Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Hoosier National Forest in beautiful southern Indiana offers some of the best fishing locations and hunting in the state. The warm climate of southern Indiana provides anglers with several more quality fishing days relative to the northern parts of the state. Numerous lakes, ponds, and streams on the forest provide anglers with the opportunity to pursue largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, redear sunfish and other sport fish.
State laws on fishing are enforced on national forest lands, requiring either resident or nonresident license. Our boundaries are not always well marked, so if in doubt about whether the lake or pond, river bank or stream is national forest or private land, please consult a detailed map. Do not trespass on adjacent private land
Lake and Pond Fishing
There are several lakes on the Hoosier, some associated with recreation areas, that have excellent fishing. There are also numerous small ponds on the Forest. Some have been stocked officially, others have just naturally acquired fish.
A fishing license is required in all lakes and ponds on the Forest.
Fishable waters range in size from 1 to 10,000 acres and are scattered throughout the Forest. These may include former farm ponds, wildlife watering holes, or limestone quarry ponds. Some have easy, drive-in access and others are accessed by walk-in trails. Forest maps will help you locate these ponds and lakes.
- Lake Monroe (10,750 acres) with a launch ramp for boats at Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, as well as several miles of lakeshore fishing is an excellent fishing resource. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources also manages several boat ramps on the lake.
- Tipsaw Lake (131 acres), offers boat access as well as camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking. An excellent destination for a weekend of family fun.
- Celina Lake (164 acres), Indian Lake (152 acres), are two adjacent lakes with a variety of facilities including boat ramps, picnic and camping areas, trails, and an historic building.
- Springs Valley Lake (area is unavailable) (140 acres), has a boat ramp for launching small fishing craft.
- Saddle Lake (41 acres) provides superb fishing either from a boat or along the bank.
- Sundance Lake (5 acres) is another scenic lake which provides for good family fishing.
River and Stream Fishing
Though the Ohio River, White River, Lost River, and Little Blue River flow through portions of the Hoosier National Forest, the Forest actually has very little ownership of areas along the banks of these rivers. We have a higher percentage of ownership along tributaries of streams. Please be very careful that you are not trespassing when fishing on rivers and streams.
Rivers on the Forest are Lost River and Little Blue. Although neither of these rivers have boat access points, each provides many miles of good fishing opportunities. When accessing these waters, be aware that private land is intermingled with national forest land and be careful not to stray from public land.
River access is provided at Mano Point on the Ohio River.
Hunting
An array of hunting experiences can be found, from remote walk-in areas to easily accessible lands near roads. The national forest does not have “special access areas” for disabled hunters. Wheelchairs, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are allowed anywhere on Hoosier National Forest.
Things to Know
Discharging a firearm (including a bow and arrow) is prohibited in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be. Shooting across bodies of water is also prohibited.
Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun from, into, or across any parking area, trail, boat ramp, body of water, or road which is open to motorized vehicle traffic is prohibited.
Private lands are interspersed with public lands and you must obtain written permission from the private landowner to hunt on their property. It is highly recommended that hunters obtain a topographic map showing national forest ownership and use caution to ensure you don't inadvertently stray off public land onto private.
Resources for Hunting on Hoosier National Forest Hunting
Turkey Hunting
Turkey hunting hours on the National Forest: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Working Together
The Forest Service and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife have forged a strong partnership to provide you with the best hunting opportunities possible. The Forest Service works to improve and monitor wildlife habitat and constructs and maintains access points. The Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife surveys fish and wildlife populations, recommends harvest regulations, and coordinates stocking programs for Forest lands and waters.
In addition, we welcome volunteers to help with habitat improvement projects. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Brooks Cabin
German Ridge Recreation Area
Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
Maines Pond
Mano Point Fishing Area
Rainbow Lake Recreation Area
Saddle Lake Recreation Area
Sundance Lake
Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area