Fankboner Lake Fishing in Johnson County, Indiana

• Overview

  Fankboner Lake is a Johnson County water, Indiana side. It stands 745 feet above sea level. It covers about 5 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Waterloo sits 4.5 miles from here and is the nearest stop. After that come Bargersville at 4.8 miles and Brooklyn at 6.2 miles. Within easy reach: Lake Dillman 0.2 miles off, South Lake Dillman just 0.4 miles and Crouse Lake 5 miles off. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Fankboner Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Records held for Johnson County cover rainbow darter, longear sunfish and bluegill. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Read Fankboner Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 75°F, while January sits near 27°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. It holds true on Fankboner Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, Lake Dillman is 0.2 miles distant. Signs at Fankboner Lake carry more weight than any list.