Fishing Report

In summer 2013, about 5,000 catfish will earn release from federal prison in Terre Haute.

That’s right, catfish.

In a partnership between the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, inmates at Terre Haute’s Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) will raise channel catfish for DNR’s new urban fishing program and walleyes for selected northern Indiana lakes.

The cooperative project serves two purposes—increasing fishing opportunities for Indiana anglers and providing education and long-term training for inmates.

Under the program, the fish will be hatched at DNR facilities and then moved to the prison, where they will be grown to stocking size and then released into Indiana waters.

A ceremony to dedicate the partnership will be Thursday, Nov. 15, at 9:30 a.m. EST at the FCC. DNR and prison officials will be on hand for a ribbon cutting and to transfer the 5,000 catfish to the prison. Twelve lakes in Indiana’s urban areas will be stocked with these fish in summer 2013.

In addition to fish, DNR will provide technical assistance and all fish feed. The Bureau of Prisons will provide all labor and infrastructure. The Terre Haute prison dedicated an indoor fish-growing and aquaponics facility in fall 2011 as part of a larger initiative to teach inmates farm science skills.

The first walleye stocking from the prison program will take place in fall 2013.

The DNR and BOP have drafted a two-year implementation plan, with expectations that the partnership will be long-term.

The release of the 5,000 catfish will play a key role in supporting one of DNR’s newest initiatives, the urban fishing program, known as Go FishIN in the City. The goal of the program is to make fishing more available to residents in Indiana cities

Fishing Report

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 reporting catching only a few 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. This years spawn has been on and off with the cool fronts and varying weather. There are still some females full of eggs. 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 now at pool. Limited bank fishing by Headquarters/Picnic area is the only bank fishing aloud. Surface water temperatures are now around 71°. ***JC Murphey Lake will be closed to boat fishing due to Waterfowl season during the following months: (Sept. Teal)(Oct. - Dec. Regular)***

Fishing Report

Fishing Report

Come join us as we take a trip down the Kankakee River and surrounding marsh land,

from St. Joseph County to the Illinois state line.

Fishing Report

Read more: Lake Michigan update June 10, 2013