Indiana Fishing Reports
03-16-2008
Northwest
Lake Michigan
lkmichigan@dnr.state.in.us
Description:
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: Shrimp, nightcrawlers, spoons, crankbaits
Depth: Harbor: surface to bottom; Creeks: deeper holes & runs
Comments about fish:
A few browns, including fish up to 9 pounds, have been caught by anglers while targeting steelhead in the harbor area of Trail Creek. Creel clerks also noted a few caught in the middle & lower reaches of Trail Creek & the lower reaches of the Little Cal. Check steelhead report for tatics.
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: Harbor & tribs: shrimp, nightcrawlers, spinners, spoons, spawn bags
Depth: Tribs: deeper holes and runs
Comments about fish:
A number of steelhead have been caught in the harbor area of Trail Creek over the past week. Most action is coming on shrimp or nightcrawlers anywhere from 4-9 ft below a float. As for the creeks, anglers have noticed an increasing number of fresh winter run steelhead in area creeks along with skamanias over the past several weeks. Anglers should target the deeper holes & runs. In addition, look for cover adjacent to these areas. Spawn bags have been the top producing bait with pieces of shrimp coming in at a distant second. At times, in-line spinners have been hot. If fishing bait, try to use the largest hooks possible so not to catch juvenile salmonids which have been recently stocked.
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: Rattle Traps, Husky Jerks
Depth: Bottom
Comments about fish:
Now is the time to pursue trophy walleyes in the harbor area of MC. Over the past couple of years during the month of December, walleyes have been showing up in increasing numbers in the harbor of MC. Fish up to 14 pounds have been brought to the IDNR Lake Michigan Fisheries Research Station for weight verification. Husky sized jerk baits & Rattle Traps, fished right on the bottom, have proved successful for anglers targeting walleyes. Anglers should try to fish during lowlight conditions for best chance at catching a trophy sized walleye.
Comments about body of water:
As of this morning (2/6/08), Trail Creek is running very high & muddy. Current water temp is 33 F. Expect similiar conditions along the western tribs. The harbor in Michigan City is clear of ice; however, visibility is reduced to a couple of inches due to muddy water conditions.
Mississinewa Lake
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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 to good. Reports of nice bluegill being caught from banks.
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 to good.
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 good. Fish shallow on warmer days. afternoons best. 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:
deep breaks off points and ledges.
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 to good 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. Reports of crappie being caught about 8ft deep in bays around stumps.
Comments about body of water:
Lake Drawdown was October 15 thru December 31. Lake is down 15 feet. Lake at winter pool (722). Rain / snow melt will cause lake level to vary. Best to use Red Bridge / Miami ramps for launching ( call for ramp conditions). Ice on lake edges as of this date. Ramps covered in snow and slick as of this date. Restroom at ramps closed for season. Vault toilet only at Frances Slocum ramp. Courtesy docks removed at all ramps. Fishing piers at Mooring Area and Beach removed from lake. All modern restrooms closed in campgrounds. "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.
Salamonie Reservoir
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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 moth- and wigglers-Ed has plenty!
Depth: at least 4 to 5 feet deep at the edge of the water
Comments about fish:
Blue-gill are again biting and the latest word is that they are between 8 and 9 inches long. The bait they are biting on is bee moth and wigglers, and they are getting them at about 4 feet deep, still around the bushes and brush. Before the water gets too low, you had better come out and get one last mess for the winter months, which is coming sooner than we would like.
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, leeches, and chubs
Depth: pick your own
Comments about fish:
Cat fish are not biting much lately, but those that are, are feeding on night crawlers. Slowly, everything is coming to a halt out here. Those holes or pockets where the fish hide while the water is being released, are known to those who check out the reservoir when it is emptied so they can discover the right holes, etc., for year round fishing. Come on out and scope out the bottom of the reservoir and mark out the lay of the land, so to speak, you'll be surprised how it helps.
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: no bait given to us
Depth: Any depth
Comments about fish:
Bass hasn't been mentioned much, except when they have a Bass tournament out here, and even then, no one reports the results to us. Bass are in the water here, but I think the crappie has "outshined" all of the other fish. If bass is your pleasure, I am certain you will have a ball in the Salamonie water. Make sure you inform us of your BIG catches.
