The Best Fishing Lakes In Indiana

Guide to the top places to fish for bass, catfish, walleye and more in IN.

Brookville Lake, Cagles Mill Lake, Cecil M Harden Lake, Dogwood Lake, Eagle Creek Reservoir, Lake Maxinkuckee, Monroe Lake, Patoka Lake and Salamonie Lake are the most popular places for fishing in Indiana, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species, some of which offer ice fishing in winter. The Boat Rental Page lists options for fishing boat rentals at some of these lakes.

Indiana offers a diverse range of fishing lakes, including both warm water and cold water lakes, each with its own unique characteristics and fish species.

Warm water lakes in Indiana are known for their abundance of popular game fish species such as largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. These lakes typically have water temperatures that support the growth and activity of warm water fish species. Some well-known warm water lakes in Indiana include Patoka Lake, Lake Monroe, and Brookville Lake. Anglers can enjoy casting for largemouth bass in weed beds, targeting crappie near submerged structures, and pursuing catfish along the lake bottoms.

On the other hand, Indiana's cold water lakes provide excellent opportunities for trout and other cold water fish species. Cold water lakes are characterized by their cooler temperatures, which are suitable for fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout. Clear Lake, Oliver Lake, and Little Elkhart Lake are popular cold water lakes in Indiana. Anglers can try their luck using various techniques such as fly fishing, trolling, or casting with lures to entice these prized cold water fish.

In addition to warm water and cold water lakes, some lakes in Indiana exhibit a mix of both warm and cold water characteristics, providing a diverse range of fish species. These lakes support a variety of fish, including bass, panfish, trout, and even muskellunge. Examples of such lakes include Lake Wawasee, Lake Maxinkuckee, and Lake Michigan. These lakes offer a wide array of fishing opportunities, appealing to anglers with different preferences and targeting various species.

When planning a fishing trip in Indiana, it's essential to familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations, including catch limits and specific rules for each lake. Understanding the specific rules and regulations for each lake helps maintain the sustainability of the fish populations and ensures a positive fishing experience for all anglers.

Whether you prefer warm water lakes teeming with bass and panfish or cold water lakes offering the challenge of trout fishing, Indiana's diverse fishing lakes have something to offer every angler. The state's variety of lakes and the range of fish species make it a fantastic destination for both recreational and avid anglers alike.

Bass Lakes

Brookville Lake, Cagles Mill Lake, Cecil M Harden Lake, Dogwood Lake, Eagle Creek Reservoir, J Edward Roush Lake, Lake Maxinkuckee, Lake Michigan, Monroe Lake, Morse Reservoir, Patoka Lake, Salamonie Lake and Webster Lake are considered the best options for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. More...

Catfish Lakes

Brookville Lake, Cagles Mill Lake, Geist Lake, Lake Lemon, Lake Maxinkuckee, Mississinewa Reservoir, Monroe Lake, Patoka Lake, Prairie Creek Reservoir and Salamonie Lake are favored options for channel, blue, white and flathead catfish. More...

Crappie Lakes

Brookville Lake, Cagles Mill Lake, Cecil M Harden Lake, Eagle Creek Reservoir, Jimmerson Lake, Lake Freeman, Lake Manitou, Lake Maxinkuckee, Lake Michigan, Mississinewa Reservoir, Monroe Lake, Morse Reservoir, Nyona Lake and Patoka Lake are consired the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish & Panfish Lakes

Big Long Lake, Big Turkey Lake, Cecil M Harden Lake, Dogwood Lake, Eagle Creek Reservoir, Geist Lake, J Edward Roush Lake, Lake Freeman, Lake Manitou, Lake Maxinkuckee, Lake Michigan, Mississinewa Reservoir, Monroe Lake, Nyona Lake, Patoka Lake, Prairie Creek Reservoir, Salamonie Lake, Turtle Creek Reservoir and Waubee Lake are some of the most popular for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye Lakes

Brookville Lake, Cagles Mill Lake, Cecil M Hardin Lake, Crooked Lake, Eagle Creek Reservoir, Geist Lake, Kokomo Reservoir, Lake Maxinkuckee, Lake of the Wood, Mississinewa Reservoir, Monroe Lake and Patoka Lake are just some of the top lakes for walleye fishing. More...

Trout Lakes

Brookville Lake and Cecil M Harden Lake are the favorite options for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout. More...

Striped Bass Lakes

Cagles Mill Lake, Cecil M Harden Lake, Geist Lake, Lake Monroe, Lake Papakeechie and Tippecanoe Lake are the best options for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. More...

Locate marinas on fishing lakes in Indiana.

Visit the Indiana fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Indiana map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in IN at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

Click here for a Indiana Fishing License.

Best Destinations By State.