Lagrange County Lakes Guide - 2025 by The Papers Inc.

LAKES GUIDE

LAGRANGE COUNTY

What’s Inside

Indiana Boating Safety

AGE OPERATOR RESTRICTIONS:

All Motorboat or PWC operators in Indiana must have a valid driver’s license to operate on all public waters . Operators who are at least 15 years of age and don’t have a driver’s license may operate a motor vessel if they take a NASBLA approved boater education course and have an I D Card on board issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD):

Boats less than 16 feet long, and a canoe or kayak of any length, must have onboard a wearable U S C G approved PFD for everyone onboard or being towed

Boats 16 feet and longer must have wearable PFDs for everyone onboard and readily accessible .

Personal Watercraft operators and passengers must wear an approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD

Required PFDs must be readily accessible

RECKLESS OPERATION:

Reckless operation of a boat, when a boat is operated carelessly in willful disregard of the rights, safety, or property of others, is a crime in Indiana Examples of reckless operation include:

• Excessive speed in regulated or congested areas or during times of restricted visibility

• Operating in a manner that may cause an accident • Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Operating in a swimming area with swimmers present

• Towing water skiers where obstructions exist or a fall might cause them to be injured

• Bow riding or riding on the gunwale or transom where no seating is provided

• Operation of a personal watercraft which endangers life or property

EXHAUST MUFFLER

REQUIRED:

No person shall operate any powercraft without a muffler, underwater exhaust, or other device that muffles or suppresses the sound of the exhaust at all speeds .

WATER SKIING/TUBING:

No person shall tow a person on water skis, tube, or similar device without an observer (in addition to the boat operator) aboard to observe the skier and the towline

Water skiing/tubing is not permitted between after sunset and before sunrise

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC):

Persons less than 15 years of age shall not operate a Personal Watercraft Each person on a Personal Watercraft (PWC) must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD Additionally, the operator must wear a lanyard type cut off switch provided by the manufacturer which will shut off the PWC should the operator fall off

A PWC is a boat and operators of PWCs must obey all boating regulations and requirements . PWC operators must adhere to additional legal requirements that apply specifically to the operation of PWCs on Indiana waterss . The operator of a Personal Watercraft should operate in a reasonable and prudent manner

PWCs may be operated during daylight hours only unless equipped with the appropriate lighting

PWCs may be used to tow skiers/tubes if the PWC is designed to seat at least three people and is at least 9 feet long Also, a person other than the operator must be onboard as an observer

BOAT LIGHT REQUIREMENTS:

Boats under way between sunset and sunrise must display a green bow light on the starboard (right) and red bow light on the port (left), as well as an “all around” (visible from 360 degrees) white light on the stern Boats at anchor must display one all around white light visible to any approaching crafts Rowboats or paddleboats must have an all around white light ready to display in time to prevent collision

BOATING WHILE INTOXICATED:

Operating a boat or PWC while intoxicated is against the law Refusal to submit to a test may result in loss of operating privileges for at least one year .

SPEED LIMITS AFTER

“OFFICIAL SUNSET”:

No skiing, or any other activity requiring speeds in excess of 10 MPH may be engaged in between the official time of sunset and sunrise. Syracuse has a flashing beacon light on the NW corner of the lake (at the public pier) that starts flashing at sunset.

DAMAGE TO MARKER BUOYS:

The Lake Association has been charged by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources with the responsibility of placing and maintaining StateOwned Marker Buoys These are placed less than 200 feet from shore in locations considered particularly critical as warning to boaters to keep their distance from shore (such as off point of land) or to reduce their speed (such as entries to channels) . Intentional damage or other interference with these buoys is a crime against the State and carries a severe fine, a jail sentence, or both . These buoys are anchored with a chain and will probably damage a boat if hit

LEGAL DISTANCE FROM SHORE:

It is unlawful to operate a motorized boat closer than 200 feet from the shoreline, unless coming or going from the shore; also to operate at greater than idle speed closer than 200 feet from shore

REGISTRATION/TITLING:

All motorboats operated on the waters of Indiana must be registered and numbered Motorboats legally registered in another state can be used in Indiana for 60 consecutive days before an Indiana registration is required Indiana and federal boating laws are presented in a summarized form . The laws in their entirety can be found by consulting Indiana State Law These laws are subject to change It is the responsibility of the operator to be aware of the most current laws when using a boat

Certain bodies of water in Indiana have local restrictions as to type and size of watercraft or motor horsepower, restricted use areas, boat speed, and times for use Check with the local authorities for these additional restrictions

You may obtain registration and title application forms at any BMV location .

