Thread: Patoka lake panfish.

As an adolescent I fished Patoka with my Grandfather in the 80's and 90's. We would haul out 100-200 BIG bluegills per day apiece. As a responsible adult I realize the error in that. I also realize shad can have a very serious impact on panfishing in the small bodies of water we have in S. Indiana. My point is this. My Pappy and I were two among hundreds doing the same thing everyday. No one will ever convince me that didn't hurt Patoka Lake.
I now fish with my two so s every weekend.... We practice responsible fish conservation!

Originally Posted by Spec Slayer

ON ANOTHER NOTE THERE ARE A COUPLE OF LAKE SOUTH OF PATOKA (INDIAN / CELINA) I HAVE NEVER FISHED EITHER BUT HAVE DROVE THROUGH THE CAMPGROUNDS ON RAINY DAYS WHEN WE WERE CAMPING AT PATOKA. IS IT ANY BETTER OR HAVE THEY SEEN THE SAME TYPE OF PRESSURE?

There are also two lakes south of Indian and Celina, Tipasaw and Saddle.

I find Celina too clear, it is hard for me to catch fish there other than top water bass at the end of the day. But I think it is the prettiest lake in Indiana come October.

Tipasaw has a weed problem that just won't go away! But it has a pretty large spawning ground. I don't fish it much.

Saddle is about half way to Tell City, it has the least fishing pressure. I make it down there a few times a year. But it is smallest of the lakes, I catch fish there, but not big. Go to Gatchel and get a sandwich made at four lakes store while you are there.

Indian is the best fishing of the four most of the time. Indian river is not big, but big enough to move a lot of water after a rain. The lake can go muddy pretty fast, and change level often. But the fishing is still pretty good. I have even caught some pretty good catfish.

Indian was closed almost all of last year, road maintenance. I am seeing more fishing pressure on it this spring than I ever have before. I have been fishing these lakes over 20 years. It is 25 miles from my drive to the Indian boat ramp. I don't know what the fishing pressure will do in the end.

Use to all I saw on the lake was jon boats and canoes. But today I see more and more high dollar bass boats. Lots of guys have given up on Patoka and are looking for green water...