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The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Indiana

Discover the best fishing lakes in Indiana! This article will provide you with an overview of the top fishing spots in the state and tips on how to make the most out of your fishing experience. From Lake Michigan to Patoka Lake, get the inside scoop on where the best fishing is and what to expect.

Lake Monroe

Lake Monroe is a reservoir in Indiana located about 10 miles southeast of Bloomington. It covers a total area of 10,750 acres.

  • Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, White Crappie, Bluegill, Muskellunge.
  • Types of Fishing: Boat Fishing, Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Wading.
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: The Monroe Lake Marina and Boat Rentals offers fishing gear, bait, tackle, and other supplies.
  • Fishing Guide Service: Monroe Lake Fishing Guides offers help for both novices and experienced anglers.
  • Closest Hotels: The closest hotels to Monroe Lake are the Comfort Inn in Bloomington, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Bloomington, and the Quality Inn in Bloomington.
  • Nearest Fishing Store: The nearest fishing store is D & D Bait & Tackle, located 4.6 miles northwest of Monroe Lake.
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers must possess a valid Indiana fishing license and obey the relevant fishing regulations.
  • Amenities of the Lake: Monroe Lake has a host of amenities, including beaches, playgrounds, trails, restaurants, and marinas.
  • Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station to Monroe Lake is located 4 miles away.

Cagles Mill Lake

Cagles Mill Lake is a popular fishing spot located in the southwestern corner of Indiana. It is a 1,400-acre reservoir that is home to a variety of fish species.

  • Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, and Various Panfish.
  • Types of Fishing: Boat Fishing, Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing.
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: The Cagles Mill Lake Marina & Boat Rental offers a variety of fishing supplies, boats, and other equipment.
  • Fishing Guide Service: Cagles Mill Lake Fishing Guides offers lake tours of the lake and professional fishing advice.
  • Closest Hotels: The closest hotels to Cagles Mill Lake are the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Rockville, The Rockville Inn, and the Hampton Inn in Rockport.
  • Nearest Fishing Store: The nearest fishing store is Moores Fishing Supply, located 12 miles northwest of Cagles Mill Lake.
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers must possess a valid Indiana fishing license and obey the relevant fishing regulations.
  • Amenities of the Lake: Cagles Mill Lake features a variety of amenities, including boat ramps, picnic areas, beaches, trails, and campgrounds.
  • Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station to Cagles Mill Lake is located 4 miles away.

Patoka Lake

Patoka Lake is a reservoir located in southwestern Indiana. It is a 8,800-acre lake that is popular among anglers.

  • Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Muskellunge, Striper.
  • Types of Fishing: Boat Fishing, Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing.
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Patoka Lake Marina offers fishing gear, bait, tackle, and boats.
  • Fishing Guide Service: Patoka Lake Fishing Guides offers guided lake tours and professional fishing advice.
  • Closest Hotels: The closest hotels to Patoka Lake are the Super 8 French Lick, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Jasper, and the Comfort Inn in Jasper.
  • Nearest Fishing Store: The nearest fishing store is Patoka Lake Bait & Tackle, located 7.5 miles northeast of Patoka Lake.
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers must possess a valid Indiana fishing license and obey the relevant fishing regulations.
  • Amenities of the Lake: Patoka Lake has a host of amenities, including beaches, playgrounds, trails, restaurants, and marinas.
  • Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station to Patoka Lake is located 3 miles away.

Brookville Lake

Brookville Lake is a reservoir located in Franklin and Union Counties in Indiana. It is a 5,260-acre lake that is popular among anglers.

  • Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Muskellunge, Crappie.
  • Types of Fishing: Boat Fishing, Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing.
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: The Brookville Lake Marina & Boat Rental offers fishing gear, bait, tackle, and boats.
  • Fishing Guide Service: Brookville Lake Fishing Guides offers lake tours and professional fishing advice.
  • Closest Hotels: The closest hotels to Brookville Lake are the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Brookville, the Quality Inn & Suites in Brookville, and the Comfort Inn in Lawrenceburg.
  • Nearest Fishing Store: The nearest fishing store is The Hook & Line Outlet, located 8.7 miles northwest of Brookville Lake.
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers must possess a valid Indiana fishing license and obey the relevant fishing regulations.
  • Amenities of the Lake: Brookville Lake has a host of amenities, including beaches, playgrounds, trails, and campgrounds.
  • Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station to Brookville Lake is located 4.5 miles away.

Geist Reservoir

Geist Reservoir is a popular fishing spot located northeast of Indianapolis. It covers a total area of 3,200 acres.

  • Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Bluegill, White Bass.
  • Types of Fishing: Boat Fishing, Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing.
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Geist Marina & Boat Rental offers fishing gear, bait, tackle, and boats.
  • Fishing Guide Service: Geist Lake Fishing Guides offers professional fishing advice and lake tours.
  • Closest Hotels: The closest hotels to Geist Reservoir are the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Fishers, the Comfort Inn & Suites in Fishers, and the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Fishers.
  • Nearest Fishing Store: The nearest fishing store is Geist Outfitters, located 6 miles northwest of Geist Reservoir.
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers must possess a valid Indiana fishing license and obey the relevant fishing regulations.
  • Amenities of the Lake: Geist Reservoir has a host of amenities, including boat ramps, picnic areas, beaches, trails, and restaurants.
  • Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station to Geist Reservoir is located 5 miles away.

Lakes of the Four Seasons

Lakes of the Four Seasons is a private lake located in Porter County, Indiana. It is a 5,000-acre lake that is popular among anglers.

  • Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Panfish, Crappie, Northern Pike.
  • Types of Fishing: Boat Fishing, Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing.
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Lakes of the Four Seasons Marina & Boat Rental offers fishing gear, bait, tackle, and boats.
  • Fishing Guide Service: Lakes of the Four Seasons Fishing Guides offers professional fishing advice and lake tours.
  • Closest Hotels: The closest hotels to Lakes of the Four Seasons are the Inn of the Four Seasons in Valparaiso, the Super 8 Valparaiso, and the Comfort Inn & Suites in Valparaiso.
  • Nearest Fishing Store: The nearest fishing store is The Fish On! Bait & Tackle, located 10 miles northwest of Lakes of the Four Seasons.
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers must possess a valid Indiana fishing license and obey the relevant fishing regulations.
  • Amenities of the Lake: Lakes of the Four Seasons offers a variety of amenities, including boat ramps, picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, and restaurants.
  • Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station to Lakes of the Four Seasons is located 6 miles away.

Stony Creek Reservoir

Stony Creek Reservoir is a reservoir located in Montgomery County, Indiana. It is a 1,785-acre lake that is popular among anglers.

  • Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, Muskellunge, Walleye.
  • Types of Fishing: Boat Fishing, Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing.
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Stony Creek Marina & Boat Rental offers fishing gear, bait, tackle, and boats.
  • Fishing Guide Service: Stony Creek Fishing Guides offers professional fishing advice and lake tours.
  • Closest Hotels: The closest hotels to Stony Creek Reservoir are the Super 8 Crawfordsville, the Comfort Inn in Crawfordsville, and the Best Western Plus Crawfordsville.
  • Nearest Fishing Store: The nearest fishing store is Stony Creek Bait & Tackle, located 7.4 miles northwest of Stony Creek Reservoir.
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers must possess a valid Indiana fishing license and obey the relevant fishing regulations.
  • Amenities of the Lake: Stony Creek Reservoir has a variety of amenities, including boat ramps, picnic areas, beaches, trails, and restaurants.
  • Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station to Stony Creek Reservoir is located 4.5 miles away.

Hairpin Lake

Hairpin Lake is a reservoir located in Vigo County, Indiana. It is a 1,343-acre lake that is popular among anglers.

  • Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye, Striped Bass.
  • Types of Fishing: Boat Fishing, Bank Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Ice Fishing.
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Hairpin Lake Marina & Boat Rentals offers fishing gear, bait, tackle, and boats.
  • Fishing Guide Service: Hairpin Lake Fishing Guides offers lake tours and professional fishing advice.
  • Closest Hotels: The closest hotels to Hairpin Lake are the Comfort Inn in Terre Haute, the Holiday Inn Express in Terre Haute, and the Super 8 Terre Haute.
  • Nearest Fishing Store: The nearest fishing store is Hairpin Lake Bait & Tackle, located 1.3 miles northeast of Hairpin Lake.
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers must possess a valid Indiana fishing license and obey the relevant fishing regulations.
  • Amenities of the Lake: Hairpin Lake has a host of amenities, including boat ramps, picnic areas, beaches, playgrounds, and trails.
  • Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station to Hairpin Lake is located 2 miles away.

Find Good Fishing Spots in Indiana and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for great fishing spots in Indiana, then you need to check out the Google map below! It’s packed full of great lakes and fishing locations from around the state. So, why not explore and find your next favorite spot? With the help of this map, you can easily find lakes that offer the best fishing. So, don’t wait any longer – start exploring the lakes in Indiana today!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Indiana

Indiana offers sport fishing throughout the year in many of its lakes, rivers and streams. During the warmer months of spring, summer, and early fall, temperatures usually range from the low-mid 70s (Fahrenheit). The winter months can be more extreme, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to mid-30s (Fahrenheit). Precipitation can be expected year-round, with April, May, and June typically receiving the highest amounts. The amount of snowfall throughout the winter months also varies, with the northern and central parts of the state usually receiving the highest amounts.

Fishing Lakes in Indiana
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