Monroe Lake
Reservoir · Monroe County, Indiana
Indiana's largest inland reservoir — 10,750 acres of bass, crappie, and walleye water
At 10,750 surface acres, Monroe Lake is the largest reservoir entirely within Indiana. Built by the Army Corps of Engineers and managed by Indiana DNR, Monroe is the centerpiece fishery for southern and central Indiana. The lake is best known for largemouth and smallmouth bass — the rocky shorelines and submerged timber hold fish year-round. Striped bass / hybrid striped bass are stocked aggressively and regularly produce 10+ pound fish. Crappie fishing in spring is excellent around the standing timber in the Allen Creek, Salt Creek, and Crooked Creek arms. Walleye fishing has improved significantly since the saugeye stocking program began. Channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish all reach trophy size. Multiple ramps, marinas, and shore-fishing access points are open year-round.
Access Points & Ramps
Public ramps, marinas, and shore-fishing access maintained by Indiana DNR, Army Corps, or local agencies.
Fairfax SRA
Boat ramp, marina, swimming
Bloomington, IN
Main public access — multiple ramps
Paynetown SRA
Boat ramp, marina, campground
Bloomington, IN
Cutright SRA
Boat ramp, shore access
Bloomington, IN
Hardin Ridge
Boat ramp, campground
Heltonville, IN
Hoosier National Forest
Allens Creek SRA
Boat ramp
Heltonville, IN
Lake Monroe Boat Rental
Marina, rental
Bloomington, IN
Map & Directions
Get DirectionsShowing 12 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.
Nearby Bait & Tackle
JL Waters
Bloomington, IN
★ 4.7The Fishin' Shedd
Bloomington, IN
★ 4.7Bailey's Bait & Tackle
Nashville, IN
★ 4.4Bedford Boat & Sportsmen's Clb
Bedford, IN
★ 4.5Big Jim's fishing and hunting gear
Spencer, IN
★ 4.6Big Johns Racks N Reels
Loogootee, IN
★ 4.6Elk Creek Fish and Game Area
IN 47167, IN
★ 4.6Elk Creek Public Fishing Area
IN 47167, IN
★ 4.3Nearby Marinas
Fish Species
Species known to inhabit Monroe Lake. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Fishing Guides Near Monroe Lake
(317) 452-0215
(812) 606-2109
(812) 821-3368
(219) 816-2846
(765) 432-1088
(765) 356-3052
Book a guided trip near Monroe Lake. Browse verified fishing charters with instant availability on FishingBooker.
Other Lakes in Monroe County
Plan Your Trip to Monroe Lake
- Weather forecast for Monroe Lake — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
- GPS: 39.0289°N, 86.4750°W — Get Directions
- Check the latest DNR fishing report for current conditions
- Review Indiana fishing regulations for season dates and limits
- An Indiana fishing license is required for ages 18+ — buy online at IN.gov
Data sourced from Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. Last verified: April 26, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.