Fishing in Allen County, Indiana
County seat: Fort Wayne. Population 385,410 (2020 Census).
- 8lake pages
- 9DNR boat ramps
- 7river pages
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How Allen County shapes up for fishing
The 2020 Census counted 385,410 people in Allen County; Fort Wayne is the seat. Its own DNR lakes carry the number for DNR fisheries district 3 in the state lake layer.
Biggest among 8 county lake pages: Everett Lake. County lines hold 9 boat ramps by the DNR access count. Walk-up fishing comes from 11 piers and shore sites in DNR data. The DNR stocking dashboard holds 101 stocking rows for county waters.
Census 2020 population; Indiana DNR public lakes layer (county, owner, fisheries district number, location text), read November 5, 2026. Indiana DNR Fishing Access Sites layer (shown on the DNR Where to Fish map; attributes as recorded, blank where not recorded), read November 5, 2026. Indiana DNR fish stocking dashboard (year, month, water, species, number and average length as listed; repeat stockings summed by DNR), read November 5, 2026.
Mapped boat and bank access in Allen County
Indiana DNR Fishing Access Sites layer (shown on the DNR Where to Fish map; attributes as recorded, blank where not recorded), read November 5, 2026. Lake points from the Indiana DNR public lakes layer (county, owner, fisheries district number, location text), read November 5, 2026.
Glacial lakes, pits and reservoirs of Allen County
| Lake | Area | Max depth | Kind | Ramps | Fish the DNR names |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everett Lake | 44 acres (NHD outline area) | 42 ft maximum depth (DNR Status & Trends survey, 2010) | lake | 1 | bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass |
| Shoaff Lake | 15 acres (NHD outline area) | lake | 0 | bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie | |
| Cedarville Reservoir | reservoir | 1 | common carp, catfish | ||
| Hurshtown Reservoir | reservoir | 1 | smallmouth bass, channel catfish | ||
| Lakeside Park Pond | pond | 0 | bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass | ||
| Reservoir Park Pond | reservoir | 0 | channel catfish, largemouth bass | ||
| Salomon Farm Park Pond | pond | 0 | bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass | ||
| Swinney Park Pond | pond | 0 | channel catfish |
Acres are the NHD outline area of the mapped lake (USGS National Hydrography Dataset via IndianaMap), not a DNR survey figure. Maximum depths from DNR Status & Trends surveys with the survey year. Indiana DNR Fishing Access Sites layer (shown on the DNR Where to Fish map; attributes as recorded, blank where not recorded), read November 5, 2026.
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Each bar is a tally of lake pages within 50 miles of Fort Wayne naming the fish; bluegill is first.
Species the DNR names on lakes and access sites, the DNR stocking dashboard and record list, counted per lake page within 50 miles; not a survey of fish numbers.
Allen County ponds named here without a guide
A further 3 named waters of Allen County are rows here rather than pages.
| Water | Kind | Area | Nearest town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franke Park Pond | pond | Fort Wayne | |
| Monroeville Park Pond | pond | Monroeville | |
| Schoaff Park Pond | pond | Fort Wayne |
Indiana DNR public lakes layer (county, owner, fisheries district number, location text), read November 5, 2026. Acres are the NHD outline area of the mapped lake (USGS National Hydrography Dataset via IndianaMap), not a DNR survey figure.
Current to fish in Allen County
- Cedar Creek (Allen and DeKalb Counties)NRC Outstanding River (2013 list), 2 USGS gauges
- Eel River (Allen and Cass Counties)NRC Outstanding River (2013 list), 7 DNR access sites, 2 USGS gauges
- Little RiverNRC Outstanding River (2013 list), 1 USGS gauge
- Spy Run CreekDNR put-and-take salmonid stream, 1 USGS gauge
- Saint Marys River1 DNR access site, 4 USGS gauges
- Maumee River2 DNR access sites, 3 USGS gauges
- Saint Joseph River (Allen and DeKalb Counties)5 DNR access sites, 1 USGS gauge
Allen County USGS stations
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Maumee River At New Haven, In | 265 cfs, 3.02 ft gage height | Nov 12 10:30 pm |
| Maumee River At Fort Wayne, In | 167 cfs, 1.61 ft gage height | Nov 12 10:45 pm |
| St. Marys River At Main St. At Fort Wayne, In | 50 cfs, 4.19 ft gage height | Nov 12 10:15 pm |
| Cedar Creek Near Cedarville, In | 54 cfs, 1.35 ft gage height | Nov 12 10:30 pm |
| St. Marys River Near Fort Wayne, In | 82 cfs, 1.32 ft gage height | Nov 12 11:00 pm |
| Spy Run Creek Near Park Drive At Fort Wayne, In | 6 cfs, 6.05 ft gage height | Nov 12 11:00 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 11:32 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
NHD named flowlines (mapped length in Indiana), DNR Outstanding River, put-and-take and salmonid stream lists, DNR access sites and USGS gauges (live readings); read November 5, 2026.
