Willow Slough
2042 S. 500 W.
Morocco, IN 47963
(219) 285-2704
Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 9,956 acres, which includes 1,800 acres of open water, marshes and flooded crop land.
- History and Funding
- Rules and Regulations
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Wildlife Watching
- Camping
- Additional Information
History and Funding
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 and fishing equipment. Indiana hunters and fishermen are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.
Rules and Regulations
In addition to state fish and wildlife laws, this property is governed by posted regulations affecting the public use of lands and facilities owned, leased or licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.
Posted Areas
Safety zones, refuges, waterfowl resting and other restricted areas are marked with appropriate signs. PLEASE READ AND OBEY ALL SIGNS.
Violations
Violation of any law, rule or regulation governing this property may be cause for forfeiting your hunting, fishing, or visiting privileges on this area.
Responsibility
The Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, will not be held responsible for any accidents or deaths occurring from the use of these facilities.
Permits
In addition to a hunting and/or fishing license the following permits are required:
- Permission to hunt during the day on Willow Slough Fish and 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.
- Night and predator hunting is only permitted by daily permit cards from the property manager.
- A permit from the fish and wildlife headquarters is required to enter the waterfowl resting areas.
- No check-in or written permission is required for fishing. There is a minimum size limit of 14 inches for largemouth bass in effect on all state-owned, operated or leased waters except for free flowing streams. No fishing is allowed during duck season.
- A launching permit is NOT required on Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area.
Camping
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.
Target Ranges
- Target ranges are open to the public on a first come first serve basis. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
- Range is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.
- The range is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Traffic Traffic on public roads through the area is governed by state and county laws. Traffic over service roads and trails, except by authorized vehicles, is restricted to walking. Please be courteous to neighboring landowners. Look for property boundary and safety zone signs. Stay at least 500 feet inside boundaries. Do not trespass on private property.
Fishing
- Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area provides over 1,200 acres of available water in J.C. Murphey Lake and numerous ponds.
- No check-in is required for fishing. No fishing is allowed during duck season. Ask at headquarters for details.
- Primary species include bass, bluegill, channel catfish, redear, crappie and northern pike.
- Motor restrictions: No outboard motors are allowed. Maximum of 24-volt electic allowed.
- Shoreline fishing available only on designated piers and below the picnic area.
- There is a 18-inch minimum size limit for largemouth bass for all Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife area waters. There is a panfish limit of 25 fish per day, including bluegill, redear, and crappie in aggregate. All other size and bag limits apply. See Fishing Regulations for details.
- Two boat ramps are provided near the headquarters. Boats may be launched only at the headquarters area.
- Access to the back of the lake is afforded after deer muzzleloader season is over.
- Pond anglers must park in designated lots.
Hunting
- Deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel,dove, woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey are common at Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area.
- Daily check-in is required. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply. See Hunting Regulations for details.
- During waterfowl season, daily drawings begin at 4:30 a.m. local time.
- Pre-registration is required for wild turkey hunting.
- Area 9 is designated for dog training.
Wildlife Watching
- 9,956 acres of high sandy hills and oak barrens, poorly drained wetlands, farm land, ponds and marshes surround a 1,200 acre lake attracting deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, hawks, owls, osprey, bald eagles and a wide variety of songbirds.
Camping
- The showerhouse is open May 1 thru October 31, Class B rates apply during this period. Camping is open all year on a first come first serve basis. A picnic area and boat rental are also available.
Additional Opportunities
- Wetland trapping is available through drawing only. Ask for details.
- A dog training area is provided in area 9 (see map).
- Additional hunting opportunities include waterfowl hunts by drawings, put-take pheasant hunting, and turkey hunting. Pre-registration is required.
- Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area provides 75 class B camping sites; no reservations are needed. Boat rental and a picnic area are provided.
- Hunting and fishing areas accessible to persons with disabilities are available. Ask for details.
- Wild blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, walnuts and spring and fall mushrooms may be gathered from the property.
