Post by sam on Oct 4, 2011 19:36:37 GMT -5
Indiana DNR Fishing Reports. Indiana Fishing Reports
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This page was last updated on OCT 04 2011 10:45 A.M.
Potato Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: redworms & waxworms
Depth: 10'
Comments about fish:
See Worster Lake at Potato Creek for weekly updates.
Comments about body of water:
Potato Creek State Park: Worster Lake 327 acre lake. Limited to electric motors only. Two boat launches (east and west) Launches are currently algea covered and slippery. Note launches have been treated to diminish the algea build-up
This page was last updated on OCT 04 2011 10:45 A.M.
Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: redworms, minnows, waxworms, spinner
Depth: 2' to 10'
Comments about fish:
On the West side and far West end: Large & Small Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Perch. Catching Bass on East part of Lake and across from Boat Rental. crappie fishing is slow. Boat Rental closed for the season.
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.
This page was last updated on OCT 03 2011 11:09 A.M.
Cagles Mill Lake, Cataract Lake
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
A 1,400-acre flood-control reservoir located in Putnam and Owen counties off I-70, Cagles Mill Lake is a popular spot for walleye fishing. Halfway between Terre Haute and Indianapolis, this reservoir charges a small fee, but outboard motors are permitted.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: night crawlers, large minnows
Depth: off bottom
Comments about fish:
few reports catching walleye in deep water and off the bottom. legal size and above. anglers are catching walleyes while fishing for crappies with large minnows
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: jigs/minnows
Depth: 6-12
Comments about fish:
crappie. Depths vary, mostly bright colored jigs being used and minnows.larger crappies have been reported in deeper water. Small minnows seem to attract both large and small crappie
Comments about body of water:
Water temperature 63 Lake level 639.0 lake clear
This page was last updated on OCT 02 2011 03:49 P.M.
Glendale FWA lakes and ponds
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Glendale FWA is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 8,060 acres of land and over 1,400 acres of lakes and impoundments. Located in Daviess County, Glendale FWA has fishing in Dogwood lake and other ponds. The area also has hunting, wildlife watching, camping, wetland trapping, and dog training areas and blackberries, persimmon, hickory nuts, morels and walnut gathering.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: Minnows,Jigs,
Depth: 6 to 14 ft.of water
Comments about fish:
Fishing pressure for crappie is increasing as is success. While some anglers still prefer to try deeper water, most are shortening up to about 10 ft. of water and fishing 6 to 8 ft. deep.
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: Jigs/Beemoth, Red Wigglers, crickets
Depth: 5 to 14 ft. of water
Comments about fish:
Bluegill (catching") is GOOD. Anglers are not fishing as deep as they were. Recent rain has freshened the water and it appears that panfish are beginning to come into shallower water.
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: Worms, Liver, Live Bait
Depth: Deeper water - no exact depth
Comments about fish:
Channels have been hitting in the deeper water off points and along creek channels. Both channels and flatheads are hitting on nightcrawlers and live bait. Best time to fish is from 5:00 PM until full dark. Line/line season began Thursday April 7 and runs through Wednesday, October 19, 2011/ 15 permits will be issued per week on a first/come, first/serve basis.
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: Crank baits, Jigs, Worm Harness
Depth: 8 ft. and deeper
Comments about fish:
Most bass fishermen are still fishing in deeper water using deep running crankbaits, worm harness, and rattle baits. Indications are that 'Bass are also beginning to come into shallower water, especially to feed.
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: Jigs, pieces of nightcrawler or beemoth
Depth: 10 - 15 ft. deep
Comments about fish:
Redear fishing has greatly improved. Anglers are catching redear at the same depths and using the same baits as for bluegill.
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: No Report
Depth: No Report
Comments about fish:
No Report
Comments about body of water:
Dogwood Lake is approximately 8 inches below summer pool and surface temperature is running in the mid to high 60 degree range. The water is clear and the weeds are beginning to sink. The aquatic weed harvester has been stored for the winter but had opened up Several acres of water to both boat and shoreline fishermen. The weather forecast for the next 7 days is the best we have seen this fall. Sunny days with air temps. in the mid 70's and clear nights with temps running in the mid 50's. The HORSEPOWER LIMIT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM DOGWOOD LAKE. There is a MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT OF 10 MPH IMPOSED on the lake REGARDLESS of motor size!
This page was last updated on SEP 29 2011 10:29 A.M.
Greene-Sullivan State Forest lakes
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Greene-Sullivan State Forest is composed of 8,000 acres of reclaimed surface mined land that includes the planting of several different species of trees that are managed for wildlife and timber production. The forest has more than 100 fishing lakes which have produced some record catches. Facilities include an archery range, boat launch ramp, camping, horseman's camp, dumping station, fishing and hunting, picnicking, trails and hiking.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: bee moths, small jigs, crickets
Depth: 1-12 ft.
Comments about fish:
Bluegill fishing is dependent upon the weather fronts. Lighter tackle will have the best results. Using light lines seems to work best.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: nightcrawlers, stink bait, livers
Depth: lake bottom 6-11ft.
Comments about fish:
Try Wampler, Graveyard, West, Reservoir 26, and Bass lakes.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: rubber worms, crank baits, and spinner baits
Depth: 3-12 feet
Comments about fish:
Best times to catch bass are mornings and evenings.
Muskellunge
Description:
Members of the Pike family, the muskellunge, tiger muskellunge and northern pike have established themselves as remarkable adversaries through the years. The muskie, native to Indiana, is now usually found in stocked bodies of water. The northern pike, a voracious eater and popular among anglers, can be found in northern Indiana in natural lakes and streams. The muskie has three distinct color patterns, including green to silver "clear" sides, dark spots or dark vertical bars, six or more sensory pores on each side and scales covering only the top half of both cheeks. The muskie can weigh 10-20 pounds, but can reach weights over 30 pounds and lengths up to four feet long. Lures up to 12 inches are designed to resemble medium-sized fish and even small ducks.
Bait: minnow imitation crankbaits
Depth: deep to bottom
Comments about fish:
2008 preliminary survey report netted 64 muskie, ranging from 8 to 26 pounds. Please let us know if you catch any muskie! We'd love to hear about it! Report of 45 inch muskie was caught and released recently at bass lake, possible "Fish of the Year".
Rainbow or steelhead trout
Description:
Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. Rainbow or steelhead trout have a white mouth, teeth and gums and small black spots on their backs, sides, and caudal and dorsal fins. The caudal fin margin of the rainbow or steelhead trout is square and the fish has 9-12 anal fin rays.
