DESCRIPTION

Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 11,605 acres of land, 529 acres of lakes and impoundments and 17 miles of free flowing river.

Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area was established in 1956 when three impoundments in the Pigeon River Valley were given to the state. These included Mongo, Nasby and Ontario reservoirs. Since then the state has acquired additional land along the river valley.

Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Pigeon River 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

• Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area has 17 miles of river, 266 acres of lakes, 263 acres of impoundments and 356 acres of restored open water wetlands.
• No check-in is required for fishing. Most fishing areas and portions of the Pigeon River are closed during waterfowl seasons. Ask at headquarters for restrictions.
• Primary species include catfish, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, smallmouth bass, redear, largemouth bass, rough fish, trout and yellow perch.
• Boats with electric motors are allowed on lakes and ponds. See map for boat ramp locations.
• Shoreline fishing is available on Beaver Dam Lake, Stayner Lake, Little Stayner Lake, Troxel, Mongo, Nasby and Ontario millponds, Massassauga Marsh, East Pool, Rainbow Pit and Catfish Pond.
• There is a 14-inch minimum size limit for largemouth bass. A 12-inch minimum size limit exists for smallmouth bass on the Pigeon River. All other state size and bag limits apply. See a copy of the current fishing regulations for details.

Hunting

• Hunting for furbearers, deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, waterfowl, dove, pheasant and wild turkey is common at Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area.
• Daily check-in is required. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply.
• Special hunts include youth waterfowl, daily waterfowl drawings, drawings for turkey hunting and put-and-take pheasant hunts
• Area D is designated for dog training.

Camping

• The campground at Pigeon River will be closed starting March 1, 2013.

Wildlife Watching

• Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area is a long narrow property along the flood plain of the Pigeon River. It provides excellent waterfowl watching during the spring migration.

Neighboring Land

• Tamarack Bog Nature Preserve, Curtis Creek Trout Rearing Station, Fawn River State Fish Hatchery and Pokagon State Park are located near the Fish and Wildlife Area.

Additional Opportunities

• Wetland trapping is available through drawing only. Ask for details.
• A dog training area is provided in section D (see map).
• Additional hunting opportunities include waterfowl hunts by drawing and put-and-take pheasant hunts starting the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
• Hunting areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details at headquarters.
• A rifle and archery range is located near the property headquarters.
• Seasonal nuts and berries 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, refuges, 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 on Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area must be obtained before entering the field. Hunting badges or one-day hunting permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter at all times. Bagged game must be checked through the check-in station or recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the check-in station. Self-service drop boxes are located throughout the property for your convenience. No Shooting of woodchuck (groundhogs) is allowed.
• Night and predator hunting is only permitted by special permit cards from the property manager.
• A permit from the property manager is required to enter the waterfowl resting areas.
• Dog training is available in Area D only. Sign up and obtain permit at headquarters in Mongo.
• Collecting Permits are required from the property manager or IDNR for the collection of everything except nuts, berries and mushrooms.

Target Ranges

• Target ranges are open to the public on a first come first serve basis. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
• Range is open April through August from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and September through March from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except during waterfowl season , which is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The range is closed on Monday.

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. Park in designated lots only.

MAPS

• Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area Map in online viewable format.
• Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format

GALLERY

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