Lake Monona -- Olbrich Park Access boat launch
Lake Monona -- Olbrich Park Access
According to the latest information available, the Olbrich Park Access boat ramp is open year-round, from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. The ramp is operated by the City of Madison Parks and is subject to their rules and regulations. Boaters are required to obtain a valid permit from the Parks Department, which can be purchased online or at various locations throughout the city.
The rules for using the Lake Monona -- Olbrich Park Access boat ramp are as follows:
- All boats must have current registration and display valid state registration stickers.
- Boats must be launched and retrieved from the designated ramp area only.
- All persons on board must wear a properly fitting life jacket.
- No swimming or diving is allowed from the ramp or dock areas.
- Boats must observe a "no wake" zone within 200 feet of shore.
Overall, the Lake Monona -- Olbrich Park Access boat ramp is a well-maintained facility that provides easy access to Lake Monona for boaters of all skill levels. Its central location and ample parking make it a popular spot for fishing, water sports, and other recreational activities.
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 Lake Monona -- Olbrich Park Access -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yahara River At East Main Street At Madison | 180 cfs | → |
| Yahara River At Mc Farland | 124 cfs | → |
| Yahara River At State Hwy 113 At Madison | 122 cfs | → |
| Spring Creek Near Waunakee | 7 cfs | → |
| Yahara River At Windsor | 28 cfs | → |
| Pheasant Branch At Middleton | 6 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 Lake Monona -- Olbrich Park Access as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Lake Monona -- Olbrich Park 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 Lake Monona -- Olbrich Park Access.