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: artificial baits or your secret weapon
Depth: tail waters
Comments about fish:
As of this week of November 11th thru the 18th, no one has reported any walleye catches. That doesn't mean they aren't out there, it just means no one told us about their catches. This is a great time for Walleye fishing and the water below the spillway should be just about perfect these days.
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, worms and bee moths
Depth: go to open water these days
Comments about fish:
The crappie are still biting on minnows and jig tubes. The size is running from 10 inches to 13 1/2 inches. If you know Mick Bickel, ask him about the big crappie he caught this week. Mick took it over to Ed's at Peace Pipe and bragged about it to Ed, so Ed said he measured it and weighed it. The crappie was 14 inches long and weighed 1 1/2 pounds. Now that is a big crappie, fellas! Have you had your crappie today? They are biting in the open water now, and still feeding on minnows. Go see Ed!
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:
Depth:
Comments about fish:
Comments about body of water:
NOTICE!!!!! As of , 11-18-07, we are 14, (14) feet down with about 11 feet to go. The release will be completed by the first of January. Today is the LAST time this year for the Fishing Update, and the last weekend day that the office is open. You may still call us at 260-468-2125 for any questions you may have, monday through friday. Thanks for reading our weekly report, and hope you will look for the spring news and reports, starting around the first week of April, til then, don't freeze your toes during that icefishing weather. All I can say about ice fishing, "Is it really worth it?" Til next year----Keep well, and don't let anyone get your bobber down!
Willow Slough FWA lakes and ponds
willowsloughfwa@dnr.state.in.us
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: minnows/jigs
Depth: N/A
Comments about fish:
Very few crappie have been taken through the ice.
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, beemoths, etc
Depth: N/A
Comments about fish:
Fishermen are catching some bluegill in the back of the lake, some limits have been reported, although many fish are less than 7.5 inches. Parking is afforded at Birdhouse Point and Filbert Lane.
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: live bait, artificial lures
Depth: N/A
Comments about fish:
No legal size bass (18 in) have been seen on top of the ice. Many fishermen are catching 12 to 15 inch fish on bluegill jigs.
Comments about body of water:
The lake has from 1 to 5 inches of ice on it, although there are considerable pockets of open water. Heavy rains fell on Feb 5 and put a lot of water on top of the ice, making for unsafe conditions in many places. Be extremely careful when venturing out, especially before daylight.
Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park
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 & wigglers
Depth: 5-10'
Comments about fish:
Friday Feb 14 reported 8" ice at thickest area. Ice varies from freezing, thawing, rain and refreezing. Use extreme caution.
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.
NorthEast
Chain O'Lakes State Park lakes
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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 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:
Ice thickness will vary from lake to lake and from place to place on each lake. Fishermen are responsible for checking ice thickness where they wish to fish. Exercise extra catution on Bowen Lake. It freezes last and tends to have questionable ice under the best of conditions.
Potato Creek State Park
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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
Steuben County lakes
Description:
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, Mouses, Wigglers, Spikes, & Bee Moths
Depth: 4' - 9'
Comments about fish:
Fish an ice fishing jig tipped with a grub or a plain #6 hook with a minnow for crappie. The best bite is occuring at day break.
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: Spikes, Mouses, Wigglers, & Bee Moths
Depth: 4 ' - 12'
Comments about fish:
Bluegill can be caught using an ice fishing jig of your choosing tipped with live bait.
Northern Pike
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. Typically green in color with light-colored small oval shaped markings, the northern pike have five sensory pores. They also have cheeks that are fully scale. The northern pike can reach weights up to 20 pounds and lengths of up to three feet long.
Bait: Sucker & Golden Shiner
Depth: 3' - 6'
Comments about fish:
Northern are being caught on tip ups using live bait. The bait should be at least 5-7" long. Don't be suprised if you catch a nice bass.
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
Depth: 4' - 9'
Comments about fish:
Try fishing a wiggler on a gold rocker using a light bobber. Several fish over 11" have been caught.
Comments about body of water:
We have 6 - 7 inches of ice on many of the lakes in the county. Fishermen are out on most of the lakes and having good success. Hope to see you out on the ice.
Central
Atterbury FWA lakes, ponds and rivers
atterburyfaw@dnr.state.in.us
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.
