What You'll Find at Burdette Park Lakes
Burdette Park Lakes, located in Evansville, Indiana, is a public fishing destination with two main lakes open to anglers year-round. The park sits on the grounds of a larger recreational area and offers bank access to both waters, making it accessible whether you have a boat or plan to fish from shore. The lakes hold largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie — a mix that works for both beginners and experienced anglers.
The setting is urban but quiet, with maintained grounds and parking near the water. Neither lake is large, which means you can cover productive areas in a single outing and learn the layout quickly. Water clarity varies by season and recent rainfall, but both lakes are typically fishable throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- Burdette Park Lakes require an Indiana fishing license, which you can purchase online or at most sporting goods stores before you go.
- Both lakes are open to bank fishing year-round, with parking and maintained access points near the water.
- Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish are the primary species; spring and fall typically produce the most consistent action.
- The park has no boat launch, so fishing is limited to shore access unless you carry in a small kayak or canoe.
- No live bait restrictions apply at Burdette Park, so shiners, crawfish, and nightcrawlers are all legal options.
Seasons and What to Expect Month by Month
Spring (March through May) brings warming water and active bass movement into shallow areas. Bluegill spawn in late April and May, making them easy to catch on small jigs or live crickets near vegetation. Water levels can be high from winter runoff, which pushes fish into flooded brush and shoreline cover. This is often the most productive season for both species and numbers.
Summer (June through August) sees bass move to deeper water and shade during midday heat. Early morning and evening fishing produces better results than midday. Catfish bite throughout the day and night, especially on cut bait or stink baits. Bluegill remain active but require patience and small presentations in deeper water.
Fall (September through November) mirrors spring in many ways — cooling water pushes bass back to shallower feeding zones, and bluegill become aggressive again. October and early November are often excellent for bass on topwater lures and crankbaits. Water levels typically drop as summer rains decrease, concentrating fish in the deepest available holes.
Winter (December through February) slows the bite considerably, but catfish and bluegill remain catchable through the ice if it forms thick enough. Bass fishing is slow, and most anglers target catfish on live or cut bait fished near the deepest structure. The park remains open, but fewer anglers fish during this season.
Species, Regulations, and What Gear to Bring
Indiana requires a valid fishing license for anyone 18 and older. You can purchase a one-day, seven-day, or annual license through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website or at most Walmart, Cabela's, and local bait shops. Licenses are inexpensive and take minutes to obtain online.
Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of five fish. Bluegill and other sunfish have no minimum size but a 25-fish daily limit. Catfish have no size or bag limit in most Indiana waters, including Burdette Park. Check the current Indiana fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.
For bass, bring medium-power spinning or baitcasting rods with 8- to 12-pound line. Crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures work well in spring and fall. For bluegill, a light spinning rod with 4- to 6-pound line and small jigs or live crickets is ideal. Catfish respond to heavy rods, 15- to 20-pound line, and rod holders for hands-free fishing. Live shiners, cut shad, and chicken liver are all effective baits.
Access, Parking, and What the Park Offers
Burdette Park is located at 411 Riverside Drive in Evansville, Indiana, near the Ohio River. The park has a main parking area with restrooms and picnic facilities. Bank access to both lakes is straightforward — walk from the parking area to the water, and you'll find open shoreline and some cleared fishing spots.
The park does not have a boat launch, so you cannot launch a trailer boat. If you have a kayak or small canoe, you can carry it to the water and paddle, but most anglers fish from shore. The lakes are shallow enough that wading is possible in some areas during low water, though water depth and bottom composition vary.
Facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground area. The park is day-use only — there is no camping. Hours are typically dawn to dusk, but confirm current hours before you visit, as they can change seasonally.
How to Get There and What to Bring
From downtown Evansville, take US-41 north toward the riverfront. Riverside Drive runs along the Ohio River, and Burdette Park is clearly marked. GPS coordinates are approximately 37.97°N, 87.56°W. Parking is free, and the lot is usually not crowded except on weekends during peak season.
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent (especially in summer and early fall), and water. The park offers some shade near the picnic areas, but the fishing banks are mostly open. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you plan to fish early morning or evening. If you plan to stay several hours, bring a folding chair or cushion — standing on a bank for hours is tiring.
Cell service is generally available, but do not rely on it for navigation. Download a map of the park or take a photo of the parking area before you lose signal. The park is small enough that you won't get lost, but knowing where you parked saves time at the end of the day.
When Burdette Park Works Best for Your Skill Level
Burdette Park is an excellent choice for beginners and families. The lakes are small, the banks are accessible, and you can catch bluegill and catfish without advanced technique. If you're new to fishing, start with live bait — shiners for bass, crickets for bluegill, and cut shad for catfish. You'll catch fish and learn how they behave in moving water and structure.
Experienced anglers often use Burdette Park as a warm-up before heading to larger reservoirs or rivers. The lakes are predictable, and you can test new lures or techniques in a low-pressure setting. Spring and fall are best for serious bass fishing; summer and winter are better for learning catfish behavior or practicing bluegill presentations.
If you're looking for trophy bass or large numbers of fish, Burdette Park is not the destination — the lakes are small and heavily fished. But if you want a short outing close to Evansville with a good chance of catching something, it delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fish at Burdette Park?
Yes, anyone 18 or older must have a valid Indiana fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, at Walmart, or at local bait shops. A one-day license is inexpensive and takes minutes to obtain.
Can I fish at night?
The park is day-use only and closes at dusk. Night fishing is not permitted. Plan your outing for early morning or evening within park hours.
Are there any fish species I should avoid?
No species are off-limits at Burdette Park. All bass, bluegill, and catfish caught within the legal size and bag limits are safe to keep and eat. Catfish are particularly good table fare and have no size restrictions.
What if the water is too high or too low?
High water in spring pushes fish into flooded brush and makes them easier to find in shallow areas. Low water in late summer and fall concentrates fish in deeper holes near the dam or deepest structure. Both conditions are fishable — you just adjust your approach. Call the Evansville Parks Department if you're concerned about access due to extreme water levels.
Is there a bait shop nearby?
Evansville has several tackle shops and sporting goods stores within a few miles of Burdette Park. Bring your own bait if possible, but if you need to buy on-site, plan to stop before you arrive at the park.