Fishing Salamonie Lake
AKA: Lake Salamonie
Popular Fish Species Salamonie Lake, IN
White Crappie Fishing
Year-round fishing for white crappie at Salamonie Lake is the primary focus of a majority of anglers here. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Black crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home. In winter, when the ice is safe, try your luck at ice fishing.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Salamonie Lake has a sizeable population of channel catfish, and summer is the ideal time to fish for them. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with 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 37 pounds, and Salamonie 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 Salamonie Lake and the area fishing ponds. 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. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Salamonie Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, bluegill and white bass at Salamonie Lake in Indiana.
Surrounded by Salamonie State Forest, Dora New Holland State Recreation Area, My Hope State Recreation Area, Lost Bridge State Recreation Area and Mt Etna State Recreation Area in northeast Indiana, Salamonie Lake has 2,800 surface acres of fishing wonderland. This "warm-water" haven is home to big bass and catfish, and has healthy populations of crappie, bluegill and white bass. While boat fishing is generally the preferred approach, there is also fairly good some fishing from shore at various areas of the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Salamonie
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Salamonie Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: FIVE
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NO
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Pirates Cove Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats, kayaks and pontoons
260 468-2162
Marinas
Pirates Cove Marina
9214 Lost Bridge Rd W
Andrews, IN 46702
260 468-2162
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Mount Etna Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off S 700 W, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Salamonie Lake
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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Apple Orchard Primitive Campground - 260 468-2125
Salamonie Lake, IN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Salamonie Lake
Pirates Cove Marina
9214 Lost Bridge Rd W
Andrews, IN 46702
260 468-2162
Fishing lakes in each state.
021125
Salamonie Lake in Indiana.
INDIANA
Catfish, crappie and bass fishing in northeast IN.
