Monroe Lake
Monroe Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 13
- Access Points
- 14
- Species
- 13
Monroe Lake is the largest lake wholly within the state of Indiana, covering over 10,000 acres of water surface. Located near Bloomington in south-central Indiana, this expansive reservoir was once known as the Dead Sea due to poor fishing and limited fish populations, but in recent years has made a significant comeback with promising fishing opportunities. The lake features diverse underwater structure including submerged trees, rock piles, and drop-offs that provide ideal habitats for fish. With a maximum depth of 59 feet and water volume that fluctuates between 292 and 428 million cubic meters, Monroe Lake offers exceptional opportunities for fishing throughout the entire year.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Monroe Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Fish stocking schedule
Latest 5 stockings
- Walleye5,622,856 fish · 0.9 in2026
- Hybrid Striped Bass34,227 fish · 1.4 in2026
- Walleye1,573,606 fish · 0.7 in2025
- Hybrid Striped Bass53,750 fish · 1.1 in2025
- Walleye6,471,900 fish · 0.2 in2024
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 Monroe Lake. 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 Monroe Lake
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 Monroe Lake 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 Monroe Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Monroe Lake 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.
Get the onWater Fish app
Free on iOS and Android
Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Monroe Lake and check the forecast before you go.
SALT CREEK NEAR HARRODSBURG, IN
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