DESCRIPTION

Chinook Fish and Wildlife area is 2141 acres of rolling grasslands and wooded unreclaimed areas. Approximately 80 acres of the property is water (mostly strip pits).

Originally leased as a Public Fishing Area in 1982, Chinook Fish & Wildlife opened in 1997 and consisted of 2141 acres of surface mine land near Vigo county in western Clay County.

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

• Chinook Fish and Wildlife Area provides fishing for bluegill, redear, bass, trout, crappie and catfish from six strip pits on the property. The strip pits range in size from 3- to 33-acres.
• A 14-inch size limit on largemouth bass is in effect
• The property has six boats ramps located at Little George, Scheister, Worm, Daredevil, Stump Jumper, and Hawg Pits.
• Electric motors only are permitted on the strip pits.
• Shore line fishing is available.

Hunting

• Quail, turkey, dove, rabbit, deer, woodcock, duck and goose hunting are available at the property. Night hunting is available for raccoon, coyote and fox.
• A self-service daily check-in is required for hunting.

Trapping

• Open trapping is allowed. All traps must be underwater. You do not have to sign in to trap.

Wildlife Watching

• 2,141 acres of rolling grassland and strip pits provide excellent opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe deer, turkey, waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors on the property.

Additional Opportunities

• Nature enthusiasts interested in sightseeing or nature studies should inquire at the (765) 653-0453.
• View deer, turkey, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors that make their home on the property.
• Blackberries, raspberries, morels, black walnuts may be gathered at the property.
  

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 permits are required:

• A self-service daily check-in is required for hunting.

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

• Chinook Fish and Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format

GALLERY

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