Indiana DNR Fishing ReportsIndiana Fishing Reports
provided form our Indiana
DNR.
These reports are not in any order. They
are posted as we receive them.
THESE REPORTS ARE POSTED
COURTESY OF INDIANA DNR, AND
INDIANA FISHING AT:
WWW.INDIANAFISHING.CO/This page was last updated on MAY 24 2013 09:07 A.M.
Ohio River at Falls of the Ohio State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Falls of the Ohio features a spectacular interpretive center over-looking fossil beds. The 386-million-year-old fossil beds are among the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. Facilities at the park include a boat launch ramp onto the Ohio River, a cultural arts program, education programs, hiking trails, picnicking, fishing, and an interpretive center.
Blue catfish
Description:
Like other catfish, the blue catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the blue taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The blue catfish has 30-35 anal fin rays, its anal fin margin is straight and the caudal fin is deeply forked.
Bait: cut bait
Depth: bottom
Comments about fish:
Catfishing is always popular at the Falls. Cut baits on bottom work well, Evening hours are best.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: cut bait
Depth: bottom
Comments about fish:
Channels get large here at the Falls. Fish late with cut baits, or 'stink' baits.
Hybrid striped bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The hybrid striped bass has two tooth patches and the back of the tongue are joined. The first stripe below the lateral line complete to the tail and the stripes above the lateral line are usually broken.
Bait: bait fish or jigs
Depth: depth varies
Comments about fish:
Often caught on jigs or trolling with bait fish, Striped bass sizes continue to grow and make for an exciting catch. Very aggressive and strong they put up quite a fight!
Sauger
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. Sauger have three or four saddle-shaped blotches on their back and sides, as well as a spotted dorsal fin.
Bait: Jigs
Depth: Bottom
Comments about fish:
The Sauger are biting again! Anglers have having luck with Green Mister Twisters on Jigs. Make sure you take only your limit!
Comments about body of water:
Park closes at 11p.m. Night fishing is permitted with the purchase of annual entrance permit and a hang tag that must be displayed in the window at all times. Permits are available at Interpretive Center There is a daily $2.00 daily parking fee. Interpretive Center is open Mon.-Sat. 9-5 & Sun. 1-5. Check out Fallsoftheohio.org for up to the minute river levels, as they can vary daily.
This page was last updated on MAY 25 2013 08:39 A.M.
Greene-Sullivan State Forest lakes
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Greene-Sullivan State Forest is composed of 8,000 acres of reclaimed surface mined land that includes the planting of several different species of trees that are managed for wildlife and timber production. The forest has more than 100 fishing lakes which have produced some record catches. Facilities include an archery range, boat launch ramp, camping, horseman's camp, dumping station, fishing and hunting, picnicking, trails and hiking.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: bee moths, small jigs, crickets
Depth: 1-12 ft.
Comments about fish:
Bluegill fishing is dependent upon the weather fronts. Lighter tackle will have the best results. Using light lines seems to work best.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: nightcrawlers, stink bait, livers
Depth: lake bottom 6-11ft.
Comments about fish:
Try Wampler, Graveyard, West, Reservoir 26, and Bass lakes.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: rubber worms, Slug-go, crank baits, and spinner baits
Depth: 3-12 feet
Comments about fish:
Best times to catch bass are mornings and evenings.
Muskellunge
Description:
Members of the Pike family, the muskellunge, tiger muskellunge and northern pike have established themselves as remarkable adversaries through the years. The muskie, native to Indiana, is now usually found in stocked bodies of water. The northern pike, a voracious eater and popular among anglers, can be found in northern Indiana in natural lakes and streams. The muskie has three distinct color patterns, including green to silver "clear" sides, dark spots or dark vertical bars, six or more sensory pores on each side and scales covering only the top half of both cheeks. The muskie can weigh 10-20 pounds, but can reach weights over 30 pounds and lengths up to four feet long. Lures up to 12 inches are designed to resemble medium-sized fish and even small ducks.
Bait: minnow imitation crankbaits
Depth: deep to bottom
Comments about fish:
Please let us know if you catch any muskie! We'd love to hear about it! Report of 45 inch muskie was caught and released recently at bass lake, possible "Fish of the Year" in spring 2011. Hydroacoustic map for Bass lake,
www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-Bass_Lake_Dugger_Unit_Bathymetry_Sullivan_County_c_March_2012.pdfRainbow or steelhead trout
Description:
Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. Rainbow or steelhead trout have a white mouth, teeth and gums and small black spots on their backs, sides, and caudal and dorsal fins. The caudal fin margin of the rainbow or steelhead trout is square and the fish has 9-12 anal fin rays.
Bait: Artificial lures, power bait
Depth: 15 - 40 ft
Comments about fish:
Airline Lake is closed from March 15th through March 31st. Reopens for fishing on April 1st. Fish deep for best results.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: minnows, small jigs
Depth: 3 - 12 ft
Comments about fish:
Crappie can be found around submerged structures. Reservior #26 has good reports for Crappie fishing this past few weeks.
