Monroe County, IN · Reservoir
Lake Monroe
Indiana's largest lake — a 10,750-acre reservoir south of Bloomington and one of the state's best crappie and largemouth bass fisheries, with abundant channel catfish and bluegill. Flooded timber, points, and the dam riprap concentrate fish; public ramps ring the Corps and state-recreation-area shoreline.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Largemouth Bass, Crappie & Channel Catfish — tied at the top (80/100)
3 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Lake Monroe.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lake Monroe
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Largemouth Bass Great day to fish for Largemouth Bass. In season 80/100
What's helping
- In the current report — largemouth bass is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 5
Indiana: 5 black bass/day, 14" minimum on most lakes (Lake Monroe and the reservoirs).
Source: Indiana regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Crappie Great day to fish for Crappie. In season 80/100
What's helping
- In the current report — crappie is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 25
Indiana: 25 crappie/day, no statewide size limit.
Source: Indiana regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Channel Catfish Great day to fish for Channel Catfish. In season 80/100
What's helping
- In the current report — channel catfish is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 10
Indiana: 10 channel catfish/day on most waters.
Source: Indiana regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Indiana
Coordinates
Notes
Indiana: bass 14" minimum, 5/day; crappie 25/day; channel catfish 10/day.
Local reports & rules for Lake Monroe: Indiana DNR fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lake Monroe?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Lake Monroe you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Lake Monroe?
Lake Monroe is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Lake Monroe?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Lake Monroe against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Lake Monroe have?
Lake Monroe has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Indiana: bass 14" minimum, 5/day; crappie 25/day; channel catfish 10/day.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Lake Monroe?
state agency regulations apply at Lake Monroe. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Lake Monroe tidal water?
No. Lake Monroe is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.