Late fall is prime time for muskie fishing

Late fall is a great time to fish for muskie because the fish are feeding aggressively to prepare for the cold months ahead. Weed beds that provide cover for fish during the summer have also thinned, leaving muskies roaming open water.

Tracking studies by Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists show muskies expand their range more in fall than any other season, meaning more fishing spots will have the species.

Indiana’s stocking program continues to support healthy muskie populations statewide, stocking 22,960 muskies across 10 bodies of water last month. Stocked fish ranged from 9.42 to 11.77 inches long.

DNR stocked 6,051 fish in Brookville Lake, 5,665 in the Tippecanoe Lake chain, and 4,250 in the Barbee Lake chain. DNR also supplied 3,096 muskie to Webster Lake, which is the lake from which the muskie stocking program gets its eggs.

Anglers hoping to take advantage of this late-season opportunity should target the remaining weed beds, which still attract prey fish and provide cover, using large lures or live suckers for bait to entice bigger strikes. Persistence is key, as muskies are on the move and may be as likely to find you as you are to find them.

“Fall muskie fishing is one of Indiana’s best-kept secrets, and anglers can land some trophy size fish,” says Tyler Delauder, Indiana DNR’s fisheries biologist.

For all stocking numbers, go to on.IN.gov/fish-stocking and click on Fish Stocking Dashboard.

Learn more about Indiana DNR’s muskie program at wildlife.IN.gov/fishing/muskie-fishing.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.