Comments about body of water:
2013 Permits are now available. Prices are: Annual Entrance Permit $40, Annual Non-Residence Entrance Permit $60.00, Golden Hoosier Annual Entrance Permit $20.00, Annual Horse Tag $20.00, Motorized Lake Permit $22.00, Non-Motorized Lake Permit $5.00. Please continue to help us keep the lakes clean of litter! Effective January 1, 2013 year round camp ground fees will be: Family Camp Grounds $10.70; Horse Campground $13.91, these prices include sales tax. Our office now accepts VISA, MASTERCARD, AND DISCOVER.
This page was last updated on MAY 24 2013 07:44 A.M.
Steuben County lakes
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: Minnows or Jigs
Depth: 5 - 10'
Comments about fish:
Crappie can be caught on the outside on weedlines in 6 - 10 feet of water. Fish are moving to the back of black bottom bays with good weed cover to feed.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: Wigglers, Bee Moths, Spikes
Depth: 4 - 10
Comments about fish:
Bluegill can be found in back bays and channels.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: Jigging Lures & Live Bait
Depth: 5 - 10
Comments about fish:
Fish the inside and outside of weed beds near the drop off. The isolated weed beds tend to hold the larger fish.
Rainbow or steelhead trout
Description:
Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. Rainbow or steelhead trout have a white mouth, teeth and gums and small black spots on their backs, sides, and caudal and dorsal fins. The caudal fin margin of the rainbow or steelhead trout is square and the fish has 9-12 anal fin rays.
Bait: Jigging Lures, Spikes, Minnows, Bee Moths
Depth: 3 - 10'
Comments about fish:
Clear Lake and Lake Gage have excellent Rainbow Trout Fishing.
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: Wigglers, Spikes, Bee Moths
Depth: 4 - 8'
Comments about fish:
Fish in channels, back bays, and next to isolated weed beds
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: Jigging Lures & Live Bait
Depth: 10 - 14 feet
Comments about fish:
Lake George, Clear Lake, and Crooked Lake have excellent walleye populations.
Yellow perch
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The yellow perch ranges from 6 to 12 inches long and up to one or two pounds.
Bait: Jigs, Minnows, Worms
Depth: 3 - 6 feet
Comments about fish:
Perch can be found on the inside weedlines.
Comments about body of water:
Water temperature is 65 degrees on most lakes.
This page was last updated on MAY 26 2013 12:06 P.M.
Salamonie Reservoir
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Salamonie Reservoir is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) flood control project on the Salamonie River to control flood waters in the Wabash River. During summer months, the reservoir is maintained at about 2,665 acres. A majority of anglers target white crappie on the Salamonie Reservoir. However, anglers will find channel catfish and white bass are quite abundant. The tailwaters downstream of the dam provide excellent walleye fishing, especially during spring. These fish most likely come from the reservoir during fall drawdown.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: bee moths, wigglers
Depth: 8-15 feet deep below surface
Comments about fish:
Public property ponds on Salamonie Reservoir property provide good fishing opportunity for panfish such as bluegill, redear sunfish, and largemouth bass. Hominy Ridge Lake in the Salamonie River State Forest provides good opportunity for bluegill, redear sunfish, and largemouth bass. Bluegill and largemouth bass can also be caught infrequently in the Salamonie Reservoir. Anglers will need to obtain a motorized or non-motorized lake permit to fish from a boat on the Salamonie public property ponds and Hominy Ridge Lake. Special fishing regulations apply and are posted at sign-in stations throughout the property.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: Frozen chubs, night crawlers, chicken livers, and cut shad
Depth: In reservoir on bottom (10-20 feet), holes in river
Comments about fish:
When the Salamonie Reservoir is at summer pool, good fishing for catfish can be found near the shoreline near the Pirates Cove Marina during summer. During fall draw down, anglers have had success for blue and channel catfish in deeper water off of the Lost Bridge Campground point. Many anglers walk down the Lost Bridge West Boat Ramp and along the shoreline to their fishing spots. Catfish anglers can also be successful in other coves and fingers of the lake. The Salamonie River upstream of the lake is a good fishery for channel catfish. Anglers are more successful in stretches of the river that are slow and deep. The water level is at summer pool. The water is clearing up.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: Jigs with night crawler or minnow, shad rap and medium sized spinners.
Depth: Deeper holes in the tailwater
Comments about fish:
Walleye can be caught in the tailwater all year long. Walleye are rarely caught in Salamonie Reservoir. Walleye fishing is especially good in the tailwaters during the fall and spring. In the spring, anglers like to fish right downstream of the dame in the deeper holes. This area is difficult to fish when the discharge is above 900 CFS due to fast current and high water. There are many snags near the outflow pipe if the water is high. Current tailwater flows can be obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers website. The confluence of the Salamonie River and the Wasbash River, along the deep holes in the River. The Salamonie River State Forest offers good walleye fishing as well. Water level is at summer pool. Condition of water is clearing up.
