rewarding destination for recreational fishing.

Wisconsin licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Yahara River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bigmouth Buffalo

Ictiobus cyprinellus

Black Bullhead

Ameiurus melas

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Brown Bullhead

Ameiurus nebulosus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Freshwater Drum

Aplodinotus grunniens

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Longnose Gar

Lepisosteus osseus

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

Shorthead Redhorse Sucker

Moxostoma macrolepidotum

Silver Redhorse

Moxostoma anisurum

White Bass

Morone chrysops

White Crappie

Pomoxis annularis

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Bass

Morone mississippiensis

Yellow Bullhead

Ameiurus natalis

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Yahara River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Lake Kegonsa Fishing Piers

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Yahara River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Wisconsin licenses and regulations

Wisconsin Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Wisconsin Fishing License

Wisconsin residents and non-residents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Children under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license.

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Wisconsin Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Wisconsin Stream Access Laws

Floatable water is public in Wisconsin, and users are legally allowed access to all lakes and streambeds below the high water mark for recreational purposes. Though riparian owners can own streams, the public has legal access to those streambeds below the high water mark while engaged in water-related recreational activity.

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Take Yahara River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Yahara River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Yahara River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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