Central Beach

Saltwater
Beach

Central Beach

Saltwater
Beach

Sq. miles: 0.1
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 2

Central Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park offers a classic Great Lakes surf fishing experience on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. This expansive sandy beach is characterized by its proximity to the dunes and provides anglers with straightforward shore access to target a variety of species that inhabit the nearshore waters.

Indiana licenses and regulations5 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Central Beach and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Central Beach. 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.

Know where you can legally fish on Central Beach

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.

Indiana licenses and regulations

Indiana Dunes National Park Rules

Indiana State License Required. You need a valid Indiana state fishing license to fish anywhere in the park. Pick up your license before you arrive and keep it on you while fishing. Hook and Line Only. Fishing is only allowed with a hook and line, and your rod or line must be closely attended at all times. Crossbow fishing is not permitted in the park. No Chumming or Bait Digging. Placing fish eggs, food, fish parts, or any other substance in fresh water to attract fish is prohibited. Digging for bait or using bait dug from park grounds is also not allowed. Smelt Fishing Needs a Fire Permit. If you plan to smelt fish, you must carry a Smelt Season Fire Permit. Get yours at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center before heading out. No Motorized Boat Launches. Launching motorized vessels from any land within Indiana Dunes National Park is prohibited. Use commercial or county facilities in Porter, Lake, or LaPorte counties instead. Wear a Life Jacket on the Water. Always use a certified personal flotation device when on the water. Lake Michigan conditions can shift from calm to dangerous very quickly.

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Indiana 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.

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Indiana Fishing License

Non-resident youth age 17 or younger are exempt from a fishing license, state migratory waterfowl stamp, and gamebird habitat stamp.

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Indiana 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.

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Indiana Stream Access Laws

Public recreation and boating are allowed on all navigable, state-owned waters/riverbeds. That determination, however, can be difficult to ascertain. We recommend consulting a stream roster on indiana.gov

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Take Central Beach 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 Central Beach to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Central Beach to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android