Dogwood Lake in Indiana

[Harry DeWitt]

I am visiting Dogwood lake for the first time towards the end of September.  I understand the lake is a good bluegill lake.  Has anyone been there recently and can you offer tips on how to fish the lake?

[Troy Dorman]

Harry,

I've been fishing Dogwood Lake since the mid 80's, my family takes a trip down there every Fall. We usually shoot for September or October and target the redear. We've had tremendous success catching redears on the Eastern Flats of the Lake. The many small coves and bays will hold good fish this time of year too, especially out in the mouths or the middle of them. Fish on bottom in 10-15ft of water and you should catch a good mess of ears and decent gills.

 

Dogwood Lake has always been a great panfish lake but we've noticed a decline in fish size the last couple of trips down there. The lake is only around 1400 or 1500 acres and it catches a lot of pressure from people all around the Midwest. I've seen cars/trucks in the camping sites from Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky etc, so it's a big draw for this region. Ten and even eleven inch redear were very common up until two or three seasons ago, maybe this fall it'll bounce back. I'd be interested in hearing from someone on this site who fishes it more than I do what their opinion is on the decline in size.