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Department of Natural Resources 402 West Washington St., Room W160A Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 232-4200

Indiana Fishing & License Regulations 2025-26

WHO REQUIRES A FISHING LICENSE

With a few exceptions, a valid fishing license issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is required to fish in public lakes, streams, rivers, tributaries, and boundary waters in Indiana An individual may not take another individual sport fishing for hire on public waters, including boundary waters like Lake Michigan, without a fishing guide license

A licensee must hold an ink-signed copy of a license while fishing, signed electronic copies are acceptable You must present the license to an Indiana Conservation Officer (or any other authorized law enforcement official) upon request. There are fines and penalties for fishing without a license. To legally fish for or take trout and salmon from public waters, you must have a valid trout/ salmon stamp and a valid fishing license.

• Resident owners or lessees of Indiana farmland who farm that land, their spouses and children living with them, while fishing on the farmland they own or lease . This exemption does not apply to land owned by a business, corporation, or partnership unless the shareholders, partners, members, or owners are composed solely of an immediate family and farm that land Farmland means agricultural land that is devoted to or best adaptable to the production of crops, fruits, timber, or raising livestock, or is assessed as agricultural land for property tax purposes

• Some non-resident landowners, while fishing in public waters from the farmland they own, according to the exemptions that their state provides to Indiana residents

To qualify for resident fishing licenses, a person must have established a true fixed and permanent home and primary residence in Indiana for 60 consecutive days prior to purchasing a license or permit and may not claim residency for fishing, hunting, or trapping in another state or country. All other people are considered nonresidents

Indiana residents must be at least sixty four (64) years of age to be eligible to buy a Senior Annual or Senior Fish for Life License The Senior Fish for Life License is valid for the rest of the holder’s life and includes the trout/ salmon stamp Indiana residents who were born before April 1, 1943, do not need a fishing license when fishing in Indiana waters.

A fishing license may be revoked if the license holder is convicted of violating fish and wildlife regulations. Any equipment used in the violation of Indiana fish and wildlife laws may be seized for evidence and be confiscated upon conviction

FISHING LICENSE EXEMPTIONS

A fishing license and trout/salmon stamp are NOT required for: Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943 Such residents should carry their valid Indiana driver’s license or other identification to verify age and residency.

• Residents and non-residents under age 18

• Residents who are legally blind Proof of being legally blind is not required while fishing.

• Residents of a state-owned mental rehabilitation facility

• Residents of any licensed health care facility in Indiana taking part in a supervised fishing activity sponsored by the facility.

• Residents who have a developmental disability as defined by IC 12-7-261. Proof of the disability is not required while fishing.

• Fishing in a private pond that does not allow fish entry from or exit to public waters . However, an angler must have permission from the property owner to fish.

• Residents of Indiana engaged in full-time military service while on approved military leave However, the angler must carry leave orders and a valid Indiana Driver’s License or voter registration card

NOTE: Nonresident military personnel on active duty and stationed in Indiana may purchase an Indiana resident license Resident disabled American veterans can get an annual DAV fishing and/or small game hunting license for $2.75 or 10-year license for $27.50 by first completing an application form available from the County Service Officer where they live or by downloading the application at fishing.IN.gov and clicking “Fishing License,” then “Licenses and Permits for Hunters and Anglers with Disabilities ” Mail the completed form to: DNR Customer Service Center: 402 W Washington St , Room W160, Indianapolis, IN 46204

HOW TO BUY A LICENSE

Online … Go to: on IN gov/INHuntFish

In Person … To find a retailer near you, visit Fishing.IN.gov, select “Buy your license in person or by mail” then click “Find an authorized license vendor” or visit the DNR Customer Service Center, Indiana Government Center South, 402 W Washington St , Room W160, Indianapolis, IN 46204 . Open 8:30 a m to 4 p .m ., Monday-Friday .

