Murphy (Wingra) Creek Fishing
Dane County.
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The basics of the Murphy (Wingra) Creek for anglers
Across Dane County, the Murphy (Wingra) Creek runs as a stream. DNR mapping covers close to 2 miles. Census points put Monona closest, about 3 miles out.
Boaters and paddlers can use 1 public landing.
Getting onto the Murphy (Wingra) Creek
- Olin Turville Park Canoe Launch1 lane, restroom, Dane County
WDNR Boat Access and Shore Fishing layers, USGS gauges.
Limits by species on the Murphy (Wingra) Creek
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 3 in total; minimum length 15 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Northern pike (south of Hwy 10) | 2; minimum length 26 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Largemouth bass | 5; minimum length 14 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass (Southern Bass Zone) | 5 in total with largemouth bass; minimum length 14 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Muskellunge | 1; minimum length 40 inches | May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only) |
| Panfish | 25 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Catfish | 10 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Cisco and whitefish | 10 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Rock, yellow and white bass | No bag limit; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Bullheads and rough fish | No bag limit; no minimum length | Open all year |
For the Murphy (Wingra) Creek, the table shows statewide inland limits for the zone south of Hwy 10.
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations. All Wisconsin limits.
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Lakes next door to the Murphy (Wingra) Creek
- Lake Wingra1 mile
- Lake Monona2 miles
- Upper Mud Lake4 miles
- Lake Mendota4 miles
Minnows and tackle close to the Murphy (Wingra) Creek
- Walmart Mononafarm and general store with fishing gear, Monona, 2 miles
- Dorn Outdoorssporting goods store, Madison, 3 miles
- L.L.Bean, 434 N Midvale Blvdbait and tackle shop, Madison, 3 miles
- Blue Crane Boat Worksmarina, Monona, 3 miles
- Sierra, 676 S Whitney Waybait and tackle shop, Madison, 4 miles
Towns within reach of the Murphy (Wingra) Creek
- Monona3 miles
- Madison3 miles
- Shorewood Hills3 miles
- Fitchburg5 miles
Other Wisconsin rivers near the Murphy (Wingra) Creek
- Swan Creek, Dane County3 miles
- Badger Mill Creek7 miles
- Pheasant Branch9 miles
- Six Mile Creek10 miles
the Murphy (Wingra) Creek by county
Piscifun spinning and casting reels for the Murphy (Wingra) Creek
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Photographs from waters near Murphy (Wingra) Creek

Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0

Photo: Chris Rycroft, CC BY 4.0
Questions anglers bring up about the Murphy (Wingra) Creek
Which Wisconsin counties does the Murphy (Wingra) Creek cross?
The WDNR places it in Dane County.
Is the Murphy (Wingra) Creek classified trout water?
Not classified trout water.
Where can I check current flow for the Murphy (Wingra) Creek?
There is no USGS gauge on it.
Is the Murphy (Wingra) Creek a river I can paddle and fish?
1 public landing on file, including Olin Turville Park Canoe Launch.
Which WDNR rules cover the Murphy (Wingra) Creek?
Statewide inland limits apply unless the county section says otherwise.
What does a nonresident pay to fish the Murphy (Wingra) Creek?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
Where can I buy bait on the way to the Murphy (Wingra) Creek?
Nearest listing: Walmart Monona, 2 miles off.
What can a Wisconsin angler catch in the Murphy (Wingra) Creek?
The sources used list no fish for it.
Which Census place sits near the Murphy (Wingra) Creek?
The closest Wisconsin place is Monona, 3 miles out.
Point the truck toward the Murphy (Wingra) Creek
Look at flow and regulations before the trip.

