Vernon Payne Lake Fishing in Carroll County, Indiana

• Overview

  Vernon Payne Lake is one of the Carroll County waters in Indiana. It lies 745 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 3 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. The town to know is Flora, 4 miles out. The nearest city of size is Indianapolis, 53 miles away. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Vernon Payne Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. County-wide records name logperch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Vernon Payne Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 24°F in January to roughly 74°F in July. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid March. Break-up sits around mid March on average, with the water closing again about late December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Vernon Payne Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. For the perch, a small jig tipped with worm, dropped along the edges, is hard to beat. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Little Lake sits 10 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position at Vernon Payne Lake before loading the car.