Fish
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:
Try fishing fishing with bee moths.
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:
Try fishing with 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: shallow
Comments about fish:
Try using big minnows.
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:
No report.
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:
Try using small minnows in deep water.
Comments about body of water:
Coyote Marsh, and Honker Haven, are closed to fishing, they are part of the waterfowl resting area. They will open to fishing Feburary 16th 2008 or after an extended freeze-up. Pisgah Lake and Stone Arch Lake are open to fishing all year long. Teal Marsh, Mallard Marsh, Mink Medow, Possum Puddle, Gopher Hole, and Beaver Bottom are also open to fishing at this time.
Brookville Reservoir
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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.
Fish
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
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
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: 10 - 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, along shoreline
Comments about body of water:
The lake level is 744.90 or 3.10 ft. below summer pool. Water clear at south and muddy at north end. Fisheries survey said that the most numerous fish in the lake is the channel catfish , second most is bluegill.
Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon Lake)
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
Description:
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 on 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: 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 aggresively 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. Fish 10-20 feet deep using Bluegill as bait.
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. An average sized for a White crappie at Cecil M. Harden is 8-14 inches in size. A lot of crappie are being caught. Fish slow with small baits!!
Comments about body of water:
Lake level is 659.6 feet (2.4 feet from summer pool)! 2008 Lake Permits and AEP are available at the property office. All outlying boat ramps are closed for the season. The main boat ramp(inside the park) will be the only ramp open. Good Fishing!
Greene-Sullivan State Forest lakes
GreeneSF@dnr.state.in.us
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.
Fish
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: crickets, bee moths, small jigs
Depth: 3-12 ft.
Comments about fish:
Bluegill fishing is dependent upon the weather fronts. The best fishing will occur after a couple of stable warm days. Try fishing near the bottom in 6-10 feet of water. Lighter tackle will have the best results.
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 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: minnows, crankbait
Depth: 3-12 feet
Comments about fish:
Several large bass have been taken recently. Crankbaits and rubber worms should be good. Fish in the shallows are spooky.
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:
[The Bass Lake Survey done in 2002 was the best to date with 13 muskie netted! The largest two caught were a 2 yr. old male at 24 inches and a 3 old female at 35 inches. Bass lake has had muskie stocked yearly starting in 1997 with approx. 2,200 fingerlings at 9-12 inches.] Please let us know if you catch any muskie! We'd love to hear about it!
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 structure.
Comments about body of water:
Airline lake will be CLOSED March 15-31, 2008 for Trout stocking. The lake will re-open on April 1, 2008. Our Open House is scheduled for March 18, 2007 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. It will be held at the Property Office. Hope to see you there. There is no safe ice on any of the lakes at this time. February Canada goose season is open from February 1 - 15, 2008. Narrow campground is closed for the winter. The Fish Cleaning station is CLOSED. Please continue to help us keep the lakes clean of litter!
Shakamak State Park lakes
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
Description:
Three man-made lakes offer 400 acres of water for fishing and boating while a new family aquatic center provides swimming fun at Shakamak State Park. About two-thirds of the campsites are in a wooded area, offering a cool shade in the summer and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Nearby is a playfield area for family fun. A popular feature of the park is the group camp. Shakamak has many facilities for outdoor fun including boat launch ramps, a saddle barn, cabins, camping, cultural arts programs, a dumping station, fishing, hiking, an interpretive center and seasonal interpretive services. In addition, the property offers picnicking, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rentals, reservable shelters, a swimming pool and waterslide, tennis and youth tent areas.
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
Depth: 20'
Comments about fish:
Nice size bluegill are being caught on Kickapoo and Shakamak.
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: livers
Depth: lake bottoms
Comments about fish:
A few catfish have been caught on Lake Lenape. Try fishing near the dam.
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: Spinners and surface lures
Depth: 6'-12'
Comments about fish:
Don't forget about the slot limit. Small bass are just the right size for the skillet.
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: bee moths
Depth: 20'
Comments about fish:
Good size redear are being caught on Lake Shakamak.
