Fishing in Indiana: Top Spots for Angling in the Hoosier State

From crappies to salmon, bass to bluegills, Indiana waters are home to all sorts of fish species, and the sport can be a year-round endeavor if you know which spots to fish in which season.

In January, for instance, head to J.C. Murphey Lake in Newton County to fish for bluegills. Part of the Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area, the lake is very shallow and according to Game & Fish magazine, "produces amazing numbers of big bluegills ... along with some monster redear sunfish."

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In March, after the ice thaws, the magazine recommends anglers hit up Lake Michigan for "some of the hottest fishing action of the year." This is when huge numbers of Coho salmon are drawn to the lake's southern shores in search of food.

Indiana is also home to excellent bass fishing. In May, check out Patoka Lake in southern Indiana, which is the second largest body of water in the state.

"Patoka is an excellent largemouth bass lake, and since it covers a total of 8,800 acres, it is home to a tremendous amount of prime bass habitat. In addition to steep drop-offs and vast stump fields, there are weedy back bays, rocky creek arms and lots of flooded timber," said Game & Fish magazine. "Bass are very active at Patoka in May, so covering a lot of water is a good strategy. Don't be surprised if you hook a trophy-sized bass here, as this lake is known for producing big fish."

Another good spot to fish for bass is in Lake Monroe, which is Indiana's largest lake. Home to nine launching ramps and lots of coves to hide out in, the lake offers excellent bass fishing in the summer, and some of the fish grow quite big. Look for largemouths and spotted bass.

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Then there is muskie fishing. These freshwater fish can weigh as much as 100 pounds and grow around 6 feet long, but the average size is between 28 and 48 inches.

For muskies, head to Webster Lake, which has "been a top-rated muskie water for many years now, and there is definitely good reason for it. This 774-acre lake produces big muskies all year long, and the fall months are among the best times to fish it. The cooler weather often sends these toothy predators on a real feeding binge," Game & Fish reported.

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