Dated stream stages near Allen County
| Gauge | Reading | Flow | Flood category | Time (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maumee River at Columbia St. at Ft. Wayne | 12.51 ft | – | not defined | 2026-11-05 20:00:00 UTC |
| St. Marys River at Fort Wayne Main Street | 7.81 ft | – | not defined | 2026-11-05 19:45:00 UTC |
| Spy Run Creek at Ft. Wayne Childrens Zoo | 6.05 ft | 0.0055 kcfs | no flooding | 2026-11-05 19:00:00 UTC |
| Maumee River at Fort Wayne | 1.59 ft | 0.0953 kcfs | no flooding | 2026-11-05 19:45:00 UTC |
| St. Joseph River (OH/IN) at Ft. Wayne at Parnell Ave | 6.84 ft | – | not defined | 2026-11-05 19:45:00 UTC |
Weather Service values here were read once and keep their own time stamp.
NOAA National Water Prediction Service gauge readings (water.noaa.gov), read November 5, 2026; dated readings, not live (kcfs = thousand cubic feet per second).
Allen County access sites for trailers
- Cedarville Reservoir boat rampCedarville Reservoir, concrete ramp, courtesy dock, ADA access, restrooms, lights, no fee recorded
- Everett Lake boat rampEverett Lake, concrete ramp, courtesy dock, ADA access, restrooms, no fee recorded
- Guldlin Park on Saint Marys RiverSaint Marys River, concrete ramp, courtesy dock, ADA access, restrooms, no fee recorded
- Hurshtown Reservoir boat rampHurshtown Reservoir, concrete ramp, courtesy dock, ADA access, restrooms, lights, fee: Entry Fee, Electric only
- Johnny Appleseed boat ramp on Saint Joseph River (Allen and DeKalb Counties)Saint Joseph River (Allen and DeKalb Counties), boat ramp, fishing pier, courtesy dock, restrooms, lights, no fee recorded
- Maumee Dam Public Access SiteMaumee River, boat ramp, no fee recorded
- Mayhew Bridge boat ramp on Saint Joseph River (Allen and DeKalb Counties)Saint Joseph River (Allen and DeKalb Counties), concrete ramp, ADA access, no fee recorded
- North River Road Trailhead and Boat Ramp on Maumee RiverMaumee River, boat ramp, restrooms, no fee recorded
- Shoaff Park Ramp on Saint Joseph River (Allen and DeKalb Counties)Saint Joseph River (Allen and DeKalb Counties), boat ramp, no fee recorded
Shore sites and piers of Allen County
- Lakeside Park PondLakeside Park Pond, shore access, restrooms, lights, no fee recorded
- Northeast Lakeside Pond (Lakeside Park) on Lakeside Park PondLakeside Park Pond, urban fishing site
- Salomon Farm Pond shore access on Salomon Farm Park PondSalomon Farm Park Pond, shore access, restrooms, no fee recorded
- Shoaff Lake shore accessShoaff Lake, fishing pier, ADA access, restrooms, lights, no fee recorded
- Spy Run Creek (Franke Park) on Shoaff LakeShoaff Lake, urban fishing site
- Swinney Park PondSwinney Park Pond, shore access, lights, no fee recorded
- Cedar Creek Hursh Road AccessCedar Creek (Allen and DeKalb Counties), shore access, no fee recorded
- Cedar Creek shore accessCedar Creek (Allen and DeKalb Counties), shore access, no fee recorded
- Maumee River Public Fishing SiteMaumee River, shore access, no fee recorded
- Reservoir Park PondReservoir Park Pond, shore access, no fee recorded
- Spy Run Creek Urban Fishing SiteSpy Run Creek, shore access
Carry-down launches in Allen County
- Promenade Park on Saint Marys RiverSaint Marys River
Indiana DNR Fishing Access Sites layer (shown on the DNR Where to Fish map; attributes as recorded, blank where not recorded), read November 5, 2026.