Comments about body of water:
Ice fisherman have been catching redear and bluegills on all lakes through the ice in about 20' deep water. Forcast to be cold until Sunday afternoon. Come on in to do some fishing. We have cabin rentals. Reservations can be made at 866-622-6746 or at www.camp.IN.gov
Summit Lake
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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: minnows and small ice jigs tipped with mousies, wax worms or maggots
Depth: 4-20 feet
Comments about fish:
Some crappie have been caught. Some of fishermen are fishing at night for them.
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, spikes, mousies on #12 and 14 ice jigs
Depth: 4-20 feet
Comments about fish:
Bluegill make up the majority of the catch. Most of the fishing has taken place in the bays. The bluegill average 7-8 inches with a few 9 or better.
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: Jigging Rapalas, minnows, and ice jigs tipped with beemoths, spikes
Depth: 4-35feet
Comments about fish:
Channels sometimes suspend over deep water at this time of the year.
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 Rapalas and jigging spoons such as the Swedish Pimple, minnows, panfish jigs
Depth: 4-12 feet
Comments about fish:
Some bass have been caught through the ice.
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: beemoths, spikes, mousies on # 12 and #14 ice jigs
Depth: 4-15 feet
Comments about fish:
Redears are making a comeback after low populations in the last few years.
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 spoons and Rapalas tipped with spikes, or minnows
Depth: 5-35 feet
Comments about fish:
A few walleye have been caught. Most are caught in the deeper areas.
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, beemoths, spikes, ice jigs
Depth: 6-35 feet
Comments about fish:
The perch population is smaller than it was several years ago. Some are now being caught as some fishermen are targeting them in deeper water.
Comments about body of water:
Ice this morning (2-14-8) was up to 2 inches. Most of the lake is frozen. The ice is covered with snow. Extreme caution should always be used when walking out onto ice especially when there is snow, which slows the thickening process and covers potential hazards. It's a good idea to fish with a buddy, carry an emergency rope as well as something sharp like ice spuds to help grab onto the slippery ice in case of a fall through. Please park in parking areas and not on the grass. The park office phone number is (765)766-5873 and is open from 8am to 4pm M-F. The campground is open but the water is shut off. There is no entrance fee at this time.
Whitewater Memorial State Park lakes
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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:
mostly catch and release size bass
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 muddy, water cold, fishing slow
SouthWest
Glendale FWA lakes and ponds
glendalefwa@dnr.state.in.us
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 , nightcrawler,beemoth
Depth: 10' to15'
Comments about fish:
It has been too cold and windy for any action on Dogwood Lake.
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: nightcrawlers,beemoth
Depth: 10' to 15' of water
Comments about fish:
Due to inclement weather have observed no one on Dogwood Lake.
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
Depth: 10' to 20' of water
Comments about fish:
No fishermen observed on Dogwood Lake. Totline/limb-line season will begin Thursday, April 3, 2008 and will continue through October 15, 2008. Permits will be issued only during this time period.
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, nightcrawlers
Depth: 10' to 20' of water
Comments about fish:
No anglers observed on Dogwood Lake.
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: Redworms, Beemoth
Depth: 15'to20' of water.
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: Redworms
Depth: 15' to 20' of water
Comments about body of water:
Dogwood Lake is approximately 10" above pool. Water temperature has reached 40 degrees. The bays are muddy do to the 4.1" rain we received this week.
SouthEasst
Ohio River at Falls of the Ohio State Park
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.
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: 1/2oz Jigs Mister Twister Grubs
Depth: near bottom in swiftwater
Comments about fish:
The Sauger are running. At the time of the survey bank fishing was yielding good results but the boat fishing was best. One important tip when fishing for Sauger is to let your jig bounce along the bottom. If you don't get hung up it means your not fishing correctly.
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.
11-16-2007
NORTHWEST
Lake Michigan
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: Spinners, spawn
Depth: Tribs
Comments about fish:
No reports of chinook salmon caught from the lake or the harbor in Michigan City this past week. Chinooks have been observed throughout Trail Creek; however, best action is taking place in the lower & middle reaches. Anglers are still catching kings along the entire length of Salt Creek with most of the action taking place in the lower reaches. Anglers should concentrate their efforts in the lower reaches of the East Branch. Large spinners with dark blades have been producing for anglers. Anglers have also caught an occasional king on spawn bags.
