Indiana

Crossroads of America — Quality Bass, Crappie & Catfish

Fishing in Indiana

Indiana offers solid fishing across its reservoirs, natural lakes, and rivers. Monroe, Patoka, and the northern natural lakes provide excellent bass, crappie, and panfish opportunities.

Tournament Scene

Active tournament scene on Monroe, Patoka, and northern lakes.

Local Tips

Monroe Lake is the top bass fishery. Patoka Lake has excellent crappie. Northern natural lakes for panfish. Ohio River for catfish.

Major Trails

B.A.S.S.

Local Circuits

Indiana Bass FederationHoosier Bass Trail

Public Access

Good access on state-managed reservoirs and natural lakes.

Species in Indiana

What you can target and when

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

good
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Patoka Lake · Monroe Lake · Brookville Lake

JigCrankbaitSenkoSpinnerbait
Walleye

Walleye

good
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Tippecanoe River · Brookville Lake · Mississinewa

Jig and minnowCrankbaitBlade bait

Top Waters in Indiana

Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries

Patoka Lake

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Indiana's premier bass fishing destination.

Top Species

Largemouth BassCrappieWalleye

Best: Spring/Fall

Upcoming Tournaments in Indiana

46 tournaments found

Northern Pike
Freshwater

Gladiator Evansville Pike Showdown

Evansville, Indiana
Apr 5, 2026 – Apr 6, 2026
Northern Pike
$200Details
Crappie
Youth

Victory Salamonie Crappie Pursuit

Salamonie, Indiana
Apr 10, 2026 – Apr 13, 2026
Crappie
$35Details
Bluegill
Open
Tomorrow

Elite Geist Bluegill Slam

Geist, Indiana
Apr 17, 2026 – Apr 18, 2026
Bluegill
$10000Details
Catfish
Open
4 days

Fall Lafayette Catfish Extravaganza

Lafayette, Indiana
Apr 20, 2026 – Apr 23, 2026
Catfish
$2000Details
Northern Pike
Freshwater
2 weeks

Elite Evansville Pike Tournament

Evansville, Indiana
Apr 24, 2026 – Apr 25, 2026
Northern Pike
$750Details
Common Carp
Charity
2 weeks

State Salamonie Carp Rumble

Salamonie, Indiana
Apr 25, 2026 – Apr 26, 2026
Common Carp
$125Details

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Resident License

Annual Resident: $17. Trout/Salmon Stamp: $6.75.

Non-Resident License

Annual Non-Resident: $35. 1-Day: $9.

Short-Term License

1-Day license available.

Youth & Senior

Free for residents under 18. Free for seniors 65+.

Boat Registration

Required for motorized vessels.

Tournament Permit

Permits required on some waters.

Regulations Overview

5 bass daily limit. 14-inch minimum on most waters.

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