Crosley 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.
- Crosley Lake at Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area will be closed for dam renovations beginning April 2019. Work is expected to be completed in fall 2020.
- The bridge crossing on River Road at the Muscatatuck River is closed for an indefinite period of time; however, you can still access the western side of the property (including the shooting range) by taking Highway 3 north to County Road 25W, keeping left onto County Road 115 South then turning back south on County Road 75W. For more information, contact Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area at 812-346-5596.
- Description
Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area is made up of 4,228 acres of rolling hills, ponds and the Muscatatuck River. Approximately 80 percent of the property is wooded. Most of the terrain is covered with steep to gently rolling hills. About seven miles of the Muscatatuck River flows through the property. The property also has 13 ponds, ranging in size from 2-14 acres.
Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area gets its name from Powel Crosley, the man who originally owned the property. Powel Crosley, maker of the Crosley automobile, purchased the land in 1931 and maintained it as a private hunting and fishing area. The DFW purchased the land in 1958.
Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Crosley 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
- Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area contains 13 ponds that range in size from 2-14 acres.
- About seven miles of the Muscatatuck River flows through the property.
- Fishing is allowed on all lakes. No check-in required.
- Largemouth bass size limit is 14 inches. All other bag and size limits apply.
- Eight of the 13 ponds have ramps. Electric motors only.
- Shoreline fishing is available at all ponds and the Muscatatuck River.
Hunting
- Deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, limited quail, woodcock, and waterfowl hunting is available. The first five days of spring turkey hunting are by reserved draw only. Check-in required. Night hunting by permit only.
- ADA- Hunting is allowed in designated areas by permit from the property manager.
- Dog training is allowed in area E-1 and E-2.
- 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
- Wetland trapping is by drawing only. Call the office for details.
Wildlife Watching
- The 4,228 acres of rolling hills, ponds and the Muscatatuck River attracts a wide variety of song birds, hawks, waterfowl, turkeys and deer. These wildlife provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, bird and wildlife watching throughout the property. No check-in is required.
- Mushrooms, berries, and nuts may be gathered, however, a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks, and fossils.
- Boating and canoeing is allowed. Crosley has no boat rental.
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.
Shooting Range
- A shooting range for rifle and archery is available. You must sign in before use.
- Please visit the Fish & Wildlife Area Shooting Range webpage for hours of operation.
- Target ranges are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
Neighboring Land
- Splinter Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area is located 10 miles east of Madison on S.R. 56. It offers 2,460 acres open for hunting.
- Clifty Falls State Park is located near Madison. They offer camping, picnicking and swimming.
- Muscatatuck County Park is located in North Vernon. Camping, picnicking and playgrounds are available at this park.
NO Camping and 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:
- A daily hunt permit card is required. These must be obtained before entering the field and kept in the hunter's possession while in the field. The permits need to be returned at the end of the day in one of the drop boxes on the property.
- Maps