Willow Slough FWA advisories
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has adjusted services, events and operations to protect Hoosiers and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Please visit on.IN.gov/dnrcovid19 for a listing of what is open, closed, restricted and canceled.
- Properties are operating hunt and trap draws differently in this year due to COVID-19. View the property procedures.
- All visitors must obtain a one-day access permit before entering the field, regardless of their activity. Visitors must keep their one-day access permit on them while visiting and must complete and return their permit to a self-service booth, drop-box, or the office before leaving.
- Beginning May 1, 2020, all property specific fishing regulations will be lifted on J.C. Murphey Lake at Willow Slough FWA in Newton County. Until further notice, bag and size limits will become the same as other statewide limits for Indiana lakes.
- Willow Slough FWA will be conducting aerial herbicide applications between Sept. 8 - 18. Some areas will be closed temporarily for applications and reopen 48 hours after treatments are completed. For more information regarding closures, please contact the property office.
- 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, shooting, 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 fishing 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.
- 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.
- Fishing areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details.
Hunting
- Deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, dove, woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey hunting are common at Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area.
- Daily check-in is required. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply. See Hunting Regulations for details.
- Deer tree stands and ground blinds may be used and left unattended from noon, Sept. 15 through Jan. 10. Tree stands and ground blinds must be legibly marked in English with either the owner's DNR customer identification number or the owner’s name, address and telephone number. A fastener used in conjunction with a tree stand and a tree or pole climber that penetrates a tree more than ½ inch is prohibited (anything that penetrates a tree more than a ½ inch is prohibited, i.e. screw-in steps and screw-in bow and gun hangers).
- During waterfowl season, daily drawings begin at 4:30 a.m. local time. See waterfowl hunting rules for details.
- Stands are not allowed to be placed and left unattended on Kankakee Sands (TNC). All vehicles need to be parked in designated parking lots and are not allowed on access trails.
- Pre-registration is required for wild turkey hunting, put-and-take pheasant hunting, and some duck hunting.
- Reserve hunters and stand-by hunters all need to be signed in before the assigned draw time for whichever species the hunter is interested in pursuing. Draw Times are: Dove: 11 a.m. Duck/goose: 4:30 a.m. Youth duck: 5 a.m. Spring turkey: 4:30 a.m. Put-and-take pheasant sign-in begins at 8 a.m. Firearms/muzzleloader deer at Kankakee Sands (TNC): 5 a.m. Upland hunting at Kankakee Sands (TNC): 7 a.m.
- Willow Slough has deer hunting and dove hunting rules that are specific to the property.
- A dog training area is provided in area 9 (see map).
- Each year property staff partner with other groups to host youth hunter events. Events change from year to year, but typically consist of fishing, shooting, dove hunting, and pheasant hunting events.
- Hunting areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details.
- 2020/2021 Waterfowl:
Trapping
- Trapping drawing is first Saturday in October at 10 a.m.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Need a reason to get outside and move? You can volunteer alone or in small groups at this property. Some activities include trash pick-up, basic gardening, painting, and more. Call the property office for details.
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. No sign-in is required to scout, hike, fish or wildlife watch.
- Mushrooms, berries, and nuts may be gathered, however a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks and fossils.
Shooting Range
- Improvements in Fall 2016 included moveable target stands, additional pistol stations, modern restroom facilities, a sales area and additional safety measures.
- To view hours and contact information, visit the Fish & Wildlife Area Shooting Ranges webpage.
Camping
- Willow Slough FWA provides primitive camping on a first-come, first-served basis. A picnic area is also available. For details on camping fees and amenities, call the property office at 219-285-2704.
NO Swimming Allowed.
Please Read and Obey All Signs.
- Rules
A record of Fish & Wildlife Area property rules can be found on the Indiana Fish & Wildlife Area Rules webpage. Property specific rules can be found below, if applicable. Contact the property directly for specific questions.
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 & 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 Willow Slough FWA 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 FWA.
Other
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.
- Maps
