Indiana may not be the first state that comes to mind for fishing, but it should be. The Hoosier State is packed with productive reservoirs, natural lakes, and state-managed impoundments that produce trophy bass, giant catfish, and slabs of crappie year-round. From the deep, clear waters of Monroe to the sprawling flats of Patoka, there's a lake here for every angler.
We've put together this guide to the 10 best fishing lakes in Indiana — complete with top species, best seasons, local tips, and links to free depth maps so you can study the bottom before you even launch.
1. Lake Monroe
Location: Monroe County (Bloomington) · Size: 10,750 acres · Max Depth: 55 ft
Indiana's largest lake is a powerhouse for largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, and channel catfish. The flooded timber and creek arms provide endless structure. Monroe fishes best in spring when bass push into the upper creek arms to spawn, and in fall when shad stack up near the dam.
- Top Species: Largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, channel catfish
- Best Time: March–May (pre-spawn/spawn), October–November (fall shad migration)
- Tip: Fish the standing timber in the upper Salt Creek arm with a jig or Texas-rigged craw for big largemouth.
2. Patoka Lake
Location: Dubois/Orange/Crawford Counties · Size: 8,800 acres · Max Depth: 65 ft
Patoka is Indiana's second-largest reservoir and arguably its best all-around fishery. The water clarity is excellent, which makes it ideal for sight-fishing beds in spring and throwing topwater in low-light conditions. The lake has a strong largemouth population along with excellent crappie and striped bass fishing.
- Top Species: Largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, bluegill
- Best Time: April–June, September–October
- Tip: Target the deeper creek channels with a lipless crankbait during pre-spawn. Stripers run in the main channel near the dam in summer.
3. Brookville Lake
Location: Franklin/Union Counties · Size: 5,260 acres · Max Depth: 100+ ft
Brookville is the deepest lake in Indiana and one of the clearest. It's the state's premier walleye fishery, with strong populations of saugeye, smallmouth bass, and crappie. The deep, clear water requires finesse techniques, but the fish quality is outstanding.
- Top Species: Walleye, saugeye, smallmouth bass, crappie
- Best Time: March–April (walleye run), May–June (smallmouth)
- Tip: Troll deep-diving crankbaits along the main channel edges for walleye. In spring, jig hair jigs near the dam for staging walleye.
View Brookville Lake Depth Map →
4. Geist Reservoir
Location: Hamilton/Marion Counties (Indianapolis) · Size: 1,890 acres · Max Depth: 30 ft
Indianapolis's backyard lake is a surprisingly productive fishery given its urban setting. Geist has excellent largemouth bass fishing, strong crappie numbers, and a growing muskie population that DNR has been stocking. The shallow, weedy flats make it a perfect kayak fishing destination.
- Top Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, muskie, bluegill
- Best Time: May–June, September–October
- Tip: Fish docks and laydowns along the main channel in summer. Crappie stack up in brush piles near deeper flats — use a depth map to find them.
View Geist Reservoir Depth Map →
5. Eagle Creek Reservoir
Location: Marion County (Indianapolis) · Size: 1,350 acres · Max Depth: 35 ft
Another Indianapolis-area gem, Eagle Creek produces big largemouth bass and has a healthy population of channel catfish. The lake has good structure with old creek channels, points, and submerged roadbeds that concentrate fish. It's also one of the best urban bluegill fisheries in the state.
- Top Species: Largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie
- Best Time: April–June, August–October
- Tip: The old submerged road beds are fish highways — study the depth map for structure and position yourself along these features.
6. Mississinewa Lake
Location: Miami/Wabash/Grant Counties · Size: 3,180 acres · Max Depth: 60 ft
Mississinewa is an underrated fishery with strong populations of walleye, saugeye, largemouth bass, and crappie. The lake has excellent structure, including long points, submerged timber, and a well-defined creek channel that runs through the middle.
