🐟 Indiana Fishing Report Today 🎣

2 weeks ago · Updated 2 weeks ago

Indiana’s lakes, rivers, and tributaries are offering a variety of angling opportunities as the state transitions into late September, with both warmwater and coldwater species active in several key locations.

Content

Weekly Catches
Weather & Marine Conditions
Fishing Conditions & Tips
Regulations & Notices
Fishing Dashboard 🎣
Fishing Spots Map

Weekly Catches

The catches below cover the last 7 days.

Lake Michigan (Boat & Shore)

Recent reports from Lake Michigan indicate that some colder water has moved near shore, leading to catches of perch out of Michigan City late in the week. Anglers trolling for mature salmon have landed a few salmon and drum. Shore action for trout and salmon has been slow with water temperatures around 70°F, but a few king salmon are being caught at all ports. Anglers searching for early salmon have also picked up pike, bass, and drum. Effective baits for salmon include glow spoons, deep diving crankbaits, and skein under a bobber.

Perch caught near Michigan City by boat anglers.
King salmon landed at multiple ports from shore.
Pike, bass, and drum also reported by shore anglers.

Lake Michigan Tributaries (Trail Creek, Little Calumet River, Salt Creek)

Water temperatures in the tributaries are favorable, but low and clear conditions have limited the run. A few king salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead have been caught, but numbers remain low. Anglers are anticipating a stronger push of fish following rainfall. Please respect private property and fellow anglers when fishing these streams.

Scattered king salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead caught in Trail Creek and other tributaries.

St. Joseph River (below Twin Branch Dam)

The St. Joseph River is cooling off, but remains low and clear. A few steelhead and some salmon are starting to show up. Bass fishing continues to be productive in many areas, with topwater, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics all producing bites.

Early steelhead and salmon present below Twin Branch Dam.
Bass action remains strong throughout the river.

Northwest Indiana Lakes

In northwest Indiana lakes, anglers are still finding crappie and bluegill in their summer patterns. Live bait on tightlines or under slip bobbers is effective. Lakes with pike have seen a few caught by trolling or casting along deep weed edges, and the bite is expected to improve as surface waters cool.

Crappie and bluegill active on live bait.
Pike caught along deep weed edges.

Trail Creek

Trail Creek in Michigan City continues to offer good fly fishing opportunities for steelhead, coho salmon, chinook salmon, brown trout, and rainbow trout. The fall run for chinook and coho salmon is beginning, with chinook averaging around 12 pounds and coho about 5 pounds. Skamania steelhead, brown trout, and rainbow trout are also present, providing year-round action for fly anglers.

Chinook salmon (up to 24 lbs) and coho salmon (up to 5 lbs) starting fall run.
Steelhead, brown trout, and rainbow trout available throughout the year.

Other Notable Waters

While not all recent catches are within the last week, several other Indiana waters have produced notable action in late summer and early fall:

JC Murphey (Willow Slough): Many small bass and panfish available, though few are keeper size due to recent stocking and ongoing lake renovation.
Chain O’ Lakes State Park (Sand Lake): Most largemouth bass and bluegill are holding in 5–8 feet of water.
Summit Lake: Bluegill found around deep weedlines, best on live bait under a slip bobber.

Weather & Marine Conditions

Recent weather in Indiana has featured highs in the 70s to low 80s°F, with water temperatures on Lake Michigan and area lakes around 70°F. Cooler nights are beginning to drop water temperatures, which should improve fishing for many species, especially as baitfish move shallower and predatory fish become more active. Boaters on Lake Michigan should note that the Michigan City buoy is currently out of service and stored in the harbor, so do not rely on it for real-time data.

Fishing Conditions & Tips

With bluegill and crappie still in summer patterns, focus on live bait presentations along weedlines and structure. For bass, early mornings and evenings are prime times, especially around the shad spawn, with topwater lures producing well. In rivers and streams, fly anglers are having success with streamers and terrestrials. As surface waters cool, expect the pike and walleye bite to improve, especially along deeper weed edges and drop-offs. For catfish, evening and after-dark sessions using stink bait, hotdogs, chicken liver, or cut bait on the bottom remain effective.

Regulations & Notices

The final Free Fishing Day of 2025 is Saturday, September 27. On this day, no fishing license or trout/salmon stamp is required for Indiana residents, but all other regulations, including seasons, bag limits, and size limits, remain in effect. Anglers are reminded to check the latest Indiana DNR regulations for updates on specific waterbodies, including special rules for spear fishing, bow fishing, and gig fishing in designated river sections. Always respect posted closures and property boundaries, especially in areas undergoing renovation or drawdown, such as Lincoln Lake and JC Murphey.