Saddle Lake in Perry County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Perry County, Indiana, is where Saddle Lake sits. Height above sea level is 512 feet. Around 34 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. There is roughly 1.4 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. It lies lower than most water we list in Indiana. Start from Tell City, 9.6 miles down the road. The big place round here is Evansville, 49 miles distant. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Saddle Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Perry County records list fantail darter, johnny darter and largemouth bass among the fish reported. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Work Saddle Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 76°F, with January the cold end at about 31°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. On Saddle Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. A slipway half a mile out gives trailer access. Public data has parking about half a mile from the shore. A campsite is mapped about half a mile away, which makes an early start easier. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Mill Lake, 2.1 miles away. Rules at Saddle Lake are worth checking on the day.