Spring arrives across the southern Midwest in waves. First come the warmer afternoons and the smell of fresh earth in the woods. Then the dogwoods bloom and gobblers start sounding off from the ridge tops. Morel mushrooms return to the landscape, and somewhere in the middle of all that, the crappies begin moving shallow.
At 8,800 surface acres, Patoka Lake is the second-largest reservoir in Indiana. It’s located in the southwestern part of the state. The lake itself is impressive, with long winding coves and standing timber scattered throughout. It’s a well-known fishery for numerous species, but to me, Patoka is a crappie lake. It looks and feels exactly like the kind of water crappies love.
This time of year, most of the crappie action happens shallow. When water temperatures reach 50 degrees, begin looking for fish in less than seven feet of water, especially over solid bottoms near timber or brush. When you find the right pocket, the fishing can be fast and furious.
As water temperatures begin creeping upward of 60 degrees, the crappie spawn is on. You’ll find the fish along the banks in shallow coves. During this period, the bite can be excellent, and Patoka has built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s best lakes for catching limits of good-sized crappie.
The most common tactics for catching crappie is about as simple as fishing gets. Either cast a small jig and slowly retrieving it or rely on the old tried and true tactic of floating live minnows suspended beneath slip-bobbers. Minnow fishing is a method that has filled coolers for generations. Small jigs often work just as well and are especially beneficial when you want to cover more water to locate fish.
On good days, you’ll make a cast toward a submerged log, watch your bobber settle on the surface, then suddenly disappear. A quick lift of the rod and another slab crappie comes flipping into the boat. This magic period of the crappie spawn only lasts a few weeks, so make the most of it. Crappie have always been one of my favorite fish to chase, because when we catch them, we’re having a fish fry. When it comes to fish for dinner, they’re hard to beat.
Patoka isn’t just a lake; it’s an entire outdoor experience. With roughly 17,000 acres of public land wrapping around the lake, outdoor enthusiasts will not only catch fish but enjoy spectacular wildlife viewing as well. Deer and turkey are common. River otters slide along muddy banks. Osprey hover above open water before diving for fish. Bald eagles cruise the shoreline with slow, deliberate wingbeats. Whether you come to fish, hunt, hike, paddle or simply watch wildlife, the Patoka region offers a little bit of everything.
Spring also brings the tradition of morel mushroom hunting to the public lands around Patoka. After a morning on the water, it’s hard to resist slipping into the timber to see if any morels might be popping up on the forest floor. South-facing slopes often produce first because they warm up quickly in the spring sun. Fallen logs and the bases of elm trees, especially dead ones, are always worth checking. On a good day, anglers can catch a limit of crappie and pick a bushel basket of morels.
With so much to do, it’s easy to stretch a weekend into a full outdoor adventure. The Department of Natural Resources campground at Patoka offers roughly 500 campsites with modern amenities and plenty of activities for visitors. If you prefer something a little different, floating cabins and houseboats are also available for rent on the lake.
Once you’ve had your fill of the outdoors, the nearby towns offer plenty to explore. French Lick and West Baden are just fifteen minutes north of the lake. If you’ve never stepped inside the historic West Baden Springs Hotel, it’s worth the trip. The massive domed atrium and classic architecture are unlike anything else in Indiana. Jasper is about the same distance west, and for a memorable meal you can’t go wrong with the Schnitzelbank Restaurant, an authentic German dining destination that has earned a loyal following.
See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler
driftwoodoutdoors@gmail.com
Pic: As spring arrives across the southern Midwest, Patoka Lake becomes a hot spot for crappie fishing and mushroom hunting.
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