This small lake, located in the middle of Crotona Park, has largemouth bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseeds. Past construction projects have softened areas of the shoreline and increased plant diversity. The deck in front of the nature center is a convenient place to cast from, but paved paths make it possible to access other areas of the shoreline. Algal cover can be extensive in the warm months.
Physical Features:
Elevation: 75 feet
Area: 3 acres
Shoreline Length: 0.34 miles
Access:
Indian Lake is located within Crotona Park, Bronx. The lake is east of Crotona Ave and north of Claremont Parkway in the park. Crotona Park Nature Center is adjacent to the lake also.
Directions through public transportation
- 2/5 train to 174th St: walk South West on Boston Rd. until you can turn right on Charlotte St. Follow Charlotte to the park, lake will be straight ahead.
- B/D to 170th St; transfer to BX11 to Claremont Pkwy/Crotona Ave; walk north along Claremont, the lake will be on your right.
Fish Species:
Largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed
Fishing:
To catch a good-sized largemouth bass, try soft plastic baits like a plastic worm, Texas or wacky rigged. Try reaction baits such as topwater lures, crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, or swimbaits earlier in the season before the weeds fill in. If weeds are thick, use heavier line such as 15 lb. monofilament or higher to prevent loss of tackle. Use weedless hooks and lures in warmer months when algae is present. Bluegill and pumpkinseed can be caught using a bobber and live worms. Remember to tamp down all barbs on hooks as New York City regulations require the use of barbless hooks.
Regulations:
Special regulations apply. See Special Fishing Regulations for NYC.
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation rules require the use of non-lead weights and barbless hooks.
Fisheries Survey
Due to limited boat access, the only DEC Fisheries survey of Indian Lake was in 2011. Another survey will be attempted in 2022 and the data will be included in the table below.
Waterbody | 8" and over | 12" and over | 15" and over | year |
---|---|---|---|---|
100th Street Pool | 50 | 37 | 0 | 2022 |
Baisley Pond | 10 | 6 | 6 | 2021 |
Central Park Lake | 9 | 5 | 0 | 2019 |
Harlem Meer | 102 | 78 | 37 | 2021 |
Kissena Lake | 55 | 20 | 4 | 2022 |
Oakland Lake | 55 | 20 | 2 | 2021 |
Prospect Park Lake | 51 | 19 | 1 | 2021 |
Van Cortlandt Lake | 41 | 15 | 0 | 2021 |
Willowbrook Lake | 17 | 17 | 8 | 2020 |
Wolfe's Pond | 31 | 9 | 0 | 2021 |