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: Jigs with minnows (most effective), bee moths
Depth: Throughout
Comments about fish:
White bass fishing is sporadic in the lake. Fishing for white bass can be good at certain times. Populations often fluctuate due to flood events and cyclic shad populations. White bass fishing is good in the tailwater throughout the warmer months. The water level is at summer pool. The water is clearing up.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: Tube jigs of your choice, crappie minnies, bee moths, wigglers
Depth: Away from the banks.
Comments about fish:
Salamonie Reservoir offers excellent crappie fishing throughout the year. Good fishing success is found throughout the lake for boat anglers. Anglers in boats will find good crappie fishing throughout the lake near fish attractors, off points, and wooded inlets. The marina cove, the SR105 causeway, Majenica Creek bridge, county road 750 east, the Dora cul-de-sac, and CR 680 east are all good bank-fishing spots on the reservoir. There are several fish attractors installed for fishermen at various locations throughout the lake (map available at the Visitor Center). Crappie are biting slow; small in size. Better lake activity near Majenica Creeek and Salamonie River. The water level is at summer pool. The water is clearing up.
Comments about body of water:
The lake level is currently at summer pool. Lake level can be obtained daily at
www.lrl.usace.army.mil/ All ramps are now open and courtesy docks are set.
This page was last updated on MAY 24 2013 03:16 P.M.
Lake Michigan
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Chinook salmon or king salmon
Description:
Members of the pacific salmon family, the chinook or king salmon and the coho salmon can be found in Lake Michigan and its tributaries in northern Indiana. Pacific salmons do not feed during spawning, but will strike a lure during their runs. Cohos will spawn in the fall in their third year of life and die, while chinooks will spawn in the fall, winter or spring in the fifth year of life, allowing them to grow larger. The chinook or king salmon teeth are set in dark gums, with black spots on the back and both lobes of the square caudal fin. The chinook or king salmon has 15-17 anal fin rays and averages 30 pounds though some can reach over 100 pounds.
Bait: Sthingys, bodybaits
Depth: Up to 70 FOW
Comments about fish:
Anglers fishing near the gong reported a few kings caught along with lake trout. Kings were caught on sthingys or bodybaits fished 38-50' down in water depths to 65 FOW. Lake trout were caught on sthingys within a couple feet of the bottom.
Coho salmon
Description:
Members of the pacific salmon family, the chinook or king salmon and the coho salmon can be found in Lake Michigan and its tributaries in northern Indiana. Pacific salmons do not feed during spawning, but will strike a lure during their runs. Cohos will spawn in the fall in their third year of life and die, while chinooks will spawn in the fall, winter or spring in the fifth year of life, allowing them to grow larger. The teeth of the coho salmon are set in light color gums. The coho salmon has black spots on the upper lobe of a slightly forked caudal fin with 12-15 anal fin rays.
Bait: Sthingys, dodger/fly combos, bodybaits
Depth: Up to 60 FOW
Comments about fish:
Prior to the strong north winds this past Thursday, small catches of coho salmon were reported harvested outside MC in water depths to 60 FOW. EC anglers reported action along the Inland Steel Wall, the Indiana Shoals area & over at Gary’s Light. Bodybaits such as jointed Rapala’s or ThinFins trolled anywhere from 14-35' down proved effective. Dodger/fly combos & sthingys also produced fish.Rainbow or steelhead trout
Description:
Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. Rainbow or steelhead trout have a white mouth, teeth and gums and small black spots on their backs, sides, and caudal and dorsal fins. The caudal fin margin of the rainbow or steelhead trout is square and the fish has 9-12 anal fin rays.
Bait: Sthingys
Depth: Up to 55 FOW
Comments about fish:
Shoreline/tribs: No action to report.
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The last rays on the dorsal fin of the smallmouth bass are separated from the rest of the fin. Also, the upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, as it does with the largemouth bass. The smallmouth bass commonly reaches 3-4 pounds.
Bait: Minnows, worms, jigs, crankbaits, small spinner baits
Depth: Up to 15 FOW
Comments about fish:
SMB action continues to be red hot along the southern shorelines of LM. Boat anglers should concentrate their efforts along rocky rip rap that is prevalent along the outside of the Port of Indiana breakwall as well as from the city of Gary W to Hammond. With water temps in the 50’s, a slow presentation is essential in catching SMB. Anglers should use jigs that resemble gobies or minnows or slowly crank bodybaits parallel to the rocky rip rap. Shore anglers are catching bluegills, rock bass & SMB off the fishing platforms at Hammond & EC Marina’s & the Port of Indiana PAS at the N end of State Road 249. Bluegills have been caught on redworms, bee moths & small jigs while bass have been caught small crankbaits, jigs or a lively minnow under a bobber.Yellow perch
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The yellow perch ranges from 6 to 12 inches long and up to one or two pounds.
