Crooked Lake Fishing Guide, Steuben County, Indiana

• Overview

  Set in Steuben County, Indiana, this is Crooked Lake. This is rolling bush ground. Surface area runs to roughly 744 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. The perimeter runs near 9.2 miles, so plan the walk before you start. It is among the larger waters listed here for Steuben County. Nearest town is Angola, 3.5 miles off. The nearest city of size is Fort Wayne, 38 miles away. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Crooked Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Open biodiversity records for Steuben County list bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass, warmouth and pumpkinseed. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Crooked Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 72°F and January near 22°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Break-up comes around late March, and the run that follows is short and strong. Climate figures give an open season running late March to mid December. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Crooked Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. The nearest alternative is Loon Lake, 1.6 miles out. Confirm access to Crooked Lake locally before you travel.