Lake Wawasee

Boat Ramps: 4
Access Points: 4
Species: 20

Lake Wawasee is Indiana's largest natural lake, spanning over 3,000 surface acres in Kosciusko County near the town of Syracuse. This expansive body of water features an average depth of 22 feet and a maximum depth of 77 feet, creating diverse aquatic habitats. Fed by water from Lake Papakeechie, Wawasee is characterized by clear waters, numerous coves, channels, and extensive shoreline with abundant boat docks. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers alike, with its healthy fish populations supported by the Indiana DNR's fisheries management. Its combination of deep water areas, shallow weed beds, numerous points, and extensive structure makes Lake Wawasee a premier fishing destination in northeastern Indiana.

Indiana licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Lake Wawasee and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Wawasee. 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 Lake Wawasee

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.

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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 Lake Wawasee 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 Lake Wawasee to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Wawasee to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.