Bait: Minnows
Depth: Up to 50 FOW
Comments about fish:
Indiana DNR creel clerks received no fishing reports for yellow perch this past week.
Comments about body of water:
Water temp in the harbor of MC was 62 F as of this afternoon. Portions of Trail Cr & the E Br of the Little Cal will be closed to all fishing from April 1-June 15, 2013. This closure allows recently stocked salmonids to safely migrate downstream to LM. The closed season applies to: The E Br of the Little Cal in Porter Co. from US 12 upstream to US 20 & Trail Cr in LaPorte Co. from the Franklin St Bridge upstream to US 35.
This page was last updated on MAY 22 2013 02:40 P.M.
Summit Lake fishing report
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located in Summit Lake State Park, Summit Lake is approximately four miles north of New Castle. Bluegill, perch and largemouth bass provide the best angling opportunities at Summit Lake. Other opportunities also exist for perch, bluegill, crappie, redear and channel catfish.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: small jigs tipped with wax worms, or minnows
Depth: 3-10 feet
Comments about fish:
Most or all crappie have finished spawning. After spawning they are hungry. They may at times suspend in deeper water during the warm months.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: small ice jigs tipped with maggots, wax worms, mousies on small jigs, artificial flies
Depth: 4-12 feet
Comments about fish:
Bluegill should be starting to spawn.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: nightcrawlers, liver, crayfish
Depth: 6-20 feet
Comments about fish:
Channels start feeding heavily when the water warms in late spring.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: slowly fished plastic worms on the bottom, jig and pigs, rattling crankbaits
Depth: 2-15 feet
Comments about fish:
Bass may be more interested in spawning that in feeding.
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: maggots, wax worms, redworms, nightcrawlers
Depth: 4-20
Comments about fish:
The population is low.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: jigs with twister tails, jerk baits, rattling lures
Depth: 5-20 feet
Comments about fish:
Walleye can be caught in the shallows in the spring. Low light conditions are best.
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: small light colored lures and jigs
Depth: 20-35 feet
Comments about fish:
In spring white bass can be caught close to shore with light colored small jigs with soft plastic bodies especially in late evening. They are now active in the evening and good numbers can be caught. If you see several fish breaking water in one spot it is probably a white bass school.
Yellow perch
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The yellow perch ranges from 6 to 12 inches long and up to one or two pounds.
Bait: small minnows and small lures and jigs
Depth: 5-30 feet
Comments about fish:
A few have been caught.
Comments about body of water:
Fishing has been good for bass, bluegill, white bass and crappie when the weather is warm and settled. Cold fronts give the fish lock-jaw. Although we've had a lot of rain, the water clarity is good. All three boat ramps are useable. A fish survey will done from May 28-31. Please avoid the nets. Reservations can be made for camping at
www.camp.in.gov or 1-866-622-6746. The office is open 8a-4p, phone: 765-766-5873. Please practice catch and release; remember - you can only eat them once. once.
This page was last updated on MAY 22 2013 12:35 P.M.
Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon
Lake)
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Blue catfish
Description:
Like other catfish, the blue catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the blue taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The blue catfish has 30-35 anal fin rays, its anal fin margin is straight and the caudal fin is deeply forked.
Bait: Worms
Depth: Bottom
Comments about fish:
Catfishes rank second only to Buffalos as freshwater commercial fish. Catfishes take a wide variety of food, including clams, insect larvae, and crustaceans. They are also scavengers. Worms seem to be the most productive bait here at Cecil M. Harden Lake. The South end of the beach, off of the South point is one of the more productive areas in the lake for catfishes. If success is limited you may try an alterative bait such as a commerical blood bait, or some tainted chicken livers.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: Various Crank Baits
Depth: Varies
Comments about fish:
Often called on of the finest fresh-water game fish of Indiana. The largemouth Bass often feeds upon crayfish and other smaller fish.
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: Jiggs or bee moths
Depth: Shallow Water
Comments about fish:
Also know as the "Shellcracker" grows to a length of about 7" in Cecil M. Harden Lake. This fish is a transplant from the Mississippi basin from Illinois south, and is most abundant in the south where it grows to near 10 inches.
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The last rays on the dorsal fin of the smallmouth bass are separated from the rest of the fin. Also, the upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, as it does with the largemouth bass. The smallmouth bass commonly reaches 3-4 pounds.
Bait: Various Crank Baits
Depth: Varies
Comments about fish:
Smallmouth bass are not typically associted with Cecil M. Harden Lake to a great extent. Although we do have a Smallmouth bass population.
