Indiana DNR: a few early kings in Trail Creek, still waiting on rain

Indiana’s fall salmon run is a tease, not a pile. The DNR fishing-report table dated Aug. 27, 2026 (the page Outdoor News also carried Sept. 1) says Trail Creek, Little Calumet River, and Salt Creek are low and only marginal for trout and salmon. A few early kings are in, plus a few late Skamania steelhead. Bigger pushes need rain and cooler lake water. Cover water with spinners, or downsize with skein, shrimp, or spawn bags in holding water.

Lake Michigan boats finding colder water deeper are getting a mixed bag on meat, J-plugs, and spoons. Harbor and shore salmon fishing has been thin because the nearshore water is still warm; East Chicago, Portage, and Michigan City should see more fish as nights cool. Inland fall trout plants are mid-to-late October, not this month.

Respect private property on the tribs. Confirm the live IN DNR report and a trout/salmon stamp before you keep a king.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Indiana DNR — Fishing Reports (Lake Michigan tributaries table dated Aug. 27, 2026).