Please visit the official Indiana Fishing Guide and Regulations for more information. If you plan on cooking up your catch, also be sure to acknowledge the Indiana Fish Consumption Advisory.
Hurshtown Reservoir
Known as the best fishing spot in Allen County, this reservoir is ideal for a fun day of outdoor relaxation. In 1969, the Hurshtown Reservoir was built to counter the imminent threats of drought. It has now become a popular picnic area with fishing, water surfing, sailing, picnic tables, and jogging trails.
Beginning on May 1, the lake is open for the season Tuesday – Sunday from 7:30am – 8pm. The common fish species found in this reservoir include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and white crappie. Shore fishing is highly recommended but boats, kayaks, and life jackets are available for rent as well, making this sport perfect for amateurs and advanced fishers alike!
16000 Roth Rd., Grabill, IN 46741
St. Joseph River
The St. Joseph River is a tributary of the Maumee River that drains into Lake Erie, and several rural farmlands around Fort Wayne.
Cedar Creek is one of its popular tributaries offering ample opportunities for downstream paddling to Shoaff Park. This 10-mile paddle is generally smooth and slow-flowing, offering a great way to take in the scenery. It is vital to check the flow and rate of water controlled by the dam before paddling at Johnny Appleseed Park.
Deep holes near the Johnny Appleseed Park are also fantastic places to catch large saugers. Those who love small panfish can head for the Reservoir Park or the Park Ponds. The St. Joseph River is also known for its high-quality sauger, smallmouth, carp, and bass.
@canonlove on Instagram — Kayaking on the St. Joseph River near Johnny Appleseed Park
Maumee River
The Maumee River that passes through Fort Wayne is infamous for its big walleye and white bass catches. This river boasts a large watershed spanning 21,540 square kilometers, which is the highest of any Great Lake river. The river is shallow and you can wade into the water during the summer season to catch fish.
The fishing pressure here is medium. Fishing enthusiasts use twister tails of bright colors as bait to entice the difficult to catch walleye. On the contrary, spinnerbaits are usually used to lure white bass. With so many areas to cast your line, this fishing hub is definitely a place to visit on your trip to Fort Wayne!
