Schact Lake Fishing in Monroe County, Indiana

• Overview

  Out in Monroe County, Indiana, sits Schact Lake. The country here is rolling hill. It covers about 2 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Monroe County are larger. Supplies mean a trip to Bloomington, 5.7 miles off. For a city, Indianapolis is 42 miles off. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Schact Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Fish documented in Monroe County include bluegill, longear sunfish, rock bass and channel catfish. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Schact Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 75°F in July and bottom out at 28°F in January. Seasons here are moderate, and the fishing runs most of the year. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. At Schact Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. This sits inside Scarlet Oak Woods, so read the reserve notices first. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Bethal Lake at 3.5 miles is the sensible second choice. Where Schact Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.