HUNTINGTON COUNTY FISHING GUIDE: BEST SPOTS, TACKLE SHOPS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
With more than 1,000 acres of water between lakes, wildlife areas, city parks and Indiana riverways, Huntington County is known for expansive outdoor recreational opportunities.
Fishing is at the top of the list for things to do outside in Huntington County. Whether you prefer to drop your line in a stocked city pond or trek to a remote access point along the Wabash River, the Huntington County Visitor and Convention Bureau can help you find the perfect fishing spot. (Always check with DNR to ensure that all areas are accessible.)
Salamonie Lake
Salamonie Lake is a massive 12,000-acre outdoor recreation property with endless recreation options including horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, camping, hunting, and — of course — fishing. The 2,855-acre lake is spread across Huntington, Wabash and Grant counties and is known for its healthy population of crappie, bluegill and white bass.
While Salamonie Lake fishers tend to have the most success by boat on Salamonie Lake, shore fishing and ice fishing are also popular options.
Lost Bridge West
Coordinates: -85.63989, 40.77271
Maintained by: Salamonie Lake State Preserve
Fish species: Bluegill, redear, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye
Boat ramp: Yes
Shoreline fishing: Yes
Fee charged: Entry fee and lake permit required
Lost Bridge East
Coordinates: -85.60488, 40.77235
Maintained by: Salamonie Lake State Reservoir
Fish species: Carp, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout
Boat ramp: Yes
Shoreline fishing: Yes
Fee charged: Entry fee and lake permit required
Mt. Etna
Coordinates: -85.58170, 40.75126
Maintained by: Salamonie Lake State Reservoir
Fish species: Carp, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout
Boat ramp:Yes
Shoreline fishing: Yes
Fee charged: Entry fee and lake permit required
J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
J.E. Roush Lake, also known as Huntington Lake, was originally constructed in 1967 as a way to control floodwaters along the Wabash River Basin. The property, named after state representative J. Edward Roush, is a 15-mile long band along the Wabash River that is made up of more than 7,000 acres of land and 900 acres of lake.
J.E. Roush is popular for hunting, boating and fishing.
Wahk-Shin-Gah Lake
Coordinates: -85.40451, 40.82004
Maintained by: J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
Fish species: Bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, yellow bullhead, black
Boat ramp: No (trolling motors permitted)
Shoreline fishing: Yes
Fee charged: None
Rock Creek Cartop Access
Coordinates: -85.39546, 40.82811
Maintained by: J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
Fish species: Carp, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass
Boat ramp: No
Shoreline fishing: Yes
Fee charged: None
Kil-So-Quah
Coordinates: -85.45230, 40.84519
Maintained by: J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
Fish Species: Carp, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass
Boat ramp: Yes
Shoreline fishing: Yes
Fee charged: None
Little Turtle
Coordinates: -85.44119, 40.83701
Maintained by: J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
Fish species: Carp, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass
Boat ramp: Yes, but only open when north ramp at Kil-So-Quah closes due to flooding
Shoreline fishing: Yes
Fee charged: None
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is a vast park spanning nearly 50 acres in Huntington. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources regularly stocks the pond with trout, and plans to add an additional 200 rainbow trout in October. The stocking typically coincides with a fishing event aimed at introducing families to the sport.
Memorial Park North Pond
Coordinates: -85.51083, 40.88251
Maintained by: Huntington Parks Department
Fish species: Green sunfish, bluegill, rainbow trout (stocked in the fall)
Boat ramp: No
Shoreline fishing: Yes
Fee charged: None
Wabash River
Fishing enthusiasts who prefer more water movement can now easily access the Wabash River from Huntington County. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Fish & Wildlife added a new boat ramp to its Public Access Program in 2019, providing free access near Riverside Cemetery in Andrews. There is also a boat launch at the Forks of the Wabash Historic Park located at 3011 West Park Drive, Huntington.
Coordinates: -85.59531, 40.87033
Maintained by: DNR Fish & Wildlife
Fish Species: Bluegill, redear, catfish, largemouth bass
Boat ramp: Yes
Shoreline fishing: No
Fee charged: None
Lake Clare
Located 1.7 miles outside of Huntington, Lake Clare is a beautiful 43-acre lake sitting on 71 acres. The lake was once a stone quarry that flooded in 1934. Lake Clare was named after former Huntington Mayor C.W.H. Bangs and is managed by Huntington Township. Amenities include boating, fishing and picnicking, as well as pavilions available to rent for events.
