Atterbury FWA lakes, ponds and rivers

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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: shallow

Comments about fish:

Bluegills have been seen in the shallows.

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: any
Depth: deep

Comments about fish:

No report

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: shallow

Comments about fish:

No 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: artificial
Depth: shallow

Comments about fish:

Sugar Creeks water level is normal but the water clarity is good.

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:

No report

Comments about body of water:

Coyote Marsh and Honker Haven are open to fishing, 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. Fishermen may encounter waterfowl hunters on any of the lakes during the special light goose season, which runs until March 31st, 2012.

Lake Michigan

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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: Golden roaches, nightcrawlers, wobbler type spoons
Depth: On or near the bottom

Comments about fish:

Shore anglers have been catching brown trout off the MC Lighthouse Pier. Most of the fish have been caught on the bottom; however, it’s a good idea to suspend some bait as coho salmon & steelhead are also in the area. Top producing baits include shiners & nightcrawlers. Wobbler type spoons have also been producing at times. Action reported off the breakwall at Stateline Energy as well.

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: Shore: Shrimp, N/C, spawn Boat: Crankbaits
Depth: Shore: Throughout the water column

Comments about fish:

MC shore anglers are reporting decent coho action off the Lighthouse Pier & also inside the harbor. Anglers have stated that a variety of baits have been catching fish including shrimp, N/C & spawn fished anywhere from 2’ below the surface to right on the bottom. Wobbler type spoons & bass sized crankbaits have also been effective at times. Boat anglers report action out front of MC, the “ditch” & also around Gary’s Light. Anglers report lures such as Thin Fins & Rapalas have been producing.

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: Pier: Shrimp, nightcrawlers, skein Tribs: Spawn sacs, shrimp, spinners
Depth: Deeper holes & runs

Comments about fish:

Anglers continue to catch small numbers off the piers & harbor areas of Trail Cr. Top bait is shrimp susupended under a bobber. As for the tribs, anglers report slow action. Steelhead are scattered throughout Trail & Salt Creek's. Fish are mainly found in the lower reaches of the E Br Little Cal. Spawn sacs are the top producing bait with shrimp a distant second. Keep your offerings bouncing on the bottom in the deepest holes. Also, try to keep your bait or lures as close to woody debris as possible. Winter time steelhead tend to hold tight to cover.

Comments about body of water:

Surface water temp in the harbor of MC was 38°F as of this morning. Indiana's tribs are running higher than average with visibilities around 12". Keep an eye on the USGS gauging stations for updates on stream discharges. Water temp of Trail Cr at Friendship Gardens was 38° F as of this morning. We ask that all anglers who accidently catch stocked trout & salmon fingerlings to play them quickly & gently release them. These fingerlings are the future lake & stream fishery.

Chain O'Lakes State Park lakes

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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:

Please exercise EXTREME caution when checking ice. Most ice is melting quickly in the warmer, mild temperatures. Please be EXTREMELY careful!

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 fishes.

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 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: Jigs 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: Jigs or minnows
Depth: Varies

Comments about fish:

Two species, the Black crappie and White crappie inhabit about the same regions. An average sized for a White crappie at Cecil M. Harden is 8-14 inches in size.

Comments about body of water:

Lake level is 41.08 (21.14 feet under summer pool). All boat ramps are closed for the season excluding the main boat ramp located within Raccoon SRA (while water levels permit). The Corps started winter pool water draw down on 10-24-11. Water level will be reduced 22 feet to reach winter pool. The fish cleaning stations within Raccoon SRA are winterized/closed for the season. Note- Limited access at the main ramp (call the property of updates). Good fishing.

Brookville Reservoir

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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,

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

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

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:

Good year class

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 740.0. Water clear. Fisheries survey said that the most numerous fish in the lake is the channel catfish , second most is bluegill.

Whitewater Memorial State Park lakes

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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, skim of ice at shallow areas.

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Summit Lake

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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 and minnows, ice jigs tipped with maggots or wax worms
Depth: 3-15 feet

Comments about fish:

A few crappie have been caught.

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: maggots, wax worms, mousies on ice jigs
Depth: 3-20 feet

Comments about fish:

Some bluegill are being caught.

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, soft plastics
Depth: 6-20 feet

Comments about fish:

Nothing heard about catfish lately.

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: minnows, ice jigs and jigging spoons and jigging minnows
Depth: 2-20 feet

Comments about fish:

A few bass, mostly below 14 inches, have been caught.

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, mousies on ice jigs
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: minnows, jigging spoons and jigging minnows
Depth: 3-25 feet

Comments about fish:

Walleye prefer low light conditions and deeper water during ice-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: ice jigs and jigging minnows
Depth: 10-35 feet

Comments about fish:

Nothing heard about white bass lately.

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 lures and jigs, minnows and other live bait
Depth: 10-35 feet

Comments about fish:

Nothing heard about the perch catch lately.

Comments about body of water:

Almost all of the lake is now open water. Exercise extreme caution when venturing out onto ice especially when there is snow which insulates and hides bad ice. It's wise to always ice fish with a buddy, let someone know where you'll be, frequently check ice depths and conditions, carry a throw rope, and carry something sharp like ice awls or 16-penny nails to help grab onto slippery ice in case of a fall-through. The office is open M-F, 8-4, phone: 765-766-5873. Please practice catch and release; remember - you can only eat them once. The campground is open. Camp reservations: 866-622-6746 or www.CAMP.IN.gov. Winter rates: 11.22/night or our min-cabin: 39.20. Visit the DNR booth at the Indy Boat Sport & Travel Show, Feb17-26.

