Cherokee Marsh -- Carry In Access boat launch
Cherokee Marsh -- Carry In Access
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Cherokee Marsh is a carry-in access site, meaning it does not have a designated boat ramp or dock. Instead, it is intended for small watercraft, such as canoes or kayaks, that can be launched from the shore.
Furthermore, the site is open year-round and is free of charge. It is located on Lake Mendota, which is one of the largest lakes in Wisconsin and is situated in Dane County.
The width of the access point is not specified, but it is important to note that it is only intended for small, non-motorized watercraft. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, only canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized boats are permitted on Cherokee Marsh.
Overall, Cherokee Marsh - Carry In Access is a small boat access point that services Lake Mendota in Wisconsin. It is designed for non-motorized watercraft and is open year-round.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Cherokee Marsh -- Carry In Access -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yahara River At State Hwy 113 At Madison | 49 cfs | → |
| Spring Creek Near Waunakee | 6 cfs | → |
| Yahara River At Windsor | 26 cfs | → |
| Yahara River At East Main Street At Madison | 71 cfs | → |
| Pheasant Branch At Middleton | 2 cfs | → |
| Pheasant Branch At Airport Road Nr Middleton | 1 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Cherokee Marsh -- Carry In Access as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Cherokee Marsh -- Carry In Access
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Cherokee Marsh -- Carry In Access.