Striped bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The striped bass has tooth patches on back of tongue in two parallel patches, first stripe below lateral line complete to tail, stripes above lateral line are unbroken.
Bait: Various Crank Baits
Depth: Below 15'
Comments about fish:
Striped bass were introduced to Cecil M. Harden Lake in 1995 as a means to control a exploding Gizzard Shad population. Striped bass seem to be one of the more popular sporting fishes as they will fight aggressively to get off of an angler's line. As the summer temperatures sky rocket the Striped bass will typically seek out the deeper, cooler waters. Fishing Hint: try fishing straight out off of points into deep channels. Raccoon has the Indiana State record for Striped Bass @ 39.08 lbs (caught in 2010).
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: Various Crank Baits
Depth: Varies
Comments about fish:
Walleye is not commonly fished for at Cecil M. Harden Lake. Although Walleye are no longer stocked at the lake, biologist netted walleye that have naturally reproduced.
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: Jiggs or minnows
Depth: Varies
Comments about fish:
White bass are often over looked at Cecil M. Harden as a sporting opportunity. In the spring and fall of each year White bass can be found in the upper Big Raccoon Creek entering the lake at Portland Mills. White bass will also school with the crappie throughout the entire lake.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: Jiggs or minnows
Depth: Varies
Comments about fish:
Two species, the Black crappie and White crappie inhabit about the same regions.
Comments about body of water:
Current lake level is 72.26 (10.04 feet over summer pool). The main boat ramp located within Raccoon SRA and Walker boat ramp are currently open; all other boat ramps are currently closed due to high water. Please use caution while boating, as flood debris is present. Note- Summer pool is 62.22. Good fishing.
This page was last updated on MAY 21 2013 11:12 A.M.
Brookville Reservoir
fishing report
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Brookville Reservoir is a 5,260 acre flood control impoundment on the East Fork of the Whitewater River in eastern Indiana. Fishing opportunities are available for walleye and muskie.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: bee larvae, crickets
Depth: 5- 20 feet
Comments about fish:
in coves around stick-ups,
Brown trout
Description:
Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. The brown trout has a white mouth, teeth and gums and some orange or red spots on its sides. This trout also has some spots enriched with light blue and a caudal fin margin that is square with no spots on the upper or lower lobe.
Bait: flys, worms, salmon eggs
Depth: 1-5
Comments about fish:
3000 8-9 inch brown trout were stocked in the tailwater on 5/24/12
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: nightcrawlers, chicken liver
Depth: 4-20 feet
Comments about fish:
best at night, catching them almost everywhere
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: crankbaits
Depth: 5- 20 feet
Comments about fish:
along shoreline, and on deep points
Muskellunge
Description:
Members of the Pike family, the muskellunge, tiger muskellunge and northern pike have established themselves as remarkable adversaries through the years. The muskie, native to Indiana, is now usually found in stocked bodies of water. The northern pike, a voracious eater and popular among anglers, can be found in northern Indiana in natural lakes and streams. The muskie has three distinct color patterns, including green to silver "clear" sides, dark spots or dark vertical bars, six or more sensory pores on each side and scales covering only the top half of both cheeks. The muskie can weigh 10-20 pounds, but can reach weights over 30 pounds and lengths up to four feet long. Lures up to 12 inches are designed to resemble medium-sized fish and even small ducks.
Bait: large sthingys, large crankbaits, live shad
Depth: shallow in spring, deeper during summer
Comments about fish:
a 42 inch musky was caught in Templeton Creek in July
Rainbow or steelhead trout
Description:
Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. Rainbow or steelhead trout have a white mouth, teeth and gums and small black spots on their backs, sides, and caudal and dorsal fins. The caudal fin margin of the rainbow or steelhead trout is square and the fish has 9-12 anal fin rays.
Bait: flys, worms, salmon eggs
Depth: 1-5
Comments about fish:
1,500 10.8 inch average size rainbow trout were stocked in the tailwater the week before the last Saturday in April
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The last rays on the dorsal fin of the smallmouth bass are separated from the rest of the fin. Also, the upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, as it does with the largemouth bass. The smallmouth bass commonly reaches 3-4 pounds.
Bait: nightcrawlers, soft craws
Depth: 10- 20
Comments about fish:
on rocky points and drop offs at coves
Striped bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The striped bass has tooth patches on back of tongue in two parallel patches, first stripe below lateral line complete to tail, stripes above lateral line are unbroken.
Bait: bluegill or shad still fishing or trolling large doll flys
Depth: 20 feet still fishing or 10 - 20 feet trolling
Comments about fish:
trolling shad-like crankbaits some reports of large striped bass being taken
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: night crawlers drifting on the bottom
Depth: 6 - 45 feet
Comments about fish:
catching them off of points with steep drop offs stocked fingerling walleye on 5/23/12
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: white twister tails
Depth: 5 to 20 feet
Comments about fish:
Catching white bass at the north end in the river
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: minnows or jigs
Depth: 5 to 20 feet
Comments about fish:
white crappie are around stick-ups in coves and along shore
Comments about body of water:
The lake level today is 748.1 or .1 feet above summer pool. Water clear at south end and at the north end. Surface temperture 65.8F. Tailwater temperture 46.6 D.O.-10.6 Fisheries survey said that the most numerous fish in the lake is the channel catfish , second most is bluegill.
