White River
River · Indiana
Indiana's central river — smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye
The White River system flows through the heart of Indiana — the West Fork passes through Indianapolis, Anderson, and Muncie, while the East Fork drains the south-central counties. The combined river meets the Wabash near Mt. Carmel, Illinois. The West Fork through Indianapolis offers surprisingly good smallmouth bass fishing in clean stretches, plus channel and flathead catfish, walleye in the tailwaters, and freshwater drum throughout. The East Fork is renowned for trophy smallmouth bass in the upper reaches around Bedford and Brownstown. Both forks support river-run white bass during spring spawning runs. Public access is excellent through Indianapolis (multiple parks), Bloomington, Anderson, Bedford, Seymour, and many county-maintained ramps.
Access Points & Ramps
Public ramps, marinas, and shore-fishing access maintained by Indiana DNR, Army Corps, or local agencies.
Broad Ripple Park (West Fork)
Shore fishing, ramp
Indianapolis, IN
Riverside Park (West Fork)
Boat ramp, shore fishing
Indianapolis, IN
White River State Park
Shore fishing
Indianapolis, IN
Anderson Riverside
Shore fishing, ramp
Anderson, IN
Bedford Riverfront (East Fork)
Shore fishing, ramp
Bedford, IN
Williams Dam (East Fork)
Tailwater shore fishing
Bedford, IN
Map & Directions
Get DirectionsShowing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.
Nearby Bait & Tackle
Adams Outdoors Bait & Tackle!
Beech Grove, IN
★ 4.7Cabela's
Noblesville, IN
★ 4.4Circle City Fishing
Indianapolis, IN
DICK'S Sporting Goods
Indianapolis, IN
★ 4Dirty Dozen Hunting & Fishing
Indianapolis, IN
★ 4.8Fall Creek Fishing OUT
Indianapolis, IN
★ 4.3Flymasters of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
★ 4.7Honey Creek Tackle
Bargersville, IN
★ 4.7Nearby Marinas
Fish Species
Species known to inhabit White River. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Fishing Guides Near White River
(317) 691-7388
(317) 922-4234
765-499-1859
(217) 369-4042
(812) 870-8359
(719) 464-7200
Book a guided trip near White River. Browse verified fishing charters with instant availability on FishingBooker.
Other Lakes in Marion County
Plan Your Trip to White River
- Weather forecast for White River — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
- GPS: 39.7684°N, 86.1581°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.