Patoka Lake

Patoka Lake

Size
8,761ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
Yes
Toilet
Yes
Boat Dock
No
Species in Patoka Lake
Walleye
Walleye
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Perch
Perch
Crappie
Crappie
Bluegill
Bluegill
Channel catfish
Channel catfish
Flathead catfish
Flathead catfish
White bass
White bass

Overview

The second largest lake in the state is loaded with largemouth bass and bluegill. Standing timber provides acres of cover and countless angling opportunities. 8,880 acres

Patoka Lake Map

Fishing Regulations

Special Fishing Regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Regulations listed below are currently in place. Visit the fishing regulations page for links to upcoming regulations for specific lakes.

  • Largemouth bass must be at least 15 inches, with the daily bag limit of 5 (any combination of largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass).

  • Gizzard shad and threadfin shad can be collected and used as live bait. Cast nets with a maximum mesh size of 2 inches stretch can be used to collect live gizzard shad and threadfin shad. Otherwise, live gizzard shad or threadfin shad collected must be killed immediately upon capture and cannot be possessed alive.

Features

Completed in 1978, Patoka Lake is the second largest reservoir in Indiana. The lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding on the Patoka and Ohio River systems, and to provide a safe and adequate supply of drinking water for surrounding communities. More than 17,000 acres of public land surround the lake, providing excellent recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, swimming and hunting. When the reservoir was being constructed, trees in many of the creek arms and shoreline areas were uncut, leaving large areas of flooded timber. Boat lanes were cleared to provide safe navigation into the larger creek arms. Because Patoka Lake receives heavy fishing and recreational boating pressure, certain areas are posted with speed and skiing restrictions. Buoys designate water skiing areas and speed limits.

Forage

Gizzard shad, juvenile bluegill and redear sunfish are the primary forage for largemouth bass. Stripers utilize the gizzard shad. Other forage species include golden shiner, bluntnose minnow and brook silverside.

Seasonal Movements

White bass make annual spring movements up the Patoka River. The migration peaks by mid-March or early-April.
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Fish Species

Bluegill
fish
5-12 in
Length Range
7 in
Length Range
2019
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2019
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2011
Apr
2019
May
Channel catfish
fish
5-12 in
Length Range
7 in
Length Range
2019
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2019
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2018
Oct
2019
May
Crappie
fish
5-12 in
Length Range
7 in
Length Range
2019
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2019
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2011
Apr
2019
May
Flathead catfish
fish
5-12 in
Length Range
7 in
Length Range
2019
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2019
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2018
Oct
2019
May
Largemouth bass
fish
7-22 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2023
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2023
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2022
Apr
2023
Apr
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized largemouth-bass based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202321
202221
202120
201721
Perch
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Smallmouth bass
fish
7-22 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2023
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2023
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2022
Apr
2023
Apr
Striped Bass
fish
8-26 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2022
Oct
2024
Nov
Walleye
fish
8-26 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2022
Oct
2024
Nov
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized walleye based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
201928
White bass
fish
11-16 in
Length Range
13 in
Length Range
2011
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2011
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2011
Apr