Everything you need before you hit the water.
Max Creel™ is a lake-by-lake fishing guide. Pick a lake and you get the species it's known for, when they bite, where to launch, where to buy bait, a shoreline map, the size and creel limits, and reports from anglers who were just out there.
What's a creel?
A creel is the basket anglers have used for generations to carry their catch. The "creel limit" is how many fish you're allowed to keep in a day. Hitting your max creel means you limited out, and that's what we want for every angler who uses this site.
What's on every lake page
- Species & ratings What swims there and how good the fishery is, rated out of 5.
- Month-by-month bite A chart showing when each species runs slow, fair, good or hot.
- Shoreline map The real outline of the lake with numbered boat launch pins.
- Boat launches Public ramps and access points with one-tap directions.
- Bait & tackle nearby The closest shops to the launches, with distance and directions.
- Size & creel limits The key rules, with a link to the state agency for the current regulations.
- Local tips Where and how to fish the lake through the seasons.
- Angler reports A board where anglers post water temp, clarity, what's biting and what's working.
Where our information comes from
Lake maps come from OpenStreetMap contributors. Boat launches and bait shops come from OpenStreetMap, state agencies and local listings. Fishing regulations come from each state's fish and wildlife agency. Rules, ramp hours and shop hours change, so always confirm with the state agency or the business before you go.
Growing state by state
We started with the big lakes of Pennsylvania and Ohio and have expanded across the Midwest. More states and lakes are on the way, with the goal of covering the major fishing lakes across the country.