Elkhart River
Elkhart River
- Boat Ramps
- 9
- Access Points
- 18
- Species
- 29
The Elkhart River flows through northern Indiana, offering diverse fishing opportunities throughout the year. This scenic waterway is characterized by its generally mild current between the Goshen Dam and Ox Bow County Park, making it accessible for anglers of all skill levels. The river supports a healthy population of game fish and provides both recreational experiences for casual anglers and challenging opportunities for more experienced fishermen. With a variety of access points, including parks and boat launches, the Elkhart River has established itself as a valuable fishing resource in Indiana's waterway system.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Elkhart River and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Black Bullhead
Ameiurus melas
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Brown Bullhead
Ameiurus nebulosus
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Golden Redhorse
Moxostoma erythrurum
Grass Pickerel
Esox americanus
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
Longnose Gar
Lepisosteus osseus
Northern Hogsucker
Hypentelium nigricans
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
Quillback Carpsucker
Carpiodes cyprinus
River Redhorse
Moxostoma carinatum
Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestris
Shorthead Redhorse Sucker
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
Silver Redhorse
Moxostoma anisurum
Spotted Sucker
Minytrema melanops
Steelhead
Warmouth Sunfish
Lepomis gulosus
White Sucker
Catostomus commersonii
Yellow Bullhead
Ameiurus natalis
Fish stocking schedule
All stockings · 1
- Walleye3,250 fish · 7.0 in2020
Source
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Elkhart 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.
Know where you can legally fish on Elkhart 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.
Indiana licenses and regulations
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.
Indiana Fishing License
Non-resident youth age 17 or younger are exempt from a fishing license, state migratory waterfowl stamp, and gamebird habitat stamp.
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.
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
Take Elkhart 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 Elkhart River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Elkhart River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Elkhart River and check the forecast before you go.
ELKHART RIVER AT GOSHEN, IN
All Flow Stations
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