"Based on the number of fish sampled, the lake contains nearly 3,000 bass," fisheries biologist Jed Pearson said. "That averages out to 13 bass per acre with the largest measuring 20 inches. The percentage of larger bass has increased."

The entire shoreline was checked during the survey and a pretty accurate gauge of the bass numbers and sizes was obtained.

"Over 1,000 bass were from 14 to 17-plus inches and 88 were 18 inches or larger," Pearson said. "The largest was a 20-inch fish. Some 38 percent were legal-sized or better and at least 14 inches long."

Water dock, spatterdock and cattails are the more common plants found along the lake's shoreline, while submerged bass cover consists of eelgrass, coontail and curlyleaf pondweed. Eurasian water milfoil is present in the lake but not abundant at this time.

Spinnerbaits, shallow-running Rapalas and other minnow-imitating crankbaits all excel as bass catchers along the lake's weed edges. Top-water lures at night produce well.

"Most of the anglers I talk to complain that muskies are eating everything. They don't say too much about the bass fishing," said Lois Totterman of Mike's Sport Shop. "The local anglers go to some of the other area lakes for bass, so Loon Lake doesn't get much fishing pressure. The fishermen here are usually looking for panfish."

The lake is lined with cottages, except for the remaining natural shoreline and significant wetlands along the east and southeastern sides of the lake. Depths average 26 feet, but go much deeper. A thermocline under the 10-foot mark develops when the water warms up. Most of the weeds are in water about 8 feet deep, but can easily be reached by crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Put all of this together and you'll find most of the good bass fishing is up along the shoreline docks, structure and shallow, weedy areas, especially after the spawn and on into the early summer months.

Loon Lake is a natural water covering 222 acres. It is three miles west of state Route 109 on County Line Road and seven miles north of Columbia City, close enough for Fort Wayne anglers to easily take advantage of. It's located in Whitley and Noble counties.

The public ramp is on the southeast corner of the lake along the Friskney Ditch. There is a 10-mph speed restriction in place.

Contact District 3 at (260) 244-6805 or Mike's Sport Shop at (260) 248-8798 for more information.

EAGLE CREEK RESERVOIR
"Eagle Creek offers the opportunity for a big bass," biologist Wisener said.

"It's been a few years since we surveyed the lake, but when we did, the bass population was looking pretty good. Growth rates might be a little better than the state average. About half of the bass we sampled were 14 inches and larger, which is tremendous and probably due to a good year-class. I'd say a person could go out there and catch a 4- or 5-pounder. You may not be able to do it every time you're out, but if you fish the lake regularly, you might get one."

Most of the bass are done spawning by June. This is a time of transition from the shallows back into the deeper water. It can be a tough time to put fish in the boat.

"Anglers will want to fish the emergent water willow grass along with the riprap and chunk-rock banks," Wisener said. "Bass will also hold in laydowns and stumps in the upper end of the lake. I'd recommend spinnerbaits and plastic worms in the water willow. For bigger bass, try jigs and larger sizes of soft plastics."