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Indiana · Fishing
Fremont sits in the lake-heavy corner of Steuben County, where glacial lakes are close enough together that you can reasonably fish two or three in a single day.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Fremont sits in the lake-heavy corner of Steuben County, where glacial lakes are close enough together that you can reasonably fish two or three in a single day. The six lakes listed here — Green Lake, Cedar Lake, Snow Lake, Failing Lake, Marsh Lake, and Cemetery Lake — are all lake fisheries, meaning your time will be spent working shorelines, docks, and weed edges rather than wading rivers. These are classic northern Indiana glacial lakes: generally shallow to mid-depth, with warm-water species like bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish making up the bulk of what you'll encounter. None of the listed waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly — this is solid panfish and bass fishing, not a destination trout trip. Access varies by lake, and some smaller lakes like Cemetery Lake and Marsh Lake may have limited or informal access points, so it's worth confirming public access before you load the truck. The town of Fremont itself is small, so stock up on bait and supplies in Angola, about 10 miles south, before heading out. Summer weekends get busy on the more popular lakes, and early morning or weekday fishing will generally get you quieter water and more cooperative fish.
All six listed waters are warm-water lake fisheries, so largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish are your most likely targets. None of these lakes are designated trout waters, so don't plan a trip around trout or salmon.
Late spring through early summer — roughly May through June — is typically the most productive window, when bass are shallow and spawning and panfish are actively feeding. Fall can also be good for bass and crappie as water temps drop. Ice fishing is viable in winter when the lakes freeze, which is common in Steuben County.
Marsh Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area
~31 min drive
Moderate
Failing Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Green Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Failing Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Lake Charles East
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Cemetery Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Snow Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Cedar Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Crooked Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Crooked Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Buck Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Also worth it near here
Yes, Indiana requires a valid fishing license for anyone 18 or older. You can purchase one online through the Indiana DNR website or at local retailers in Angola. Make sure to check current Indiana DNR regulations for bag limits and size restrictions before you go, as these can vary by species.
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations — 6 to 10 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon handles bass and panfish comfortably. For bluegill and crappie, small jigs, live worms, and bobber rigs are reliable. If you're targeting bass, soft plastics and shallow-running crankbaits work well along weed edges and dock pilings.
Smaller glacial lakes in this part of Indiana often have limited or privately controlled access, so check the Indiana DNR's public fishing waters map before your trip. If a lake doesn't show a designated public access point, assume you'll need a boat launch or permission from a property owner to fish it legally.
