Top 10 Freshwater Fish to Catch in Indiana
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Largemouth Bass
Verified
World Record
22 lb 4 oz
Manabu Kurita / 2009
Lake Biwa, Japan
Manabu Kurita / 2009
Lake Biwa, Japan
Signature Fact
High-speed videos show they snap their mouth fully open in about 30 milliseconds, vacuuming prey from 3 inches.
2
Black Crappie
Verified
World Record
11 lb 5 oz
Stanley P. Lopus / 1998
Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania
Stanley P. Lopus / 1998
Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania
Signature Fact
During spawn, males can shift from silvery speckles to almost jet-black while fanning and ferociously guarding saucer nests.
3
Channel Catfish
Verified
World Record
58 lb 0 oz
Charles Ashley / 1964
Santee-Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina
Charles Ashley / 1964
Santee-Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina
Signature Fact
With over 100,000 taste buds, its whole skin acts like a tongue hunting through muddy darkness.
4
Bluegill
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
9 lb 6 oz
Jason Fugate / 2019
Lake Tahoe, California
Jason Fugate / 2019
Lake Tahoe, California
Signature Fact
Males come in three types-nest-building dads, lightning-fast sneakers, and full-on female mimics that steal fertilizations.
5
Yellow Perch
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
4 lb 3 oz
William D. Schafer / 1865
Bordentown, New Jersey
William D. Schafer / 1865
Bordentown, New Jersey
Signature Fact
Females extrude a translucent, accordion-like egg ribbon up to 2 meters long, draping over weeds like party streamers.
6
Muskellunge
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
67 lb 8 oz
Cal Johnson / 1949
Lake Court Oreilles, Wisconsin
Cal Johnson / 1949
Lake Court Oreilles, Wisconsin
Signature Fact
A shocking number of hookups explode inches from the net during boatside figure‑eights-pure cardiac fishing.
7
Tiger Trout
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
20 lb 13 oz
Lloyd Tanner / 2003
Scofield Reservoir, Utah
Lloyd Tanner / 2003
Scofield Reservoir, Utah
Signature Fact
Born sterile, tiger trout skip spawning entirely and channel that energy into freakish growth and unapologetic aggression.
8
Northern Pike
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
55 lb 1 oz
Lothar Louis / 1986
Lake of Grefeern, Germany
Lothar Louis / 1986
Lake of Grefeern, Germany
Signature Fact
Unlike most fish, they launch with an S-start burst-arrow-straight acceleration that nails prey with sniper precision.
9
Landlocked Salmon
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
50 lb 0 oz
Niels Jørgensen / 1987
Norway
Niels Jørgensen / 1987
Norway
Signature Fact
Even trapped in lakes, they keep an ocean compass-orienting to Earth's magnetic field they'll never use.
10
Flathead
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
123 lb 0 oz
Ken Paulie / 1998
Elk City Reservoir, Kansas
Ken Paulie / 1998
Elk City Reservoir, Kansas
Signature Fact
The IGFA all-tackle record flathead weighed 123 lb 9 oz-basically a kindergarten kid with whiskers.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Indiana?
In Indiana, you’ll find largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, muskellunge, and more. The freshwater variety keeps every trip interesting.
What is the best time of year to fish in Indiana?
Spring and fall are prime for most Indiana freshwater species, but action can be good year-round depending on your target.
Where are the best places to fish in Indiana?
Indiana’s freshwater options are everywhere, from rivers to lakes. Look for spots that hold bass, crappie, and catfish for reliable action.
What gear do you need for fishing in Indiana?
Bring medium spinning or baitcasting setups for bass and crappie, plus heavier tackle if you’re chasing pike or muskellunge.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Indiana?
Bluegill and black crappie are usually the easiest catches in Indiana. Largemouth bass are also a common and accessible target.