Coordinates: 40.893658 -85.468864
Maintained by: Huntington Township
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, sunfish
Boat ramp: Yes
Shoreline fishing: No
Fee charged: None
Plan your fishing trip
Gear up at a family-owned business
It’s hard to catch a fish without bait or tackle. Fortunately, several tackle shops throughout Huntington County are stocked with both fishing gear and expert advice.
S&S Bait and Tackle
Located at the corner of SR 105 and SR 124, S&S Bait and Tackle is a convenient stop along the way to Salamonie Lake. S&S Bait and Tackle is also a registered fishing license retailer through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. In addition to standard bait and tackle, S&S also offers snacks, beer and seasonal produce.
VISIT:
8975 W 600 S, Andrews, IN 46702
Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
260-468-2551
Peacepipe Bait & Tackle
Located just south of Salamonie Lake, Peacepipe Bait & Tackle has been trusted by locals for more than 20 years. Peacepipe is known for its friendly customer service and fair prices. In addition to fishing gear, basic snacks and fishing licenses, Peacepipe also offers a few camping spots on site.
VISIT:
4975 S 800 E, Andrews, IN 46702
Call for hours
260-468-2768
Bud’s
A family-owned hunting and fishing retail store, Bud’s specializes in guns and ammo, Carhartt clothing, fishing supplies and propane fills. The store is located just outside of Huntington and a few minutes north of the J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area, Bud’s is a convenient stop for a trip to any of Huntington County’s favorite fishing spots.
VISIT:
908 W. Markle Rd., Huntington, IN 46750
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
260-356-8520
Book your stay
If one day of fishing in Huntington County is not enough, take advantage of a variety of accommodations in the area ranging from primitive campsites to luxurious bed and breakfast suites.
Camping
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources maintains hundreds of modern and primitive campsites near Huntington County.
More than 200 modern and primitive sites at Salamonie Lake can be booked through the state’s online reservation system. The J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area offers an additional 60 sites, all with fire rings and picnic tables, which are available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camp Timber Lake is nestled between Roanoke and Huntington and offers both primitive and full service sites. They are also home to Zip Timber Lake, northeast Indiana’s only zip line course.
Hotels
Whether you need a pet-friendly option, free Wi-Fi or are simply in need of a warm bed, overnight visitors can choose from a variety of hotel lodging. Stately bed and breakfasts like the Purviance House or the Inn at Joseph Decuis offer an elegant overnight option that showcases the legacy and history of Huntington County. Those looking for the convenience of a national hotel chain can find several choices along main Huntington corridors, most for under $100 per night.
Check out the Huntington County Visitor and Convention Bureau guide to local lodging.
Unique overnight lodging
A handful of Huntington County property owners have listed their home or apartment on Airbnb.
Browse a current listing of Huntington County Airbnb rentals.
Know before you go
A valid fishing license issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is required to fish in public lakes, streams, rivers, tributaries, and boundary waters in Indiana. There are a few exceptions to the fishing license rule, including anyone under the age of 18, residents who are legally blind, and Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943.
Indiana offers several licenses options, including one-day, seven-day and annual fishing passes. Licenses can be purchased in three ways:
Online
Licenses can be purchased online at in.gov/INHuntFish.
In-person
Licenses can be purchased from the following registered retailers in Huntington County:
- Peacepipe Bait & Tackle, located at 5975 South 1000 West in Andrews
- J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area, located at 517 North Warren Road in Huntington
- S&S Bait and Tackle, located at 8975 W 600 S in Andrews
- Salamonie Reservoir, located at 9214 Lost Bridge Rd West in Andrews
- Walmart Supercenter #2311, located at 2800 Walmart Drive in Huntington
By mail
A check, money order (payable to the DNR) or credit card information (card number and expiration date) can be mailed to:
DNR Customer Service Center
402 W. Washington St., W160
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Requests take 2-3 weeks to process and must include details about the license requested (including specific dates for one-day or multi-day licenses), name, date of birth, Indiana Driver’s License number, social security number, complete address, phone number, height, weight, sex, color of hair and color of eyes.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources offers several Free Fishing Days each year to introduce Hoosiers to the sport of fishing. A fishing license is not required on those dates.