TOPIC:

So I've noticed recently that someone is putting up no trespassing signs along Salt Creek in a couple locations. The pull of at Old Porter Rd in Portage has several signs right next to the creek, isn't there some sort of right away along these creeks?

Now I see that the hole under 94 near Bass Pro has a sign saying no trespassing. Why are all the creek spots close to Lake Michigan being blocked off in Portage?

Many of the spots that anglers have traditionally fished are actually on private land. The owners either didn't know about the fishing, or didn't care as long as people didn't leave trash lying around.

Unfortunately, due to worsening problems with trespassing further onto land, littering, fires, fights, creating giant ruts in mud by driving back there, dumping of appliances and furniture, etc - those spots are gradually being lost.

It's not just Salt Creek, it's happened on Trail Creek too.

Spread the word to other fishermen to respect where they fish, it only takes a few bad apples to ruin it for the rest of us.

Also be aware that there is no easement law in Indiana. The landowners own the river bottom so wading is still trespassing. If you have the money to appeal your way up to a federal court, you do have a right to the high water mark, but good luck with that.

MC_angler wrote:

Many of the spots that anglers have traditionally fished are actually on private land. The owners either didn't know about the fishing, or didn't care as long as people didn't leave trash lying around.

Unfortunately, due to worsening problems with trespassing further onto land, littering, fires, fights, creating giant ruts in mud by driving back there, dumping of appliances and furniture, etc - those spots are gradually being lost.

It's not just Salt Creek, it's happened on Trail Creek too.

Spread the word to other fishermen to respect where they fish, it only takes a few bad apples to ruin it for the rest of us.

The water downstream of Highway 20 in Mich City..prime example. Fished it for many many years, now it's done. Shame too,
some decent water downstream.

You can't blame landowners for trying to take care of their property. I have known guys who used to allow fishing. Heck they even put out garbage cans thinking that the fishermen would use them. The good ones did.

Then one guy tells another who tells another and soon there are a bunch of guys fishing who don't even know who the landowner is. They throw trash, dump the cans, and argue with the landowner. I know of many spots that have since been shut down to the public. Oh, did I forget to add the fourwheel tire ruts where the same guys drove into the yard so they could park next to the river? Can't blame someone that is protecting their property.

Best bet is make friends with the owner and throw them a few bucks every time you fish on their land. Then if they decide to close it to the public you may still be able to get their permission to use the land. A little bit of courtesy and good will go a long way - heck you may even make a friend along the way. Also if they don't have a boat rigged up for big lake fishing you could also offer them a few trips out on the big lake during the spring and summer. I never fish these areas but I find in general being civil to people goes a long way.

I haven't ever had an issue with a land owner, and I'm respectful of any spot I fish, private land or not. I understand that others don't have that same respect, and I don't blame a land owner for stopping abuse to their property.

I thought the spot on Old Porter road was public land. Figured that's why all the busted concrete full of rebar faling into the creek wasn't an issue. Seems that should be considered a problem for the property owner who's putting up signs to protect his land from fishermen.

I likewise thought the woodland around Ameriplex was DNR property, since there is a DNR parking lot and information board.

It's a shame that the few ruin it for the many. Glad i have a boat.

4-Shore wrote:

I haven't ever had an issue with a land owner, and I'm respectful of any spot I fish, private land or not. I understand that others don't have that same respect, and I don't blame a land owner for stopping abuse to their property.

I thought the spot on Old Porter road was public land. Figured that's why all the busted concrete full of rebar faling into the creek wasn't an issue. Seems that should be considered a problem for the property owner who's putting up signs to protect his land from fishermen.

I likewise thought the woodland around Ameriplex was DNR property, since there is a DNR parking lot and information board.

It's a shame that the few ruin it for the many. Glad i have a boat.

My post was just an "in general" post - It was not aimed towards anyone. Hope you did not feel it was aimed at you in any way 4-shore.

4-Shore wrote:

I haven't ever had an issue with a land owner, and I'm respectful of any spot I fish, private land or not. I understand that others don't have that same respect, and I don't blame a land owner for stopping abuse to their property.

I thought the spot on Old Porter road was public land. Figured that's why all the busted concrete full of rebar faling into the creek wasn't an issue. Seems that should be considered a problem for the property owner who's putting up signs to protect his land from fishermen.

I likewise thought the woodland around Ameriplex was DNR property, since there is a DNR parking lot and information board.

It's a shame that the few ruin it for the many. Glad i have a boat.

The Deer Creek Path or whatever it's called, that spot by Bass Pro/Ameriplex at the parking lot is public (national park service and local parks and rec).... HOWEVER, the industrial complex itself owns a bunch of land all along its buildings there, back by the 94 hole. So people are trespassing to get across Ameriplex's land to get to the NPS land along the creek. We are trying to figure something out with them but you can imagine how dealing with large corporations can be in terms of liability and trespassing.

Old Porter Rd is private land, but to my knowledge there'd never been any posted signs or fishermen getting run out of there.

If you take a look at all your fishing spots on Porter County GIS, you'll probably find a lot of surprising info on if it is public or not
porterin.mygisonline.com/