Fishing Patoka Lake

AKA: Lake Patoka

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Patoka Lake Fishing Video
Fishing License
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Patoka Lake, Indiana

Popular Fish Species Patoka Lake, IN

Largemouth Bass

A long-established largemouth bass fishery, Patoka Lake is delivering extremely well this year. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure.

Crappie

Both black crappie and white crappie reside in Patoka Lake, and crappie are a very popular species this year. Crappie fishing is on the rise, and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.

Striped Bass

Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Patoka Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, wipers and striped bass at Patoka Lake in Indiana.

Located in the south central part of the state, and 3 miles north of Eckerty, Patoka Lake boasts 8,800 surface acres of boating and fishing fun. Known as Indiana's best crappie and bass lake, with both walleye and striped bass showing promising development. Multiple boat ramps, campgrounds and marinas are readily accessible.

Patoka Lake, located in southern Indiana, is a scenic and expansive reservoir that offers exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. With over 8,800 acres of water surface, Patoka Lake is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is known for its diverse fish population, making it a prime spot for anglers to test their skills.

Popular fish species found in Patoka Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and striped bass. Anglers can enjoy casting their lines from the shore or exploring the lake's depths by boat to find the perfect fishing spots.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Patoka

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Patoka Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Hoosier Hills Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, jon boats and pontoons
812 678-3313

Patoka Lake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
812 685-2203

Marinas

Hoosier Hills Marina
10306 E Lick Fork Marina
Celestine, IN 47521
812 678-3313

Patoka Lake Marina
10634 South 940 West
French Lick, IN 47432
812 685-2203

Boating is another beloved activity at Patoka Lake, with its vast size providing plenty of room for boaters to explore and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Boaters can cruise along the lake, take in the picturesque shoreline, and engage in water sports activities such as water skiing or tubing. Patoka Lake offers several boat ramps and a marina, ensuring easy access for boaters to launch their vessels and make the most of their time on the water.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Fishermen's Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest arm of the lake, east side, off County Road 1025 S, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lick Fork SRA Boat Ramp
Located in the west side of the lake, off E Fork Lick Marina Drive, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Little Patoka Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Newton Stewart Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.

Osborn Boat Ramp
Located in the north-central section of the lake, off W Newton Stewart Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

South Lickfork Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Highway 164, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

South Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Elon Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.

Walls Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Patoka Lake

Tom's Guide Service - bass, crappie, stripers

If you offer fishing guide services on Patoka Lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Patoka Lake Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a Indiana Fishing License.

For those seeking an extended outdoor experience, Patoka Lake offers camping facilities near its shores. Several campgrounds and recreation areas provide options for both tent camping and RV camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Camping near Patoka Lake provides an opportunity to wake up to stunning lake views, enjoy nature hikes, and have convenient access to fishing and boating activities throughout the duration of their stay.