Black crappie

Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The Black crappie has seven to eight dorsal spines, as well as some random blotches on it's sides.

Bait: jigs/small spinners/ live bait
Depth: 2 to 5 feet

Anglers are catching crappie now. Jigs, spinners, and live bait are often used. Crappie can be found in open water structure and around open water vegetation.

Bluegill

Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. The bluegill has five to nine vertical bars on its sides, a black opercle flat (ear) with no margin and a dark spot at the rear of it's dorsal fin.

Bait: beemoths, crickets, worms
Depth: N/A

Bluegill fishing has been picking up some now, some limits being taken. Fisherman reporting catching males on beds but not many females yet. Most anglers favor early morning or late evening. More anglers are fishing the open water structures and shorelines.

Largemouth bass

Sunfishes include some of the best-known fish in Indiana. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass are all members of the sunfish family. On the largemouth bass, the upper jaw extends beyond back of eye, differentiating the fish from the smallmouth bass. The largemouth bass commonly reached six pounds.
Bait: variety of lures
Depth: N/A

Bass fishing has been Good. Top water lures are always a good choice along with plastic worms. Many fish are in the 13 - 17 inch size class, under the legal size limit of 18".

Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area does not rent boats. Lake level is at normal pool. Limited bank fishing by Headquarters/Picnic area is the only bank fishing aloud. Surface water temperatures are now around 68°. ***JC Murphey Lake will be closed to boat fishing due to Waterfowl season during the following months: (Sept. Teal)(Oct. - Dec. Regular)***