Lake Profile

Big + Little Chapman Lakes

Big Fun, Great Fishing + Excellent Waters

by Lauren Caggiano photos by Delaney Wihebrink

For many, “the lake” is their happy place — a refuge after a busy week. And the Chapman Lakes, located northeast of Warsaw, each have their own appeal.

Overview:

Approximate Acres of Water:

Big Chapman: 504 Little Chapman: 177

Best Fishing:

Big Chapman: Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Longear, Northern Pike, Redear, Walleye, Yellow Perch

Little Chapman: Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, Northern Pike, Walleye

Adrienne Funderberg, research program specialist at the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams in Winona Lake, said there’s no shortage of action on the lake. Her work focuses on the lakes in the Kosciusko County area and how they can remain clean, healthy and safe for residents.

She said the lakes add to the quality of the life in the region, and the Chapman lakes are no exception. The fact that Big Chapman Lake is a natural lake is one important distinction. “It’s a glacial lake, which means it was dug up by a big chunk of glacier that fell off a long time ago, melted and now contains water,” she explained.

According to their data, this lake measures about 500 acres and its average depth is 12.5 feet. It drains into Little Chapman Lake.

Development started in the 1940s and really took off in the ‘80s and ‘90s. And now? Funderberg said the secret is out about beautiful Big Chapman Lake.

“It’s an all-sport lake, so that means activities like boating and waterskiing are popular,” she said. “Another thing to know about (Big) Chapman is that, in recent years on average, it has had the highest water clarity. This means the water is clearer than a lot of the other lakes in the area, which is really nice. I know a lot of people who love to fish in the area, too.”

On that note, Funderberg said her work touches on the viability of the ecosystem in and around the lakes.

“I know when we sample, we see all sorts of other wildlife — more than some of the other lakes (in the area),” she said. “For example, we’ve seen softshell turtles. We’ve also seen all sorts of herons and really cool fish in the channels.”

Funderberg said the fact that the lake is mainly residential bodes well for fishing. It’s quieter than other lakes in the area, which provides a backdrop for this pursuit. Little Chapman Lake measures about a third of the size of its counterpart. It’s a bit deeper, with an average depth of 14 feet. Boating and fishing are popular recreational activities here as well. Fishermen will find a variety of fish here, including northern pike, perch, bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, redear sunfish, white bass, largemouth bass, bream/ bluegill and warmouth.

And like Big Chapman Lake, it’s a hub of ecological activity. According to the Chapman Lakes Conservation Association, more than 260 acres of wetlands on Little Chapman Lake are vital to maintaining the water quality of the lakes as well as providing a habitat for birds and other creatures.

One thing’s for sure; big or small lake, you’re in for a good time at a Chapman lake.