Big Chapman Lake

Big Chapman Lake is a reservoir in Kosciusko County, Indiana. Big Chapman Lake covers about 512 acres and reaches a recorded 39 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Big Chapman Lake Affect Fishing

Big Chapman Lake has an old channel, incoming water and quiet coves, and small water-level changes can move fish from the bank to the first drop.

Fish and Baits at Big Chapman Lake

Fish reported from Big Chapman Lake include black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, flathead catfish, gizzard shad, largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, white bass, white crappie, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Big Chapman, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth, and work a tube, Ned rig or small crankbait across rock and firm points for smallmouth.

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Big Chapman, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, redear or other sunfish, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye and Open-Water Fish

For roaming fish at Big Chapman, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye, and follow shad with a spoon, jig or small crankbait for white bass.

Muskellunge and Pike

For large predators at Big Chapman, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

Catfish, Bullheads and Carp

For bottom fishing at Big Chapman, put cut bait, a nightcrawler or prepared bait on bottom for channel catfish, and use live bait near wood or a deep hole for flathead catfish, and use corn or dough bait on a simple bottom rig for carp.

How the Seasons Change Big Chapman Lake

Spring around Big Chapman is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall around Big Chapman can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Big Chapman Lake

On a first trip to Big Chapman, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.

Useful Tackle for Big Chapman Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Big Chapman, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for pike or muskellunge.

Big Chapman Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 512-acre Big Chapman Lake?

At Big Chapman, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 39-foot deep end of Big Chapman Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Big Chapman is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

Which reported fish is a simple first target at Big Chapman Lake?

Black crappie is on the fish list for Big Chapman, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.