Fishing at Raccoon Creek State Park

Raccoon Lake has:

The lake is open to fishing year round. Coldwater fish, like brown and rainbow trout, are stocked and found both in the lake and in feeder streams.

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. An ADA-accessible fishing peninsula is located on Raccoon Lake near the beach.

The 12-acre Upper Lake provides catch and release fishing year round.

A short stretch of Traverse Creek near the park office is regulated specifically for children under 16.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is permitted on the natural ice of the lake.

Ice thickness is not monitored.

Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single user and 7” thick for a small group.
Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.
Spread out. Crowds can put too much weight onto one area.
Be aware of changes in ice thickness across a body of water. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom.
Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice.
Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
Wear a PFD (life jacket).
Check the weather and plan accordingly. Several days with temperatures above freezing will weaken the ice.