Bait: Artificial lures, power bait
Depth: 15 - 40 ft
Comments about fish:
Airline Lake is closed from March 15th through March 31st. Fish deep for best results.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: minnows, small jigs
Depth: 3 - 12 ft
Comments about fish:
crappie can be found around submerged structures. No lake information available. Lots of good reports on crappie fishing in the past couple weeks.
Comments about body of water:
Construction began on the SOUTH BOAT RAMP AREA of BASS LAKE on 9/20/11, and will be continuing until project is completed. Access will be limited. Bass lake will not be closed during this construction. Please continue to help us keep the lakes clean of litter! All lakes on the West Unit will be closed to fishing October 15, 16, 22-30, and November 23-January 26, 2012 for waterfowl season. Some lakes are starting to turn over, or have recently turned over.
This page was last updated on SEP 29 2011 11:32 A.M.
St. Joseph River
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
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.
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: NA
Depth: NA
Comments about fish:
As of September 22, 3 brown trout have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. Very few brown trout make it past South Bend. Brown trout are a fall spawner and a brown trout caught in Indiana's stretch of the St. Joe River would be a rare catch.
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, salmon spawn, flys
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
Chinook salmon are just starting to enter the river. As of September 22, a total of 77 chinooks have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. The chinook spawn usually occurs in mid October. Look for spawning chinooks at Leeper Park in South Bend and Lincoln Park in Mishawaka by Kamms Island.
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: spinners
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
Good numbers of big coho averaging 6-10 pounds continue to move into Indiana waters of the St. Joe River. A total of 958 coho have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder as of September 22. Best fishing for the coho has been below the Mishawaka Dam at Central Park. Coho are being caught on bright colored spinners. The coho spawn usually follows the chinook spawn in late October. Coho will use the same spawning areas as the chinooks.
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, salmon spawn
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
The fall steelhead migration is in full swing. A total of 698 steelhead have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder as of September 22. Best fishing for steelhead has been below the Twin Branch and Mishawaka Dams in Mishawaka. These are the Skamania strain steelhead (summer run). The Michigan strain steelhead (winter run), start to enter the river in the late fall and the big migration hits the following spring in March and April.
Comments about body of water:
This is up to date fishing information for The St. Joe River as of September 29 and will run until October 11. The Fall trout and salmon migration is underway on the St. Joe River. A total of 1,736 salmonids have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. The ladder is passing an average of 164 fish per day. River water levels are low and clear and good for both boat and shore fishing. River temperature is 64 degrees. It is time to fish! Thank you for your interest in the St. Joe River Trout and Salmon Program and good luck fishing this Fall.
This page was last updated on SEP 29 2011 12:54 P.M.
Salamonie Reservoir
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Salamonie Reservoir is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) flood control project on the Salamonie River to control flood waters in the Wabash River. During summer months, the reservoir is maintained at about 2,665 acres. A majority of anglers target white crappie on the Salamonie Reservoir. However, anglers will find channel catfish and white bass are quite abundant. The tailwaters downstream of the dam provide excellent walleye fishing, especially during spring. These fish most likely come from the reservoir during fall drawdown.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: bee moths, wigglers
Depth: 8-15 feet deep below surface
Comments about fish:
Public property ponds on Salamonie Reservoir property provide good fishing opportunity for panfish such as bluegill, redear sunfish, and largemouth bass. Hominy Ridge Lake in the Salamonie River State Forest provides good opportunity for bluegill, redear sunfish, and largemouth bass. Bluegill and largemouth bass can also be caught infrequently in the Salamonie Reservoir. Anglers will need to obtain a motorized or non-motorized lake permit to fish from a boat on the Salamonie public property ponds and Hominy Ridge Lake. Special fishing regulations apply and are posted at sign-in stations throughout the property.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: Frozen chubs, night crawlers, chicken livers, and cut shad
Depth: In reservoir on bottom (10-20 feet), holes in river
Comments about fish:
When the Salamonie Reservoir is at summer pool, good fishing for catfish can be found near the shoreline near the Pirates Cove Marina during summer. During fall draw down, anglers have had success for blue and channel catfish in deeper water off of the Lost Bridge Campground point. Many anglers walk down the Lost Bridge West Boat Ramp and along the shoreline to their fishing spots. Catfish anglers can also be successful in other coves and fingers of the lake. The Salamonie River upstream of the lake is a good fishery for channel catfish. Anglers are more successful in stretches of the river that are slow and deep. Bait shops in the area report very little fish activity at this time. The water level has dropped 2 foot from summer level.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: Jigs with night crawler or minnow, shad rap and medium sized spinners.
Depth: Deeper holes in the tailwater
Comments about fish:
Walleye can be caught in the tailwater all year long. Walleye are rarely caught in Salamonie Reservoir. Walleye fishing is especially good in the tailwaters during the fall and spring. In the spring, anglers like to fish right downstream of the dame in the deeper holes. This area is difficult to fish when the discharge is above 900 CFS due to fast current and high water. There are many snags near the outflow pipe if the water is high. Current tailwater flows can be obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers website. The confluence of the Salamonie River and the Wasbash River, along the deep holes in the River. The Salamonie River State Forest offers good walleye fishing as well. DNR personnel stock walleye fingerlings annually.
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: Jigs with minnows (most effective), bee moths
Depth: Throughout
Comments about fish:
White bass fishing is sporadic in the lake. Fishing for white bass can be good at certain times. Populations often fluctuate due to flood events and cyclic shad populations. White bass fishing is good in the tailwater throughout the warmer months. Bait shops in the area report very little fish activity at this time. The water level has dropped 2 foot from summer level.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: Tube jigs of your choice, crappie minnies
Depth: 8-15 feet below surface
Comments about fish:
The crappie have slowed down recently. The water level is now 2 foot below summer pool. Draw down began Sept. 20th. water. The reservoir should be at winter pool by Dec. 1st. Total draw down of 25 ft. Bait shops report nothing is biting at this time. When lake levels are normal success is found throughout the lake for anglers. Anglers in boats will find good fishing throughout the lake near fish attractors, off points and wooded inlets. The marina cove, SR105 causeway, Majenica Creek bridge, CR750 East, the Dora Cul-du-Sac, and CR 680 East are all good bank fishing spots on the reservoir. There are several fish attractors installed for fisherman at various locations throughout the lake. Maps of these are available at the Visitor Center.
