What You'll Find at Big Long Lake

Big Long Lake is a shallow, weedy impoundment in northeastern Indiana that holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The lake runs roughly 200 acres and rarely exceeds 12 feet deep—most of it sits between 4 and 8 feet. That shallow structure makes it a strong choice for panfish and for bass anglers who work vegetation and soft plastics rather than deep-diving crankbaits.

The lake's defining feature is its heavy weed growth. Cattails, lily pads, and submerged vegetation cover much of the shoreline and extend into the basin. This cover holds fish year-round but makes navigation and casting tight. Expect to lose tackle if you fish heavy cover without accepting that cost. The water is stained to murky depending on season and recent rain, which means fish rely more on vibration and silhouette than on sight.

Access is limited to a public boat ramp on the north shore, managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. There is no bank fishing access, so you need a boat. The ramp is gravel, suitable for trailers, and has parking for roughly a dozen vehicles. Launching fees are not charged.

Key Takeaways

  • Big Long Lake is a 200-acre shallow lake with heavy weed cover, best fished from a boat using soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and live panfish.
  • Largemouth bass average 2 to 4 pounds, with occasional fish to 6 pounds; bluegill and channel catfish are abundant and often easier to catch.
  • The public boat ramp on the north shore is the only access point, and it is free but requires a boat.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons; summer can be slow due to thick vegetation and heat.
  • Indiana fishing licenses are required for all anglers 18 and older, and there are no special stamps or permits needed beyond the standard license.

Seasons and When Fish Are Most Active

Spring is the strongest season at Big Long Lake. From mid-April through May, largemouth bass move into shallow water to spawn and feed heavily before and after. Fish the edges of weed beds, the deeper pockets within the vegetation, and any hard bottom you can locate. Water temperature in spring ranges from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and bass are aggressive. Bluegill also spawn in spring and are easy to catch on small jigs and live crickets around shallow cover.

Summer (June through August) can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing is often slow. The lake warms to 75 to 82 degrees, and thick weed growth makes the water oxygen-poor in deeper holes. Fish early morning or late evening, and focus on the deepest water you can find—usually 8 to 10 feet near the dam or in the central basin. Catfish bite well at night on chicken liver or cut shad.

Fall (September through October) is the second-best season. Water cools from 70 down to 50 degrees, and bass feed aggressively to build reserves for winter. Weed growth begins to die back, making navigation easier and giving you more water to cover. This is an excellent time for both bass and panfish.

Winter (November through March) is slow. The lake does not freeze solid most years, but fish are lethargic and concentrated in the deepest holes. If you fish winter, focus on the basin near the dam and use live bait or slow-moving presentations. Many anglers skip winter at Big Long Lake and fish elsewhere.

What Species Live Here and How to Fish for Them

Largemouth bass are the primary target. They average 2 to 4 pounds, with occasional fish to 6 pounds. Fish soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and creature baits) in and around weed beds, working them slowly through the cover. Spinnerbaits with willow-leaf blades are effective in spring and fall. Topwater lures work at dawn and dusk in summer. Live bluegill on a slip sinker rig will catch larger bass, especially at night.

Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and often easier to catch than bass. They school in shallow water near vegetation and around any hard structure. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with live crickets, waxworms, or small minnows will produce steady action. Bluegill spawn in May and June and bite aggressively during that window. Pumpkinseed sunfish and crappie are also present but less common than bluegill.

Channel catfish are present and underutilized. They bite best at night on chicken liver, cut shad, or stink baits. Fish the deeper basin or near the dam with a simple three-way rig or slip sinker setup. Catfish in this lake run 2 to 8 pounds and provide good sport on light tackle.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

Indiana requires a fishing license for all anglers 18 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at most bait shops near the lake. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you plan only a single trip. No special stamps or permits are required for Big Long Lake beyond the standard license.

Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of five fish. Bluegill and other sunfish have no minimum length and a daily bag limit of 25 fish. Channel catfish have no minimum length and a daily bag limit of 25 fish. These limits are current as of 2024 but can change; check the Indiana DNR website before your trip to confirm.

Live bait is allowed. Artificial lures are allowed. Chumming is not permitted. You may not use more than two rods per person unless you hold a special permit (which is not typically issued for recreational fishing).

How to Get There and Where to Launch

Big Long Lake is located in Steuben County in northeastern Indiana, near the town of Fremont. From Interstate 69, take Exit 328 and head north on State Road 27 toward Fremont. Follow local roads east toward the lake. GPS coordinates for the public boat ramp are approximately 41.7850, -85.1200. The ramp is marked with a small DNR sign and is the only public access point.

The gravel ramp is suitable for small to medium trailers. There is no fuel dock, no bait shop, and no restroom facilities at the ramp itself. The nearest town with services (gas, food, bait) is Fremont, roughly 5 miles away. Plan to bring your own bait, water, and supplies. The ramp is open year-round during daylight hours, though it can become muddy after heavy rain.

Parking is limited to roughly a dozen vehicles. On busy spring weekends, the lot can fill early. There is no overnight parking permitted. If you plan to fish early morning, arrive the evening before and park in Fremont or a nearby town.

Boat Type and Navigation Tips

A small to medium bass boat (16 to 20 feet) is ideal, but a jon boat, canoe, or kayak will work. The shallow water and heavy vegetation mean you need a boat that draws minimal water and can navigate tight spaces. If you use a jon boat or small aluminum craft, a 9.9-horsepower motor or electric trolling motor is sufficient. Larger boats with deep-V hulls can get stuck in the shallows, especially in late summer when water levels drop.

Navigation is straightforward but requires attention. The lake has no major islands or complex structure, but the weed beds shift seasonally. Stick to the main channel when entering from the ramp, and move slowly through shallow areas. A depth finder is useful for locating the deeper basin and avoiding stumps or submerged logs. The lake is small enough that you can explore the entire perimeter in a few hours.

Respect private property. Much of the shoreline is privately owned. Fish only from your boat and do not land on private banks without permission. The public ramp area is the only place you should beach your boat.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring a fishing license, a valid photo ID, and your boat registration. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and water—the lake offers no shade and the sun reflects off the water. Bring more bait and tackle than you think you'll need; the heavy vegetation will cost you lures. A net is useful for landing bass and panfish. Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish in shallow water.

Expect to lose tackle. The weed beds are thick and unforgiving. Bring extra spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and hooks. If you fish live bait, bring a small aerator or bait bucket with a lid to keep baitfish alive in the heat.

The lake can be crowded on spring weekends, especially during the spawn. If you prefer solitude, fish weekdays or visit in fall. Summer weekdays are often quiet. Winter is rarely crowded but fishing is slow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Big Long Lake?

No. The only public access is the boat ramp on the north shore. All shoreline is either private property or inaccessible. You must have a boat to fish here.

What is the best time of year to catch largemouth bass?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are best. Spring offers aggressive spawning fish in shallow water. Fall offers cooler water and active feeding as fish prepare for winter. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday is slow.

Do I need a boat with a big motor?

No. A small electric trolling motor or a 9.9-horsepower gas motor is plenty. The lake is only 200 acres and shallow, so speed is not necessary. A jon boat or small aluminum craft works well and draws less water than a large bass boat.

Are there any fish species I should avoid?

No species are off-limits, but carp and bullheads are present and often considered rough fish. They are legal to catch and keep. Carp can grow large and provide good sport on heavy tackle if you target them deliberately.

What should I do if the boat ramp is muddy or flooded?

Check conditions before you drive out. After heavy rain, the gravel ramp can become impassable. Call the Steuben County Parks Department or check the Indiana DNR website for updates. If the ramp is unusable, you will need to find an alternative lake or wait for conditions to improve.