Fishing Indian Lake

AKA: Indian Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Indian Lake Fishing Video
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Indian Lake, OH

Popular Fish Species Indian Lake, OH

Saugeye

When a female walleye spawns with a male sauger, the result is a hybrid known as saugeye. Indian Lake has a notable population of saugeye, which are eagerly pursued by local anglers. Their meat is very tasty, and they put up a good fight. Look for them near bottom on sandy bars and especially along drop offs into river channels. These toothy critters often migrate up-river in winter and spring, congregating in low-current areas. A common method for catching saugeye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, spoons, and long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting topwater lures, live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Crappie

Black and white crappie both reside in Indian Lake, with black crappie typically out-weighing white crappie. They tend to 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. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a quick limit of crappie.

Largemouth Bass

Fishing in Indian Lake for largemouth bass can run hot and cold at times. Lately the fishing has been good. Big bass are being caught in Indian Lake due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass are typically shallow and 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 Indian Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch and saugeye at Indian Lake in Ohio.

Considered one of the best saugeye lakes in Ohio, Indian Lake is a 5,000-acre lake in the northwest part of the state. Annual stockings of saugeye help maintain the population and enhance the fishing opportunities. Catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and yellow perch also reside here.

Indian Lake, located in western Ohio, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a recreational paradise. With its vast expanse of water and beautiful surroundings, Indian Lake offers excellent fishing, boating, and camping experiences.

Fishing at Indian Lake provides anglers with the opportunity to target a variety of fish species. The lake is known for its diverse fishery, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and saugeye. Anglers can cast their lines from the shoreline, fish from a boat, or explore the lake's numerous bays and coves for prime fishing spots. Indian Lake's thriving fish populations ensure that anglers of all skill levels can enjoy a successful and exciting fishing experience.

There are 30 miles of shoreline for fish to cruise seeking food and comfortable water conditions. There are about a dozen areas with access to the shoreline for fishing from the bank. A couple marinas and several boat ramps are available to the public to enhance the boating experience. Boats of all sizes and horsepower ratings are allowed on Indian Reservoir. Bass boats, pleasure boats, pontoons, kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats navigate these waters for sightseeing and fishing. There are numerous places for camping, as well as other lodging options, scattered around the lake. In winter, once the ice is safe, there can be very good fishing for crappie, bluegill and saugeye.

Primary fish species residing in Indian Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Indian 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 favorite activity at Indian Lake, offering visitors the chance to explore the expansive waters and soak in the natural beauty. The lake permits various types of watercraft, including powerboats, pontoon boats, and kayaks. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in water sports activities, or simply relax on the calm waters while admiring the surrounding scenery. Multiple boat ramps and marinas are available for convenient access to the lake.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Indian Lake Pontoon Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
937 843-2628

Spend-A-Day Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
937 843-3036

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Blackhawk Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Highway 365, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Chippewa Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Road 252, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Indian Lake State Park: Crane Town Pew Island Boat Launch
Located mid lake, on Pew Island, off Buckeye Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Lakeview Harbor Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Highway 366, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Moundwood Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Edgewater Ave, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Spend-A-Day Marina
9481 OH-708
Russells Point, OH 43348
937 843-3036

Fishing Guides On Indian Lake

Matt Tuttle's Crappie Guide Service - crappie

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

Indian Lake Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a Ohio Fishing License.

Camping facilities at Indian Lake cater to those seeking an extended stay in nature. The Indian Lake State Park Campground provides a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Campers can enjoy the peaceful ambiance, partake in outdoor activities, and take advantage of the lake's fishing and boating opportunities. Additionally, the campground offers amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and playgrounds for added enjoyment.