La Porte is known as the “City of Lakes,” and it doesn’t take long to see why. With Pine Lake, Stone Lake, and a collection of scenic county parks, anglers of all ages will find plenty of places to drop a line. Whether you’re after trophy bass, a stringer of bluegill, or just a quiet morning by the water, La Porte is one of Northwest Indiana’s favorite fishing destinations.

Do I need a license?

Yes! Anyone fishing in Indiana waters will need a valid state license.

Licenses are easy to get:

Purchase online through the Indiana DNR Fishing Licenses page
Buy in person at local retailers like Walmart or Dunham’s Sports in La Porte

Where to Get Gear: Local Bait & Tackle Shops

If you're looking to gear up for a great day of fishing in the La Porte area, here are trusted spots nearby:

Chief’s Bait Shop (Michigan City) - A local favorite offering live bait (like worms, minnows, leeches, and crickets) and a wide array of tackle brands.

Country Bait & Taxidermy Shop (Valparaiso) - Live bait, tackle, plus full taxidermy services.

Rural King - A regional farm/outdoor superstore chain that stocks fishing gear, bait, and lures at several nearby branches.

Dunham’s Sports - Convenient local sporting goods store where you can find general fishing gear and some bait options.

Want to fish by boat?

Boat rentals (pontoons, kayaks, speedboats and more) are available right on Pine Lake. If you’re planning to get out on the water, check out our full Boating guide for marinas, rentals, and public launches.

Where to Fish

La Porte has a mix of large lakes and quiet park ponds.
Some top fishing spots include:

Pine Lake: Popular for bass, crappie, and panfish. Great by boat or from Soldiers Memorial Park.
Stone Lake: A quieter, no-wake lake connected to Pine Lake. Good for kayak anglers and shoreline fishing.
Soldiers Memorial Park: Popular for family fishing trips, offering plenty of space along the lake’s edge and walking paths.
Kiwanis-Teledyne Park: A lakeside park with easy shoreline access and peaceful views.
Unity Park: Perfect for a quick cast with benches and shaded areas.
Fox Park: Scenic, quiet, and ideal for a relaxed afternoon.

A little farther from downtown La Porte there are a couple of beautiful County Parks that offer fishing:

Luhr County Park: Features a 2-acre stocked pond with bass, panfish, and catfish. Catch-and-release only.
Red Mill County Park: 23-acre wetland with bass, catfish, panfish, and bluegill.

Free Fishing Days - A Great Time to Try Fishing!

Each year, Indiana holds several Free Fishing Days when anglers do not need a license or trout/salmon stamp to fish public waters—that includes lakes, ponds, rivers, and more. All fishing regulations still apply.

2025 Free Fishing Days are:

Sunday, May 4

Saturday & Sunday, June 7–8

Saturday, September 27

These days are perfect if you want to bring family and friends along or just want to test the waters without the cost of a license. For the latest details, upcoming events, or learning opportunities, head over to the Indiana DNR’s free fishing days page.

What about ice fishing?

When winter sets in and the lakes freeze over, fishing in La Porte doesn’t stop, it just changes gears. Ice fishing is a favorite pastime here, giving anglers a chance to enjoy the crisp air, the quiet of a frozen lake, and the thrill of pulling fish through the ice.

Where to go

Pine Lake – Popular year-round, Pine Lake is known for bluegill, perch, and crappie during the winter months.
Stone Lake – A quieter option with easy access through Soldiers Memorial Park. Great for panfish and bass.
Fox Park – Offers a more sheltered setting, often attracting anglers looking for a peaceful ice fishing day.
Luhr County Park Pond – Stocked and managed by the county, this smaller body of water is perfect for beginners or families trying out ice fishing.

Where to Get Bait & Gear

For live bait in winter, check the same bait shops listed above, many stay open year-round, though hours may be shorter in the off-season. Always call ahead to confirm availability.

For specialized ice fishing gear like augers, ice shelters, and short rods:

Cabela’s (Hammond, IN) – A larger drive, but a full selection of ice fishing equipment.
Bass Pro Shops (Portage, IN) – Stocked with ice fishing gear and accessories.
Rural King (near La Porte) – Carries basic ice fishing supplies seasonally.

Ice Fishing Derby! A WinterFest Tradition

Each year, La Porte welcomes winter with a spirited Ice Fishing Derby during its annual WinterFest, typically held in late January. Anglers gather, many bundled in layers by 5 a.m., at Pine and Stone Lakes, registering at Cummings Lodge for an early morning start. Whether you're chasing the biggest catch or just trading fish tales, the derby offers prizes, camaraderie, and a great excuse to embrace cold-season fun, all while supporting a good cause, DeCamp’s Band of Brothers. Entry fees are around $40, and the event usually wraps up in the early afternoon.

Ice Fishing Safety Tips

Check ice thickness – At least 4 inches of clear, solid ice is recommended for walking. More is needed for groups, ATVs, or vehicles.
Bring safety gear – Ice picks, rope, and a flotation device are must-haves.
Fish with a buddy – Never head out on the ice alone.
Watch the weather – Conditions can change quickly. Thawing periods weaken the ice.
Stay visible – Bright clothing and marking your hole help keep everyone safe.

Fishing