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Indiana · Fishing
Gary's fishing scene is built around still water and Lake Michigan access, not rivers or streams. The three main spots in the city pull from different contexts: the East Breakwater Area puts you on open lake water where you're targeting
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Gary's fishing scene is built around still water and Lake Michigan access, not rivers or streams. The three main spots in the city pull from different contexts: the East Breakwater Area puts you on open lake water where you're targeting whatever is running along the southern shore of Lake Michigan; Georgia-Pacific Lagoon is an industrial-adjacent impoundment that holds fish year-round; and Bongi Borrow Pit is a former excavation site that has settled into a productive stillwater fishery. None of these are trophy-designated or gold-medal waters, so set expectations accordingly. What they offer is accessible urban fishing without a long drive, and for anglers who know how to read still water and time their outings, all three can be genuinely productive. The East Breakwater Area is the most exposed and weather-dependent of the three. The lagoon and borrow pit fish more consistently in variable conditions because they're sheltered. An Indiana fishing license is required at all three locations. If you're coming from out of state, pick up a non-resident license before you arrive since options for purchasing on-site are limited in this part of Gary.
At the East Breakwater Area on Lake Michigan, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and coho salmon are realistic targets depending on the season. The Georgia-Pacific Lagoon and Bongi Borrow Pit, as stillwater impoundments, typically hold largemouth bass, bluegill, and carp. None of these locations are listed as wild trout or gold-medal waters, so trout fishing is not a primary draw here.
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window across all three spots. The East Breakwater Area picks up in spring when perch move shallow and again in fall during salmon runs along the southern Lake Michigan shoreline. The lagoon and borrow pit fish well from May through October, with early morning outings in summer being most consistent before surface temperatures climb.
Georgia-Pacific Lagoon
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Kankakee River at English Lake
~58 min drive
Moderate
Bongi borrow pit
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
East Breakwater Area
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Three Rivers Park Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Long Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Lake George
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Riggle Pond
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Lake George
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Lake George
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Powder Horn Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IL.
Maynard Lake
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
For the lagoon and borrow pit, early morning is the most reliable window, especially in summer when midday heat pushes fish deeper and slows activity. At the East Breakwater Area, timing matters less than wind and wave conditions since lake chop affects both casting and fish behavior along the breakwater.
For the East Breakwater Area, bring gear rated for open-water lake fishing. A medium-heavy rod, heavier line, and lures or rigs suited to perch and bass will cover most situations. At the lagoon and borrow pit, standard freshwater gear works fine. A basic spinning setup in the 6- to 7-foot range with 8-12 lb monofilament or braid handles most of what you'll encounter.
The borrow pit and lagoon are generally accessible without technical terrain, making them reasonable choices for beginners or anglers who want a low-effort setup. The East Breakwater Area requires more awareness of lake conditions and footing on the breakwater structure, so it suits anglers with some experience reading open-water environments. Check local conditions before heading to the breakwater, especially if wind is forecast.