- Top Species: Walleye, saugeye, largemouth bass, crappie
- Best Time: March–May (walleye), May–June (bass)
- Tip: Night fish for walleye with jerkbaits worked slowly near points adjacent to the main channel.
View Mississinewa Lake Depth Map →
7. Salamonie Lake
Location: Huntington/Wabash Counties · Size: 2,855 acres · Max Depth: 55 ft
Salamonie is best known for its walleye and saugeye fishing, but the crappie fishing here is world-class. The lake has steep bluffs, standing timber, and plenty of deep structure. When the crappie move into brush piles in spring, limits come fast.
- Top Species: Walleye, saugeye, crappie, largemouth bass
- Best Time: March–April (walleye), April–May (crappie)
- Tip: Vertical jig over brush piles in 12-18 feet for spring crappie. Use your depth map to locate the brush pile clusters.
View Salamonie Lake Depth Map →
8. Monroe Lake (Cecil M. Harden Lake / Raccoon Lake)
Location: Parke County · Size: 2,060 acres · Max Depth: 45 ft
Often called Raccoon Lake, Cecil M. Harden is a sleeper fishery with excellent bass and crappie action. The lake has good water clarity and plenty of standing timber in the upper arms. It's far less pressured than Monroe or Patoka, which means better fishing for those willing to make the drive.
- Top Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill
- Best Time: April–June, September–November
- Tip: Fish the standing timber with a 1/4oz jig and plastic trailer for bass. Crappie suspend near the timber in 10-15 feet.
9. Cagles Mill Lake (Cataract Lake)
Location: Owen/Putnam Counties · Size: 1,400 acres · Max Depth: 40 ft
Cagles Mill is a productive fishery that doesn't get much press. The lake has a healthy largemouth bass population, good crappie numbers, and strong catfish action. The winding creek channels and timbered flats provide excellent structure.
- Top Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish
- Best Time: April–May, October
- Tip: Work the creek channel bends with a Carolina rig for bass holding on deeper structure.
View Cagles Mill Lake Depth Map →
10. Hardy Lake
Location: Scott County · Size: 741 acres · Max Depth: 40 ft
Hardy Lake is small but mighty. The clear water and excellent structure make it one of the best bass lakes per acre in Indiana. The lake also has strong bluegill and redear sunfish populations, making it ideal for panfish enthusiasts. Minimal boat traffic means less fishing pressure year-round.
- Top Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish
- Best Time: May–June (bass/panfish), September (fall bass)
- Tip: Use finesse techniques in the clear water — drop shot or shaky head along rocky points and bluffs.
🗺️ Explore Indiana Lake Depth Maps
Study contour lines, creek channels, and structure before your next trip to any Indiana lake.
Browse All Lake Maps →Planning Your Indiana Fishing Trip
Indiana requires a fishing license for anglers 18 and older — you can purchase one online through the Indiana DNR website. The state also offers a Free Fishing Day each year (usually in early June) where no license is required.
For the best results, combine a lake depth map with knowledge of seasonal patterns. Study the structure and contour lines before you go, match your approach to the best time of year for your target species, and you'll consistently outfish the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fishing lake in Indiana?
Lake Monroe is widely considered the best overall fishing lake in Indiana due to its size (10,750 acres), diverse species, and abundant structure. However, Patoka Lake gives it strong competition, especially for bass and crappie. Brookville Lake is the top choice for walleye anglers.
When is the best time to fish in Indiana?
Spring (April–May) is the best overall season. Bass are in pre-spawn and spawn, walleye are running, crappie are moving shallow, and catfish are active. Fall (September–October) is the second-best window as fish feed heavily before winter.
Do I need a fishing license in Indiana?
Yes, anglers 18 and older need a valid Indiana fishing license. Annual resident licenses are affordable and can be purchased online through the Indiana DNR. Children under 18 fish free.
What species can I catch in Indiana lakes?
Indiana lakes hold largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, walleye, saugeye, crappie (black and white), bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, muskie, and striped bass depending on the lake.