This page was last updated on MAY 21 2013 10:56 A.M.
Glendale FWA lakes and
ponds, Dogwood
Lake fishing report
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Glendale FWA is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 8,060 acres of land and over 1,400 acres of lakes and impoundments. Located in Daviess County, Glendale FWA has fishing in Dogwood lake and other ponds. The area also has hunting, wildlife watching, camping, wetland trapping, and dog training areas and blackberries, persimmon, hickory nuts, morels and walnut gathering.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: Jigs w/blue/chartreuse bodies, chartreuse jigs & some w/trailing minnows or beemoth
Depth: 4-6FT.
Comments about fish:
Crappie have become suspended over structure with a few being caught while bluegill fishing.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: Redworms, Nightcrawlers
Depth: 3-5FT.
Comments about fish:
Bluegill are IN!!!! Most are being caught shallow in 3-5 foot of water. They appear to be fanning beds with this warm-up.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: Live bait. Worms
Depth: 4' to 10' of water
Comments about fish:
There have been very few anglers fishing for catfish specifically, but some have been taken on live bait and worms. Limb-line and trot-line fishermen are having fair to good success. Trot-Line & Limb-line season on Dogwood Lake started on the first Thursday in April, 2013. 15 permits will be issued per week on a first/come, first/serve basis. Some nice flatheads have been taken on limb-lines using small 'gills as bait. Just remember Live Shad and Carp are NOT legal as bait! DISPOSE OF ANY UNUSED LIVE BAIT ON THE BANK - NOT IN THE WATER!
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: Artificial worms and worm harness
Depth: In 3 to 10 ft. of water
Comments about fish:
Fishing from boats sitting in the channels and casting toward the shoreline just to the edge of the weed beds. Bass are moving into shallow water to feed.
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: Jigs , jigs w/trailing beemoth , redworms, nightcrawlers
Depth: Shallow (3-6FT)
Comments about fish:
Redear are shallow with bluegill. They are beginning to fan the beds and are being caught on a variety of baits. Redworms, crickets, beemoths, and jigs are popular now.
Yellow perch
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The yellow perch ranges from 6 to 12 inches long and up to one or two pounds.
Bait: Redworm, nightcrawlers
Depth: Deep Water
Comments about fish:
Not really anything to report on perch since most fishermen are concentrating on bluegills and redear.
Comments about body of water:
Fishing has been steady with most anglers having success catching fish off of beds. The weekend forecast for the holiday looks good with temperatures in the mid 70's. The lake will be crowded with fisherman so please show respect to your fellow anglers when launching and also while out on the water. The water temp is in the high 60's low 70's and the depth is right 3 INCHES ABOVE POOL. NOTE: The HORSEPOWER LIMIT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM DOGWOOD LAKE. There is a MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT OF 10 MPH IMPOSED on the lake REGARDLESS of motor size!
This page was last updated on MAY 21 2013 11:13 A.M.
Whitewater Memorial State
Park lakes
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located in Union County, Whitewater Memorial State Park has two lakes including Whitewater Lake and nearby Brookville Lake. Facilities include a boat launch ramp, motor boats (electric trolling only) camping with reservations, horseman's camp, cultural arts programs, a dumping station, fishing, hiking, seasonal interpretive services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, reservable shelters, youth tent areas and a swimming beach.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: minnows, jigs
Depth: 5 - 12 feet
Comments about fish:
around stumps and down trees
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: red worms, bee larvae, crickets
Depth: 2 - 20 feet
Comments about fish:
use crickets or bee larvae
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: spinner baits, crankbaits
Depth: 2 - 15 feet
Comments about fish:
practice catch and release to help the fishery
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: red worms
Depth: 2 - 12 feet
Comments about fish:
Like shallow mud bottom
Comments about body of water:
water clear catching some bluegills
This page was last updated on MAY 21 2013 11:08 A.M.
Worster Lake at Potato
Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: redworms, crawlers, waxworms, minnows
Depth: 3' to 11'
Comments about fish:
All Fish are biting. Been catching some nice bluegills and crappies.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: Waxworms, night crawlers
Depth: 4-5'
Comments about fish:
Congregates around vegetation and sunken trees of shallow backwater bays, lakes and ponds. Spewning occurs when water reaches 67-70 degrees in shallow areas over sand and gravel. Nests in colonies and spawn once every 29 days during spring/summer.
