What You'll Find at Franke Park

Franke Park sits along the St. Marys River in northeast Fort Wayne and holds several distinct fishing opportunities within its 287 acres. The park has two main ponds—the upper and lower retention ponds—plus direct access to the St. Marys itself, which runs through the property. The ponds are stocked regularly with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, making them reliable spots for anglers who want predictable action without traveling far from the city. The river section offers a different character: slower current than you'd find upstream, deeper holes that hold walleye and flathead catfish, and a quieter experience than the ponds.

The park itself is well-maintained with parking, restrooms, and a boat launch that serves both the ponds and the river. Bank access is good around both ponds, and the river has several pull-off spots where you can wade or fish from shore. This is not a trophy fishery—it's a working urban park where fish are managed for consistent catch rates rather than size—but that consistency is exactly why locals fish it year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • The upper and lower ponds hold stocked largemouth bass and bluegill, with channel catfish available in both, making them reliable for warm-weather fishing.
  • The St. Marys River section through the park holds walleye and flathead catfish in deeper holes and slower current, especially productive in spring and fall.
  • A boat launch serves both ponds and river access, and bank fishing is available around the pond perimeters and at several river pull-offs.
  • Indiana fishing rules apply; you need a current state fishing license, and the park has specific regulations on hours and catch limits that are posted at the entrance.

The Ponds: Stocked Bass and Bluegill

Both retention ponds at Franke Park are managed by the City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department and receive regular stockings of largemouth bass fingerlings and bluegill. The upper pond is shallower and warms faster in spring, making it the better choice for early-season bass and bluegill. The lower pond holds more depth and tends to fish better through summer when the upper pond can become weedy and warm.

Bass in these ponds run mostly 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish pushing 18 inches. Bluegill are abundant and average 6 to 8 inches—good eating size and fun on light tackle. Channel catfish are present in both ponds and respond well to chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared catfish bait, especially at dusk and after dark. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are peak times for bass; summer is better for bluegill and catfish.

The ponds have a walking path around them, so you can scout structure before you fish. Look for the deeper sections near the dam end of each pond, where bass hold in summer. Fallen trees and the cattail edges hold fish year-round. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday, particularly in summer.

The St. Marys River Section

The St. Marys River through Franke Park is slower and deeper than the river upstream near the dam, which makes it hold different fish. Walleye move into this section during spring spawning runs (March through April) and again in fall when water cools. Flathead catfish have established a population here and are most active at night, especially from June through September. Channel catfish are also present and easier to target during daylight hours.

The river averages 8 to 12 feet deep through the park, with a few holes pushing 15 feet. Current is gentle, so you can fish live bait effectively from shore or from a boat. Walleye respond to live shiners or crawfish suspended near the bottom in deeper holes; flatheads prefer live bluegill or shad fished on heavy tackle after dark. The river is accessible at several points along the park road, and a boat launch at the north end of the park serves both river and pond fishing.

Seasons and What to Target

Spring (March through May) is when the St. Marys walleye run peaks. Fish the deeper holes near the park with live bait or small jigs tipped with crawfish. The ponds warm up and bass become active; early morning topwater and shallow crankbaits work well. Bluegill spawn in shallow water and are easy to catch on small jigs or live crickets.

Summer (June through August) shifts focus to the ponds for bluegill and catfish. Bass move deeper and are harder to find, but early morning and late evening still produce. The river cools slightly in early summer and holds walleye in deeper holes; by mid-summer, flathead catfish are the main target after dark. Catfish in the ponds respond well to prepared stink baits and chicken liver.

Fall (September through October) brings another walleye push in the river as water cools. Bass in the ponds become active again as temperatures drop. This is one of the best times to fish Franke Park overall—consistent action and comfortable weather. Winter (November through February) is slower; the ponds can ice over, and river fishing is possible but requires patience.

Regulations and Licensing

Indiana fishing rules apply at Franke Park. You need a current Indiana fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website, at any sporting goods store, or at the Fort Wayne Parks office. Licenses are available as one-day, three-day, or annual options.

Catch limits and size restrictions vary by species. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit with a daily limit of five fish. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of four fish. Bluegill and other sunfish have no minimum size but a daily limit of 25 fish. Channel catfish have no minimum size and no daily limit. Flathead catfish have no minimum size and no daily limit. The park posts these regulations at the entrance and boat launch; check them before you fish, as rules can change.

The park is open sunrise to sunset. Night fishing is not permitted in the ponds, but the river section may allow it—check with the park office or the posted signs. No motorized boats are allowed on the ponds; the river launch serves boats with electric motors only.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Franke Park is located at 3411 Sherman Boulevard in northeast Fort Wayne, about 15 minutes from downtown. Parking is free and plentiful. The park has restrooms and a small concession area, but no bait shop on-site, so bring your own tackle and bait or stop at a local shop before you arrive.

For pond fishing, bring light to medium spinning tackle, small jigs, crankbaits, and live bait (shiners, crawfish, crickets). For catfish, bring heavier tackle and prepared baits or chicken liver. For river fishing, bring medium to heavy tackle, live bait, and a net if you plan to keep fish. Wear waders if you plan to wade the river; the bottom is soft and muddy in places. Bring sunscreen, water, and a cooler if you plan to stay all day.

Nearby Alternatives if Franke Park is Crowded

If Franke Park is busy or you want to explore other Fort Wayne waters, Lakeside Park (also on the St. Marys) offers similar pond and river fishing about 2 miles south. Foster Park has a smaller pond with bluegill and bass. The St. Marys River upstream near the dam holds larger walleye and smallmouth bass but requires more skill and better tackle.

The Maumee River, which joins the St. Marys near downtown Fort Wayne, holds channel catfish, flatheads, and occasional walleye but is more urban and requires careful wading. Each of these waters has its own character and fish populations, so exploring them gives you options depending on what you want to catch and how much time you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the ponds at night?

No, the ponds close at sunset. The river section may allow night fishing for catfish, but check the posted regulations or call the Fort Wayne Parks office to confirm before you plan a night trip.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. Both ponds have good bank access and walking paths around them. The river can be fished from shore at several pull-off spots. A boat is helpful but not necessary.

What's the best time to catch walleye in the river?

Spring (March through April) and fall (September through October) are peak times. Fish early morning or late evening with live shiners or small jigs in the deeper holes near the park.

Are there any restrictions on bait?

Indiana allows live bait and prepared baits. Check the current regulations for any species-specific restrictions, as rules can change. The park office can confirm what's allowed.

Is there a bait shop at the park?

No bait shop is located at Franke Park. Bring your own tackle and bait, or stop at a local sporting goods store or bait shop in Fort Wayne before you arrive.