Morse Reservoir, Indiana: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Morse Reservoir lies in Hamilton County, Indiana. Height above sea level is 810 feet. Roughly 1,440 acres of surface: treat each bay as a water in its own right. You have roughly 20 miles of edge to choose from, which rewards a scouting trip. It ranks among the bigger water on our Indiana list. You are 2.9 miles from Cicero. The nearest city of size is Indianapolis, 23 miles away. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Morse Reservoir

  There is a figure for this one: 42 ft. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Records held for Hamilton County cover bluegill, orangethroat darter, green sunfish, longear sunfish and redear sunfish. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Morse Reservoir the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 74°F, the coldest about 24°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid March. The open-water window runs from around mid March to about late December in an average year. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Morse Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Being publicly held, the water is generally open for fishing. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. A toilet block sits 0.9 miles away. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Lake Woodland, 10 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at Morse Reservoir for certain.