What Howell Wetlands Offers

Howell Wetlands is a 1,200-acre freshwater marsh in northeastern Indiana, located near the town of Orland in Steuben County. The wetland sits in a glacially-carved depression and holds shallow water year-round, making it one of Indiana's most productive waterfowl and wading bird habitats. For anglers, it's a destination for panfish and largemouth bass, with the best fishing concentrated in the deeper channels and open water areas that cut through dense cattail stands.

The wetland is managed as a state nature preserve and wildlife area, which means access is restricted to specific seasons and designated areas. Unlike a typical public lake, you won't find a boat ramp or developed shoreline. Instead, you'll be wading or using a small boat to reach the productive water, and your timing matters — the marsh is closed to fishing during waterfowl nesting season to protect breeding birds.

Key Takeaways

  • Howell Wetlands is open to fishing from mid-June through early September, after waterfowl nesting season ends and water levels stabilize.
  • You can fish from the shoreline along designated access points or by wading and using a small boat, but motors are prohibited in most areas.
  • Largemouth bass and bluegill are the primary species; expect shallow-water fishing in cattail channels and deeper holes.
  • An Indiana fishing license is required, and you must check current regulations for any species-specific restrictions before you go.
  • The site has no facilities — bring your own water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as mosquitoes are heavy in summer months.

Access and Seasons

Howell Wetlands opens to fishing on June 15 each year and closes September 5, a window that avoids the critical spring and early-summer nesting period when waterfowl and wading birds are raising young. The exact dates can shift slightly year to year, so confirm the current season with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) before planning your trip.

Access is limited to foot traffic and non-motorized boats. There is no developed parking area or boat launch; you'll park along the road near the preserve boundary and walk in. The walk to fishable water varies depending on which access point you use — some routes are short, others require 10 to 15 minutes of walking through marsh edge. Wading boots or waterproof pants are essential, as the ground is soft and wet year-round.

Water levels fluctuate with rainfall and seasonal drawdown. Summer levels are typically 2 to 4 feet in the deeper channels, but shallower areas may be only ankle-deep. Call the IDNR's regional office in Fort Wayne before you go if you want current conditions — they can tell you whether water levels are high enough for boat access or if wading is your only option.

Fish Species and Seasonal Patterns

Largemouth bass and bluegill dominate the catch at Howell Wetlands. The marsh's shallow, weedy structure is ideal for largemouth bass, which hunt in the cattail channels and around submerged wood. Bass here tend to be smaller than in deeper lakes — expect fish in the 12- to 16-inch range, with occasional larger fish in the deeper holes. They're most active in early morning and late evening, especially during the heat of July and August.

Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and bite consistently throughout the open season. They concentrate around deeper water and any structure — fallen trees, dense cattail clumps, or the edges of open channels. Panfish fishing is often more reliable than bass fishing here, particularly for anglers who want steady action rather than waiting for larger strikes.

Catfish and carp are present but not the primary draw. The marsh's shallow, weedy nature makes it less ideal for catfish than deeper reservoirs, though some anglers do target them in the deeper channels at night.

Tackle and Techniques

Bring light to medium spinning gear — 5- to 6-foot rods with 6- to 8-pound line work well for both bass and panfish. For bass, small topwater lures, soft plastics in natural colors, and spinnerbaits are effective in the shallow water. Panfish respond to small jigs, live crickets, and worms fished near structure.

Because the marsh is shallow and weedy, casting accuracy matters more than distance. You'll be fishing tight to cattail edges and around submerged wood, so practice pitching rather than long casts. A push pole or small jon boat (8 to 12 feet) is ideal if you want to cover water without disturbing fish, but a canoe or kayak works too. Wading is productive if you don't mind the physical effort and the mosquitoes.

Regulations and Licensing

An Indiana fishing license is required for anyone 18 and older. You can purchase a one-day or annual license through the IDNR website or at most sporting goods stores. Check the current Indiana fishing guide for any species-specific regulations — bag limits and size restrictions can change, and some areas within the preserve may have additional rules.

The preserve is closed to fishing outside the June 15 to September 5 window, and this is enforced. Do not fish during the closed season, even if water is accessible. Trespassing on the preserve outside designated areas is also prohibited.

What to Bring and What to Expect

There are no facilities at Howell Wetlands — no restrooms, no drinking water, no shade structures. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Mosquitoes are heavy from June through August, so insect repellent is not optional. Long sleeves and pants, despite the heat, will reduce bites significantly.

The marsh is remote and quiet, which is part of its appeal for fishing, but it also means you're on your own if something goes wrong. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. Cell service can be spotty, so don't rely on your phone for navigation or emergency contact.

The best time to fish is early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler and fish are more active. Midday fishing is possible but slower, and the sun exposure is intense with no shade available.

Nearby Fishing and Facilities

If Howell Wetlands doesn't meet your needs or if you want to fish outside the June-September window, several other waters are within 30 minutes. Crooked Lake and Jimmerson Lake, both in Steuben County, offer year-round fishing for bass and panfish with more developed access. Shipshewana Lake, also nearby, is another option for largemouth bass and bluegill.

The town of Orland has a few small restaurants and gas stations, but no tackle shops. Stock up on supplies in larger towns like Angola or Steuben before you head to the wetlands. If you're planning a longer trip, consider staying in one of the small motels in the area or camping at a nearby state recreation area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a motorboat at Howell Wetlands?

No. Motors are prohibited throughout the preserve. You can use a canoe, kayak, small jon boat with a push pole, or wade. The shallow water and dense vegetation make motors impractical anyway.

What's the best month to fish here?

July and August offer the most stable water levels and warmest temperatures, but also the heaviest mosquito pressure. June and early September have fewer insects and can be more comfortable, though water levels may be lower and fish less predictable.

Is there a boat launch or parking area?

There is no developed launch or parking lot. You park along the road near the preserve boundary and walk in. Bring a small boat or canoe if you want to fish from the water, or wade from the shoreline.

Do I need a guide to fish Howell Wetlands?

No guide is required, and the preserve is small enough that you can explore it on your own. However, a guide familiar with the marsh's channels and deeper holes can save time and improve your catch, especially if you're new to wading or shallow-water fishing.

What if the water level is too low when I arrive?

Call the IDNR regional office before you go to check conditions. If water is very low, wading may be your only option, or the fishing may not be worth the trip. Water levels are most reliable in mid-to-late summer after rain.