Comments about body of water:
Lake levels fluctuate widely during February, March, and April and water is frequently turbid with free-floating driftwood at times. Water clarity is the best from July to October. Current tailwater flows and reservoir levels can be obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers (www.lrl.usace.army.mil/sal/). Draw down began Sept. 20th, water level has dropped 2 ft. Lake will be at winter pool by Dec. 1st. For up-to-date fishing information, fishermen can also contact: Peacepipe Bait & Tackle: 260-468-2768 Bozarth’s Campstore: 765-981-4522 D&J Corner Mart: 260-468-2460
This page was last updated on SEP 28 2011 10:20 A.M.
Brookville Reservoir
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Brookville Reservoir is a 5,260 acre flood control impoundment on the East Fork of the Whitewater River in eastern Indiana. Fishing opportunities are available for walleye and muskie.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: bee larvae, crickets
Depth: 5- 20 feet
Comments about fish:
in coves around stick-ups,
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: nightcrawlers, chicken liver
Depth: 4-20 feet
Comments about fish:
best at night, catching them almost everywhere
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: crankbaits
Depth: 5- 20 feet
Comments about fish:
along shoreline, and on deep points
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The last rays on the dorsal fin of the smallmouth bass are separated from the rest of the fin. Also, the upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, as it does with the largemouth bass. The smallmouth bass commonly reaches 3-4 pounds.
Bait: nightcrawlers, soft craws
Depth: 10- 20
Comments about fish:
on rocky points and drop offs at coves
Striped bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The striped bass has tooth patches on back of tongue in two parallel patches, first stripe below lateral line complete to tail, stripes above lateral line are unbroken.
Bait: bluegill or shad still fishing or trolling large doll flys
Depth: 20 feet still fishing or 10 - 20 feet trolling
Comments about fish:
trolling shad-like crankbaits some reports of large striped bass being taken
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: night crawlers drifting on the bottom
Depth: 6 - 45 feet
Comments about fish:
catching them off of points with steep drop offs
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: white twister tails
Depth: 5 to 20 feet
Comments about fish:
Good year class
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: minnows or jigs
Depth: 5 to 20 feet
Comments about fish:
white crappie are around stick-ups in coves and along shore
Comments about body of water:
The lake level today is 748.0 summer pool. Water clear. Water cooling, catching some crappies and walleye. Fisheries survey said that the most numerous fish in the lake is the channel catfish , second most is bluegill.
This page was last updated on SEP 28 2011 10:22 A.M.
Whitewater Memorial State Park lakes
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located in Union County, Whitewater Memorial State Park has two lakes including Whitewater Lake and nearby Brookville Lake. Facilities include a boat launch ramp, motor boats (electric trolling only) camping with reservations, horseman's camp, cultural arts programs, a dumping station, fishing, hiking, seasonal interpretive services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, reservable shelters, youth tent areas and a swimming beach.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: minnows, jigs
Depth: 5 - 12 feet
Comments about fish:
around stumps and down trees
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: red worms, bee larvae, crickets
Depth: 2 - 20 feet
Comments about fish:
use crickets or bee larvae
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: spinner baits, crankbaits
Depth: 2 - 15 feet
Comments about fish:
practice catch and release to help the fishery
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: red worms
Depth: 2 - 12 feet
Comments about fish:
Like shallow mud bottom
Comments about body of water:
Water clear, much cooler, catching some crappies & bluegills.
This page was last updated on SEP 28 2011 08:46 A.M.
Potato Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: redworms & waxworms
Depth: 10'
Comments about fish:
See Worster Lake at Potato Creek for weekly updates.
Comments about body of water:
Potato Creek State Park: Worster Lake 327 acre lake. Limited to electric motors only. Two boat launches (east and west) Launches are currently algea covered and slippery. Note launches have been treated to diminish the algea build-up
This page was last updated on SEP 28 2011 08:47 A.M.
Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: redworms, minnows, waxworms, spinner
Depth: 2' to 10'
Comments about fish:
On the West side and far West end: Large & Small Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Perch. Catching Bass on East part of Lake and across from Boat Rental. crappie fishing is slow.
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.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 12:26 P.M.
Monroe Reservoir
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Lake Monroe is a 10,750 acre flood control reservoir located in Brown and Monroe counties southeast of Bloomington. It is the largest lake in the state with recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Fishing consists primarily of largemouth bass and panfish, such as bluegill and yellow perch. Other angling opportunities include white crappie, hybrid striped bass and yellow perch, as well as channel and flathead catfish. Lake Monroe has also become one of the best walleye fisheries in Indiana.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: small jigs/crickets
Depth: shallow - 10feet
Comments about fish:
Bluegill fishing always seems best around shallow structure. Also look along sumerged creek beds.
Hybrid striped bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The hybrid striped bass has two tooth patches and the back of the tongue are joined. The first stripe below the lateral line complete to the tail and the stripes above the lateral line are usually broken.
Bait: live
Depth: surface to 20feet
Comments about fish:
Slow trolling live bait seems to produce the most fish. Look for schools of bait fish. Fish in the 8 - 10 foot range.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: N/A
Depth: N/A
Comments about fish:
Cooler water temps. have moved fish back into shore structure.
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: n/a
Depth: n/a
Comments about fish:
Trolling mid range cranks along rip rap, in Moores Creek, and from Fairfax beach area to Ramp Creek are good areas.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: jigs and minnows
Depth: shallow to 8 feet
Comments about fish:
crappie are located around almost any structure.
Comments about body of water:
All fishing has improved with the cooling water. Water temp is @ 68 - 71. Pool evevation is 537.6. Those wishing to report specifics about their fishing experience and help keep Fishing Reports current may do so by calling the Lake Monroe Office at (812) 837-9546.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 01:11 P.M.
Summit Lake
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located in Summit Lake State Park, Summit Lake is approximately four miles north of New Castle. Bluegill, perch and largemouth bass provide the best angling opportunities at Summit Lake. Other opportunities also exist for perch, bluegill, crappie, redear and channel catfish.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: small jigs and minnows
Depth: 3-15 feet
Comments about fish:
crappie should be moving into the shallows.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: maggots, wax worms, redworms or nightcrawlers, 1/64 oz jigs, artificial flies
Depth: 3-20 feet
Comments about fish:
Bluegill have been actively feeding. Some use ice fishing jigs year round tipped with live bait. Crickets are a favorite this time of year.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: nightcrawlers, liver, soft plastics
Depth: 6-20 feet
Comments about fish:
Channels have become active in the shallows in low light conditions. Along with live bait and stinky bait,they will hit slowly fished lures, especially jigs with curly tails.