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: Tribs: Spawn, spoons, spinners, streamers, egg imitations
Depth: Deeper runs & holes
Comments about fish:
No boating report this week in southern LM. Trail Creek, East Branch of the Little Calumet River & Salt Creek have all seen heavy runs of coho salmon over the past couple of weeks. Coho have been caught on shrimp & spawn under a float. Wobbler type spoons, spinners (size #3 or #4) with black, chartreuse, silver or gold blades have also produced well at times. Fly anglers have said that streamers (purple, black) & egg imitations have been productive in the past.
Lake 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 lake trout has a white mouth, teeth and gums, a caudal fin that is deeply forked and a body color that is light to dark gray with light spots.
Bait: Spoons, bodybaits
Depth: Up to 45 FOW
Comments about fish:
Anglers targeting lake trout should see increasing numbers over the next couple of weeks in southern LM as lake water temperatures cool. A hotspot for lakers is along the submerged breakwater outside the Port of Indiana. No specialized gear is needed in that area because it is a relatively shallow hump, around 14-20 FOW. Flatlining spoons & bodybaits are effective methods for catching fall lake trout. In addition, the MC area has been seeing an increase in lake trout numbers over the past several years according to lake trout spawning assessments conducted by the Lake Michigan Fisheries Research Station. Try areas just north of the detached breakwater in water depths to 45 FOW. Also, try to keep your presentation within 5-8 ft of the bottom for best chance at catching lakers.
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: Harbor & tribs: shrimp, spinners, spoons, spawn bags
Depth: Tribs: deeper holes and runs
Comments about fish:
No lake action to report. No action to report off the MC Pier or harbor area this past week. According to anglers, steelhead action is very good in the tribs. Anglers fishing Trail Ck reported steelhead are scattered throughout the entire length. Salt Ck anglers reported action in the lower & upper reaches. The lower reaches of the E. Branch Little Cal continue to see good numbers of steelhead. Spawn has been the top producing bait. Spinners in sizes #2, #3, & #4 have also been effective at times.
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, jigs, small spinnerbaits, crankbaits
Depth: 4-18 FOW
Comments about fish:
No report this week. Anglers who target smallmouth bass should continue to concentrate their efforts along the breakwalls at Hammond & Pastrick Marinas, Inland Steel Wall, Gary's Light and the Port of Indiana breakwall. Look for bass to congregate on man-made structure in southern Lake Michigan. Action for smallmouth bass should be very good over the next couple of weeks as bass feed heavily in preparation for the winter months. Anglers should continue to use tube jigs & small deep diving crankbaits for best shot at catching a trophy size bass.
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 60 FOW
Comments about fish:
Michigan City anglers reported spotty yellow perch action over the last week. Fish up to 14 inches have been harvested. Action was taking place out front of Mt. Baldy to the Beverly Shores area in water depths ranging from 44-60 FOW. Minnows continue to be the top producing bait.
Comments about body of water:
Surface water temperature in the harbor at Michigan City is 59 F as of 10/22/07. The tributaries of Lake Michigan are currently low & clear. Scattered rain showers are predicted for the region Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning which may impact stream conditions. Water temperature of Trail Creek is 56 F as of 10/22/07. Personnel from Mixsawbah State Fish Hatchery planted roughly 55,000 steelhead in Trail Creek & the E. Branch of the Little Calumet River last week. In addition, coho salmon stockings will be taking place this week. We ask that all anglers who catch these juvenile salmonids to handle these fish as little as possible to assure survival of this valuable resource.
Mississinewa Lake
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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 to good. Reports of nice bluegill being caught from banks.
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 to good.
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 good. Fish shallow on warmer days. afternoons best. 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:
deep breaks off points and ledges.
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 to good 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. Reports of crappie being caught about 8ft deep in bays around stumps.
Comments about body of water:
Lake level near summer pool (737.00) as of this date. Lake Drawdown begins October 15 thru January. Lake will lower 15 feet during this time. Beach officially "closed" after Labor Day Weekend. All boat ramps open for use. Miami and Red Bridge ramp restooms open. Vault toilet only at Frances Slocum ramp. Courtesy dock removed at Miami ramp. Fishing piers at Mooring Area and Beach removed from lake. All restrooms open in campground. "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.
