Know the Law: Indiana's 12-Inch Ice Fishing Hole Limit on Simonton Lake

Ice fishing is a time-honored winter tradition on Simonton Lake in Elkhart, Indiana. As temperatures drop and the lake freezes over, locals and visitors alike bundle up, set up ice shanties, and drill their way through the ice for a relaxing day of fishing. However, for all the fun and recreation that comes with ice fishing, it's important to remember that Indiana has specific laws designed to keep anglers--and others on the ice--safe.

One such regulation that often surprises new ice anglers is Indiana’s law that limits the diameter of ice fishing holes to no more than 12 inches. This seemingly small rule plays a big role in maintaining safety on frozen lakes like Simonton.

Why the 12-Inch Limit Exists
The 12-inch hole diameter limit is enforced by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a public safety measure. Larger holes in the ice can become serious hazards for snowmobilers, ice skaters, and even other ice anglers walking on the frozen surface. A person or pet stepping into a large, unexpected hole could easily suffer injury--or worse.

By limiting the size of the hole, the law minimizes the risk of accidents while still allowing enough room for effective ice fishing. For most species found in Simonton Lake--like bluegill, perch, and crappie--a 6 to 8-inch hole is often more than sufficient. Even for larger species such as northern pike or bass, a 10- to 12-inch hole is usually adequate to safely pull in your catch.

Consequences of Non-Compliance
Violating Indiana’s ice fishing regulations can lead to fines, and in some cases, confiscation of equipment. Conservation officers regularly patrol popular fishing spots like Simonton Lake during peak ice fishing months to ensure compliance with state laws. Being caught with an illegally large hole could not only ruin your day of fishing but also cost you money.

Additionally, exceeding the legal hole size could expose you to civil liability if someone were to get injured as a result of your oversized opening in the ice.

Best Practices for Drilling Safe and Legal Holes

• Measure your auger: Most manual and powered augers are designed for 6-, 8-, or 10-inch holes. Make sure the one you're using complies with Indiana’s law.
• Avoid overlapping holes: Drilling two holes too close together may create a larger, irregularly shaped hole that violates the law and poses a greater risk of someone falling in.
• Mark your fishing area: Use bright flags or cones if you leave your hole unattended, especially if it’s in a high-traffic area on the lake.
• Keep an eye on your surroundings: If fishing in a group, spread out to avoid weakening the ice or creating a cluster of holes that could collapse.

Simonton Lake is one of Elkhart’s finest winter recreation spots, but with great fun comes great responsibility. Following Indiana’s 12-inch hole size regulation is not only a matter of legal compliance--it’s a matter of community safety. So before you head out with your auger and bait, make sure you’re drilling smart, staying safe, and keeping Simonton Lake a secure place for everyone to enjoy.