The Explorer Magazine Winter/Spring 2023 | Page 21

SIZE AND BAG LIMITS The Indiana DNR also regulates how many fish can be kept and how large they must be to keep them . These size and bag limits are dependent upon what species of fish are being caught . To learn the DNR ’ s size and bag limits for each species , visit www . in . gov / dnr / fish-and-wildlife / fishing / fishing-guide-andregulations .
FISH SPECIES At McCloud Nature Park , Big Walnut Creek generally provides anglers with smallmouth bass , panfish , catfish , suckers and carp .
The ponds at W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park are stocked with largemouth bass , bluegill , redear sunfish and channel catfish .
ICE FISHING PROHIBITED While ice fishing is allowed in Indiana , we do not allow any of our park guests on the ice in Big Walnut Creek or at the Gibbs ponds . This is for the safety of our guests .
BOATS , CANOES , KAYAKS We do not allow boats , canoes or kayaks of any kind on the ponds at W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park .
Canoeists and kayakers are welcome to enjoy Big Walnut Creek at McCloud Nature Park .

WINTER

FISHING TIPS

By Joe Lembo , Assistant Park Naturalist
It ’ s wintertime in Indiana , and you know what that means : it ’ s sweater weather time ! But have no fear , the fish are still biting ! It just might take a little more time to pull up the big one . That ’ s okay , though . You can still wet your line in the cold months .
When most people hear winter fishing , they think of ice fishing . Ice fishing is a fun way to fish but here in Central Indiana , our bodies of water seldom freeze thick enough to safely fish on them . For more information on ice fishing safety and guidelines , check out the DNR ’ s ice fishing safety and guidelines webpage .
However , you can still fish the waters if they ’ re not frozen over . If you are a bass fisher , I find that working your crankbaits a lot slower in the winter months is the way to go , and if you are using jerkbaits like worms , you want to make it appear like it ’ s twitching in the water . A few short quick jerks of your pole should help you achieve that . If you are more of a crappie angler , try casting under docks for the best catch rate . This is ideal since crappie will start to move into shallow water during the fall so they can easily be found under those docks .
This next fish is one of the best fish to be going after in the winter months : trout . What a fish ! They are beautiful , and I hear they are worth the time to pursue . Now I am going to be honest , I personally have never caught a trout but have always wanted to . Trout have been on my list for years . I just never have purchased the proper fly-fishing tackle . Trout love cold water and require the water to be clear and below 70 degrees F in the summer . They live in both lakes and streams with deep pools and riffles for spawning . That cold water requirement is why we don ’ t see them in Central Indiana , so you ’ ll need to go to Lake Michigan in Northern Indiana and to the other Great Lakes .
Did you know our new park W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park has consumptive fishery ponds ? That means if you have your fishing license and follow the DNR rules , you can keep what you catch and eat it . Just follow those bag limits ( see page 20 ). Our ponds are stocked with four different fish species : largemouth bass , bluegill , redear sunfish , and channel catfish .
If you are new to fishing or just want some more practice , we will have some fishing programs coming up in the future , so keep an eye on our Facebook page and The Explorer . We ’ ll be hosting a FREE Family Fishing Derby in June at W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park ! Follow the QR code and let us know what kinds of fishing programs you would like to see offered by us at Hendricks County Parks and Recreation .
Winter / Spring 2023 • 21