Stocking rows for Allen County lakes
| Year | Month | Water | Species (as listed) | Number | Avg length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June | Reservoir Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 375 | 12.0 |
| 2026 | May | Cedar Creek (Allen and DeKalb Counties) | Brown Trout | 300 | 9.81 |
| 2026 | Multiple | Lakeside Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 375 | 11.8 |
| 2026 | Multiple | Spy Run Creek | Rainbow Trout | 615 | 12.32 |
| 2025 | June | Reservoir Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 370 | 12.8 |
| 2025 | May | Cedar Creek (Allen and DeKalb Counties) | Brown Trout | 400 | 7.5 |
| 2025 | Multiple | Lakeside Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 375 | 13.27 |
| 2025 | Multiple | Spy Run Creek | Rainbow Trout | 406 | 10.05 |
| 2024 | June | Reservoir Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 375 | 12.6 |
| 2024 | April | Cedar Creek (Allen and DeKalb Counties) | Brown Trout | 300 | 9.3 |
| 2024 | April | Spy Run Creek | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 9.0 |
| 2024 | Multiple | Lakeside Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 325 | 12.82 |
| 2023 | June | Reservoir Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 625 | 12.96 |
| 2023 | April | Spy Run Creek | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 10.24 |
| 2023 | Multiple | Lakeside Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 725 | 10.5 |
| 2022 | October | Everett Lake | Muskie | 344 | 8.55 |
| 2022 | June | Reservoir Park Pond | Largemouth Bass | 23 | 15.6 |
| 2022 | Multiple | Lakeside Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 1,100 | 10.77 |
| 2022 | Multiple | Reservoir Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 1,050 | 11.01 |
| 2022 | Multiple | Spy Run Creek | Rainbow Trout | 450 | 10.64 |
| 2021 | Multiple | Lakeside Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 700 | 12.65 |
| 2021 | Multiple | Spy Run Creek | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 11.69 |
| 2020 | Multiple | Lakeside Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 686 | 13.05 |
| 2020 | Multiple | Spy Run Creek | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 11.33 |
| 2019 | Multiple | Lakeside Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 800 | 13.12 |
| 2019 | Multiple | Spy Run Creek | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 13.24 |
| 2018 | November | Everett Lake | Muskie | 215 | 8.82 |
| 2018 | April | Spy Run Creek | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 11.6 |
| 2018 | Multiple | Lakeside Park Pond | Channel Catfish | 1,012 | 12.61 |
| 2017 | October | Everett Lake | Muskie | 86 | 10.25 |
Planned trout releases for Allen County
| Season | Water as printed | Location | Planned number | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening day streams, north | Cedar Creek | 300 | Brown Trout | |
| Opening day streams, north | Spy Run – Franke Park | 400 | Rainbow Trout | |
| Fall (mid-to-late October) | Shoaff Park Pond, Fort Wayne | 300 | Rainbow Trout | |
| Fall (mid-to-late October) | Spy Run Creek, Franke Park | 200 | Rainbow Trout |
Indiana DNR fish stocking dashboard (year, month, water, species, number and average length as listed; repeat stockings summed by DNR), read November 5, 2026; rows reach the county through the water they name. Indiana DNR 2026 trout stocking plan (updated March 20, 2026; planned targets, DNR notes actual numbers may vary), read November 5, 2026.
The 2026-27 guide rows for Allen County
Waters of Allen County follow the statewide rows below unless the guide names them as a special regulation water. Plan on $23 for a resident annual license, or $60 if you live outside Indiana.
| Species | Daily limit | Size limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Unlimited | no size limit |
| Redear Sunfish | 25 | no size limit |
| Black Bass: largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass (in lakes) | 5, any combination of largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass | 14 inches |
| Black Bass: largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass (in rivers and streams) | 5, any combination of largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass | No fish 12 to 15 inches may be kept, and no more than two fish over 15 inches may be kept |
| Black Bass: largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass (in Lake Michigan) | 3, any combination of largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass | 14 inches |
| Yellow Bass | Unlimited | no size limit |
| White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass | 12, any combination of white bass or hybrid striped bass | No more than two fish may exceed 17 inches |
| Striped Bass | 2 | no size limit |
| Rock Bass | 25 | no size limit |
| Crappie | 25 | no size limit |
| Walleye, Walleye-Sauger Hybrid (Saugeye), Sauger | 6, any combination of walleye, walleye-sauger hybrid, and sauger | For walleye: 14 inches south of SR 26; 16 inches north of SR 26 For sauger and saugeye: No size limit |
| Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge | 1 muskellunge or 1 tiger muskellunge | 36 inches |
| Northern Pike | 3 | 24 inches; no more than one 30 inches or longer |
| Yellow Perch | Unlimited (15 only on Lake Michigan) | no size limit |
| Catfish: Channel, Blue, Flathead (in rivers and streams) | Unlimited | 13 inches; not more than one blue catfish that’s at least 35 inches, one flathead catfish at least 35 inches, and one channel catfish at least 28 inches or longer may be kept |
| Catfish: Channel, Blue, Flathead (in lakes) | 10 | None; not more than one blue catfish that’s at least 35 inches, one flathead catfish at least 35 inches, and one channel catfish at least 28 inches or longer may be kept |
| Bullhead | Unlimited | no size limit |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Unlimited | 25 inches (fork length) |
Allen County lakes the guide singles out (1)
| Water (counties) | Species | Rule as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Spy Run Creek (Allen) | Trout | Closed April 15 to the last Saturday in April (opening day) on the stocked section while DNR completes trout stockings |
Statewide limits as printed, 2026-2027 Indiana Fishing Regulations Guide (eRegulations, linked from the Indiana DNR), read November 5, 2026. Special regulation waters as printed, 2026-2027 Indiana Fishing Regulations Guide (eRegulations, linked from the Indiana DNR), read November 5, 2026. Indiana DNR license fees (license year April 1 to March 31), read November 5, 2026.
