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LAKES GUIDE

NOBLE COUNTY

What’s Inside

Noble County is a premier destination for anglers, offering 117 natural kettle lakes and excellent year-round fishing. Whether you are targeting panfish, bass, or muskellunge, you can explore the county’s waters using the Visit Noble County Guide for public access sites and local amenities.

Our Mission: To promote tourism by connecting partners and events, developing unique assets and enriching visitors’ experiences in a way that contributes to economic growth.

TOP FISHING SPOTS IN NOBLE COUNTY

• Sylvan Lake (Rome City): Widely recognized as one of Indiana’s top panfishing lakes. It features abundant, large bluegill (often reaching 9 inches), as well as healthy populations of largemouth bass and crappie. Target the Cain Basin on the east end and the 8 to 10-foot drop-offs.

• Chain O’ Lakes State Park (Albion): This interconnected system of 8 kettle lakes (including Sand-River and Bowen lakes) is a small-boater’s dream. The park strictly allows electric trolling motors only, which keeps the water quiet and pristine. It is highly rated for bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and crappie.

• Loon Lake (Near the Whitley/Noble County line: A deep (92-foot) natural lake known for producing trophy catches. It offers great opportunities for largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch, and is one of the premier muskellunge fisheries in the area.

• Knapp Lake (West of Wolf Lake): An 88-acre lake with a maximum depth of 59 feet. It boasts excellent structural diversity, holding strong populations of largemouth bass, northern pike, redear sunfish, and crappie.

• Bixler Lake (Kendallville): A convenient city park lake that is regularly stocked and easily accessible from the shore or via small boats. It is historically known for producing great catches of largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.

• Cree Lake (Kendallville): Near State Road 3

• Skinner Lake (Albion): Off State Road 8. Visit Noble County 401 E. Diamond Street, Suite 112 Kendallville, IN 46755 www.visitnoblecounty.org

INDIANA ANNUAL LICENSES & STAMP PRIVILEGES

RESIDENT LICENSES

Combination Licenses:

Hunting & Fishing

$32 00 Youth Consolidated Hunt/Trap $12 00

Fishing:

Annual Fishing

$23 .00

One-day Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon) $10 00

Annual Senior Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon)

$3 .00

Senior Fish-For-Life (includes Trout/Salmon) $23 .00

Voluntary Senior Annual Fishing

Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege

Hunting:

Annual Hunting

Deer License Bundle

Deer Hunting (per type & season)

Spring Turkey

Fall Turkey

Hunting Stamp Privileges:

Waterfowl Stamp Privilege

Game Bird Habitat Stamp Privilege

Trapping:

Annual Trapping

Bobcat

Disabled American Veterans:

Hunting & Fishing

(does not include deer or turkey)

10-Year DAV Hunting & Fishing

$3 .00

$11 .00

$20 .00

$91 .00

$39 00

$32 00

$32 .00

$11 00

$11 .00

$20 00

$15 .00

$2 75

(does not include deer or turkey) $27 .50

NON-RESIDENT LICENSES

All 2026 annual licenses and stamp privileges are valid from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. 2026 license fees are subject to change by the Natural Resources Commission. For a list of current license fees, go to www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife or call (317) 232-4200.

AGE OPERATOR

RESTRICTIONS:

Indiana Boating Safety

All Motorboat or PWC operators in Indiana must have a valid driver’s license to operate on all public waters Operators who are at least 15 years of age and don’t have a driver’s license may operate a motor vessel if they take a NASBLA approved boater education course and have an I D Card on board issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

PERSONAL FLOTATION

DEVICES (PFD):

Boats less than 16 feet long, and a canoe or kayak of any length, must have onboard a wearable U S C G approved PFD for everyone onboard or being towed

Boats 16 feet and longer must have wearable PFDs for everyone onboard and readily accessible

Personal Watercraft operators and passengers must wear an approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD .

Required PFDs must be readily accessible

RECKLESS OPERATION:

Reckless operation of a boat, when a boat is operated carelessly in willful disregard of the rights, safety, or property of others, is a crime in Indiana Examples of reckless operation include:

• Excessive speed in regulated or congested areas or during times of restricted visibility

• Operating in a manner that may cause an accident

• Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Operating in a swimming area with swimmers present

• Towing water skiers where obstructions exist or a fall might cause them to be injured

• Bow riding or riding on the gunwale or transom where no seating is provided

• Operation of a personal watercraft which endangers life or property

EXHAUST MUFFLER REQUIRED:

No person shall operate any powercraft without a muffler, underwater exhaust, or other device that muffles or suppresses the sound of the exhaust at all speeds

WATER SKIING/TUBING:

No person shall tow a person on water skis, tube, or similar device without an observer (in addition to the boat operator) aboard to observe the skier and the towline .

Water skiing/tubing is not permitted between after sunset and before sunrise

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC):

Persons less than 15 years of age shall not operate a Personal Watercraft Each person on a Personal Watercraft (PWC) must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD Additionally, the operator must wear a lanyard type cut off switch provided by the manufacturer which will shut off the PWC should the operator fall off

A PWC is a boat and operators of PWCs must obey all boating regulations and requirements . PWC operators must adhere to additional legal requirements that apply specifically to the operation of PWCs on Indiana waterss. The operator of a Personal Watercraft should operate in a reasonable and prudent manner

PWCs may be operated during daylight hours only unless equipped with the appropriate lighting

PWCs may be used to tow skiers/ tubes if the PWC is designed to seat at least three people and is at least 9 feet long Also, a person other than the operator must be onboard as an observer

BOAT LIGHT REQUIREMENTS:

Boats under way between sunset and sunrise must display a green bow light on the starboard (right) and red bow light on the port (left), as well as an “all around” (visible from 360 degrees) white light on the stern . Boats at anchor must display one all around white light visible to any approaching crafts Rowboats or paddleboats must have an all around white light ready to display in time to prevent collision

BOATING WHILE INTOXICATED:

Operating a boat or PWC while intoxicated is against the law Refusal to submit to a test may result in loss of operating privileges for at least one year

SPEED LIMITS AFTER “OFFICIAL SUNSET”:

No skiing, or any other activity requiring speeds in excess of 10 MPH may be engaged in between the official time of sunset and sunrise. Syracuse has a flashing beacon light on the NW corner of the lake (at the public pier) that starts flashing at sunset

DAMAGE TO MARKER BUOYS:

The Lake Association has been charged by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources with the responsibility of placing and maintaining State-Owned Marker Buoys These are placed less than 200 feet from shore in locations considered particularly critical as warning to boaters to keep their distance from shore (such as off point of land) or to reduce their speed (such as entries to channels) Intentional damage or other interference with these buoys is a crime against the State and carries a severe fine, a jail sentence, or both. These buoys are anchored with a chain and will probably damage a boat if hit

LEGAL DISTANCE FROM SHORE:

It is unlawful to operate a motorized boat closer than 200 feet from the shoreline, unless coming or going from the shore; also to operate at greater than idle speed closer than 200 feet from shore

REGISTRATION/TITLING:

All motorboats operated on the waters of Indiana must be registered and numbered Motorboats legally registered in another state can be used in Indiana for 60 consecutive days before an Indiana registration is required

Indiana and federal boating laws are presented in a summarized form . The laws in their entirety can be found by consulting Indiana State Law These laws are subject to change . It is the responsibility of the operator to be aware of the most current laws when using a boat

Certain bodies of water in Indiana have local restrictions as to type and size of watercraft or motor horsepower, restricted use areas, boat speed, and times for use Check with the local authorities for these additional restrictions

You may obtain registration and title application forms at any BMV location

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Department of Natural Resources

402 West Washington St., Room W160A Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 232-4200

Indiana Fishing & License Regulations 2026-27

WHO REQUIRES A FISHING LICENSE

With a few exceptions, a valid fishing license issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is required to fish in public lakes, streams, rivers, tributaries, and boundary waters in Indiana An individual may not take another individual sport fishing for hire on public waters, including boundary waters like Lake Michigan, without a fishing guide license

A licensee must hold an ink-signed copy of a license while fishing, signed electronic copies are acceptable You must present the license to an Indiana Conservation Officer (or any other authorized law enforcement official) upon request. There are fines and penalties for fishing without a license. To legally fish for or take trout and salmon from public waters, you must have a valid trout/ salmon stamp and a valid fishing license.

