Fishing At Cecil M Harden Lake

AKA: Racoon Lake

What 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.

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.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

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.

Lake Video

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.

Cecil M Harden Lake 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.

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.