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: rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics
Depth: 2-20 feet
Comments about fish:
With the cooler weather bass fishing should pick up during the day.
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: maggots, wax worms or worms
Depth: 4-20
Comments about fish:
The population is low.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: minnows, jigs, rattling crankbaits
Depth: 3-25 feet
Comments about fish:
With surface temps down in to the 60's, expect the walleye to move shallower. Walleye prefer low light conditions.
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: small jigs, spoons and in-line spinners in light colors
Depth: 1-10 feet
Comments about fish:
Schools of white bass have been feeding on the surface in the evening. Casting past the school and retrieving back through usually results in a strike.
Yellow perch
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The yellow perch ranges from 6 to 12 inches long and up to one or two pounds.
Bait: small lures and jigs, minnows and other live bait
Depth: 10-35 feet
Comments about fish:
Nothing heard about the perch catch lately.
Comments about body of water:
Surface temp at the south ramp on 9-22 was 67F. Please practice catch and release; remember - you can only eat them once. Rowboats, paddleboats and canoes can be rented at the park office. 2011 entrance and lake permits are on sale at the gatehouse and office. The campground is open. Camp reservations: 866-622-6746 or www.CAMP.IN.gov. The office is open 8-4 every day. Take a kid fishing and make a memory. The park will be closed for a deer reduction hunt on Nov. 14, 15, 28 and 29.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 10:55 A.M.
Atterbury FWA lakes, ponds and rivers
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Atterbury FWA is located near Edinburgh in Johnson and Bartholomew counties. Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 6,206 acres of upland game habitat, marsh, running creeks and shallow impoundments. The area provides opportunities for fishing at Sugar Creek, Stone Arch and Pisgah Lakes and other small ponds. Other opportunities for hunting, wildlife watching, wetland trapping, dog training, areas and blackberries, raspberries, morels and walnut gathering are also available.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: live
Depth: shallow
Comments about fish:
Try nightcrawlers, redworms, or crickets under a float next to weed beds.
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 night crawlers, cut bait, chicken liveres, or prepared bait, 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 rubber worms next to weed beds or woody cover, also try topwater lures in the early morning or late evening.
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The last rays on the dorsal fin of the smallmouth bass are separated from the rest of the fin. Also, the upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, as it does with the largemouth bass. The smallmouth bass commonly reaches 3-4 pounds.
Bait: artificial
Depth: shallow
Comments about fish:
Sugar Creeks water level is down somewhat and the water clarity is good.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: live/artificial
Depth: deep
Comments about fish:
Try a minnow under a float or small hair jigs.
Comments about body of water:
Coyote Marsh and Honker Haven are closed to fishing, at this time, they are part of the waterfowl resting area. Coyote Marsh and Honker Haven will remian closed until the waterfowl resting area signs are removed by property personel. Teal Marsh, Mallard Marsh, Mink Medow, Possum Puddle, Gopher Hole, and Beaver Bottom are all open to fishing at this time. Pisgah Lake and Stone Arch Lake are open to fishing all year long.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 01:43 P.M.
St. Joseph River
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
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.
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: NA
Depth: NA
Comments about fish:
As of September 22, 3 brown trout have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. Very few brown trout make it past South Bend. Brown trout are a fall spawner and a brown trout caught in Indiana's stretch of the St. Joe River would be rare catch.
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, salmon spawn, flys
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
Chinook salmon are just starting to enter the river. The chinook spawn usually occurs in mid October. Look for spawning chinooks at Leeper Park in South Bend and Lincoln Park in Mishawaka by Kamms Island.
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: spinners
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
Good numbers of big coho averaging 6-10 pounds continue to move into Indiana waters of the St. Joe River. A total of 577 coho have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder as of September 22. Best fishing for the coho has been below the Mishawaka Dam at Central Park. Coho are being caught on bright colored spinners. The coho spawn usually follows the chinook spawn in late October. Coho will use the same spawning areas as the chinooks.
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, salmon spawn
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
The fall steelhead migration is in full swing. A total of 691 steelhead have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder as of September 22. Best fishing for steelhead has been below the Twin Branch and Mishawaka Dams in Mishawaka. These are the Skamania strain steelhead (summer run). The Michigan strain steelhead (winter run), start to enter the river in the late fall and the big migration hits the following spring in March and April.
Comments about body of water:
This is up to date fishing information for The St. Joe River as of September 27. The Fall trout and salmon migration is underway on the St. Joe River. A total of 1,346 salmonids have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. The ladder is passing an average of 164 fish per day. River water levels are low and clear and good for both boat and shore fishing. River temperature is 64 degrees. Thank you for your interest in the St. Joe River Trout and Salmon Program and good luck fishing this Fall.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 01:26 P.M.
Mississinewa Lake
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located in Miami, Wabash and Grant counties, Mississinewa Lake is a 3,210-acre ake with fishing, boating, ramps, waterskiing, fishing piers and cleaning stations, and a swimming beach. The facilities also has a basketball and volleyball court, camping with reservations, a cultural arts program, dumping station, frisbee golf course, hiking, hunting, interpretive programs, picnicking, shelterhouses, playgrounds and a radio-control flying field.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: minnow and jigs
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair at this time. small population.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: worms and bee moths
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fish around exposed wood and next to rocky ledges. Fishing fair.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: night crawlers/cut bait/prepared bait
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair. Good population in lake.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: spinner baits/suspended crank baits
Depth: Varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair. Reports of large populations of bass in lake.
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best
Not working like I wanted
This page was last updated on OCT 04 2011 10:45 A.M.
Potato Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: redworms & waxworms
Depth: 10'
Comments about fish:
See Worster Lake at Potato Creek for weekly updates.
Comments about body of water:
Potato Creek State Park: Worster Lake 327 acre lake. Limited to electric motors only. Two boat launches (east and west) Launches are currently algea covered and slippery. Note launches have been treated to diminish the algea build-up
This page was last updated on OCT 04 2011 10:45 A.M.
Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: redworms, minnows, waxworms, spinner
Depth: 2' to 10'
Comments about fish:
On the West side and far West end: Large & Small Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Perch. Catching Bass on East part of Lake and across from Boat Rental. crappie fishing is slow. Boat Rental closed for the season.
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.
This page was last updated on OCT 03 2011 11:09 A.M.
