Patoka Reservoir
bigmouth
LOCATION: In southern Indiana, approximately 14 miles South of French Lick and 120 miles South of Indianapolis.


DIRECTIONS: Coming from the North: S.R. 37 South to Paoli. Take 150W out of Paoli to West Baden Springs (approx. 10 miles). Take S.R. 56 South to French Lick. In French Lick, take S.R. 145 South to signs leading to Campground (approx. 14 miles).


PHONE NUMBER: Patoka Campground 812-685-2464


LAKE INFORMATION: Patoka is a 8,880 acre manmade reservoir (2nd largest in Indiana). Patoka is considered a clear lake and light colored lures work well (i.e. rainbow trout, clear blues, white, silver). There is abundant weed growth in most areas of the lake. Top water baits work very well in the spring, summer, and fall. Soft jerk baits and weightless worms also catch a lot of fish.

Several areas of the lake have standing timber sitting in fairly deep water and these also hold fish, especially if they are near a point, channel, or flat. When the lake was impounded, many fish attractors were placed in the lake and most maps show their placement. Riprap is also plentiful and spinnerbaits and topwater can be used successfully here. Note: There is a 15 inch limit at Patoka. Smaller fish are plentiful, but sometimes catching 'keeper' size fish can be challenging.

The boat traffic is not near as heavy as some of the other tournament lakes in Indiana. There are several tournaments held here each year, as well as local club tournaments. The Jasper Bassmasters stage a large Open Team tournament every year that is very popular. (please check my Tournament Page for upcoming events.)

RAMPS: There are 9 launch ramps at Patoka. All tournaments leave from Newton-Stewart South Ramp. This is a 8 boat concrete ramp with ample parking. Also close to the campground is a smaller concrete 2 boat ramp at Newton-Stewart North. There are smaller ramps located at Painter's Creek, Lick Fork, Big Patoka, Little Patoka, and Jackson Creek. There is also a ramp at the Fisherman's Campground.

MARINAS: There are 2 full-service Marinas at Patoka. One is located just outside of Newton-Stewart South and another marina is at Lick Fork.

CAMPING: The campground at Patoka is both spacious and probably the most beautiful in Indiana. There are 450 Class A campsites and 96 Class C sites at the Fisherman's Campground. Other than holiday weekends, the campground is rarely, if ever, full. Note: During the Fall and at sunrise and dusk, be aware of the large population of deer. It is not unusual to see herds of 10-20 deer crossing the road at these times. There is a fish cleaning station and a special small lake for "kids only".

FOOD: There is a campstore in the campground and two or three restaurants just outside the main entrance to the campground. There are several restaurants in French Lick and also in Jasper (15 miles South).

MOTELS: There are a couple of motels in French Lick, including Lanes and Frank and Bee's. There are also several motels between French Lick and Paoli.


Listed below are some area tackle shops, restaurants, and motels. For a complete listing of motels, tackle, restaurants, guides, marine repair, or any other facilities you might need, please click on the icon below and check out INFOSPACE. It is a yellow page directory that enables you to locate any type of business, in any city, and inclueds a map. This directory will prove invaluable to you when fishing unfailiar areas and needing accommodations or information.

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NEWSLETTER BASS BOOKSTORE WEBPAGE AWARDS BASS RINGS

bass boats have docked here since Oct. 28, 1998
This page last updated Dec 3, 1998

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