Comments about body of water:
Potato Creek State Park: Worster Lake 327 acre lake. Limited to electric motors only. Two boat launches (east and west) Launches get algae covered and slippery. Note: launches are treated as needed to diminish the algae build-up.
This page was last updated on MAY 21 2013 11:07 A.M.
Potato Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: redworms & waxworms
Depth: 10'
Comments about fish:
See Worster Lake at Potato Creek for weekly updates.
Comments about body of water:
Potato Creek State Park: Worster Lake 327 acre lake. Limited to electric motors only. Two boat launches (east and west) Launches are currently algea covered and slippery. Note launches have been treated to diminish the algea build-up
This page was last updated on MAY 21 2013 02:40 P.M.
Mississinewa Lake fishing
report
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located in Miami, Wabash and Grant counties, Mississinewa Lake is a 3,210-acre ake with fishing, boating, ramps, waterskiing, fishing piers and cleaning stations, and a swimming beach. The facilities also has a basketball and volleyball court, camping with reservations, a cultural arts program, dumping station, frisbee golf course, hiking, hunting, interpretive programs, picnicking, shelterhouses, playgrounds and a radio-control flying field.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: minnow and jigs
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair at this time. small population.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: worms and bee moths
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fish around exposed wood and next to rocky ledges. Fishing fair.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: night crawlers/cut bait/prepared bait
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair. Good population in lake.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: spinner baits/suspended crank baits
Depth: Varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair. Reports of large populations of bass in lake.
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The last rays on the dorsal fin of the smallmouth bass are separated from the rest of the fin. Also, the upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, as it does with the largemouth bass. The smallmouth bass commonly reaches 3-4 pounds.
Bait: spinner and crank baits, jigs
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: minnows, shad imitations
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
best late evening and night in lake. Released small walleye into lake in June.
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: jigs and small spinners / minnows
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
In lake points and breaks. River best after water clears. Most stripers are caught by trolling edges. Fishing fair at this time.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: minnows and small jigs
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
fishing fair.
Comments about body of water:
Lake at summer pool elevation. Rains may cause lake to fluctuate daily or weekly. All ramps available to launch boats. Courtesy docks in at Miami and Red Bridge ramps. Restrooms open at Red Bridge and Miami ramps. CALL OFFICE FOR LAKE CONDITIONS!!! Water on in campground and comfort stations open. "IMPORTANT NEW INFO":Motorized Lake Permit stickers now $22.00 / permit. Call 765-473-6528 for additional information on lake conditions.
This page was last updated on MAY 20 2013 09:45 A.M.
Monroe Reservoir
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Lake Monroe is a 10,750 acre flood control reservoir located in Brown and Monroe counties southeast of Bloomington. It is the largest lake in the state with recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Fishing consists primarily of largemouth bass and panfish, such as bluegill and yellow perch. Other angling opportunities include white crappie, hybrid striped bass and yellow perch, as well as channel and flathead catfish. Lake Monroe has also become one of the best walleye fisheries in Indiana.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: small jigs/crickets
Depth: shallow - 10feet
Comments about fish:
We are starting to see fish moving in to bedding areas.
Hybrid striped bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The hybrid striped bass has two tooth patches and the back of the tongue are joined. The first stripe below the lateral line complete to the tail and the stripes above the lateral line are usually broken.
Bait: live / artificial
Depth: surface to 20feet
Comments about fish:
Find the schools of bait fish and you should find fish.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: N/A
Depth: N/A
Comments about fish:
Definitly in pre-spawn.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: night crawlers/minnows
Depth: right off bottom
Comments about fish:
No Reports.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: jigs and minnows
Depth: shallow to 8 feet
Comments about fish:
Crappie are located around almost any structure.
Comments about body of water:
Water temp. @74. Lake level is at pool (539). Those wishing to report specifics about their fishing experience and help keep Fishing Reports current may do so by calling the Lake Monroe Office at (812) 837-9546.
This page was last updated on MAY 20 2013 08:31 A.M.
Cagles Mill Lake, Cataract
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
A 1,400-acre flood-control reservoir located in Putnam and Owen counties off I-70, Cagles Mill Lake is a popular spot for walleye fishing. Halfway between Terre Haute and Indianapolis, this reservoir charges a small fee, but outboard motors are permitted.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: night crawlers, large minnows
Depth: off bottom
Comments about fish:
few reports catching walleye in deep water and off the bottom. legal size and above. anglers are catching walleyes while fishing for crappies with large minnows
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: minnows/jigs
Depth: 8-12ft
Comments about fish:
Crappie. Depths vary, mostly bright colored jigs being used and minnows.larger crappies have been reported in deeper water. Small minnows seem to attract both large and small crappie. pink jigs seem to be the color of choice. beetle spin type lures have been successful 1/8 oz
Comments about body of water:
Water temperature 62 Lake level 668.30 lake clear. Cunot ramp closed
This page was last updated on MAY 20 2013 09:57 A.M.