Cagles Mill Lake, Cataract Lake
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
A 1,400-acre flood-control reservoir located in Putnam and Owen counties off I-70, Cagles Mill Lake is a popular spot for walleye fishing. Halfway between Terre Haute and Indianapolis, this reservoir charges a small fee, but outboard motors are permitted.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: night crawlers, large minnows
Depth: off bottom
Comments about fish:
few reports catching walleye in deep water and off the bottom. legal size and above. anglers are catching walleyes while fishing for crappies with large minnows
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: jigs/minnows
Depth: 6-12
Comments about fish:
crappie. Depths vary, mostly bright colored jigs being used and minnows.larger crappies have been reported in deeper water. Small minnows seem to attract both large and small crappie
Comments about body of water:
Water temperature 63 Lake level 639.0 lake clear
This page was last updated on OCT 02 2011 03:49 P.M.
Glendale FWA lakes and ponds
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Glendale FWA is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 8,060 acres of land and over 1,400 acres of lakes and impoundments. Located in Daviess County, Glendale FWA has fishing in Dogwood lake and other ponds. The area also has hunting, wildlife watching, camping, wetland trapping, and dog training areas and blackberries, persimmon, hickory nuts, morels and walnut gathering.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: Minnows,Jigs,
Depth: 6 to 14 ft.of water
Comments about fish:
Fishing pressure for crappie is increasing as is success. While some anglers still prefer to try deeper water, most are shortening up to about 10 ft. of water and fishing 6 to 8 ft. deep.
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: Jigs/Beemoth, Red Wigglers, crickets
Depth: 5 to 14 ft. of water
Comments about fish:
Bluegill (catching") is GOOD. Anglers are not fishing as deep as they were. Recent rain has freshened the water and it appears that panfish are beginning to come into shallower water.
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: Worms, Liver, Live Bait
Depth: Deeper water - no exact depth
Comments about fish:
Channels have been hitting in the deeper water off points and along creek channels. Both channels and flatheads are hitting on nightcrawlers and live bait. Best time to fish is from 5:00 PM until full dark. Line/line season began Thursday April 7 and runs through Wednesday, October 19, 2011/ 15 permits will be issued per week on a first/come, first/serve basis.
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: Crank baits, Jigs, Worm Harness
Depth: 8 ft. and deeper
Comments about fish:
Most bass fishermen are still fishing in deeper water using deep running crankbaits, worm harness, and rattle baits. Indications are that 'Bass are also beginning to come into shallower water, especially to feed.
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: Jigs, pieces of nightcrawler or beemoth
Depth: 10 - 15 ft. deep
Comments about fish:
Redear fishing has greatly improved. Anglers are catching redear at the same depths and using the same baits as for bluegill.
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: No Report
Depth: No Report
Comments about fish:
No Report
Comments about body of water:
Dogwood Lake is approximately 8 inches below summer pool and surface temperature is running in the mid to high 60 degree range. The water is clear and the weeds are beginning to sink. The aquatic weed harvester has been stored for the winter but had opened up Several acres of water to both boat and shoreline fishermen. The weather forecast for the next 7 days is the best we have seen this fall. Sunny days with air temps. in the mid 70's and clear nights with temps running in the mid 50's. The HORSEPOWER LIMIT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM DOGWOOD LAKE. There is a MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT OF 10 MPH IMPOSED on the lake REGARDLESS of motor size!
This page was last updated on SEP 29 2011 10:29 A.M.
Greene-Sullivan State Forest lakes
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Greene-Sullivan State Forest is composed of 8,000 acres of reclaimed surface mined land that includes the planting of several different species of trees that are managed for wildlife and timber production. The forest has more than 100 fishing lakes which have produced some record catches. Facilities include an archery range, boat launch ramp, camping, horseman's camp, dumping station, fishing and hunting, picnicking, trails and hiking.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: bee moths, small jigs, crickets
Depth: 1-12 ft.
Comments about fish:
Bluegill fishing is dependent upon the weather fronts. Lighter tackle will have the best results. Using light lines seems to work best.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: nightcrawlers, stink bait, livers
Depth: lake bottom 6-11ft.
Comments about fish:
Try Wampler, Graveyard, West, Reservoir 26, and Bass lakes.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: rubber worms, crank baits, and spinner baits
Depth: 3-12 feet
Comments about fish:
Best times to catch bass are mornings and evenings.
Muskellunge
Description:
Members of the Pike family, the muskellunge, tiger muskellunge and northern pike have established themselves as remarkable adversaries through the years. The muskie, native to Indiana, is now usually found in stocked bodies of water. The northern pike, a voracious eater and popular among anglers, can be found in northern Indiana in natural lakes and streams. The muskie has three distinct color patterns, including green to silver "clear" sides, dark spots or dark vertical bars, six or more sensory pores on each side and scales covering only the top half of both cheeks. The muskie can weigh 10-20 pounds, but can reach weights over 30 pounds and lengths up to four feet long. Lures up to 12 inches are designed to resemble medium-sized fish and even small ducks.
Bait: minnow imitation crankbaits
Depth: deep to bottom
Comments about fish:
2008 preliminary survey report netted 64 muskie, ranging from 8 to 26 pounds. Please let us know if you catch any muskie! We'd love to hear about it! Report of 45 inch muskie was caught and released recently at bass lake, possible "Fish of the Year".
Rainbow or steelhead trout
Description:
Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. Rainbow or steelhead trout have a white mouth, teeth and gums and small black spots on their backs, sides, and caudal and dorsal fins. The caudal fin margin of the rainbow or steelhead trout is square and the fish has 9-12 anal fin rays.
Bait: Artificial lures, power bait
Depth: 15 - 40 ft
Comments about fish:
Airline Lake is closed from March 15th through March 31st. Fish deep for best results.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: minnows, small jigs
Depth: 3 - 12 ft
Comments about fish:
crappie can be found around submerged structures. No lake information available. Lots of good reports on crappie fishing in the past couple weeks.
Comments about body of water:
Construction began on the SOUTH BOAT RAMP AREA of BASS LAKE on 9/20/11, and will be continuing until project is completed. Access will be limited. Bass lake will not be closed during this construction. Please continue to help us keep the lakes clean of litter! All lakes on the West Unit will be closed to fishing October 15, 16, 22-30, and November 23-January 26, 2012 for waterfowl season. Some lakes are starting to turn over, or have recently turned over.
This page was last updated on SEP 29 2011 11:32 A.M.
St. Joseph River
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
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.
