Fishing at Bischoff Reservoir, Ripley County, Indiana

• Overview

  Bischoff Reservoir is listed under Ripley County, Indiana. The land about it is open valley. It measures about 192 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Shoreline length is close to 3.7 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. By surface area it heads our Ripley County listings. Supplies mean a trip to Batesville, 2.2 miles off. Sunman follows at 6 miles, then Milan at 11 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Bischoff Reservoir

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Ripley County records list brindled madtom, fantail darter, golden redhorse and green sunfish among the fish reported. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Bischoff Reservoir responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 74°F and January about 27°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. It sets the rhythm of the year at Bischoff Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Launching is possible: a slipway lies half a mile off. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Mollenkramer Reservoir, 0.9 miles out. Where Bischoff Reservoir is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.