Fishing

• Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area provides approximately 145 acres in 24 major fishing pits. No check in is required for fishing.
• Major fish species include bluegill, redear, channel catfish, largemouth bass.
• Shoreline fishing is available at some pits.
• Accessible fishing available on West Twin pit (Area I).
• Boat ramps are available at most pits on Areas I, II, III,and VI.
• Electric motor only, 12-volt max.
• All state size and bag limits apply, including the minimum size limit for largemouth bass, which is 14 inches.
• Bow and spear fishing is permitted according to state fishing laws.
• No boat rental provided.

Hunting

• Deer, squirrel and wild turkey are common at Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area.
• Self-service check in is required. Self-service permit stations are located on Areas I, III, V, and VI. Daily permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter to enter the field. The cards must be returned to any one of the drop boxes at the end of the day.
• Drop boxes are located throughout the property.
• All hunting season and bag limits apply.
• Night and predator hunting is provided by self-service check in.
• Area III - Designated dog training.
• Deer stands are allowed overnight between Sept. 15 and Jan. 10. Tree stands must be marked with the owner’s name, address, and phone number or the owner’s DNR Customer ID Number.

Trapping

• Trapping is available through drawing only. Contact the office for details.

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

• 8,100 acres of upland game habitat, wooded reclaimed mine areas and stripper pits attract a wide variety of song birds, woodpeckers, hawks, and waterfowl.
• Mushrooms, berries, and nuts may be gathered, however a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks, and fossils.
• You do not need to sign in to scout, hike, or wildlife watch.

Shooting Range

• Shooting ranges for shotgun, rifle, and archery are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
• All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
• There is no charge for use.
• Please visit the Fish & Wildlife Area Shooting Ranges webpage for hours.

Neighboring Land

• Glendale FWA
• Pike State Forest
• Ferdinand State Forest

  NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.

  Please Read and Obey All Signs.

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 on Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area must be obtained before entering the field.
• Daily hunt permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter and recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the self-service permit stations. Hunter permit drop boxes are located in various locations on the property for your convenience.
• No check-in is required for fishing.

• Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area Map (Online)
• Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area Map (PDF)