Fishing

Fishing at Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek Park offers fantastic opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, boasting a reputation as “one of the best places to fish around Indianapolis where you are almost guaranteed to catch fish day in and day out”. The park’s immense 1,300-acre reservoir is a prime spot, providing a rich habitat for various species and a “great resource for both wildlife and recreation”.

Fishing is permitted in several key locations within the park:

Eagle Creek Reservoir: Known for Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. The reservoir offers ample space for fishing from the bank or by boat.
Lilly Lake: This area allows for bank fishing and is annually stocked with Largemouth Bass, Carp, Channel Catfish, and Crappie. Bluegill and other panfish are most commonly caught in Lilly Lake.
Waterfowl (Bird) Sanctuary: Minor fishing is allowed along the bank from the parking lot, with species including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Carp, and Catfish.

You should get a pass!

Get A Pass

Fishing Rules:

All fishing and boating on the reservoir are regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with specific rules including state and bag limits, a maximum boat length of 26 feet, and requirements for fishing with a pole. You can also find live bait, artificial lures, tackle, and boat rentals at the Marina Bait House.

LEARN ABOUT THE RULES

LEARN ABOUT KIDS FISHING DERBY

Kids Fishing Derby:

For our younger anglers, don’t miss the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Free Kids Fishing Derby! This beloved tradition, running for over 25 years, is a fantastic opportunity for kids aged 4-14 and their families to enjoy a fun-filled day of fishing.

The derby is held at Lilly Lake on a DNR free fishing day, meaning no license is needed, and park entry fees are waived for all families attending the event. Fishing poles, bobbers, and bait are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, though you’re welcome to bring your own gear. Participants can also enjoy free hot dogs and are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and coolers for a comfortable experience.

The next Kids Fishing Derby is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 am to 1 pm. To help us prepare enough fishing gear and food, we encourage you to register in advance!

LOCATION:

7840 West 56th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7110

ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

HOURS:

Open Dawn to Dusk

Monday-Sunday 7:00am-8:30pm EST

WEBSITE:

EagleCreekPark.Org

Bird Fest

Bird is the Word at Eagle Creek Park!

Additional content goes here that is specific to the topic.

Special rules, regulations, and so forth.

If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.