Fishing Big Turkey Lake

Popular Fish Species
Big Turkey Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Big Turkey Lake, IN

Popular Fish Species Big Turkey Lake, IN

Big Turkey Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Big Turkey Lake has a reputation for very good channel catfish fishing. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with much larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 35 pounds, and Big Turkey Lake holds some pretty big ones. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Big Turkey Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Big Turkey Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Big Turkey Lake is a popular bass fishing lake. Weekend anglers are catching bass in good numbers. Fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. A history of careful fisheries management by the Indiana DNR's Division of Fish & Wildlife has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. In Big Turkey Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Big Turkey Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike at Big Turkey Lake in Indiana.

With 450 surface acres, Big Turkey Lake offers fishing opportunities for all ages and skill levels. The lake has lots of vegetation and boat docks for cover giving the fish population a place to hide, as well as a place for anglers to locate predator fish. Anglers can expect to find largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and northern pike in the lake's clear waters.

Primary fish species residing in Big Turkey Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Big Turkey Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Big Turkey Lake Public Access Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off S 1150E, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.