DESCRIPTION

Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 9,956 acres, which includes 1,200 acres of open water, marshes and flooded crop land.

Willow Slough began with the purchase of 7,800 acres of land in 1949. Land acquisition continued to bring the total size to 9,956 acres. J.C. Murphey Lake was completed in 1951. Parts of Willow Slough were formerly grazed, hayed and cultivated. A railroad once ran through the property, and portions of an old station can be found in the area. Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area are derived from the sale of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. Funds are also received from the federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson programs to aid fish and wildlife restoration. These funds are derived from taxes levied on sport hunting and fishing equipment. Indiana hunters and fishermen are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing

• Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area provides 1,200 acres of available water in J.C. Murphey Lake and numerous ponds.
• No boat fishing is allowed during duck season, including the early teal and goose season (even during Labor Day weekend). Ask at headquarters for details.
• Primary species include bass, bluegill, channel catfish, redear, crappie and northern pike.
• Motor restrictions: Electric only.  No outboard motors are allowed.
• Shoreline fishing available only on designated piers and below the picnic area.
• There is an 18-inch minimum size limit and daily bag limit of 2 fish for largemouth bass for all Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife area waters. There is a panfish limit of 25 fish per day, including bluegill, redear, and crappie in aggregate. All other size and bag limits apply. See Fishing Regulations for details.
• Two boat ramps are provided near the headquarters. Boats may be launched only at the headquarters area.
• For the ice-fishing season, access to the back of the lake is afforded after deer muzzleloader season has ended.
• Pond anglers must park in designated lots.

Hunting

• Deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, dove, woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey are common at Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area.
• Daily check-in is required. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply. See Hunting Regulations for details.
• During waterfowl season, daily drawings begin at 4:30 a.m. local time. See Waterfowl Hunting Rules for details.
• Pre-registration is required for wild turkey hunting, put/take pheasant hunting, and some duck hunting. 
• Willow Slough has deer hunting rules  and dove hunting rules that are specific to the property.

Wildlife Watching

• 9,956 acres of high sandy hills and oak barrens, poorly drained wetlands, farm land, ponds and marshes surround a 1,000 acre lake attracting deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, hawks, owls, osprey, bald eagles and a wide variety of songbirds.

Camping

• Willow Slough FWA provides 50 Class B campsites from May 1 thru September 17. The showerhouse will be available until September 16, 2012 and will reopen on May 1, 2013. It will be closed from Sept.17 - April 30 for repairs. Camping is afforded the rest of the season at Class C rates.  No reservations are accepted for camping.  A picnic area is also available.

Additional Opportunities

• Wetland trapping is available through drawing only. Ask for details.
• A dog training area is provided in area 9 (see map).
• Hunting and fishing areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details.
• Wild blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, walnuts and spring and fall mushrooms may be gathered from the property.

NO Swimming Allowed.

Please Read and Obey All Signs.

RULES

In addition to state fish and wildlife laws, this property is governed by posted regulations affecting the public use of lands and facilities owned, leased or licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.

Posted Areas
Safety zones, waterfowl resting and other restricted areas are marked with appropriate signs. PLEASE READ AND OBEY ALL SIGNS.

Violations
Violation of any law, rule or regulation governing this property may be cause for forfeiting your hunting, fishing, or visiting privileges on this area.

Responsibility
The Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, will not be held responsible for any accidents or deaths occurring from the use of these facilities.

Permits
In addition to a hunting and/or fishing license the following permits are required:

• Permission to hunt during the day or night on Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area must be obtained before entering the field. Daily hunt permit cards must be in possession of the hunter and recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the check station. Self-service drop boxes are located on the property for your convenience.
• A permit from the fish and wildlife headquarters is required to enter the waterfowl resting areas.
• No check-in or written permission is required for fishing.
• A launching permit is NOT required on Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area.

Camping
Camping, picnicking, and open campfires are allowed in designated areas only. Unloaded firearms, unstrung bows and arrows, and air guns may be possessed, but not used in camping and picnic areas. All weapons must be stored or carried in a case, or locked within a vehicle while in these areas. No swimming is allowed.

Target Ranges

• Target ranges are open to the public on a first come first serve basis. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
•  The range hours vary by season.

Traffic

• Traffic on public roads through the area is governed by state and county laws. Traffic over service roads and trails, except by authorized vehicles, is restricted to walking. Please be courteous to neighboring landowners. Look for property boundary and safety zone signs.  Do not trespass on private property.

MAPS

• Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format
• Dove Hunting Map
• Waterfowl Hunting Map (September)
• Waterfowl Hunting Map (Regular Seasons)

GALLERY

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