I am not a stranger to the joy of fishing. I grew up having family vacations planned around where to catch the largest fish. Whether it was Michigan lakes, Outer Banks or Alaska. By the time I was 5, I could put a worm on a hook, remove the fish and clean it properly (family rule – if you caught it, you had to clean it!). Though I don’t get to cast a line often these days, I still have very fond memories of fishing!

Free Fishing Days

On June 6 & 7, 2020 Indiana will celebrate “Free Fishing Days.” This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to fish or introduce the kids or a friend to the joys of fishing. On these free fishing days, Indiana residents do not need a license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state's public waters. All other days all anglers over 18 years of age must have and carry a state fishing license.

Fishing Spots in SoIN

Southern Indiana, with its numerous lakes, creeks, and access to the Ohio River it is a prime spot for fishing! You can hook largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, walleye, and more!

All anglers over 18 years of age must have and carry a state fishing license. Check before you leave for each location’s individual fishing rules and regulations.

Whether you are looking for a day on a boat, standing on a dock, or at the edge of a lake, SoIN has a spot for you. Here are a few spots in Clark and Floyd County.

Couple fishing on the shore of Deam Lake State Recreation Area

Deam Lake State Recreation Area
The 194-acre lake includes a public boat launch ramp; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. Rowboat rental is available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. There are also numerous spots to step up and cast from a dock or land.

 

Fishing dock along the water at Clark State Forest

Clark State Forest
Seven lakes are open to fishing; Schlamm Lake (18 acres), Franke Lake (12 acres), Bowen Lake (7 acres), Oak Lake (2.5 acres) Pine Lake (2 acres), Shaw Lake (13 acres) and Wilcox Lake (5 acres). Boat launch ramps are available in all except Pine and Shaw Lakes; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. In fall 2020 the Indiana DNR 405 trout at Oak Lake in Clark State Forest.

 

Fishing boat at the Charlestown State Park

Charlestown State Park
Charlestown State Park has many good spots for stream-bank fishing along Fourteenmile Mile Creek on Trail 3. Bass, bluegill, catfish and other game fish are common.

 

View of the water and bridge of Falls of the Ohio State Park

Falls of the Ohio State Park – Ohio River
Many fishing opportunities await anglers of all ages and experience levels at the Falls of the Ohio State Park. You can fish on the shoreline, on the Ohio River (small boats only), and at the boat ramp at the George Rogers Clark home site.

 

Sunset view of Kopps Lake Kids holding a fish at Kopps Lake
Source: https://www.facebook.com/koppslake/

Kopp’s Lake
Kopp's Lake is an outdoor recreation facility that offers fishing, primitive camping, a venue for company picnics and outdoor events. This is a private lake, so you do not need an Indiana fishing license, but you do have to pay an entry fee. 

 

People fishing at sunset of Sam Peden Park
Source: Instagram @carissa_renee

Sam Peden Park
Kiwanis Lake at Sam Peden Park is 15 acres where citizens may fish, or even take specified boats out. In addition to the water activities, there are 5 covered shelters with tables (you might bring your own tablecloth), 3 restroom facilities, 6 basketball goals, 11 tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, 6 horseshoe pits, and a 1.25-mile trail for walking, jogging, or biking. 

 

Aerial view of Chapel Lake Park
Source: https://www.facebook.com/jeffersonville.indiana/

Chapel Lake Park
SoIN’s newest park opened on May 26, 2020, and features a large stocked lake for catch-and-release fishing and canoeing/kayaking.

Additional Boat Access to the Ohio River
Duffy’s Landing - Jeffersonville
Jaycees Boat Ramp – New Albany

Indiana Fishing Info Resources

Not sure where to find info? Here is a list of resources for fishing regulations from the Indiana Department of Natural Recourses:

Regulations

It’s important to know the local fishing regulations. We’ve included links below to help you find resources.