The Best Lakes in Indiana
Whether you are planning to visit the state of Indiana for the first time, or you are an Indiana native who has been to the state numerous times, you may be wondering what are some of the best lakes in the state. You will be surprised to learn that there are many different types of lakes in the state of Indiana, all of which have their own special features.
Patoka Lake
Located in southern Indiana, Patoka Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the state. It’s a beautiful lake with plenty of activities and wildlife to enjoy. Patoka is also a popular vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area features several nature preserves and a large campground with more than 500 campsites. The area is known for its peaceful, quiet environment.
Patoka Lake is one of the best lakes in Indiana for fishing and boating. Visitors can rent houseboats, fishing boats or small fishing boats. Boaters can also enjoy a variety of boat launch ramps along the lakeshore. Patoka is also home to the 2008 Crappie USA National Classic.
Patoka State Park offers numerous activities including hiking trails, a swimming beach and an archery range. The park also features a championship golf course. The park is open from 9am to 4pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Patoka Lake is also a popular destination for boating, water skiing, and downhill skiing. Visitors can rent houseboats and fishing boats from the Patoka Lake Marina and Lodging. There are also more than 10 boat launch ramps available.
Lake Shafer
Located in Monticello, Indiana, Lake Shafer is a manmade lake that was formed when two dams were constructed on the Tippecanoe River. The lake is located in the Twin Lakes region of northeastern Indiana. It has 50 miles of shoreline and a surface area of about two hundred and twenty-one square miles. The lake is a popular fishing destination. It has a variety of fish species, including white crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and black crappie.
In addition to fishing, Lake Shafer offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. There are boat ramps, marinas, and campsites. You can also find waterfront cottages, luxury condos, and rustic cabins. You can also take a stroll along the natural trail.
Lake Shafer is a great place to relax and enjoy the country. You can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lake Shafer is a favorite recreational area for both Hoosiers and tourists. The lake offers pristine waters and a scenic setting.
Lake Shafer is also a great destination for bird watching. There are several species of birds to be spotted.
Lake Wawasee
Located in Turkey Creek Township, Lake Wawasee is a natural lake with a rich history. The lake was carved during America’s last glacial period. There are many interesting activities to enjoy at Lake Wawasee. The lake has a sandbar that is perfect for refreshing swims.
There are several marinas in the area to rent a boat or charter a fishing excursion. The Wawasee Property Owners Association also organizes a boat-in church service every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Lake Wawasee also hosts a Fourth of July fireworks display. The lake is over 3,400 acres in size. It is located in northeast Indiana amidst rolling green hills. Lake Wawasee is a popular destination for families and retirees.
The lake is fed by Dillon Creek and Turkey Creek. There is an average depth of 6.7 metres. The lake is deep enough for recreational boats of any size. The lake is also home to the only federally protected wilderness area in Indiana.
The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation manages the lake and has a strong restoration program. There are several marinas along the shoreline that offer boat rentals and boat repair. The lake is also home to a yacht club.
Clear Lake
Located in Steuben County, Indiana, Clear Lake is an 800-acre lake. It is a popular fishing location with both small and largemouth bass, pike, and trout. It is also popular for its clear, crystal-clear waters.
The lake is open for public use. The six-mile shoreline has attracted visitors since the 1800s. There are several marinas along the shoreline. The lake also boasts a sand swimming area.
Clear Lake is one of the best lakes in Indiana for fishing, especially for smallmouth bass and perch. The water is crystal clear, so you can see the sandy floor below.
The lake also attracts numerous migrating birds. It is also known for the many different varieties of pan fish. The lake is also home to turtles. Those interested in fishing can rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
The lake is also known for its largemouth bass, which can measure up to 12 inches in length. You can also enjoy fishing for black crappie, bluegill, and white bass.
Griffy Lake
Located in Bloomington, Indiana, the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is a peaceful natural retreat. It’s also a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.
The lake’s watershed is home to a large number of species of plant and animal life. You can explore the area by hiking one of four moderately difficult hiking trails. The park also offers picnic tables, boat rentals, and other amenities.
The lake offers fishing, boating, and kayaking. You must have a valid Indiana fishing license to fish at the lake. You can fish for bluegill, redear sunfish, and largemouth bass.
Fishing licenses must be obtained from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The lake is stocked with channel catfish, crappie, and redear sunfish. You can fish for these species from a private boat, or from the ramp on the lake. You can also use an electric trolling motor. You must follow the boating rules. You can’t swim in the lake, and you must leave litter behind.
Fishing is the most popular activity at the lake. If you’re fishing from a boat, make sure you use a fishing rod and reel. You’re also advised to keep your pet on a leash while you’re at the lake.
Morse Lake
Located in the heart of central Indiana, Morse Lake is a popular fishing and boating destination. It is surrounded by beautiful homes and is only 20 miles from the city of Indianapolis.
Morse Lake is known for fishing for catfish, bass, and walleye. You can also fish from the shore or in coves. In addition to fishing, you can enjoy swimming, waterskiing, and boating. You can also play volleyball and Frisbee golf at Morse Park.
There are two parks on the Morse Reservoir, one on the northern shore and one on the southern shore. There are also several golf courses around the lake. You can find accommodations from cottages to condominiums.
During the summer months, you can find waterskiing, fishing, and swimming activities on the lake. It is also popular for ice fishing in the winter. You can find several bars and restaurants around the lake.
If you like to play golf, you can go to the public course on the north shore of the lake. You can also go to the private course on the south shore.
Lake Lemon
Located in southern Indiana, Lake Lemon is an ideal lake to visit for a weekend getaway or for a day of fishing and boating. Lake Lemon is a popular water sports destination and is home to several parks and facilities.
Lake Lemon is an ideal lake to visit for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating. The lake is located near the towns of Bloomington and Unionville. It’s a quiet reservoir, so it’s not too crowded.
Aside from the usual boating, boat racing is also a popular pastime. The lake has a native prairie demonstration site. It also has limited launch ramps and a marina.
Another interesting feature of the lake is the sandbar. You can visit the sandbar by taking a boat ride from the southern shore. There’s also an 18-hole public golf course located on the northern shore.
The lake is home to numerous fish species, including bluegill and flathead catfish. Anglers also cast lines for black crappie and red ear sunfish.
The lake is also home to a few birds, including osprey and Baltimore oriole. The best part about Lake Lemon is that it is a very peaceful and quiet location.
Barbee Lakes Chain
Located in Kosciusko County, the Barbee Lakes Chain is made up of seven interconnected natural lakes. These lakes formed during the Pleistocene era when glaciers began to melt away.
There are seven lakes in the Barbee Lakes Chain: Big Barbee, Irish, Sawmill, Kuhn, Heron, Bantam, and Shoe Lake. These lakes range in depth from an average of 12 feet to a maximum of 27 feet. All of these lakes are known for their fishing opportunities. The lakes are also popular with water skiers and bass boats.
The Barbee Lakes are part of Indiana’s Northern Lakes Natural Area. These lakes are home to catfish, yellow perch, bluegill, and largemouth bass. They are also home to muskie.
A public boat ramp is located on the north side of Kuhn Lake. There is also a manually operated lock that allows watercraft over 16 feet to enter Tippecanoe Lake. Boaters are reminded of the “no wake” zone.
The Barbee Lakes Chain has a 10 mph speed limit for boats. The lake is swollen from recent rains. However, normal boating operations are expected to resume by the end of December.
