Indian Lake Fishing Map

Indian Lake Fishing Map (774 KB)
Enhanced Indian Lake Fishing Map (1.0 MB)
 

LOCATION
Indian Lake is in Logan County, about 10 miles northwest of the city of Bellefontaine. It is accessible from State Routes 33, 708, 117, 366 and 235.

HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
The Indian Lake region was originally a group of small kettle lakes and marshland formed along the Great Miami River when the last glacier receded across Ohio. A large wetland called the “Game Preserve” remains on the northeast corner of the lake today.

The primary purpose of constructing Indian Lake in 1851 was to supply water for part of the elaborate canal system in Ohio at that time. Old Indian Lake, a portion of the current lake, provided enough water for the Miami and Erie Canals to remain at a four-foot water depth.

The usefulness of the canal system was short lived due to expansion of railroads and canals were falling out of favor almost before the lake was finished. By 1898, the lake became known as Indian Lake and the purpose of the lake switched to recreation. In the early 1900s, Indian Lake became a popular destination due to its amusement park, abundant fish and wildlife, and good rail passenger service. By 1949, Indian Lake State Park became one of the additions to the new Department of Natural Resources.

FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Indian Lake has populations of saugeye, largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, white bass, yellow perch, carp and bullheads. Saugeye fingerlings are stocked annually by the Division of Wildlife. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.

FISHING FORECAST

METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Indian Lake is one of the best lakes in Ohio for anglers seeking good numbers and sizes of saugeye. To catch saugeyes, try fishing the Moundwood or Lakeview area in late fall and early spring. In summer, try Old Indian Lake. When seeking crappies, use minnows and jigs fished in areas with brushy cover. Largemouth bass tournament fishing is popular. For white bass, try spinner baits in the canal feeders in May on the east end of the lake. For channel catfish, use nightcrawlers fished on the bottom at night especially during the summer.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Division of Parks and Recreation operates and maintains parking lots, boat launching ramps, boat docks, fishing piers, camping facilities, a Nature Center, two swimming beaches, a bike path and hiking trail, and picnic areas.

Note: There are currently no horsepower limits at Indian Lake; however limits and other boating regulations are subject to change. Boaters should contact the ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation for current information.

FISH OHIO
Anglers who catch a big fish should enter their prize in the Fish Ohio angler recognition program. A fish qualifies for an award if it meets the minimum size requirement set for the Fish Ohio program. Applications are available online at FishOhio.org.

FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The ODNR Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities include stocking, conducting angler creel surveys, constructing fishing piers, renovating boat ramps and parking areas, and monitoring fish populations with nets, seines, and electrofishing gear. These activities are vital to providing adequate public access and determining the management practices necessary to produce good quality fishing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District One, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 telephone 614-644-3925. To get other maps or publications call toll free 1-800-WILDLIFE.

TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping to curtail poaching throughout the state. TIP is designed to involve the public in reporting wildlife violations. Citizens who observe wildlife violations should call the TIP toll-free hotline, 1-800-POACHER.

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