Skip to main content

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon in Indiana are not native to the state, but are present in Lake Michigan and its tributaries as part of stocking programs that began in the late 1960s.

These anadromous fish spend their adult lives in Lake Michigan instead of the ocean, migrating to tributaries to spawn.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Indiana holds the state record Atlantic Salmon at 14 pounds 4 ounces, caught from Lake Michigan in Lake County in 1979.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Present in Lake Michigan and its tributaries.
  • These anadromous fish spend their adult lives in Lake Michigan instead of the ocean, migrating to tributaries to spawn.

Key Locations

  • Prime fishing locations include Lake Michigan waters off Indiana's 43-mile shoreline, particularly around Michigan City, East Chicago, Hammond, Portage, and Whiting.
  • Key fishing sites include Michigan City pier and basin, BP Whiting discharge, Hammond Marina breakwall, Portage Lakefront Park, Port of Indiana Shore Fishing Site, and various warm-water industrial discharges.
  • They migrate to tributaries like Trail Creek, the East Branch of Little Calumet River, Salt Creek, and the St.
  • Joseph River to spawn.

Specific Spots

  • Various warm-water industrial discharges, pier and basin areas, marina breakwalls, lakefront parks, and shore fishing sites.

Atlantic Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Salmon in Indiana?

Effective lures include small spoons (Little Cleos, KO Wobblers), body baits (Rapala sizes 7 and 9), spinners, and tube jigs tipped with waxworms. Live bait options include small spawn sacs, salmon skein, nightcrawlers, small pieces of shrimp, and minnows.

When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Salmon in Indiana?

Best during spring (March through May) and late spring through early summer. Winter fishing at warm-water discharges like BP Whiting and NIPSCO Michigan City can produce Atlantic Salmon. The spawning run typically occurs in September and October, during which time fishing should be avoided to protect reproducing fish.

How do you catch Atlantic Salmon in Indiana?

Use bobber rigs suspending bait 4-6 feet deep, or bottom rigs with slip sinkers and 18-24 inch leaders. Always carry a variety of lures and baits as fish preferences change daily.

What do Atlantic Salmon eat?

Atlantic Salmon in Indiana waters feed on alewives (their primary food source), yellow perch, rainbow smelt, bloaters, and various invertebrates including aquatic insects, water fleas, midge larvae, and freshwater shrimp. During spring and summer, they also consume terrestrial insects that fall into the water.

Where do Atlantic Salmon live in Indiana?

Present in Lake Michigan and its tributaries. These anadromous fish spend their adult lives in Lake Michigan instead of the ocean, migrating to tributaries to spawn.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Atlantic Salmon.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Atlantic Salmon water

    Pick Atlantic Salmon and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Atlantic Salmon

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Atlantic Salmon are.

Open the map, filter by Atlantic Salmon, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Indiana licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.