Skip to main content

Wabash River

Boat Ramps
31
Access Points
36
Species
57

The Wabash River is one of the largest free-flowing rivers east of the Mississippi, originating near Fort Recovery, Ohio and flowing southwest for approximately 500 miles through Indiana before forming the boundary between Indiana and Illinois until it meets the Ohio River above Old Shawneetown, Illinois. With a total drainage area of about 33,000 square miles (two-thirds of which is agricultural land), the Wabash River offers diverse fishing opportunities along its course. It flows unimpeded for over 400 miles from the Huntington Dam in Indiana to its confluence with the Ohio, making it a unique and vibrant fishing destination. Unlike other large Illinois rivers, the Wabash has no navigation channel, which contributes to its natural character and diverse fishery. The river's depth can vary significantly from just 6 inches to 50 feet depending on water levels.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Wabash River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

River Rd Access

River Rd Access

Access Point
Bluffton Rotary Park Access

Bluffton Rotary Park Access

Access Point
Wabash River Front Park Access

Wabash River Front Park Access

Access Point
Wabash River Access

Wabash River Access

Access Point
Roush Dam Access

Roush Dam Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Wabash River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Illinois licenses and regulations

Illinois Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Illinois Fishing License

All individuals who are 16 and over are required to have a fishing license. All youth who are below 16 may fish without a license.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Illinois Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Illinois Steam Access Laws

If the waterway is navigable in fact and the streambed is publicly owned, it is most likely fully accessible. If the streambed is privately owned, it is only accessible for navigation, not for hunting, fishing or portage.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Take Wabash River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Wabash River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Wabash River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Wabash River and check the forecast before you go.

WABASH RIVER AT COVINGTON, IN

Loading flow chart…
Latest
10 yr average

All Flow Stations

Explore Illinois waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Explore near Wabash River

Fish species
Fishing spots
Nearby waters
More in Illinois

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.