There are least four public access boat ramps at Salamonie Reservoir. The reservoir is loaded with fingers and small coves that have crappie-attracting structure. Because of its relatively large size, it would be wise to obtain a map of this good crappie fishery before you hit the water.

For more information on Salamonie Reservoir, call (260) 468-2125.

J. EDWARD ROUSH LAKE (HUNTINGTON LAKE)
This fine crappie fishery is located in Huntington County, near Huntington. At 870 acres, Roush Lake is a fairly large impoundment, and it, too, was on the ACA's tournament list for Region 3 in 2006.

Roush Lake is fed from the waters of the Wabash River. The maximum depth of this lake is 30 feet and this occurs after heavy rains. A fish survey was conducted on Huntington Lake in 1997 and white crappies were the most abundant species collected -- coming in at 24.3 percent of the total collected. Black crappies came in fourth with a relative abundance of 10.5 percent.

Roush Lake is about 2.5 miles long and approximately one-fourth mile wide (at its widest point.) It has a very large finger that juts out to the north on the west end of the lake. The structure in this large finger should be a good spot for crappies in the spring. Roush Lake has comparatively few fingers, but it does have a fair number of coves, and there are several tributaries that flow into the lake. The entry point of these tributaries is a good bet because they will oxygenate the lake's water and stimulate minnow activity. If there's abundant structure near the tributaries the crappie action can be dynamite!

As noted above (from the tournaments), when water temperatures start warming to 60 degrees (Fahrenheit) the crappie action can really pick up. This is one of the reasons that tournaments are held in the early part of the year when warming temperatures stimulate the crappie's metabolism.

Like other reservoir properties managed by the Department of Natural Resources, Roush Lake is a multiuse recreational facility that offers a myriad of outdoor activities including camping.

Access to the lake is easy as there are three public ramps. For more information on Roush Lake, call (260) 468-2165.

Good crappie fishing to you this season in Hoosierland!