Lake Charles near Porter: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Look for Lake Charles in Porter County, Indiana. It lies 640 feet above sea level. It covers about 6 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Porter County are larger. Porter lies 1.2 miles from the water. The big place round here is Chicago, 33 miles distant. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Lake Charles

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Species logged across Porter County include gizzard shad, common carp, alewife and rainbow trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Anyone new to Lake Charles should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 73°F and January about 23°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid March. Break-up near mid March, freeze-up near late December: that is the shape of an average year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Lake Charles the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. There is a jetty half a mile off, worth knowing on a busy day. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Should this one be busy, Pratt Lake is 1 mile off. Check the current arrangement for Lake Charles.