Boat Launches
Seasonal and year-round fishing and boat launch piers are offered throughout the city. Most piers are available spring to fall.
Seasonal Pier Removals
Starting the week of October 19 and into November piers will be removed for the season. Installation and removals are dependent on the weather, lake and pier conditions and is subject to change.
Year-Round Piers
The following piers are available year-round:
- Yahara River at Cherokee Marsh South and Olin
- Lake Mendota at Marshall and Spring Harbor boat launches
- Brittingham Bay at Brittingham near the shelter
- Starkweather Creek kayak launch at Olbrich
- Lake Monona at Olbrich boat launch
Lake Access Permit
A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV at:
- Lake Monona: Law, Olbrich, Olin
- Lake Mendota: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner
- The permit is also valid at designated launch sites in Dane County
- See Ordinance 8.215 for details.
Buy a Permit
You can buy a Lake Access Permit online or by calling 608-266-4711.
We will mail annual permits within 10 business days. Display your permit inside the driver's side windshield.
Note: You cannot buy permits at launch sites.
2027 Fees
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Daily | $13 |
| Annual - Dane County Resident | $60 |
| Annual - Non-Resident | $90 |
| Annual - Dane County Resident - Senior (65+), Military, Veteran, Disabled | $38 |
| Annual - Non-Resident - Senior (65+), Military, Veteran, Disabled | $45 |
| Annual - Additional Vehicle (2nd permit in 1 transaction) | $25 |
| Replacement | $20 |
Permit Dates
Permits for the following year may be purchased starting November 1 of the previous year.
The current year's permit is valid through March of the following year.
- 2026 permit is valid from time of purchase through March 31, 2027.
- 2027 permit is available for purchase November 1, 2026, and valid from the time of purchase through March 31, 2028.
Additional launch locations are available for canoes and kayaks.