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Indiana · Fishing
Scottsburg sits in the rolling hills of Scott County in southern Indiana, and the fishing around town is built around a handful of accessible lakes rather than big rivers.
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Scottsburg sits in the rolling hills of Scott County in southern Indiana, and the fishing around town is built around a handful of accessible lakes rather than big rivers. Howard Lake, Scottsburg Reservoir, Hamilton Lake, and Elk Lake are the four main options, all offering lake fishing within a short drive of downtown. These are relaxed, wade-friendly or small-boat waters that suit anglers who want a low-key day out rather than a major expedition. Scottsburg Reservoir is the largest and most visited of the group, drawing locals year-round for bass, bluegill, and catfish. Howard Lake and Hamilton Lake are smaller and tend to fish well in spring and early summer when water temperatures are rising and panfish move shallow. Elk Lake rounds out the options and is worth checking if the reservoir is crowded on weekends. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly — this is solid warmwater fishing in a convenient setting, not a destination trip. That said, for a family outing, a quiet morning with a spinning rod, or a quick session after work, the lakes around Scottsburg deliver reliably without requiring a long drive or a lot of gear.
Yes, a valid Indiana fishing license is required for anyone 18 or older fishing any of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Indiana DNR website or at local bait and sporting goods shops. Check the DNR site for current fees and any Scott County-specific regulations before you go.
Scottsburg Reservoir and the other lakes in the area are typical southern Indiana warmwater fisheries, meaning largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish are your most realistic targets. None of the listed waters are designated trout fisheries, so don't plan a trip around trout.
Hamilton Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Hardy Lake
~27 min drive
Easy
East Fork White River at Williams Dam
~1h 20m drive
Moderate
Scottsburg Reservoir
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Starve Hollow Lake
~32 min drive
Easy
Howard Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Elk Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Lake McCulloch
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Rider Lake
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Stumbler Lake
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Wolf Lake
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Brazils Lake
~43 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IN.
Also worth it near here
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows, especially for bass and crappie. Midday in summer can slow things down significantly as water temperatures climb, so plan to be on the water by sunrise if you want the best action.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations across all four lakes. For bass, soft plastics and small crankbaits work well; for panfish and crappie, small jigs and live minnows are hard to beat. Bring a cooler if you plan to keep fish, and pack sunscreen — these lakes offer limited shade from a boat.
Scottsburg Reservoir has public boat access and is the most straightforward option for anglers with a kayak or small motorboat. Access details for Howard Lake, Hamilton Lake, and Elk Lake can vary, so it's worth confirming current launch availability through the Indiana DNR or Scott County parks before loading up the trailer.
