Fishing in Indiana gets you out and experiencing the lush, green beauty of the Hoosier State. You’ll find everything from glacial reservoirs and lakes to man-made streams and rivers. You might catch walleye, stripers, coho salmon, northern pike, crappie, largemouth bass, muskies, and steelhead trout. Anyone over 18 will likely need a fishing license to fish in the state, so check the laws and plan accordingly.
Fishing Spots in Indiana
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Indiana. You’ll find plenty of bass fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish.
Morse Reservoir
Located in northern Hamilton County and around 25 miles north of Indianapolis, Morse Reservoir is one of Indiana’s excellent fishing spots. With more than 35 miles of shoreline and 1,500 acres of water, Morse Reservoir is every angler’s paradise. It was constructed in 1956 as Indianapolis’s third reservoir for freshwater. Here, you will find many fish species like catfish, largemouth bass, and white crappie.
You’ll find plenty of campgrounds in Indianapolis where you can set up your home base as you fish.
Monroe Lake
Located in Bloomington, Monroe Lake is a 10,750-acre reservoir spreading across Brown and Monroe counties. Besides fishing, you can relax on the lake’s beautiful beaches. You can catch bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, smallmouth bass, and hybrid stripers. During winter, ice fishing is a popular activity on the lake. You can find campgrounds in Bloomington nearby if you want to stay close to the lake.
Patoka Lake
Located on more than 25,000 acres, Patoka Lake occupies almost 9,000 acres in Birdseye, Indiana. This lake, which sits south of French Lick and West Baden, is an angler’s dream. You will find various fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. Patoka Lake is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including red-tailed hawk, bald eagles, river otter, osprey, and screech owls.
There are several campgrounds near Patoka Lake where you can stay while you fish. Painter Creek Camp Resort has full hookups, a pool, a game room, laundry, and showers. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph has full hookups, a pool and waterslides, an arcade, a restaurant, planned events, and more.
Wolf Lake
Situated on the Indiana-Illinois border, Wolf Lake is another prime fishing spot in Indiana. With a well-maintained recreation area and park nearby at the Wolf Lake Pavilion, this place is ideal for avid anglers and even for those who want to cast a line with the children. Wolf Lake is home to a wide variety of fish, including herring, pike, and walleye.
Sundance Lake
Located in Hoosier National Forest, Sundance Lake is among the good fishing spots in Indiana and was specifically built for fishing. This lake occupies 5.3 acres near the town of Spurgeons Corner and remains open all year. Here, you will find redear sunfish, bluegill, channel catfish, and bass.
White River
If you’re searching for fishing in Indiana, the White River is an ideal spot. This river flows throughout Southern Indiana for almost 30 miles. A scenic place to relax, the White River offers panoramic views and calm, crystal-clear waters. Camping is allowed if you wish to extend your stay. Enjoy fishing for bluegills, catfish, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and more. The campground has hookups, a canoe launch, a playground, and laundry facilities.
Lake Maxinkuckee
Covering 1,864 acres, Lake Maxinkuckee is the second-biggest lake in Indiana and is a prime spot for ice fishing during winter. It’s located close to the town of Culver in the southwest region of Marshall County. While Lake Maxinkuckee isn’t a resort, you will find some motels and privately owned hotels nearby, and Culver has plenty of affordable restaurants and grills. Alternatively, Gary, Indiana, where you will find bigger hotels, is about an hour’s drive away. At Lake Maxinkuckee, you will find a wide array of fish species, including walleye, perch, bluegill, bass, crappie, and redear sunfish.
Eel River
The Eel River is another prime spot for fishing in Indiana. It’s a small, tranquil waterway that flows for about 100 miles, primarily through narrow wooded and farmland areas from its source as an idyllic stream north of Fort Wayne. Although the riverbanks may become overcrowded with dense vegetation and trees, there are numerous kayak-friendly areas. Here, you will catch a lot of channel catfish, rock bass, and bluegill. You can also watch out for kingfishers, wood ducks, blue herons, and sandpipers. There are six campgrounds around the Eel River available on a first-come first served basis.
Where to Fish in Indiana
Indianapolis is one of the top destinations for fishing in Indiana. Regardless of the type of fishing you enjoy and your skill level, Indianapolis has many fishing options for you. From small creeks and streams to large rivers and lakes, few places in the state provide such a diverse angling experience.
Camping and Fishing in Indiana
Before you head out for fishing and camping in Indiana, make sure that you know the local fishing regulations and that you have a valid fishing license. It’s also a good idea to talk to locals about where to fish in Indiana because they often have the most current and detailed information. Also, ensure you have the right fishing gear, including a reel, a rod, lures, and bait.
Indiana offers world-class recreational sportfishing for keen anglers. Most fishing locations in Indiana feature the most beautiful scenery in the country, and they provide excellent sport and fun for you and your loved ones throughout the year.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
