Fishing Cecil M Harden Lake

AKA: Raccoon Lake

Fish species to fish for...

Most Popular Fish
Cecil M Harden Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Cecil M Harden Lake, Indiana

Popular Fish Species Cecil M Harden Lake, IN

Raccoon Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Cecil M Harden Lake offers good fishing for largemouth bass. Recently, the fishing for bass has continued to impress. Thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Indiana DNR, Division of Fish & Wildlife, and the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass, the bass population is thriving here this year. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Cecil M Harden Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Raccoon Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

A healthy population of channel catfish populate the waters of Cecil M Harden Lake again this year. In Spring channel cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. 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. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.

Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Cecil M Harden Lake, with black crappie being the primary target of anglers. They do school together so when you find them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, white bass, striped bass and muskie at Cecil M Harden Lake in Indiana.

Raccoon Fishing Video

Located in the Raccoon State Recreation Area, Cecil M Harden Lake covers 2,100 acres offering excellent fishing, boating and other water sport options. If you enjoy fishing from shore, there are over 35 miles of shoreline to explore in search of your favorite fish. The lake is home to several bass tournaments each year with better than average catches. Also, during the season, rainbow trout fishing is available in the tailwater area.

Cecil M. Harden Lake, commonly known as Raccoon Lake, is a stunning reservoir located in west-central Indiana. Spanning over 2,000 acres, this lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for both avid anglers and recreational fishermen.

The lake is home to a variety of popular fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and walleye. With such a diverse fish population, anglers have a good chance of reeling in their prized catch while enjoying the serene beauty of Cecil M. Harden Lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Cecil M Harden

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Raccoon Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a favored activity at Raccoon Lake, as the lake provides ample space for boaters to explore its expansive waters. Whether you enjoy leisurely cruising, water skiing, or tubing, this reservoir has something for everyone. Several boat ramps are available for easy access, ensuring that boaters can fully embrace the recreational opportunities and picturesque scenery that Cecil M. Harden Lake has to offer.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Raccoon Lake Boat Rental
Rentals: Pontoon boats and ski boats
765 344-1989

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Hollandsburg Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Hollandsburg Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Portland Mills Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, at the east end of the Highway 211 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Raccoon

Click here for a complete list of licensed fishing guides in Indiana.

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Indiana Fishing License.

For those looking to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, Cecil M. Harden Lake provides camping facilities. Campgrounds located near the lake offer both primitive and modern camping options, allowing visitors to choose their preferred level of comfort. Camping near the lake offers the chance to wake up to breathtaking views, enjoy peaceful evenings around a campfire, and have easy access to fishing and boating activities.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Nevins Campground - 765) 344-1436