Little Calumet River

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 2
Species: 18

The Little Calumet River in Indiana offers diverse fishing opportunities year-round, with distinct sections providing habitat for a wide variety of fish species. This waterway connects to Lake Michigan in the northern part of the state, creating a unique ecosystem that supports both lake and river species. The river has been significantly influenced by its connection to Lake Michigan's fishery through stocking programs, particularly for trout and salmon species. With natural shorelines, deep pools, and varying water flows, the Little Calumet provides anglers with multiple fishing environments from quiet, wooded sections to more developed areas, making it a versatile destination for different fishing styles and target species.

Indiana licenses and regulations5 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Little Calumet 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

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Chinook Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Coho Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Freshwater Drum

Aplodinotus grunniens

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Quillback Carpsucker

Carpiodes cyprinus

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

Silver Redhorse

Moxostoma anisurum

Steelhead

White Perch

Morone americana

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Little Calumet 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.

Portage Marina Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Little Calumet 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 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 Little Calumet 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 Little Calumet River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Little Calumet 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 Little Calumet River and check the forecast before you go.