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Indiana Fishing Report – May 28, 2020

Lake: Lake Michigan (boat)
Fishing report: Good catches of kings and cohos continues, with best action from Portage east to the Michigan state line in 40-80 feet of water, depending on the day. Anglers have reported lots of lake trout mixed in. Fish have been scattered so if you find a school it might be worth circling on it a few times before moving on to new water. Orange, blue, and green spoons on lead/copper lines, and downriggers with free sliders have been good. Flasher/fly setups on wire dipsy divers have also produced. The yellow perch are in the midst of spawning – last week there were lots of perch in the 50 foot depths near Michigan City in full spawning mode. Remember to check the wave forecast before planning a trip – http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/marine/gtlakes.htm. Click on the map of the USA to enlarge, and then click on the red dot near Chicago. Then select the area of the lake you are planning on fishing to obtain the local wave forecast.
Date updated: 5/28/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North

Lake: Lake Michigan (shore)
Fishing report: Skamania continue to be caught in Michigan City Harbor, mostly lakeside during muddy water conditions, but a few on the creek side as well. Some shore anglers are catching smallmouth bass, carp, and channel catfish. Due to COVID-19 some access points may be closed. It is a good idea to call them directly before going.
Date updated: 5/28/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North

Lake: Lake Michigan Tributaries (Trail Creek, Little Calumet River, Salt Creek)
Fishing report: Tribs were blown out much of the week so not much to report. A few early skamania steelhead should show up soon. Trail Creek flow here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?04095300 Little Calumet River here https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=04094000
Date updated: 5/28/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North

Lake: All Bodies of Water (COVID-19 UPDATE)
Fishing report: Please be aware that Indiana DNR is receiving fewer fishing reports than normal during the recent COVID-19 outbreak. For up-to-date information on DNR properties and procedures in response to COVID-19, visit http://on.IN.gov/dnrcovid19.
Date updated: 5/28/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North

Lake: St. Joseph River (below Twin Branch Dam)
Fishing report: Just over 12,000 steelhead have gone through the South Bend Fish Ladder this spring, a record amount. The run is wrapping up very quickly but there are still a few stragglers around. Steelhead should be totally done soon, with warm weather on the horizon and fast-rising water temps to the mid-70s. Smallmouth bass and walleye are hitting as well, along with channel catfish on cut bait
Date updated: 5/28/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North

Lake: Bass Lake
Fishing report: Bass Lake surface temp ranged from 60 to 63F, the crappie bite is going on. Anglers were primarily catching suspended fish over deep basin especially between the north and south basin. Some anglers were in the pocket but unknown success. Trolling was a valuable tactic to catch fish around the deep hole key speed between 1.3 and 1.8 mph. Don’t expect big fish – the majority are 9 to 10 inches
Date updated: 5/7/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North

Lake: Lake Wawasee
Fishing report: Water Temperature is in the high 50s. Crappie and Largemouth Bass were biting on crappie minnows under a float bobber. Good areas to check out are in 3-10 ft of water on wind blown shorelines and points.
Date updated: 5/8/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North

Lake: Pigeon River in LaGrange County below Nasby Dam and Ontario Dam
Fishing report: A surplus of rainbow trout will give anglers additional trout fishing opportunities in northern Indiana over Memorial Day weekend, May 22 – 25.

Along with its planned stockings, the DNR will stock several additional sites for the holiday weekend. Find a list of planned stockings online at wildlife.IN.gov/5457.htm.
Although these stream sites are the only areas to receive additional trout in May, fish from the initial releases in late April are still available in most of northern Indiana’s trout streams.

The bag limit for trout in inland waters, other than Lake Michigan and its tributaries, is five fish per day with a minimum size of 7 inches. No more than one of these can be a brown trout. In addition, brown trout taken from the Oliver Lake chain and Brookville tailwater must be at least 18 inches in length.

Anglers 18 years and older need an Indiana fishing license and a Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege to fish for trout. Per Indiana Executive Order, 2019-20 annual licenses and stamps, including fishing licenses and Trout/Salmon Stamp Privileges, are valid until June 4. Licenses and stamps can be purchased online at on.IN.gov/INhuntfish.

DNR is striving to ensure the safety of the public and staff during this time. As stocking trucks are on the road and stocking fish, please remember to practice social distancing. While enjoying the outdoors, please also remember to avoid congregating in groups, on trails, in parking lots or at other common areas.