Salamonie Reservoir
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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: crickets- and wigglers-Ed has plenty!
Depth: at least 4 to 5 feet deep
Comments about fish:
Finally the Blue-gill are showing up again. One fellow said he got about 12 nice keepers this week. Now what he considers a keeper could mean any size over the limit, but at least they are on the run. Can you believe it? They were caught on a wiggler---of all things. Guess you an try anything.
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, leeches, and chubs
Depth: pick your own
Comments about fish:
The catfish are biting again and not looking too shabby. Most of them are running 3 1/2 to 4 pounds and mostly biting on crawlers, but one guy happened to get one on a minnow. Try anything, it might just work.
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: no bait given to us
Depth: Any depth
Comments about fish:
Drum fish are hit and miss but usually you can get drum fish when you can't get anything else..
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: artificial baits
Depth: tail waters
Comments about fish:
Sorry, guys, but I misinformed you about the stocking of fish out here at Salamonie. This year in mid June, Justin informed me that he released a lot of Walleye, no Perch, but plenty of Walleye. Now, how I ever got the idea that we didn't stock this year is beyond me, BUT----to set the record straight, we do have Walleye in our water and you can bet that ours are the biggest and the best! Come on out! No walleye have been reported here as yet, but we are told they are biting in other areas, so it can't be much longer for them here.
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, worms and bee moths
Depth: 5 to 6 inches deep for these fish also
Comments about fish:
Okay! The crappie are really biting--- one lady claims she caught a 16 1/2 inch crappie this week. Minnows are the bait of choice and you can get the best ones over at Peace Pipe. If you don't have a boat and want to fish down at the beach, which is officialy closed for swimming, or even the Marina is a good place to go, they are biting there also. Mostly finding them in the brush and bushes and the Christmas trees that were put in the water as cover for the fish. Can you believe that the fish are only 5 to 6 inches deep along the edge of the bank The crappie will never let you down here at the Salamonie. Start at about 4 to 8 feet for your depth. Bait is still minnows and jig tubes.
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: bee moth
Depth: 17 feet or better
Comments about fish:
Word has it that we have released some perch in our Reservoir, but we have NOT. If there is another Reservoir that has released some perch and you know who it is, give us a call so we can pass on the word. Justin, our Wild Life Specialist just verified today that we have not released any Perch. We will inform you of any and all releases and will be verified by Justin. I apologize for any mis-information. Ao
Comments about body of water:
NOTICE!!!!! On October 1, the Corp of Engineers started releasing the water at a rate of about 5 inches a day. As of today, 10-27-07, we are seven and a half (7 1/2) feet down now. The release will be completed by the first of January, so if you plan on doing much boating, better check first before you haul your boat all the way here. Keep in mind that the weekend office hours will close down in mid-November. You may still call us at 260-468-2125 for any questions you may have.
Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park
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 & wigglers
Depth: 2
Comments about fish:
Bluegills are hitting close to shore. Bass are hitting in about 6" to 15" on the west end.
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.
Northeast
Chain O'Lakes State Park lakes
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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 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:
St. Joseph River
stjoe@dnr.state.in.us
Description:
The St. Joe River and its tributaries drain approximately 2,600 square miles in southwestern Michigan and 1,685 square miles in northern Indiana. Located primarily in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, the river is home to thirty-six species of fish, as of a 1989 DNR survey.Angling opportunities are available for a number of sport fish including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, rock bass, walleye and bluegill. The lower 13 miles of the river from the state line upstream to the Twin Branch Dam also provides steelhead and salmon fishing.
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: Flys
Depth: Gravel Flats
Comments about fish:
As of October 24, a total of 337 Chinook Salmon have been counted moving through the South Bend Fish Ladder. The salmon spawn is underway.
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: Bright Colored Spinners
Depth: Main River Channels
Comments about fish:
As of October 24, a total of 118 Coho Salmon have been counted moving through the South Bend Fish Ladder.
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: bright colored spinners, flys, Hot N Tots
Depth: main river channels, shallow gravel flats
Comments about fish:
As of October 24, a total of 1,660 steelhead trout have been counted moving through the South Bend Fish Ladder.
