The 4 Best Fish to Catch in Indiana This Summer

Outfitted in a fly vest, fighting an elegant fish in a vast flowing stream. That’s the image most of our minds jump to when we think of summer fishing. However, fly fishing is only one of the ways to be successful. Some anglers prefer traveling to deep frigid waters and trolling for fish or making their way to tiny creeks. However, before you can find the perfect spot, you’ll need to know what type of fish you want to catch.

Here are the best fish to catch in Indiana this summer.

1. Channel Catfish

Channel catfish present the perfect challenge, whether a novice or a professional angler. This species is on our list of the best fish to catch in Indiana this summer because they’re so popular!

In the United States, channel catfish have a wide range and can reach considerable sizes. On average, mature channel catfish weigh between two and four pounds and are between 12 and 24 inches long. However, enormous channel catfish can weigh as much as 30 to 40 lb and grow well over 24 inches!

Once they take a bite, you won’t have to run them like you would other fish. Since channel catfish tend to bite firmly, they’re easier to reel in.

Whatever you do, don’t overlook structures such as dams in the spring for spawning channel catfish. You could easily catch 15 in a day when they’re running heavily. During daylight hours, you’ll find channel catfish right at the base of dams. As the light starts to diminish, search the fast-flowing shallow waters.

If they aren’t biting, make your presentation a little more natural. As the float drifts downriver, you’re sure to get some action. If you’re looking for a very effective stink bait, put some chicken livers in the sun for a few days. You might not like the odor, but the channel cats will eat it up!

2. Crappie

If you’re looking for fish that are fun and easy to catch, then you should target white and black crappies. They’re one of the most abundant and best fish to catch in Indiana this summer. Indiana is full of lakes and ponds that are home to both species.

For the best results, you’ll want to use fine wire hooks that are extremely sharp. These fish have paper-thin mouths. If your hook isn’t sharp enough, it will tear through the skin, and they’ll get away. The hooks also have to be fine so they don’t put too much pressure on the fish’s mouth. Many anglers are getting great results with light jigs that are between 1/8 to 1/64 outsized.

If you’re fishing waters that are known to be abundant in crappies, but you’re not getting any action, be patient. These fish tend to move around a lot, and it’s sporadic. As the crappies feed, they’re bound to pass by you eventually. You have to stay in one spot and wait it out if you want to get in on the fast-paced feeding frenzy.

As with other game fish, try to release the biggest crappies. By releasing the larger fish, their superior genes can live on for future generations.

3. Largemouth Bass

Countless anglers throughout North America target largemouth bass. They’re one of the most valuable game fish on the continent and definitely one of the most competitive species. They’ve more than earned their name on the list of the best fish to catch in Indiana this summer.

Largemouth bass have chunky, muscular bodies. They’re capable of quick bursts of speed and precise maneuverability and can become lunkers! They use special swimming muscles for efficient suction-feeding techniques. Their gigantic mouth makes it possible for them to swallow ducklings, snakes, and even muskrats. However, it’s more common for largemouth bass to feed on sunfish, small perch, and even members of their species.

For the best results, use surface lures. Surface lures work great even in the middle of the day. For instance, you can try using a weedless lure and work it across the lily pads and floating slop. You’ll be able to trigger strikes from resting and aggressive fish. If you’re fishing in an area with sparse cover, add a trailer hook to your spinner bait. You can also add buzz bait to get more bites.

Whatever you do, always rig your trailer hook facing upwards. By facing the hook upwards, you’ll catch fewer weeds. If you’re lucky enough to find the perfect piece of cover, like a downed tree, get ready for a lot of action. But be patient. Slowly work your weedless lure all around the cover. Sometimes the fish take a while to be triggered into striking. Be patient, and success will be yours!

4. Muskellunge

A few common names for the muskellunge include lunge, Wisconsin muskellunge, and muskies. They are the last on our list of the best fish to catch in Indiana, but certainly not the least. There are few fish in North America that can eclipse the mighty muskies’ size. The fish have a savage reputation, and there are rumors of the species attacking humans. However, these lively tales of muskies attacks have never been properly documented.

Similar to pikes, muskies have long torpedo-shaped bodies, and they’re incredibly muscular. You can catch muskies all year long, but they’re particularly active in the summer. As long as you’re comfortable using a variety of techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy regular catches all day long.

One of the best methods for catching muskies includes casting large plugs. Jerk baits also work particularly well. In the early summer months, the muskies will linger in the shallows. Cast a spinner with spinnerbaits to entice the aggressive fish.

As you move towards the middle of the summer, you’ll find muskies hanging out in deeper waters. When fishing in large deep open waters, trolling becomes the most convenient way to catch large muskies. You could also try using a depth finder to locate deep structures such as rock piles.

As you reach the end of this summer, muskies will be back in the shallow waters. This is especially true for Indiana’s rivers and smaller lakes. The end of summer is the perfect time for jerk baiting.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/SteveOehlenschlager