Fishing at Olinger Lake, Crawford County, Indiana

• Overview

  Olinger Lake falls in Crawford County, part of Indiana. This is rolling hill ground. About 18 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The town to know is French Lick, 8.9 miles out. Further out sit Paoli (12 miles) and Jasper (17 miles). Round about: Patoka Lake some 2.1 miles off, Tucker Lake (5.3 miles), Schnellville Lake some 8.2 miles off, Carmichael Lake (8.6 miles) and Timberlin Lake some 9.6 miles off. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Olinger Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. County-wide records name orangethroat darter, fantail darter and rainbow darter. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Olinger Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 30°F to 76°F. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Olinger Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out. Sudden cold puts fish down faster than sustained cold does.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, Patoka Lake is 2.1 miles off. Confirm access to Olinger Lake locally before you travel.