Comments about body of water:
A total of 2,115 salmonids have been counted moving through the South Bend fish ladder as of October 24. River temperature is 56 degrees and water levels are good. The St. Joe River fishing report will now be updated weekly until the run ends some time in late November. For additional trout and salmon information on the St. Joe River call our fishing hotline at 574-257-TIPS (8477).
Potato Creek State Park
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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. Some Bass and Bluegill are hitting on worms. The lake was lowered 3' for a gizzard shad reduction September 5, 2006. The dam has been raised again and the level is normal. Nov 14, 2006 16,000 fingerling and Dec 18, 2006 20,000 fingerling large mouth bass were put into Worster Lake. While the lake was lowered tha Friends of Potato Creek Group did a lake clean up project. These should improve fishing conditions greatly.
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
CENTRAL
Atterbury FWA lakes, ponds and rivers
atterburyfaw@dnr.state.in.us
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: shallow
Comments about fish:
Try fishing fishing with bee moths, crickets, or red worms.
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:
Try fishing in the evening with 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: shallow
Comments about fish:
Try using big minnows or soft plastics.
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:
Should be bitting, but no report.
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:
Try using small minnows in deep water.
Comments about body of water:
Coyote Marsh, and Honker Haven, are closed to fishing, they are part of the waterfowl resting area. They will open to fishing Feburary 1st 2008 or after an extended freeze-up. Pisgah Lake and Stone Arch Lake are open to fishing all year long. Teal Marsh, Mallard Marsh, Mink Medow, Possum Puddle, Gopher Hole, and Beaver Bottom are also open to fishing at this time. They will be closed for waterfowl season, which starts November 21st. Atterbury FWA lakes, ponds and rivers
atterburyfaw@dnr.state.in.us
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: shallow
Comments about fish:
Try fishing fishing with bee moths, crickets, or red worms.
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:
Try fishing in the evening with 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: shallow
Comments about fish:
Try using big minnows or soft plastics.
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:
Should be bitting, but no report.
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:
Try using small minnows in deep water.
Comments about body of water:
Coyote Marsh, and Honker Haven, are closed to fishing, they are part of the waterfowl resting area. They will open to fishing Feburary 1st 2008 or after an extended freeze-up. Pisgah Lake and Stone Arch Lake are open to fishing all year long. Teal Marsh, Mallard Marsh, Mink Medow, Possum Puddle, Gopher Hole, and Beaver Bottom are also open to fishing at this time. They will be closed for waterfowl season, which starts November 21st.
Cagles Mill Lake
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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: diving lures/ jigs
Depth: Bottom
Comments about fish: Shakamak State Park lakes
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
Description:
Three man-made lakes offer 400 acres of water for fishing and boating while a new family aquatic center provides swimming fun at Shakamak State Park. About two-thirds of the campsites are in a wooded area, offering a cool shade in the summer and beautiful fall colors in autumn. Nearby is a playfield area for family fun. A popular feature of the park is the group camp. Shakamak has many facilities for outdoor fun including boat launch ramps, a saddle barn, cabins, camping, cultural arts programs, a dumping station, fishing, hiking, an interpretive center and seasonal interpretive services. In addition, the property offers picnicking, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rentals, reservable shelters, a swimming pool and waterslide, tennis and youth tent areas.
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 and crickets
Depth: 3-6
Comments about fish:
Nice size bluegill are being caught on Kickapoo and Shakamak.
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: livers
Depth: lake bottoms
Comments about fish:
A few catfish have been caught on Lake Lenape. Try fishing near the dam.
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: Spinners and surface lures
Depth: 6'-12'
Comments about fish:
6-10 inch bass are being caught on Kickapoo. Don't forget about the slot limit. Small bass are just the right size for the skillet.
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: Crickets and bee moths
Depth: 3-6
Comments about fish:
Good size redear are being caught on Lake Shakamak.
Comments about body of water:
Bluegill are hitting right now. We had a gentleman stop in to let us know that he went fishing yesterday evening around 4:00 pm and said he caught around 30 bluegill on Lake Shakamak. About half of what he caught was 9" long. We also had some gentlemen come in this afternoon saying that they caught about 5 good size bluegill earlier today. Come on in to do some fishing. We have cabin rentals. Reservations can be made at 866-622-6746 or at www.camp.IN.gov
SOUTHEAST
Brookville Reservoir
bweber@dnr.state.in.us
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
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
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: 10 - 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, along shoreline
Comments about body of water:
The lake level is 746.65 or 1.35 ft. below summer pool. Water clear at south and clear at north end. Water starting to cool. Fisheries survey said that the most numerous fish in the lake is the channel catfish , second most is bluegill.
