What You'll Find at Burdette Park Lakes

Burdette Park sits just north of Evansville and holds two small lakes—Burdette Lake and Goose Pond—that offer reliable fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The lakes are shallow, weedy systems that warm quickly in spring and hold fish year-round, though summer and fall are when most anglers visit. Both lakes are managed by the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department, and the park itself is free to enter with parking right at the water's edge.

The character of these lakes is different from the deeper, clearer reservoirs you might fish elsewhere in Indiana. Burdette's lakes are murky, productive, and choked with aquatic vegetation—which means the fish are there, but you need to know how to find them in the weeds. The park draws local anglers and families, so mornings before 9 a.m. and weekday afternoons tend to be quieter if you prefer solitude.

Key Takeaways

  • Burdette Lake and Goose Pond are shallow, weedy systems best fished in early morning or late afternoon when bass are active along vegetation edges.
  • Largemouth bass respond well to topwater lures and soft plastics worked through weed beds; bluegill bite consistently on small jigs and live crickets.
  • Channel catfish are present year-round and bite best at night or early morning on chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits.
  • The park has a boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas; a valid Indiana fishing license is required for anyone 18 and older.
  • Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the most consistent action, while summer heat pushes fish deeper into weed cover during midday.

Bass Fishing in the Weed Beds

Largemouth bass are the main draw at Burdette, and they live in the dense vegetation that covers much of both lakes. Early morning is prime time—fish the edges where weeds meet open water, using topwater plugs or walking baits to draw strikes. As the sun climbs and the water warms, bass retreat into thicker cover, and that's when soft plastics work best: throw Texas-rigged worms or creature baits directly into the weeds and work them slowly.

The lakes are small enough that you can cover productive water from shore or a small boat. If you launch a kayak or canoe, focus on the northern end of Burdette Lake, where shallow bays hold more vegetation and more fish. Avoid the deepest sections in the middle of the lake—bass here are harder to locate and less aggressive. Fall is especially good because the water cools, bass feed more actively, and the weed growth begins to thin out, making them easier to reach.

Bluegill and Panfish Throughout the Year

Bluegill and other sunfish are abundant and bite year-round, making them a reliable choice if bass aren't cooperating or if you're fishing with kids. Spring and early summer are peak season—fish shallow areas near the pier and along the shoreline with small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with live crickets or waxworms. A simple bobber rig works just as well and is easier to manage from the bank.

Summer bluegill bite slows during the heat of midday but picks up again in late afternoon and evening. Fall brings another strong bite as the water cools. Winter fishing is possible but slower; if you fish in cold months, focus on the deepest holes and use live bait rather than artificials. Bluegill are also a good live bait option if you want to target larger bass or catfish.

Catfish Fishing at Night

Channel catfish are present in both lakes and grow to 15 pounds or more, though most fish run 2 to 5 pounds. They bite best at night or in the hour before sunrise, when they're most active. Set up near the boat launch or along the main pier with rod holders, using chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial stink baits on simple three-way rigs or slip sinkers.

Night fishing at Burdette requires a headlamp and awareness of park rules—confirm with Evansville Parks and Recreation that night fishing is permitted before you plan a session. The payoff is steady action and the chance at a trophy fish. Summer nights are most comfortable, though catfish bite through fall and into early winter. Bring a cooler and plan to stay a few hours; catfish rarely bite in a hurry.

Seasons and Water Conditions

Spring (April through May) is when Burdette lakes come alive. Bass move shallow to spawn, bluegill are aggressive, and the water is cool enough that fish feed throughout the day. Water levels can fluctuate depending on rainfall and park management, so check conditions before you go—muddy water after heavy rain is normal and doesn't stop the bite, but it can make sight-fishing difficult.

Summer brings heat and weed growth. Midday fishing is slow; focus on early morning and evening. Fall (September through October) is arguably the best season—water cools, fish feed aggressively, and weed growth begins to recede. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience; most anglers take a break or fish less frequently. Ice rarely forms thick enough for safe ice fishing on these shallow lakes.

Access, Facilities, and Regulations

Burdette Park is open year-round and free to enter. There is a boat launch suitable for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. A fishing pier extends into Burdette Lake and is accessible to anyone. Parking is ample, and the park has picnic tables, restrooms, and a playground—making it a good choice if you're bringing family who don't fish.

You must have a valid Indiana fishing license to fish; anyone 18 and older needs one. Licenses are available online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources or at local sporting goods stores. There are no special restrictions on the lakes themselves, but follow standard state regulations: check the current creel limits and size restrictions for bass, bluegill, and catfish before you fish. Burdette Park does not allow gas-powered boats, so bring a kayak, canoe, or electric trolling motor if you want to fish from the water.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Pack light for Burdette—these are small lakes, and you won't need a lot of gear. Bring a medium-action spinning rod, a small tackle box with topwater lures, soft plastics, and small jigs, and a headlamp if you plan to fish early or late. Sunscreen and bug spray are essential, especially in summer. If you're targeting catfish at night, bring rod holders, a cooler, and a headlamp with extra batteries.

Check the weather before you go; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and can roll in quickly. The park has no shade on the water, so a hat and sunglasses are necessary. If you're new to the lakes, arrive early and spend time looking at the structure—weed lines, deeper holes, and the pier—to get a sense of where fish are likely to be. Local anglers at the park are usually friendly and willing to share information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Burdette Park?

Yes. The fishing pier is open to the public, and you can fish from the bank around much of both lakes. Shore fishing works well for bluegill and catfish, though reaching bass in deeper weed beds is easier from a boat or kayak.

What's the best time of day to fish Burdette?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive for bass. Bluegill bite throughout the day but slow in midday heat. Catfish bite best at night or just before sunrise.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. The pier and shoreline offer good access, and bluegill and catfish bite from the bank. A kayak or small boat lets you reach more water and fish deeper weed beds, but it's not required.

Are there size or creel limits I should know about?

Indiana has statewide regulations for bass, bluegill, and catfish that change occasionally. Check the current rules on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website before you fish to confirm what you can keep.

Can I fish in winter?

Yes, but the bite is slower. These shallow lakes rarely freeze solid enough for safe ice fishing. Winter catfish and bluegill fishing is possible but requires patience and live bait.