• Resident owners or lessees of Indiana farmland who farm that land, their spouses and children living with them, while fishing on the farmland they own or lease This exemption does not apply to land owned by a business, corporation, or partnership unless the shareholders, partners, members, or owners are composed solely of an immediate family and farm that land Farmland means agricultural land that is devoted to or best adaptable to the production of crops, fruits, timber, or raising livestock, or is assessed as agricultural land for property tax purposes

• Some non-resident landowners, while fishing in public waters from the farmland they own, according to the exemptions that their state provides to Indiana residents

To qualify for resident fishing licenses, a person must have established a true fixed and permanent home and primary residence in Indiana for 60 consecutive days prior to purchasing a license or permit and may not claim residency for fishing, hunting, or trapping in another state or country. All other people are considered nonresidents

Indiana residents must be at least sixty four (64) years of age to be eligible to buy a Senior Annual or Senior Fish for Life License . The Senior Fish for Life License is valid for the rest of the holder’s life and includes the trout/ salmon stamp Indiana residents who were born before April 1, 1943, do not need a fishing license when fishing in Indiana waters.

A fishing license may be revoked if the license holder is convicted of violating fish and wildlife regulations. Any equipment used in the violation of Indiana fish and wildlife laws may be seized for evidence and be confiscated upon conviction

FISHING LICENSE EXEMPTIONS

A fishing license and trout/salmon stamp are NOT required for: Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943 Such residents should carry their valid Indiana driver’s license or other identification to verify age and residency.

• Residents and non-residents under age 18 .

• Residents who are legally blind Proof of being legally blind is not required while fishing.

• Residents of a state-owned mental rehabilitation facility

• Residents of any licensed health care facility in Indiana taking part in a supervised fishing activity sponsored by the facility.

• Residents who have a developmental disability as defined by IC 12-7-261. Proof of the disability is not required while fishing.

• Fishing in a private pond that does not allow fish entry from or exit to public waters However, an angler must have permission from the property owner to fish.

• Residents of Indiana engaged in full-time military service while on approved military leave However, the angler must carry leave orders and a valid Indiana Driver’s License or voter registration card

NOTE: Nonresident military personnel on active duty and stationed in Indiana may purchase an Indiana resident license . Resident disabled American veterans can get an annual DAV fishing and/or small game hunting license for $2.75 or 10-year license for $27.50 by first completing an application form available from the County Service Officer where they live or by downloading the application at fishing.IN.gov and clicking “Fishing License,” then “Licenses and Permits for Hunters and Anglers with Disabilities ” Mail the completed form to: DNR Customer Service Center: 402 W Washington St ., Room W160, Indianapolis, IN 46204

HOW TO BUY A LICENSE

Online … Go to: on IN gov/INHuntFish

In Person … To find a retailer near you, visit Fishing.IN.gov, select “Buy your license in person or by mail” then click “Find an authorized license vendor” or visit the DNR Customer Service Center, Indiana Government Center South, 402 W . Washington St , Room W160, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Open 8:30 a m to 4 p m , Monday-Friday

By Mail … Send check, money order (payable to Indiana DNR) or Visa, Master Card, or Discover card number with expiration date and CVV code to:

DNR Customer Service Center, Attn: Licenses 402 W Washington St , Room W160 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739

Allow two weeks for delivery . Include the following information:

• Name, date of birth and Social Security Number (mandatory)

• Complete address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number

• Height, weight, color of hair and eyes

• Specify the licenses including the season .

