Spring fishing when and where opinions wanted

[Tater140]

I am looking to put together a spring fishing trip for some of my old friends and I to get together and do some crappie fishing. We have been trying to decide on a place to do some crappie fishing. We are open to anywhere in Indiana and are looking to go sometime this spring. Presumably when the bite is on the best. Also, close by camping sites would be a must. It looks like we would be doing about a 3-4 day camping/fishing trip. Any help or insite would be much appreciated. I am located in the Fort Wayne area and the rest of my friends are scattered around central Indiana.

[cubswin]

personally I'd make the 5 hour drive to ky lake, but thats just me.


I'd think patoka would be my choice for a trip in indiana. Big enough lake to allow you to fish different types of water and find the fish. Get bored or have bad weather there is always a trip over to french lick.

Miss/Salamonie in the spring are a crap shoot with water rising/falling/muddy or not. I live near them, and wouldn't consider either for a spring trip with buddies.

[daybreak]

I agree with Cubswin. Patoka is usually pretty predictable for water level and clarity in the spring. Also has camping close. You might also consider Monroe. I have caught some monster crappie out of there as well as good numbers. It has excellent camping right at the lake, and with Bloomington or Nashville fairly close, a few good restaurants/bars available for a late nite burger & beer. Sounds like fun already!

[wannabecrappieking]

I would check into Patoka for a late march to early april trip. Excellent camping spots or you could rent a floating cabin which is awesome. you can tie your boat up right on the water to the cabin without takeing it out of the water everytime you go out. its well worth it, i have done it a few times. Head up river to find more stumps and trees to fish then you would ever imagine. or you could take the ultimate trip to reelfoot lake tennessee. $260 a person for 4days and 4night, boat motor, gas and bait and room and a free meal for $260. Its unbelievable down there>

Check out bluebankresort.com its one of the best resorts down there

or a website for patoka at: patokalakemarina.com

[kwerdal]

You cant just drive down a fish at Reelfoot?

[Tater140]

Thanks for the input. Honestly I had been thinking Patoka in the back of my mind from doing some reading on this board on and off last year. I fish Missinewa and the Salamonie in the spring somewhat frequently, so we wanted to go check out something different for this trip. In regards to the best time for Crappie someone mentioned end of March or first of April, does that hold true for Patoka? Just looking now for some more input about what time of the year may be best. We will probably look to find a close campground. We are trying to keep the costs down for everyone. Thanks again for your input.

[Ken Kinser]

Best time mar-may, they have campground there also

[daybreak]

If you do go to Patoka, remember what Wannabecrappieking said and be sure to go up in the river and check out the flooded stumps and downed trees. Warmer water and structurewood are a sure way to load the livewell. Good luck.

[8upwithit]

I would agree that Patoka would be your best choice. IMO, it is the prettiest lake in the state with plenty of structure, excellent campgrounds, and fish cleaning facilities. The Casino and Hotels at French Lick would offer plenty to keep you occupied if you get rained out one day, or at night.

[fishincrazy]

Save money on gas and stay in Indiana. Patoka. In mid-April. Start calling campgrounds now. Also look up Tim Gibson. He's the only full time guide there. Get with him for a half day and he'll put you on fish for the rest of the time you are there. And by all means make it to Hey Jude's for breakfast - it is at Tony's Marine on 145. Just listen to the locals and you'll learn where to start fishing.