Lake Monroe, Indiana: Map, Depth, Size & Information
Comprehensive hydrographic guide to Lake Monroe featuring verified USGS & USACE water statistics, interactive topographic mapping, shoreline facilities, boating ramps, and game fisheries.
Lake Monroe Live Water Level Status & Wind Conditions
Interactive Map of Lake Monroe
Where is Lake Monroe?
Lake Monroe is located in Monroe, Brown County in the state of Indiana, at geographical coordinates 39.0208° North latitude and 86.5167° West longitude. The water body lies at a surface elevation of approximately 538 feet (164 meters) above mean sea level.
Nearby Cities & Distances
About Lake Monroe
Lake Monroe (officially Monroe Lake) is the largest body of water in Indiana, spanning 10,750 acres across Monroe and Brown counties south of Bloomington. Constructed on Salt Creek by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1965, the reservoir provides drinking water to Bloomington, borders the sprawling Hoosier National Forest, and is celebrated for serene coves, bald eagle nesting sites, and premier boating.
Hydrographic Classification:
Lake Monroe is categorized as a Impoundment Reservoir. Its designated primary authorized uses include Flood Risk Reduction, Municipal Water Supply, Recreation, Wildlife Conservation.
Activities & Recreation
Lake Monroe is known for its resident game fish species. Common targets include:
Popular watercraft activities permitted across regulated channels:
Boat Ramps, Marinas & Public Parks
Marinas (3)
- •Fourwinds Lakeside Marina
- •Lake Monroe Marina
- •Cutright Marina
Public Boat Launches (4)
- •Paynetown SRA Launch
- •Fairfax SRA Ramp
- •Cutright Ramp
- •Pine Grove Ramp
Parks & Recreation (3)
- •Hoosier National Forest
- •Paynetown State Recreation Area
- •Fairfax State Recreation Area
Boating Safety, Wake Zones & Aquatic Regulations
A mandatory 100-to-200-foot no-wake zone is enforced around all public boat launches, designated swimming areas, private docks, and moored vessels. Vessel operators must maintain idle speed in narrow coves and bridge passes.
Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III PFDs are required for all vessel occupants. To prevent aquatic invasive species (quagga mussels, hydrilla), boaters must adhere to Clean, Drain, and Dry inspection procedures prior to launching.
Seasonal Fishing Patterns for Lake Monroe
Game fish move into sheltered secondary coves, shallow flats (4–12 ft depth), and creek mouths as surface temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s. Target submerged timber, riprap, and emerging vegetation with spinnerbaits, suspending jerkbaits, and soft plastics.
Predators retreat to deep underwater humps, main river channel ledges, and thermocline layers (20–45 ft). Peak activity shifts to dawn, dusk, and night trolling. Use deep-diving crankbaits, spoons, drop-shots, and downrigger spreads.
Cooling weather triggers lake turnover and intense schooling feeding. Bass, trout, and walleye push baitfish into primary points and pocket coves. Fast-moving topwater plugs, lipless crankbaits, and swimbaits produce explosive strikes.
Fish consolidate around deep wintering holes (40–80+ ft) or under safe solid ice on northern waterways. Slow finesse presentations—vertical jigging spoons, blade baits, and live bait rigs—dominate the cold-water season.
Lake Monroe Statistics & Hydrography
| Measurement | Imperial Value | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Area | 10,750 acres | 43.5 km² |
| Maximum Depth | 65 feet | 19.8 meters |
| Average Depth | 17 feet | 5.2 meters |
| Water Surface Elevation | 538 feet above sea level | 164 meters |
| Shoreline Length | 109 miles | 175 km |
| Lake Classification | Reservoir (Impoundment Reservoir) | |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.0208° N, 86.5167° W | |
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Monroe
6 verified answersWhat is the largest lake in Indiana by surface area?+
How deep is Lake Monroe in Indiana?+
What game fish can you catch in Lake Monroe?+
Can you boat on Lake Monroe and where are the public ramps?+
Who manages Lake Monroe and are there campgrounds or parks nearby?+
Where does the data for Lake Monroe come from and how is it verified?+
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