Lake Koshkonong is a 10595 acre lake located in southern Wisconsin. It lies along the Rock River primarily in Jefferson country, although portions of the lake actually extend into Dane county and Rock county. Both the dam and the reservoir that are part of Lake Koshkonong are owned and operated by Rock county. This lake is one of the largest in the state; however, it has a maximum depth of only about 7 feet with an average depth of 6 feet.
The Potawatomi people originally referred to Lake Koshkonong as Éndayang-zagegen, which means Lake Where-we-live-on. Eventually the early settlers began calling it Lake Koshkonong. The lake shares its name with Fort Koshkonong which was used during the Black Hawk War.
In the 1970s, Lake Koshkonong was the primary site considered for a billion dollar nuclear power station. The plant was met with strong resistance from environmental groups due to the lakes extremely shallow depth, especially during drought conditions, and was killed in 1977. Today there are many houses along the lake and it is enjoyed by the public. Visitors have access to boat landings and beaches. Fish in Lake Koshkonong include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye and Catfish. Panfish are the most common.
Lake Koshkonong Photos:
Sources:
https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=808700
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Koshkonong
Photography by Danny Balister