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: NA
Depth: NA
Comments about fish:
As of September 22, 3 brown trout have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. Very few brown trout make it past South Bend. Brown trout are a fall spawner and a brown trout caught in Indiana's stretch of the St. Joe River would be a rare catch.
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, salmon spawn, flys
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
Chinook salmon are just starting to enter the river. As of September 22, a total of 77 chinooks have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. The chinook spawn usually occurs in mid October. Look for spawning chinooks at Leeper Park in South Bend and Lincoln Park in Mishawaka by Kamms Island.
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: spinners
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
Good numbers of big coho averaging 6-10 pounds continue to move into Indiana waters of the St. Joe River. A total of 958 coho have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder as of September 22. Best fishing for the coho has been below the Mishawaka Dam at Central Park. Coho are being caught on bright colored spinners. The coho spawn usually follows the chinook spawn in late October. Coho will use the same spawning areas as the chinooks.
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, salmon spawn
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
The fall steelhead migration is in full swing. A total of 698 steelhead have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder as of September 22. Best fishing for steelhead has been below the Twin Branch and Mishawaka Dams in Mishawaka. These are the Skamania strain steelhead (summer run). The Michigan strain steelhead (winter run), start to enter the river in the late fall and the big migration hits the following spring in March and April.
Comments about body of water:
This is up to date fishing information for The St. Joe River as of September 29 and will run until October 11. The Fall trout and salmon migration is underway on the St. Joe River. A total of 1,736 salmonids have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. The ladder is passing an average of 164 fish per day. River water levels are low and clear and good for both boat and shore fishing. River temperature is 64 degrees. It is time to fish! Thank you for your interest in the St. Joe River Trout and Salmon Program and good luck fishing this Fall.
This page was last updated on SEP 29 2011 12:54 P.M.
Salamonie Reservoir
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Salamonie Reservoir is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) flood control project on the Salamonie River to control flood waters in the Wabash River. During summer months, the reservoir is maintained at about 2,665 acres. A majority of anglers target white crappie on the Salamonie Reservoir. However, anglers will find channel catfish and white bass are quite abundant. The tailwaters downstream of the dam provide excellent walleye fishing, especially during spring. These fish most likely come from the reservoir during fall drawdown.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: bee moths, wigglers
Depth: 8-15 feet deep below surface
Comments about fish:
Public property ponds on Salamonie Reservoir property provide good fishing opportunity for panfish such as bluegill, redear sunfish, and largemouth bass. Hominy Ridge Lake in the Salamonie River State Forest provides good opportunity for bluegill, redear sunfish, and largemouth bass. Bluegill and largemouth bass can also be caught infrequently in the Salamonie Reservoir. Anglers will need to obtain a motorized or non-motorized lake permit to fish from a boat on the Salamonie public property ponds and Hominy Ridge Lake. Special fishing regulations apply and are posted at sign-in stations throughout the property.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: Frozen chubs, night crawlers, chicken livers, and cut shad
Depth: In reservoir on bottom (10-20 feet), holes in river
Comments about fish:
When the Salamonie Reservoir is at summer pool, good fishing for catfish can be found near the shoreline near the Pirates Cove Marina during summer. During fall draw down, anglers have had success for blue and channel catfish in deeper water off of the Lost Bridge Campground point. Many anglers walk down the Lost Bridge West Boat Ramp and along the shoreline to their fishing spots. Catfish anglers can also be successful in other coves and fingers of the lake. The Salamonie River upstream of the lake is a good fishery for channel catfish. Anglers are more successful in stretches of the river that are slow and deep. Bait shops in the area report very little fish activity at this time. The water level has dropped 2 foot from summer level.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: Jigs with night crawler or minnow, shad rap and medium sized spinners.
Depth: Deeper holes in the tailwater
Comments about fish:
Walleye can be caught in the tailwater all year long. Walleye are rarely caught in Salamonie Reservoir. Walleye fishing is especially good in the tailwaters during the fall and spring. In the spring, anglers like to fish right downstream of the dame in the deeper holes. This area is difficult to fish when the discharge is above 900 CFS due to fast current and high water. There are many snags near the outflow pipe if the water is high. Current tailwater flows can be obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers website. The confluence of the Salamonie River and the Wasbash River, along the deep holes in the River. The Salamonie River State Forest offers good walleye fishing as well. DNR personnel stock walleye fingerlings annually.
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: Jigs with minnows (most effective), bee moths
Depth: Throughout
Comments about fish:
White bass fishing is sporadic in the lake. Fishing for white bass can be good at certain times. Populations often fluctuate due to flood events and cyclic shad populations. White bass fishing is good in the tailwater throughout the warmer months. Bait shops in the area report very little fish activity at this time. The water level has dropped 2 foot from summer level.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: Tube jigs of your choice, crappie minnies
Depth: 8-15 feet below surface
Comments about fish:
The crappie have slowed down recently. The water level is now 2 foot below summer pool. Draw down began Sept. 20th. water. The reservoir should be at winter pool by Dec. 1st. Total draw down of 25 ft. Bait shops report nothing is biting at this time. When lake levels are normal success is found throughout the lake for anglers. Anglers in boats will find good fishing throughout the lake near fish attractors, off points and wooded inlets. The marina cove, SR105 causeway, Majenica Creek bridge, CR750 East, the Dora Cul-du-Sac, and CR 680 East are all good bank fishing spots on the reservoir. There are several fish attractors installed for fisherman at various locations throughout the lake. Maps of these are available at the Visitor Center.
Comments about body of water:
Lake levels fluctuate widely during February, March, and April and water is frequently turbid with free-floating driftwood at times. Water clarity is the best from July to October. Current tailwater flows and reservoir levels can be obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers (www.lrl.usace.army.mil/sal/). Draw down began Sept. 20th, water level has dropped 2 ft. Lake will be at winter pool by Dec. 1st. For up-to-date fishing information, fishermen can also contact: Peacepipe Bait & Tackle: 260-468-2768 Bozarth’s Campstore: 765-981-4522 D&J Corner Mart: 260-468-2460
This page was last updated on SEP 28 2011 10:20 A.M.
Brookville Reservoir
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Brookville Reservoir is a 5,260 acre flood control impoundment on the East Fork of the Whitewater River in eastern Indiana. Fishing opportunities are available for walleye and muskie.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: bee larvae, crickets
Depth: 5- 20 feet
Comments about fish:
in coves around stick-ups,
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: nightcrawlers, chicken liver
Depth: 4-20 feet
Comments about fish:
best at night, catching them almost everywhere
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: crankbaits
Depth: 5- 20 feet
Comments about fish:
along shoreline, and on deep points
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The last rays on the dorsal fin of the smallmouth bass are separated from the rest of the fin. Also, the upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, as it does with the largemouth bass. The smallmouth bass commonly reaches 3-4 pounds.