Steuben County lakes

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, Waxworms. or Jigs
Depth: 6 - 12 feet

Comments about fish:

Crappie can be caught on the outside on weedlines in 8 - 12 feet of water.

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 & Spikes
Depth: 4 - 12 feet

Comments about fish:

Fish have moved into there winter spots.

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 Rapala
Depth: 4 - 8 feet

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.

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: Jerk Bait, Jigs, or Live Bait
Depth: 8 - 14 feet

Comments about fish:

Fish the outside of weed beds. Cast to the deep and bring the lure back to you. 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: Minnows, Baby Night Crawlers, & Red Wigglers
Depth: 4 - 8 feet

Comments about fish:

Fish in the inside and outside of weeds beds near drop offs.

Comments about body of water:

Ice has formed on many of the lakes, the larger lakes still have open water. Folks have been fishing on North Snow Bay, Little Long, Green Lake, and other small lakes and channels. The ice is 2.5 - 3.5 inches, it's recommended to have at least 4" inches of ice to ice fish. Please be careful if you head out. Make sure to spud the ice to check for safety and tell someone where you're going.

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Greene-Sullivan State Forest lakes

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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, 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:

2008 preliminary survey report netted 64 muskie, ranging from 8 to 26 pounds. 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".

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: Artificial lures, power bait
Depth: 15 - 40 ft

Comments about fish:

Airline Lake is closed from March 15th through March 31st. 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. No lake information available.

Comments about body of water:

Please continue to help us keep the lakes clean of litter! All lakes on the West Unit are open to fishing. We are now selling State Park Annual Entrance Permits. Annaul Entrance Permits $36.00, Non- Resident Annual Entrace Permits $46.00. Golden Hoosier Passport(Residents 65 and older) $18.00. If you can't make it to the office during normal office hours, we will be at the East Shelter during Marsh Madness, Saturday March 3, from 10 until 5. Stop by and see us.

Mississinewa Lake

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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 level at winter pool as of this date (712). Lake will fluctuate as snow / rain events effect runoff amounts. Red Bridge ramp ok to launch boats as of this date but may be slick / snow covered. All other ramps have mud at bottem of ramp when lake at winter pool. All ramp restrooms closed for season. Courtesy docks removed from lake. Vault toilet only at Frances Slocum Ramp. Winter camping rates in effect. Water off in campgrounds. Use self registration box located by office door to pay for camping when office closed. "IMPORTANT NEW INFO":Lake Permit stickers for all watercraft (motorized $20.00 and non-motorized $5.00)now required on all boats while on lake/ponds. Call 765-473-6528 for additional information on lake conditions.

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Chain O'Lakes State Park lakes. Norman Lake ice report

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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:

Please exercise EXTREME caution when checking ice. There is only ice on Norman Lake right now and even though there have been fishermen out on it, it's safety is questionable.

Lake Michigan

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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: Golden roaches, nightcrawlers, wobbler type spoons
Depth: On or near the bottom

Comments about fish:

Shore anglers have been catching brown trout off the MC Lighthouse Pier. Most of the fish have been caught on the bottom; however, it’s a good idea to suspend some bait as coho salmon & steelhead are also in the area. Top producing baits include shiners & nightcrawlers. Wobbler type spoons have also been producing at times. Action reported off the breakwall at Stateline Energy as well.

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: Shore: Shrimp, N/C, spawn Boat: Crankbaits
Depth: Shore: Throughout the water column

Comments about fish:

MC shore anglers are reporting decent coho action off the Lighthouse Pier & also inside the harbor. Anglers have stated that a variety of baits have been catching fish including shrimp, N/C & spawn fished anywhere from 2’ below the surface to right on the bottom. Wobbler type spoons & bass sized crankbaits have also been effective at times. Boat anglers report action out front of MC, the “ditch” & also around Gary’s Light. Anglers report lures such as Thin Fins & Rapalas have been producing.

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: Pier: Shrimp, nightcrawlers, skein Tribs: Spawn sacs, shrimp, spinners
Depth: Deeper holes & runs

Comments about fish:

Anglers continue to catch small numbers off the piers & harbor areas of Trail Cr. Top bait is shrimp susupended under a bobber. As for the tribs, anglers report slow action. Steelhead are scattered throughout Trail & Salt Creek's. Fish are mainly found in the lower reaches of the E Br Little Cal. Spawn sacs are the top producing bait with shrimp a distant second. Keep your offerings bouncing on the bottom in the deepest holes. Also, try to keep your bait or lures as close to woody debris as possible. Winter time steelhead tend to hold tight to cover.

Comments about body of water:

Surface water temp in the harbor of MC was 38°F as of this morning. Indiana's tribs are running higher than average with visibilities less than 12". Keep an eye on the USGS gauging stations for updates on stream discharges. Water temp of Trail Cr at Friendship Gardens was 36° F as of this morning. We ask that all anglers who accidently catch stocked trout & salmon fingerlings to play them quickly & gently release them. These fingerlings are the future lake & stream fishery.

Potato Creek State Park

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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

Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park

For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.

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, minnows, waxworms, spinner
Depth: 2' to 10'

Comments about fish:

Some ice on east end in middle of water but no way to get out on it. Boat Rental closed for the season. Camp Store Closed for the season. Boat Ramps are not plowed when snowing. Barriers are in place in the winter.

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: several different lures
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.