Atterbury FWA lakes,
ponds and rivers
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Atterbury FWA is located near Edinburgh in Johnson and Bartholomew counties. Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 6,206 acres of upland game habitat, marsh, running creeks and shallow impoundments. The area provides opportunities for fishing at Sugar Creek, Stone Arch and Pisgah Lakes and other small ponds. Other opportunities for hunting, wildlife watching, wetland trapping, dog training, areas and blackberries, raspberries, morels and walnut gathering are also available.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: live
Depth: deep
Comments about fish:
The bluegills are biting on live bait susspended under a float and on the bottom.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: live
Depth: deep
Comments about fish:
A few channel catfish are being caught in the late afternoon and evening, using night crawlers on the bottom.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: artificial
Depth: deep
Comments about fish:
The largemouth bass are biting on jigs close to the bottom.
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The last rays on the dorsal fin of the smallmouth bass are separated from the rest of the fin. Also, the upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, as it does with the largemouth bass. The smallmouth bass commonly reaches 3-4 pounds.
Bait: artificial
Depth: shallow
Comments about fish:
Surgar Creeks water level is up, and the water clarity is fair.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: live/artificial
Depth: deep
Comments about fish:
Crappies are biting on small jigs and minnows supspended under a float.
Comments about body of water:
Coyote Marsh and Honker Haven are open to fishing at this time, they are no longer part of the Waterfowl Resting Area at this time. Coyote Marsh and Honker Haven will remain open until the waterfowl resting area signs are installed by property personel. Teal Marsh, Mallard Marsh, Mink Medow, Possum Puddle, Gopher Hole, and Beaver Bottom are open to fishing. Pisgah Lake and Stone Arch Lake are open to fishing all year long.
This page was last updated on MAY 20 2013 09:46 A.M.
Chain O'Lakes State Park
lakes
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Eight connecting lakes are the center of adventures at Chain O' Lakes in Noble County. Activities include a boating launch ramp, cabins, camping with reservations as well as a canoe camp and camp store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs and a dumping station. Fishing, hiking, an interpretive center and seasonal interpretive services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rental, reservable shelters, a swimming beach and youth tent areas are also available.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: leaf worms
Depth: 3-5 feet
Comments about fish:
Best crappie fishing is at night.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: redworms, crickets
Depth: 7-11 inches
Comments about fish:
N/A
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: hot dogs, blood bait
Depth: deep
Comments about fish:
N/A
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: crawlers, jigs, plow jockeys, floating rapalas and other artificial bait
Depth: 8 feet
Comments about fish:
Fish close to dead logs for best bass fishing areas.
Rainbow or steelhead trout
Description:
Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. Rainbow or steelhead trout have a white mouth, teeth and gums and small black spots on their backs, sides, and caudal and dorsal fins. The caudal fin margin of the rainbow or steelhead trout is square and the fish has 9-12 anal fin rays.
Bait: Minnows
Depth: 5 - 20 feet deep
Comments about fish:
Fish deeper during daylight hours.
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: crawlers, red worms
Depth: 3-5 feet
Comments about fish:
Fish deeper when encountering deeper lake depth.
Comments about body of water:
Spring fishing season has begun! Please share your fishing photos with us on our Facebook page!
This page was last updated on MAY 16 2013 10:30 A.M.
Willow Slough FWA lakes
and ponds
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 9,956 acres, which includes 1,800 acres of open water, marshes and flooded crop land. In addition to fishing at J.C. Murphey Lake and numerous ponds, the property also offers hunting, wildlife watching, camping, wetland trapping, and dog training areas. Wild blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, walnuts and spring and fall mushroom gathering is available.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: jigs/small spinners/ live bait
Depth: 2 to 5 feet
Comments about fish:
Anglers are catching crappie now. Jigs, spinners, and live bait are often used. Crappie can be found in open water structure and around open water vegetation.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: beemoths, crickets, worms
Depth: N/A
Comments about fish:
Bluegill fishing has been picking up some now, some limits being taken. Fisherman reporting catching males on beds but not many females yet. Most anglers favor early morning or late evening. More anglers are fishing the open water structures and shorelines.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: variety of lures
Depth: N/A
Comments about fish:
Bass fishing has been Good. Top water lures are always a good choice along with plastic worms. Many fish are in the 13 - 17 inch size class, under the legal size limit of 18".
Comments about body of water:
Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area does not rent boats. Lake level is at normal pool. Limited bank fishing by Headquarters/Picnic area is the only bank fishing aloud. Surface water temperatures are now around 68°. ***JC Murphey Lake will be closed to boat fishing due to Waterfowl season during the following months: (Sept. Teal)(Oct. - Dec. Regular)***
G+G Spinnerbait Company.
G&G Tournament Series Spinnerbaits
Fishing in Indiana. Hunting in Indiana
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