Hoosier record holders close to Allen County
Allen County holds no state record, so the closest record waters follow.
| Species | Weight | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotted Gar | 9 lb. 11 oz. | Rivir Lake | Noble County | 2024 |
| Muskellunge | 42 lb. 8 oz. | James Lake | Kosciusko County | 2002 |
| Common Carp | 43 lb. 4 oz. | Pike Lake | Kosciusko County | 1989 |
| Brook Trout | 3 lb. 15.5 oz. | Lake Gage | Steuben County | 1973 |
Indiana DNR Indiana Record Fish Program list (keeper: Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife (Indiana Record Fish Program); angler names left off here), read November 5, 2026.
Weigh-ins on Allen County water
1 organizer events tie to Allen County water, and 1 are still ahead.
| Date | Event | Water | Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 11, 2027 | Anglers Choice Northeast Indiana at Cedarville Reservoir (11 Jul 2027) | Cedarville Reservoir | Anglers Choice Northeast Indiana |
Organizer schedule and results pages (the DNR publishes no tournament calendar); most listings are Indiana Bass Federation member club events; checked November 2026.
Shops and hired help in Allen County
Minnows, line and lures in Allen County
- Ben's Bait and Tacklebait and tackle shop, Fort Wayne
- Lafayette Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Fort Wayne
- North Side Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Fort Wayne
- Pro Tackle Outfittersbait and tackle shop, Fort Wayne
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Fort Waynesporting goods store, Fort Wayne
- Dick's Sporting Goods Fort Wayne, 1520 Apple Glen Blvd.sporting goods store, Fort Wayne
- Dick's Sporting Goods Fort Wayne, 256-309 Coliseum Blvd.sporting goods store, Fort Wayne
- Dockside Servicesmarina, Fort Wayne
Yellow Pages, chain store and DNR property listings; the DNR licensed fishing guide list and tourism bureau charter listings (matched by the waters they list or their county), read November 5, 2026.
Next stops from Allen County
Communities inside Allen County
- Fort Waynepop. 263,886
- New Havenpop. 15,583
- Huntertownpop. 9,141
- Leo-Cedarvillepop. 3,624
- Woodburnpop. 1,551
- Monroevillepop. 1,294
- Grabillpop. 1,112
The counties ringing Allen County
- DeKalb County21 miles north
- Whitley County23 miles west
- Adams County25 miles south
- Wells County26 miles south
A Piscifun lineup sized for Allen County
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Hoosier lakes and creeks near Allen County, on camera
Photo: Sarah Stierch, CC BY 2.0
Photo: LouisvilleUSACE, CC BY 2.0
Photo: David Wilson, CC BY 2.0
Photo: LouisvilleUSACE, CC BY 2.0
Common questions for Allen County anglers
Where can a trailered boat be launched in Allen County?
You can pick from 9 boat ramps, Cedarville Reservoir boat ramp among them.
Which lake in Allen County maps the largest?
Everett Lake, at 44 acres (NHD outline area).
Which fish live in the lakes around Allen County, per the DNR?
Bluegill leads the count of lake pages within 50 miles, then largemouth bass, redear sunfish and channel catfish; the DNR names them on lake and access records.
Which listed shops in Allen County carry fishing gear?
The listings hold 8 here, such as Ben's Bait and Tackle.
Where is Allen County county business done?
Courthouse business happens in Fort Wayne.
What does the DNR charge to fish Allen County water?
Plan on $23 for a resident annual license, or $60 if you live outside Indiana.
Which counties border Allen County?
DeKalb County, Whitley County and Adams County sit closest on the map.
Which district does the DNR lake layer give Allen County?
The DNR lake layer gives the county's own lakes the number for DNR fisheries district 3.
Where can kids fish without a boat in Allen County?
The DNR layer lists 11 piers and shore sites, such as Lakeside Park Pond.
When is the next posted weigh-in on Allen County water?
1 event on file; the next is Anglers Choice Northeast Indiana at Cedarville Reservoir (11 Jul 2027) on Cedarville Reservoir, July 11, 2027.
Does the fishing guide name Allen County lakes separately?
The guide lists 1 special regulation water in this county, starting with Spy Run Creek; the table above shows each.
Which fish did the DNR release into Allen County lately?
The DNR dashboard carries 101 rows; the newest lists 615 Rainbow Trout, 12.32 in average (Multiple 2026) in Spy Run Creek.
Give a sunrise to the lakes of Allen County
Each ramp page opens with a directions link.