By Mail … Send check, money order (payable to Indiana DNR) or Visa, Master Card, or Discover card number with expiration date and CVV code to:

DNR Customer Service Center, Attn: Licenses 402 W Washington St , Room W160 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739

Allow two weeks for delivery Include the following information:

• Name, date of birth and Social Security Number (mandatory)

• Complete address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number

• Height, weight, color of hair and eyes

• Specify the licenses including the season

• Hunter Education certificate number if born after Dec. 31, 1986. By Phone … Call (317) 232-4200

Fishing

May 4

are Free Fishing

June 7 & 8

Free

September 27

Lewis & Lambright inc. L

AUCTIONEERS AND REALTORS

Denise Scott - Broker/Owner • 260-463-1244

Virgen Morales • 260-479-5503

John Wainwright • 260-463-1850

Elvie Frey • 260-463-1396

Jarrad Owsley • 260-585-4557

Khamron Malaivahn • 260-350-2914

Tyler Milliman • 269-625-2874 112 North Detroit Street, LaGrange, IN 46761

Phone (260) 463-2012 or (260) 463-2013

Check Out Our Recent Fisheries Data At https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/ fishing/fisheries-status-and-trends/

PUBLIC ACCESS SITES

Adams Lake

Just south of CR 600 S . on CR 500 E

Atwood Lake CR 700 S to CR 00E W to CR 725 S . to CR 745 S .

Big Long Lake Just east of CR 900 E on CR 500 S

Big Turkey Lake CR 1150 E & CR 350 S

Little Turkey Lake Just north of CR 350 S on CR 1095 E .

Cedar Lake CR 600 N to CR 325 E

Fish Lake

Messick Lake

CR 100 S . to CR 525 E

CR 700 S to 075 W to 600 S

Oliver Lake CR 450 S . to just west of CR 065 E .

Pretty Lake

CR 500 S to CR 890 E

Shipshewana Lake CR 250 N . to CR 900 W . to CR 905 W

Shipshewana Lake SR 120 to CR 1000 W . (2nd Site) to CR 980 W to CR 982 W .

Stone Lake SR 120 to CR 1150 W

Wall Lake

SR 120 to CR 1150 E to CR 565 N

Westler Lake SR 9 to CR 700 S

Witmer

INDIANA ANNUAL LICENSES & STAMP PRIVILEGES

NON-RESIDENT LICENSES

ADAMS LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 303 Best Fishing — Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch Lake Bottom — Marl and Sand

ATWOOD LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 170

Best Fishing — Bluegill, Redear, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Northern Pike

Lake Bottom — Clay, Gravel, Marl and Muck

BIG LONG LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 365 Best Fishing — Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Redear, Northern Pike Lake Bottom — Gravel and Sand

BIG TURKEY LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 450

Best Fishing — Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Walleye Lake Bottom — Muck, Sand, Gravel and Marl

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County Map Locator:

LITTLE TURKEY LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 135 Best Fishing — Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Bullhead, Pumpkinseed Lake Bottom — Marl and Sand

County Map Locator:

LITTLE TURKEY LAKE

CEDAR LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 120 Best Fishing — Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch Lake Bottom — Gravel and Marl

CEDAR LAKE

DALLAS/MESSICK/HACKENBURG

LAKES

Approximate Acres of Water — Dallas Lake: 283; Messick Lake: 68; Hackenburg Lake: 42 Best Fishing — Dallas Lake: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Bullhead, Channel Catfish; Messick Lake: Bluegill, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass; Hackenburg Lake: Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Warmouth, Channel Catfish Lake Bottom — Dallas Lake: Marl, Sand and Gravel; Messick Lake: Marl, Sand and Gravel; Hackenburg Lake: Marl and Sand

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FISH/ROYER LAKES

Approximate Acres of Water — Fish Lake: 100; Royer Lake: 69 Best Fishing — Fish Lake: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Walleye

Royer Lake: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Walleye Lake Bottom — Fish Lake: Marl and Sand; Royer Lake: Muck and Sand

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Approximate Acres of Water — 136

Best Fishing — Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye Lake Bottom — Gravel and Marl

OLIVER LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 371 (Oliver, Olin & Martin combined 500)

Best Fishing — Trout, Smallmouth Bass Lake Bottom — Marl and Sand

CountyRoad150East

PRETTY LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 185

Best Fishing — Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Walleye, Redear Sunfish Lake Bottom — Gravel and Sand

SHIPSHEWANA LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 202

Best Fishing — Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie

Lake Bottom — Gravel and Muck

STONE LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 116

Best Fishing — Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Redear Sunfish Lake Bottom — Marl and Sand

TWIN LAKES (North &

South)

Approximate Acres of Water — North Twin Lake: 135, South Twin Lake: 116 Best Fishing — North: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch

South: Bluegill, Carp, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike Lake Bottom — Gravel, Marl and Sand