Fishing Hotspots Around Fort Wayne & Steuben County

Whether you're local or visiting, Northeast Indiana offers plenty of excellent fishing waters. From rivers in Fort Wayne to the many productive lakes in Steuben County, here are some top spots and tips for making a great catch.

🎣 Hot Spots in/near Fort Wayne

• Hurshtown Reservoir (Allen County, IN)Often cited as the best fishing spot in Allen County. Fort Wayne ParksOffers boat rentals (kayak/rowboat) and good shoreline access. Fort Wayne Parks

• Lakeside Park, Reservoir Park, Franke Park (Urban Fishing Ponds)These parks provide shoreline fishing opportunities for bass, catfish, panfish, etc. Visit Fort Wayne

• Shoaff Park (St. Joseph River area)Known among local anglers for bass, catfish, and bluegill. “Shoaff Park near the backside … some of the best fishing imo” is a local tip from community forums. Reddit

• Rivers around Fort WayneThe St. Joseph River, St. Marys River, and stretches of the Maumee River also attract anglers, especially for species like bass, catfish, and more. Fishbrain+1

• Cedarville Reservoir & other small lakesIn the Fort Wayne area you’ll find smaller ponds and reservoirs listed on fishing maps (e.g. Cedarville Reservoir, Shoaff Lake) as fishing-access waters. onX Maps

🛶 Steuben County & Surrounding Lake Hotspots

Steuben County is known as “101 Lakes Country,” and many of those lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities. Visit Steuben County+2Visit Steuben County+2

Here are some notable ones:

Lake	Why It’s a Good Spot	Species / Notes
Clear Lake	Large, clear water and good public access	Known for walleye, northern pike, trout, bass, bluegill Visit Steuben County+1
Crooked Lake	Big lake (~800 acres), good for boating + fishing	Depth maps available; good habitat for largemouth and other species GPS Nautical Charts+2Visit Steuben County+2
Jimmerson Lake	Public access at north end; often used for recreation	~305 acres; heavily developed shoreline but still good for anglers MONSTERBASS
Hamilton Lake	Second largest lake in county, good mix of recreational use	Public beach and shoreline access make it a good option Visit Steuben County+1
Pleasant Lake	Smaller but accessible and convenient	Close to Angola; variety of fish species reported Visit Steuben County
Fox Lake, Center Lake, Loon Lake, Silver Lake, Pigeon Lake	Lakes near Angola with fishing potential	These are listed as local Angola-area fishing lakes on Lake-Link maps. Lake Link+1

Also, in the state’s panfish lakes list, Clear Lake is highlighted as an excellent bluegill fishery, with bluegill averaging around 8.5 inches and larger ones observed. In.gov

🧰 Tips & Best Practices for Anglers

• Check public access points & boat rampsMany lakes have limited access—ensure your launch site is legal and usable.

• Use depth maps and fishing chartsFor lakes like Crooked Lake, interactive maps with depth contours help you find drop-offs, points, and structure. GPS Nautical Charts

• Target structure & edgesFish tend to congregate around weed beds, submerged timber, docks, and drop-offs.

• Fish by species behavior & season

  • Spring / early summer: bass and panfish are often in shallower water

  • Mid to late summer: deeper structure for bass or big fish

  • Cooler months: look for points, channels, and deeper water

• Bring versatile tackleSince these waters host multiple species (bass, bluegill, pike, catfish), having a mix of lures—crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs, live bait—can help.

• Respect regulations & licensingMake sure you have the correct state fishing license and check lake-specific rules (size limits, motor restrictions, etc.)