Bait: nightcrawlers, soft craws
Depth: 10- 20
Comments about fish:
on rocky points and drop offs at coves
Striped bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The striped bass has tooth patches on back of tongue in two parallel patches, first stripe below lateral line complete to tail, stripes above lateral line are unbroken.
Bait: bluegill or shad still fishing or trolling large doll flys
Depth: 20 feet still fishing or 10 - 20 feet trolling
Comments about fish:
trolling shad-like crankbaits some reports of large striped bass being taken
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: night crawlers drifting on the bottom
Depth: 6 - 45 feet
Comments about fish:
catching them off of points with steep drop offs
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: white twister tails
Depth: 5 to 20 feet
Comments about fish:
Good year class
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: minnows or jigs
Depth: 5 to 20 feet
Comments about fish:
white crappie are around stick-ups in coves and along shore
Comments about body of water:
The lake level today is 748.0 summer pool. Water clear. Water cooling, catching some crappies and walleye. Fisheries survey said that the most numerous fish in the lake is the channel catfish , second most is bluegill.
This page was last updated on SEP 28 2011 10:22 A.M.
Whitewater Memorial State Park lakes
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located in Union County, Whitewater Memorial State Park has two lakes including Whitewater Lake and nearby Brookville Lake. Facilities include a boat launch ramp, motor boats (electric trolling only) camping with reservations, horseman's camp, cultural arts programs, a dumping station, fishing, hiking, seasonal interpretive services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, reservable shelters, youth tent areas and a swimming beach.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: minnows, jigs
Depth: 5 - 12 feet
Comments about fish:
around stumps and down trees
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: red worms, bee larvae, crickets
Depth: 2 - 20 feet
Comments about fish:
use crickets or bee larvae
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: spinner baits, crankbaits
Depth: 2 - 15 feet
Comments about fish:
practice catch and release to help the fishery
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: red worms
Depth: 2 - 12 feet
Comments about fish:
Like shallow mud bottom
Comments about body of water:
Water clear, much cooler, catching some crappies & bluegills.
This page was last updated on SEP 28 2011 08:46 A.M.
Potato Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: redworms & waxworms
Depth: 10'
Comments about fish:
See Worster Lake at Potato Creek for weekly updates.
Comments about body of water:
Potato Creek State Park: Worster Lake 327 acre lake. Limited to electric motors only. Two boat launches (east and west) Launches are currently algea covered and slippery. Note launches have been treated to diminish the algea build-up
This page was last updated on SEP 28 2011 08:47 A.M.
Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Potato Creek is located in north central Indiana about 12 miles southwest of South Bend. The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment. A variety of natural habitats await the visitor to this park including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Each of these offer their own unique opportunities for plant and wildlife observations. Facilities include a general store, cross country skiing, cultural arts programs, a dumping station and fishing . In addition, the property offers hiking, interpretive center and services, picnicking, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, recreation building rental, reservable shelters, youth tent areas, and a swimming beach.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: redworms, minnows, waxworms, spinner
Depth: 2' to 10'
Comments about fish:
On the West side and far West end: Large & Small Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Perch. Catching Bass on East part of Lake and across from Boat Rental. crappie fishing is slow.
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.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 12:26 P.M.
Monroe Reservoir
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Lake Monroe is a 10,750 acre flood control reservoir located in Brown and Monroe counties southeast of Bloomington. It is the largest lake in the state with recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Fishing consists primarily of largemouth bass and panfish, such as bluegill and yellow perch. Other angling opportunities include white crappie, hybrid striped bass and yellow perch, as well as channel and flathead catfish. Lake Monroe has also become one of the best walleye fisheries in Indiana.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: small jigs/crickets
Depth: shallow - 10feet
Comments about fish:
Bluegill fishing always seems best around shallow structure. Also look along sumerged creek beds.
Hybrid striped bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The hybrid striped bass has two tooth patches and the back of the tongue are joined. The first stripe below the lateral line complete to the tail and the stripes above the lateral line are usually broken.
Bait: live
Depth: surface to 20feet
Comments about fish:
Slow trolling live bait seems to produce the most fish. Look for schools of bait fish. Fish in the 8 - 10 foot range.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: N/A
Depth: N/A
Comments about fish:
Cooler water temps. have moved fish back into shore structure.
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: n/a
Depth: n/a
Comments about fish:
Trolling mid range cranks along rip rap, in Moores Creek, and from Fairfax beach area to Ramp Creek are good areas.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: jigs and minnows
Depth: shallow to 8 feet
Comments about fish:
crappie are located around almost any structure.
Comments about body of water:
All fishing has improved with the cooling water. Water temp is @ 68 - 71. Pool evevation is 537.6. Those wishing to report specifics about their fishing experience and help keep Fishing Reports current may do so by calling the Lake Monroe Office at (812) 837-9546.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 01:11 P.M.
Summit Lake
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located in Summit Lake State Park, Summit Lake is approximately four miles north of New Castle. Bluegill, perch and largemouth bass provide the best angling opportunities at Summit Lake. Other opportunities also exist for perch, bluegill, crappie, redear and channel catfish.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: small jigs and minnows
Depth: 3-15 feet
Comments about fish:
crappie should be moving into the shallows.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: maggots, wax worms, redworms or nightcrawlers, 1/64 oz jigs, artificial flies
Depth: 3-20 feet
Comments about fish:
Bluegill have been actively feeding. Some use ice fishing jigs year round tipped with live bait. Crickets are a favorite this time of year.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: nightcrawlers, liver, soft plastics
Depth: 6-20 feet
Comments about fish:
Channels have become active in the shallows in low light conditions. Along with live bait and stinky bait,they will hit slowly fished lures, especially jigs with curly tails.
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: rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics
Depth: 2-20 feet
Comments about fish:
With the cooler weather bass fishing should pick up during the day.
Redear sunfish
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The redear sunfish has an opercle flap (ear) that is tipped with a red or orange margin.
Bait: maggots, wax worms or worms
Depth: 4-20
Comments about fish:
The population is low.
Walleye
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The walleye has no spots on its dorsal fin and a dusky spot at the rear of its spiny dorsal fin, lower tip of tail and anal fin are white.
