Patoka Lake Picturesque Patoka Lake nestled within the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana flows through Crawford, Dubois and Orange counties, providing over 8,800 acres of life-saving, life-sustaining and recreational waters. In addition to providing flood control and supplying drinking water to residents of nine Indiana counties, Patoka Lake provides year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts, not to mention, a healthy habitat for diverse wildlife. Patoka Lake is a noted for being a prime example of balanced lake ecology as it provides a healthy habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagles, alike. The lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands and marshes of the Hoosier National Forest provide ecosystems for 50 mammal species, 125 fish species, 36 reptilian species, 28 amphibian species and 142 bird species. The lake accommodates successful fish and wildlife management and enhancement, which exists as a cooperative management effort between the Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. On-the-water activities include boating, wake boarding, water skiing, swimming, fishing while out-of-the-water activities include hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Wildlife and wildflower viewing areas, identified by the U.S. Forest Service with "Watchable Wildlife" signs, allow visitors who bring binoculars to maximize their wildlife viewing experience. Excellent opportunities for winter sports' enthusiasts are available by providing a designated cross-country skiing course, 15 machine-groomed slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding and the frozen lake is open for ice fishing and skating. Fishing Patoka Lake's fish population also includes walleye, redear sunfish, bluegill and catfish. The channel cats in Patoka Lake average between 5 to 10 pounds, with quite a few reaching the 15 to 20 pound mark. Fly fishing for hybrid striped bass is popular on Patoka Lake. Anglers can be seen bank fishing along the roads around the lake. |
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Boating "Lake-lubbers" can choose from canoes and small fishing boats to medium and large houseboats to rent, swimming areas, and water skiing zones Three marinas provide boaters and anglers with supplies and services while ten boat ramps around the shoreline provide easy access to the lake. |
Lodging Patoka Lake lodging options include a large campground with more than 500 camp sites. A wide range of bed and breakfasts, cabins and resorts are also available. Please consult the Lake Resource Guide for additional information on lodging and other facilities in the area. Communities Indiana's closest major city to Patoka Lake is Evansville. Other nearby cities: Vincennes, Jasper, West Baden and French Lick. Patoka Lake flows through parts of Crawford, Dubois and Orange counties. |
Fun times at Patoka Lake
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Average Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Avg. High 40 | Avg. High 45 | Avg. High 55 | Avg. High 66 | Avg. High 75 | Avg. High 84 | Avg. High 87 | Avg. High 87 | Avg. High 80 | Avg. High 68 | Avg. High 56 | Avg. High 44 | |
Avg. Low 20 | Avg. Low 23 | Avg. Low 32 | Avg. Low 43 | Avg. Low 53 | Avg. Low 62 | Avg. Low 65 | Avg. Low 63 | Avg. Low 55 | Avg. Low 44 | Avg. Low 35 | Avg. Low 25 |