RE: Fishing Patoka 1st time
If you are coming north from Brandenburg, stop at Walmart in Corydon to get your license. It is open 24 hours. You should have a DNR lake permit, but the only place to get them is the property office at the lake and the gate house at the main entrance to Patoka. There probably wont be anyone there early in the morning, so I would say if they're not there to take your money, go ahead without it.
As far as bass fishing goes, throw a buzzbait over the weeds early. After the sun comes out, drag a carolina rig along the outside edges of the weeds.
RE: Fishing Patoka 1st time
You can get your license at the Eckertyt Y located at SR-64 and SR-145. You will need that lake permit that you can get through the Indiana DNR website.($20 I think) I don't know if you can get it this quick. The site may also tell you where you can get them around the lake.
Best of Luck to you and enjoy your trip!
Bumblebee