Bait: minnows, jigs, rattling crankbaits
Depth: 3-25 feet
Comments about fish:
With surface temps down in to the 60's, expect the walleye to move shallower. Walleye prefer low light conditions.
White bass
Description:
These bass belong to the temperate bass family. Temperate basses include the true fresh water basses, white and yellow bass, and the striped bass, which originally lived in the Atlantic Ocean but can live its entire life in fresh water. Temperate basses often school far from shore and feed on schooling fish. Hybrid striped bass are a cross of white and striped bass. The white bass has a single tooth patch on back of tongue, first stripe below lateral line not complete to tail.
Bait: small jigs, spoons and in-line spinners in light colors
Depth: 1-10 feet
Comments about fish:
Schools of white bass have been feeding on the surface in the evening. Casting past the school and retrieving back through usually results in a strike.
Yellow perch
Description:
Indiana anglers have long since sought perch for their tasty flavor. The yellow perch, walleye and sauger are members of this popular family. The yellow perch ranges from 6 to 12 inches long and up to one or two pounds.
Bait: small lures and jigs, minnows and other live bait
Depth: 10-35 feet
Comments about fish:
Nothing heard about the perch catch lately.
Comments about body of water:
Surface temp at the south ramp on 9-22 was 67F. Please practice catch and release; remember - you can only eat them once. Rowboats, paddleboats and canoes can be rented at the park office. 2011 entrance and lake permits are on sale at the gatehouse and office. The campground is open. Camp reservations: 866-622-6746 or www.CAMP.IN.gov. The office is open 8-4 every day. Take a kid fishing and make a memory. The park will be closed for a deer reduction hunt on Nov. 14, 15, 28 and 29.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 10:55 A.M.
Atterbury FWA lakes, ponds and rivers
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Atterbury FWA is located near Edinburgh in Johnson and Bartholomew counties. Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 6,206 acres of upland game habitat, marsh, running creeks and shallow impoundments. The area provides opportunities for fishing at Sugar Creek, Stone Arch and Pisgah Lakes and other small ponds. Other opportunities for hunting, wildlife watching, wetland trapping, dog training, areas and blackberries, raspberries, morels and walnut gathering are also available.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: live
Depth: shallow
Comments about fish:
Try nightcrawlers, redworms, or crickets under a float next to weed beds.
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 night crawlers, cut bait, chicken liveres, or prepared bait, 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 rubber worms next to weed beds or woody cover, also try topwater lures in the early morning or late evening.
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The last rays on the dorsal fin of the smallmouth bass are separated from the rest of the fin. Also, the upper jaw does not extend beyond back of eye, as it does with the largemouth bass. The smallmouth bass commonly reaches 3-4 pounds.
Bait: artificial
Depth: shallow
Comments about fish:
Sugar Creeks water level is down somewhat and the water clarity is good.
White crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The white crappie has six dorsal spines, black side markings forming vertical bars rather than random spots and anal fin rays.
Bait: live/artificial
Depth: deep
Comments about fish:
Try a minnow under a float or small hair jigs.
Comments about body of water:
Coyote Marsh and Honker Haven are closed to fishing, at this time, they are part of the waterfowl resting area. Coyote Marsh and Honker Haven will remian closed until the waterfowl resting area signs are removed by property personel. Teal Marsh, Mallard Marsh, Mink Medow, Possum Puddle, Gopher Hole, and Beaver Bottom are all open to fishing at this time. Pisgah Lake and Stone Arch Lake are open to fishing all year long.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 01:43 P.M.
St. Joseph River
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
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.
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: NA
Depth: NA
Comments about fish:
As of September 22, 3 brown trout have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. Very few brown trout make it past South Bend. Brown trout are a fall spawner and a brown trout caught in Indiana's stretch of the St. Joe River would be rare catch.
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, salmon spawn, flys
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
Chinook salmon are just starting to enter the river. The chinook spawn usually occurs in mid October. Look for spawning chinooks at Leeper Park in South Bend and Lincoln Park in Mishawaka by Kamms Island.
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: spinners
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
Good numbers of big coho averaging 6-10 pounds continue to move into Indiana waters of the St. Joe River. A total of 577 coho have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder as of September 22. Best fishing for the coho has been below the Mishawaka Dam at Central Park. Coho are being caught on bright colored spinners. The coho spawn usually follows the chinook spawn in late October. Coho will use the same spawning areas as the chinooks.
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, salmon spawn
Depth: main river channels
Comments about fish:
The fall steelhead migration is in full swing. A total of 691 steelhead have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder as of September 22. Best fishing for steelhead has been below the Twin Branch and Mishawaka Dams in Mishawaka. These are the Skamania strain steelhead (summer run). The Michigan strain steelhead (winter run), start to enter the river in the late fall and the big migration hits the following spring in March and April.
Comments about body of water:
This is up to date fishing information for The St. Joe River as of September 27. The Fall trout and salmon migration is underway on the St. Joe River. A total of 1,346 salmonids have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. The ladder is passing an average of 164 fish per day. River water levels are low and clear and good for both boat and shore fishing. River temperature is 64 degrees. Thank you for your interest in the St. Joe River Trout and Salmon Program and good luck fishing this Fall.
This page was last updated on SEP 27 2011 01:26 P.M.
Mississinewa Lake
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
Located in Miami, Wabash and Grant counties, Mississinewa Lake is a 3,210-acre ake with fishing, boating, ramps, waterskiing, fishing piers and cleaning stations, and a swimming beach. The facilities also has a basketball and volleyball court, camping with reservations, a cultural arts program, dumping station, frisbee golf course, hiking, hunting, interpretive programs, picnicking, shelterhouses, playgrounds and a radio-control flying field.
Black crappie
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.
Bait: minnow and jigs
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair at this time. small population.
Bluegill
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.
Bait: worms and bee moths
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fish around exposed wood and next to rocky ledges. Fishing fair.
Channel catfish
Description:
The channel catfish has a smooth scaleless skin and barbels on its face resembling cat whiskers. The barbels help the channel catfish taste and feel objects and enable it to locate food in dark and turbid water. The channel catfish has 24-29 rays in its rounded anal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the fish has dark spots on its sides when young.
Bait: night crawlers/cut bait/prepared bait
Depth: varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair. Good population in lake.
Largemouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: spinner baits/suspended crank baits
Depth: Varies
Comments about fish:
Fishing fair. Reports of large populations of bass in lake.
Smallmouth bass
Description:
Sunfishes include some of the best