What You'll Find at Hurshtown Reservoir

Hurshtown Reservoir is a 65-acre impoundment in Jennings County in southeastern Indiana, about 30 miles south of Indianapolis. The lake holds channel catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, with catfish and crappie being the most reliable targets. The water is relatively shallow and weedy in places, which favors the species that live here and makes the reservoir a straightforward choice for anglers who want consistent action without a long drive from central Indiana.

The reservoir is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is open year-round. Access is free, and the facility includes a public boat ramp, parking area, and basic amenities. Because it is smaller than many Indiana lakes, Hurshtown fills up less often on weekends and offers a quieter experience than reservoirs closer to Indianapolis.

Key Takeaways

  • Hurshtown Reservoir holds channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill, with catfish and crappie providing the most consistent fishing.
  • The lake is 65 acres and relatively shallow, making it accessible to anglers of all skill levels and boat types.
  • A public boat ramp and parking are available at no cost; the reservoir is open year-round.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons, though catfish bite reliably through summer and into early winter.
  • Jennings County fishing regulations apply, including a daily limit of 25 catfish per person.

Seasons and When Fish Bite Best

Spring (March through May) is the strongest season at Hurshtown. Channel catfish move into shallower water to spawn, and crappie congregate near structure in 8 to 12 feet of water. Live bluegill and shiners work well for catfish, and small jigs or live minnows draw crappie. Water temperatures in spring range from the 50s to the low 70s, and fish are aggressive as they prepare to spawn.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite slightly as fish move deeper and seek cooler water, but catfish remain active at night and in early morning. Flathead catfish, which are nocturnal hunters, become more predictable during this period. Largemouth bass move to deeper structure and weed edges. Evening and night fishing for catfish is often more productive than midday.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water temperatures drop and fish feed heavily before winter. Crappie and catfish both become active again in shallower water. This is also a good time for largemouth bass around fallen trees and weed lines. Water temperatures drop from the 70s into the 50s and below by late November.

Winter (December through February) is slower overall, but catfish will still bite on live bait in deeper holes. Many anglers focus on other waters during winter, so Hurshtown sees fewer boats. If you fish here in winter, target the deepest parts of the reservoir and use fresh live bait or cut shad.

Species and What Bait Works

Channel catfish are the most abundant species and the easiest to catch. They respond to chicken liver, cut shad, live bluegill, and commercial catfish stink baits. Fish on the bottom in 6 to 15 feet of water, using a three-way rig or a simple slip sinker. Catfish bite best at dawn, dusk, and night. The daily limit in Jennings County is 25 catfish per person.

Flathead catfish are larger and more aggressive than channel catfish. They hunt live fish, so use live bluegill, shiners, or small sunfish. Fish at night with heavy tackle and expect strong runs. Flatheads are less common than channels but grow larger—fish over 40 pounds are possible. There is no separate limit for flatheads; they count toward the 25-catfish daily limit.

Crappie (both black and white) school in spring and fall around brush piles, fallen trees, and deeper structure. Small jigs in white, chartreuse, or black work well, as do live minnows under a bobber. Fish 8 to 15 feet deep. The daily limit is 30 crappie per person in Jennings County.

Largemouth bass are present but not the primary draw. They respond to soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures around weed edges and fallen timber. Spring and fall are best. There is no minimum size, but a 12-inch minimum is encouraged by the DNR.

Bluegill and other sunfish are abundant and provide good action for children and beginners. Small jigs, live insects, or tiny spinners work. No limit applies to bluegill.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Hurshtown Reservoir has a public boat ramp on the north side of the lake. The ramp is concrete and in good condition, suitable for jon boats, small bass boats, and pontoons. Parking is available near the ramp at no cost. The lot holds roughly 15 to 20 vehicles and fills on busy weekends but rarely reaches capacity on weekdays.

There are no on-site amenities such as a bait shop, restaurant, or restroom facilities. Bring what you need: water, snacks, sunscreen, and any bait or tackle you plan to use. The nearest town is North Vernon, about 8 miles away, where you can find gas, food, and a Walmart with basic fishing supplies.

The reservoir is surrounded by private land, so shore fishing is not an option. You must have a boat to fish here. Canoes and kayaks are permitted and offer a quiet way to explore the shallower areas.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses

You must have a valid Indiana fishing license to fish Hurshtown Reservoir. Licenses are sold online through the Indiana DNR website, at many sporting goods stores, and at Walmart locations. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is a good option if you plan only one or two trips.

Jennings County regulations set a daily limit of 25 catfish (channel and flathead combined) per person, 30 crappie per person, and no limit on bluegill. Largemouth bass have no minimum size requirement, though the DNR encourages a 12-inch minimum. Check the current Indiana fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

Live bait is permitted. Trotlines and juglines are allowed for catfish under Indiana law, but check the current regulations for any seasonal restrictions. Gasoline motors are permitted on the reservoir.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Hurshtown Reservoir is located in Jennings County, about 30 miles south of Indianapolis and roughly 15 miles north of North Vernon. From Indianapolis, take I-65 south to Exit 76, then follow US 31 south toward North Vernon. Turn east on County Road 200N and follow signs to the reservoir. GPS coordinates for the boat ramp are approximately 39.0°N, 85.7°W. The drive from downtown Indianapolis is about 45 minutes.

Bring a boat, life jackets for all passengers, and a fishing license. Pack bait appropriate to your target species: live bluegill or shiners for catfish and crappie, or commercial stink bait for catfish. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks. If you plan to fish at night for flatheads, bring a headlamp or flashlight and tell someone where you are going. The lake has no lights, and navigation at night requires caution.

Summer heat can be intense, so plan to fish early morning or evening. In winter, water can be rough on windy days, so check the forecast before launching a small boat.

Why Hurshtown Works for Different Anglers

Hurshtown Reservoir is a good choice if you want to catch catfish or crappie without traveling far from central Indiana. The lake is small enough that you can cover most of it in a few hours, so you do not need to spend all day searching for fish. The shallow water and abundant structure make it forgiving for anglers who are still learning to read a lake.

For families with children, the bluegill bite is reliable and requires minimal equipment. For catfish specialists, the combination of channel and flathead catfish and the lack of heavy boat traffic make it a solid option. For crappie anglers, spring and fall trips can produce limits quickly.

The main limitation is that there are no shore-fishing options and no on-site facilities, so you must be self-sufficient and have access to a boat. If you are looking for a lake where you can fish from shore or rent a boat on-site, Hurshtown is not the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Hurshtown Reservoir?

No. The reservoir is surrounded by private land, and shore access is not permitted. You must have a boat to fish here. Canoes and kayaks are allowed and are a good low-cost option if you do not own a motorboat.

What is the best time of year to catch crappie at Hurshtown?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are best for crappie. Fish deeper structure in 8 to 15 feet of water with small jigs or live minnows. Spring crappie spawn in shallower water, making them easier to locate.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Hurshtown Reservoir?

Yes. You must have a valid Indiana fishing license. A one-day license is available online or at most sporting goods stores and costs less than a full-year license. Licenses are sold through the Indiana DNR website.

Is there a bait shop or rental facility at Hurshtown?

No. There are no on-site shops, rentals, or facilities. Bring all bait, tackle, and supplies with you. The nearest town, North Vernon, is about 8 miles away and has gas, food, and basic fishing supplies at Walmart.

What is the catfish limit at Hurshtown Reservoir?

The daily limit for catfish (channel and flathead combined) is 25 per person in Jennings County. This limit applies to all catfish species caught in the reservoir.