June 30th Free Lake Access and Passage for Boaters through Tenney Lock

June 28, 2018
Darren Marsh, Parks Director 608-224-3766
County Executive

Dane County in cooperation with the City of Madison and City of Monona will be providing free access to boaters on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Boaters will be able to use the county boat launches at the following sites:

 

  • Fish Lake: Lussier County Park
  • Lake Kegonsa: Fish Camp County Park
  • Lake Waubesa: Babcock, Goodland and Lake Farm County Parks

 

In addition the Dane County Tenney Boat Lock will be open for free passage for boaters to use on Saturday, June 30th.  This free day provides an opportunity for all boaters to enjoy these improved lake access facilities.  Note: Slow No Wake Rule is in effect for Lakes Kegonsa, Monona and Waubesa.

 

Extended Lock Hours for the Week of July Fourth. With the Holiday falling within the middle of the week Dane County will provide days of service and extended hours. 

 

The Tenney Lock is a popular recreation facility accommodating approximately 8,000 to 10,000 boaters annually. Located on the Yahara River the lock allows for the passage of boats between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Note: High water has limited the passage of larger boats passing under several of the bridges between Lakes Mendota and Monona. Expanded Lock schedule is as follows:

 

  • Sunday July 1st through Thursday July 5th Lock Hours are 9 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday July 4th Lock Hours are 9 AM to 12:00 Midnight

 

Please be aware there are bridges along the Yahara River connecting Lake Mendota and Monona that prevent the passage of large watercraft. The water level today on June 28th for Lake Monona is 846.96 which results in a clearance height from the bottom of the Williamson Street bridge to the water surface of five feet six inches. Due to predicted weather forecasts, water levels on Lake Monona are expected to decline which would result in increasing clearance height at the Williamson Street bridge.

 

For more information, please visit:

Lake Access Sites: https://parks-lwrd.countyofdane.com/parks-recreation/lakes-boating    

Tenney Lock: https://parks-lwrd.countyofdane.com/VisitUs/Lakes-Boating/Tenney-Lock 

Dane County Parks: https://parks-lwrd.countyofdane.com/
Or call the Parks office at 608-224-3730.