DESCRIPTION

Minnehaha FWA has approximately 6,000 acres of rolling grassland and wooded bottomland areas. Approximately 600 acres of the property is water (mostly strip pit lakes).

Minnehaha Fish and Wildlife Area opened on November 14, 1985 and consisted of 12,000 acres of mostly reclaimed surface mine land in Sullivan County. Minnehaha is currently leased from American Land Holdings and provides opportunities for over 50,000 property users annually from all over Indiana.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing

• Approximately 11 strip pit lakes, ranging from one to 118 acres in size, are open for fishing.
• Bluegill, redear, bass, trout, crappie, catfish are the predominant species present.
• A 14-inch size limit exists on largemouth bass.
• Island Pit is closed March 15-31 for trout stocking. Other pit lakes may be closed during waterfowl season. Check with property.
• Boat launches are available on 13 lakes. Electric motors only.
• Shoreline fishing is available.

Hunting

• Hunting is available for quail, turkey, dove, rabbit, squirrel, deer, woodcock, duck and goose. Night hunting for raccoon, coyote and fox.
• A daily check-in is required for all hunting. Self-service check stations are available on the property.
• Pre-registration is required for the first six days of spring wild turkey hunting.

Trapping

• A special drawing to trap on the property is held at 11 a.m. on the first Saturday in October. Contact the property for more information.

Wildlife Watching

• 6,000 acres of rolling grassland and wooded bottomland areas combined with 600 acres of water provides excellent opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe deer, turkey, waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors.

Neighboring Land

• Greene-Sullivan State Forest (Dugger Recreation Area) provides camp sites, trails and more than 100 fishing lakes.
• Sullivan Lake (461 acres)
• Nearby Shakamak State Park provides opportunity for camping, picnic areas and a family aquatic center for swimming.
• Chinook and Fairbanks Landing fish and wildlife area.

Additional Opportunities

• A special drawing to trap on the property is held at 11 a.m. on the first Saturday in October at the Goose Pond FWA office. Contact the property for more information.
• Visit the property to observe the many species that call it home, such as deer, turkey, waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors.
• Wild blackberries, raspberries, morels and black walnuts may be gathered from the property.
• Dog training is allowed in area A. No check-in is required.

NO Camping and 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 permit is required:

• A daily check-in is required for all hunting. Self-service check stations are available on the property.

Target Ranges

• Simple long and short target ranges are available.
• Range is open from 8-5 p.m. Sept.- March and 7-7 p.m. April - Aug.

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

• Minnehaha Fish and Wildlife Area map in online format
• Minnehaha Fish and Wildlife Area map in Adobe Reader format

GALLERY

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