Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area is an area in Newton County, Indiana dedicated to providing hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 9956 acre, 1,800 of which are open water, marshes, and flooded crop land.

History

Willow Slough began with the purchase of 7800 acre of land in 1949. Further purchasing continued to bring the total size of the park to 9956 acre. J.C. Murphey Lake, the park reservoir, was completed in 1951. Most parts of Willow Slough were once formerly grazed, hayed, and cultivated. A railroad also ran through the property at one time, and portions of an old train station can still be found in the area. It was also a mob dumping place for bodies in the 1920s-1980s. In 1986 the bodies of Chicago Outfit mobsters Anthony and Michael Spilotro were discovered in the preserve, events later depicted in the film Casino.

Rules and regulations

Besides the state fish and wildlife laws, the property is governed by posted regulations licensed by the Department of Natural Resources. The following regulations are listed below:

Fishing

Willow Slough provides over 1200 acre of water available for fishing including numerous ponds. No check in is required for fishing, but fishing is prohibited during duck season. Primary species of fish include bass, bluegill, channel catfish, redear sunfish, crappie, and northern pike. Shoreline fishing is available, but only along designated piers. Two boat ramps are provided near the headquarters but may only be launched at the headquarters area.

Hunting

Willow Slough contains a variety of hunting species. These species include deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, dove, woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey. Daily check-ins are required for hunting and all hunting seasons and bag limits apply.

Wildlife Watching

9956 acre of varied geography including a 1200 acre lake attract many wildlife species like deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, hawks, owls, osprey, bald eagles, and a variety of songbirds.

Additional information

Besides hunting and fishing, other opportunities include wetland trapping, dog training, and wild fruit gatherings.