• Hunter Education certificate number if born after Dec. 31, 1986. By Phone … Call (317) 232-4200

BEAR AND HIGH LAKES

Approximate Acres of Water — Bear Lake: 136; High Lake: 121

Best Fishing — Bear Lake: Bluegill, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass

High Lake: Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass

Lake Bottom — Bear Lake: Gravel, Muck, Sand

High Lake: Marl, Muck, Sand

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BEAR LAKE

BIG/CROOKED LAKES

Approximate Acres of Water — Big Lake: 228; Crooked Lake: 206 Best Fishing — Big Lake: Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Redear Sunfish

Crooked Lake: Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish Lake Bottom — Big Lake: Marl, Muck, Sand

Crooked Lake: Marl, Muck, Sand

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BIXLER/LITTLE LONG/ROUND LAKES

Approximate Acres of Water — Bixler Lake: 117; Little Long Lake: 71; Round Lake: 99 Best Fishing — Bixler Lake: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Common Carp Little Long/Round Lake: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Common Carp, Walleye Lake Bottom — Bixler Lake: Muck, Marl, Sand; Little Long Lake: Marl, Sand; Round Lake: Marl, Sand

LITTLE LONG LAKE

CREE LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 76

Best Fishing — Bluegill, Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Spotted Gar

DIAMOND/EAGLE LAKES

Approximate Acres of Water — Diamond Lake: 105; Eagle Lake: 81 Best Fishing — Diamond Lake: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass Eagle Lake: Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Bullhead, Redear Sunfish Lake Bottom — Diamond Lake: Marl, Muck, Sand; Eagle Lake: Marl

LIGONIER

KENDALLVILLE

Noble County Map

https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/fishing/fisheries-status-and-trends/

PUBLIC ACCESS SITES

Bear Lake

Big Lake

Bixler Lake

Crane Lake

Cree Lake

Crooked Lake

Diamond Lake

Eagle Lake

Engle Lake

Knapp Lake

Loon Lake

Old Lake

Skinner Lake

Smalley Lake

Sparta Lake

SR 109 to CR 200 South to S . Lakeshore Dr .

Just west of SR 109 on W . Lakeshore Dr .

Diamond St . to Lake St .

Just east of CR 300 West on CR 500 South

South of Cree Lake Dr . North on SR 3

Just east of SR 109 on S . Woodstrail Rd .

South of CR 600 North on CR 475 West

US 33 to CR500 North

CR 750 West to W . Highland Dr .

CR 900 West to CR 950 West / CR 90 South

CR 600 West / County Line Road to CR 700 North

CR 700 North to CR 350 West

Just north of SR 8 on N . Skinner Lake Dr . West

CR 350 South to CR 850 West

US 33 to Maple St .

Sylvan Lake On Kelley St . (SR 9) just south of Washington St .

Upper Long Lake

Village Lake

West Lakes

US 33 to CR 100 North to N . Long Lake Rd . to CR 25 North to N . Hazelwood Dr .

South of CR 100 North on SR 5

(Elkhart River Public Access to West Lakes)

CR 1050 North to CR 125 West to W . River Dr .

ENGLE LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 48

Best Fishing — Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch

KNAPP/VILLAGE/DUELY/RIDER/GORDY/ HINDMAN/MOSS/HARPER LAKES

Approximate Acres of Water — Knapp Lake: 120; Village Lake: 76; Duely Lake: 21; Rider Lake: 1; Gordy Lake: 29; Hindman Lake: 9; Moss Lake: 9; Harper Lake: 16.5

Best Fishing — All Lakes in Village Chain: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch Lake Bottom — Knapp Lake: Marl, Muck, Sand

LOON/OLD LAKES

Approximate Acres of Water — Loon Lake: 222; Old Lake: 34

Best Fishing — Loon Lake: Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Muskie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Redear Sunfish

Old Lake: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie Lake Bottom — Loon Lake: Marl, Muck, Sand, Clay

OLD LAKE

LOON LAKE

SKINNER LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 125 Best Fishing — Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Muskie

SKINNER LAKE

SMALLEY/HORSESHOE LAKES

Approximate Acres of Water — Smalley Lake: 69; Horseshoe Lake: 20 Best Fishing — Smalley Lake: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Spotted Gar

HORSESHOE LAKE

SPARTA LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 31

Best Fishing — Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Bullhead

SYLVAN LAKE

Approximate Acres of Water — 669

Best Fishing — Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Common Carp, Black Crappie Lake Bottom — Clay, Marl, Muck

TRI-COUNTY FISH & WILDLIFE AREA

Page 12-13 County Map Locator:

This program receives federal aid in fish and/or wildlife restoration. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, DC 20250