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Indiana Fishing Reports

Division of Fish & Wildlife staff collect reports as time permits. Only those water bodies with a current report are included.

WaterbodyReportDate
JC Murphey (Willow Slough)The lake has refilled to about 30 inches below average pool. This will hopefully allow vegetation to continue to rebound especially in the back of the lake following the renovation. Fish were stocked into the lake in the fall of 2023 with more stocking occurring in 2024. Fish salvaged from the lake before draining have been stocked back into the lake, with some catchable size bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass. There will be limited angling opportunities for harvestable sized fish in 2024 except for the larger spawning sized fish from the salvage units. Please release these larger fish as they are the spawners for future. More information can be found in the link below. 3/22/2024
Lake Michigan (boat)Lots of boats have been getting out to fish when weather allows. Coho action continues to be good when anglers can get out on the lake. Reports have been good fro all of Indiana waters, generally in 20-40 feet, but sometimes shallower near the beach depending on the day. Fish are very nice sized already, with some to 4 pounds caught already, and average size in the 18-21 inch range. Body baits have been best, such as flicker shads and brad's thin fish. A few have been caught on dodgers and flies. Once surface temps hit the low 40s, dodger and flies will become the best bait - a few anglers are reporting they are starting to catch them on dodgers and peanut flies.3/28/2024
Lake Michigan (shore)Coho action has picked up, although it has still been hit or miss, with most fish just out of reach of shore anglers. Try fishing the end of piers rather than the inner harbor. Some brown trout continue to be caught as well. Try spawn and skein on the bottom, under bobbers, and casting spoons. Be advised that due to heavy construction at the Port of Indiana, the shore fishing site there will be closed through summer 2024.3/28/2024
Lake Michigan Tributaries (Trail Creek, Little Calumet River, Salt Creek)A few fresh steelhead are being caught. With water temps fluctuating, action has been erratic. Some steelhead are already done spawning, but fresh chrome fish are showing up too. Spawn, beads, and flies have all taken steelhead. Suckers are running when water temps get near 50. For links to stream flow, see the links below the report tables3/22/2024
St. Joseph River (below Twin Branch Dam)(no update 3/28/24 due to other staff committments). In the last week, 1,228 steelhead moved through the South Bend Fish Ladder bringing our yearly total to 4,872. Reports of anglers having success on spawn, flies, and spinners, both from shore at various access points and near Twin Branch Dam. Water temps have fallen into the low 40s, which may reduce steelhead movement and aggressiveness. Monitor the river temp and flow at the closest USGS gauge in Niles, MI using the links below the report table3/22/2024
Northeast Indiana LakesWalleye fishing in Northeast Indiana is heating up.   Using crappie minnows under a bobber seems to be the ticket.   Try fishing, Pretty, Crooked, Clear, Winona, Sylvan or Wall Lakes for best success.   Finding vegetative cover is key to success.  Bass are also moving shallow and can be caught in channels or near vegetation adjacent to deeper water3/8/2024
Mississinewa ReservoirCatfish and crappie have been caught in the usual early spring spots. Minnows and tube jigs for crappies, cut bait for catfish. Property update, March 20, 2024:
Lake levels are currently back to normal winter pool, for the time being.
Red Bridge is usable for boat launches. Pearson Mill and Frances Slocum ramps are also usable, however, only Red Bridge will be maintained and free of debris while at winter pool status.
Miami boat ramp remains closed and under construction.
Use caution while on the lake. Watch for floating debris and submerged obstacles now close to the surface.
3/28/2024
LaPorte Area LakesPanfish are being caught near docks, pads, and brush in the warmer days using minnows and small plastics. Look for bass near shallow green vegetation, old pads, and on flats adjacent to drop offs. Especially on warmer afternoons they are moving up to feed. Swimbaits, spinnerbaits, A-rigs, jerkbaits, and slow rolled chatterbaits are all good this time of year. Find the warmest water and you'll find the fish. Cold nights have some of the fish retreating to deeper water and in a negative mood until the afternoons3/28/2024
Patoka LakeWalleye are spawning near rip rap, and pre-spawn bass fishing is in full swing3/22/2024
Brookville LakeWalleye fishing is excellent as the spawn is about to commence3/28/2024
Lake WawaseePerch are moving up to weedy flats to spawn. Cover water until you find where they are staging. Small plastics or minnows are good choices this time of year3/22/2024

Links for above report


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