Ohio River at Falls of the Ohio State Park
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.
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
Depth: bottom
Comments about fish:
A few Channel Catfish are being taken use cuting bait such as shad. Others do have some success with night crawlers and other homemade recipes.
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: Live minnows or 1/2 Jigs
Depth: near bottom in swiftwater
Comments about fish:
I witnessed fisherman catching fairly good sized Sauger in the last week. Most were being taken below the Hydroelectric Dam which is only accessible by boat.
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.
SOUTHWEST
Glendale FWA lakes and ponds
glendalefwa@dnr.state.in.us
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 , nightcrawler
Depth: 10' to shallow
Comments about fish:
Fishing has been slow, but Anglers catches have been improving in the shallows with cooling temps. Wind and Rain has been a factor with approaching weather fronts.
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: nightcrawlers, crickets,beemoth
Depth: 10' to 15' of water
Comments about fish:
Bluegill fishing is rated fair, but approaching fronts have slowed attempts. Fishing success has improved during the middle of the day since daytime temperatures are more moderate.
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, Liver, nightcrawlers
Depth: 10' to 20' of water
Comments about fish:
No reports of any catches form boat or bank fisherman. No trot-lines or limb-lines are permitted after 10/17/07.
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, nightcrawlers
Depth: 10' to 20' of water
Comments about fish:
Bass fishing has been slow. Success is mostly in areas where game fish have started Fall feeding. Approaching fronts have limited attempts.
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: Redworms, Beemoth,Jigs
Depth: 10'to15' of water.
Comments about fish:
Anglers have been making some catches just off the bottom. Moderating temperatures has improved daytime fishing. Approaching weather fronts have limited attempts,making fishing slow.
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: Redworms
Depth: 15' to 20' of water
Comments about fish:
Anglers have reported no catches.
Comments about body of water:
Dogwood Lake is about 16" below pool. Water temperature is ranging in the upper 50's. The lake is clear, but is showing signs of turnover. The forecast for the coming weekend is mostly cloudy Friday and Saturday with showers, clearing off Sunday.Highs in the upper 50's. EAST 1/3 OF DOGWOOD LAKE WILL BE CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING FROM OCT.19,THRU OCT.28,2007.THE WEST 2/3 WILL REMAIN OPEN TO FISHING DURING THIS TIME PERIOD. THE CLOSING IS FOR EARLY WATERFOWL SEASON.
Hovey Lake
hoveyfwa@dnr.state.in.us
Description:
Hovey Lake is an oxbow lake form around 500 years ago by the Ohio River. The lake is located in Hovey Lake FWA, 8.3 miles south of Mt. Vernon on SR 69. Excellent fishing opportunities exist for white crappie and channel catfish. Other species include bluegill, freshwater drum, blue catfish, redear sunfish, sauger, common carp, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, black crappie and white bass.
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: minnows, shad, night crawlers
Depth: about 1' off bottom
Comments about fish:
Catfish activity is steady. Live or cut shad is the preferred bait. Nightcrawlers also work well. Don't let the bait lay on bottom. Other catfish species such as large blue and flatheads are also being taken.
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, tube jigs
Depth: 3-6'
Comments about fish:
Fish tend to be scattered, mobilty is key to finding fish. Fisheries surveys are showing the larger crappie are suspending in the open lake away from the timber.
Comments about body of water:
Lake is below pool due to the drought and has pretty well settled into summer mode. All species of catfish are being taken. Channel cats in 3-6 lb range are being taken consistantly. Note: Lake closed for waterfowl seasons on the following dates - Oct 20 & 21 Oct 27 & 28 Nov 19 thru Jan 31
crank baits(sparkle tails), pink jigs
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
Depth: 8-12ft
Comments about fish:
Reports that small crappie are being caught at levels 8 ft and some larger at 12ft
Comments about body of water:
water temperature 59. Level 638.61 clear.