Green-Sullivan State Forest & Shakamak State Park 2026

May 6, 2025 – May 9, 2026

Dates: May 6-9, 2026 (Wednesday – Saturday)
Check-in NET 4pm May 6 th , Checkout NLT 11am May 9 th
NOTE: We are not staying overnight Saturday as Sunday is Mother’s Day
(Optional) Typically, we meet for lunch at a TBD diner in Dugger, IN on Wednesday, get
our launch permits, fish that afternoon and get back to the bunkhouses sometime after
4pm.

Coordinator:
Joe Gahlinger, joe@derbycityflyfishers.com, 502-472-3975

The Plan: This will be the club’s fourth trip to the area around Linton, Indiana, about 2.5
hours West of Louisville.  You can find the 2023 Trip Report on the Website. I’ll provide
more details about lakes, access points and experiences from previous trips as we get
closer to the trip.

We will be fishing for bluegill and bass in three Indiana State Land areas.

The area includes Greene-Sullivan State Forest
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/greene-sullivan-state-forest/

Shakamak State Park

https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/shakamak-state-park/

Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area

https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/properties/hillenbrand-fwa/

There are many (about 200) small lakes and impoundments with a variety of
small boat (skiff, canoe, kayak, float tube, etc.) and bank fishing opportunities.
Shakamak State Park also rents boats with trolling motors.

We have rented two cottages (bunkhouses) in the Persimmon Lake Loop which can
accommodate a total of 16 campers.

Description of Waters: This area in Western Indiana is a former coal strip pit area.
There are about 120 small lakes in Greene-Sullivan ranging in size from 3 acres to 120
acres.  The Forest itself has many small lakes with over 50 launch ramps; the Dugger
Unit has 13 launch ramps with somewhat larger lakes.  Shakamak has 400 acres of
man-made lakes with boat ramps, canoe launches, fishing piers, fish cleaning stations
and boat rental.   Hillenbrand has another 25 small lakes.  Greene-Sullivan is about 10

miles and 20 minutes southwest of Shakamak.  Hillenbrand is about 13 miles southeast
of Shakamak.

Accessibility: With all the launch points, this is an ideal area for small boats including
kayaks and canoes.  Almost all the boat ramps can handle boats like we use on the
Cumberland River; gas motors cannot be used but trolling motors are acceptable. You
will need a PFD on your watercraft.

Level: This is a Level 2 trip.  There will not be dedicated fishers to teach beginners fly
fishing basics.  There may be teachable opportunities, but there are no guarantees.

Meals:
 For now, plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, and beverages of choice.
 I will bring the DCFF coffee pot, filters, coffee and condiments for the group.
 We plan to have group breakfasts and suppers. Please indicate your willingness
to cook on the sign up (meals are a team effort, we just need a head chef for
planning and provisioning each meal.) Plan a meal for 16.  If you need ideas on
meals, contact me.  Cooks should save receipts since these costs are
reimbursable.
 I’m hoping we catch enough panfish to have at least one fish fry either Thursday
or Friday evening. So, bring your filet knives to clean fish and fish
baskets/stringers/wells to keep fish.
 There are grocery stores close by, so we can shop locally and do not have to
pack everything in.
 You need to bring your cooking and meal prep utensils – if you think you’ll need
it, bring it! We will have paper plates and bowls, plasticware, foil chafing pans,
paper towels, zip lock bags, cleaning supplies, charcoal and standard
condiments.

Lodging: The Club has rented Persimmon Lake bunk house cottages #1 and #2 in
the Shakamak Group camping area. Directions will be provided in the trip updates just
prior to the trip.  Each bunk house has 11 double bunk beds.  We plan on 8 campers per
bunkhouse. Each camper will get a lower berth for sleeping and the upper bunk for
storage.  The cottages have a kitchen with a full refrigerator, stove with oven,
microwave and a sink; we will keep the bunk bed next to the kitchen empty for storage.
There are 2 shower stalls, 2 toilets and 2 vanities. There are two picnic tables and a fire
pit outside.
 We must bring our own linens, towels, cookware, camp chairs, and eating
utensils.

 The bunks have a pretty good foam mattress, and most previous participants did
not see a need for air mattresses. Pillows, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags
are highly recommended.

 If you want to be in the same bunkhouse as someone else, please so state in the
remarks field on the sign up.

 If you want to participate but NOT stay in the cottages, camping spots and
cabins are available; you need to make your own arrangements.

 We’ll buy firewood for the group fires. No outside firewood is allowed.
Parking is limited.  Carpooling is highly recommended.

The plan limits this trip to 16 participants.  Registration cost for the trip is $95 (payable
at sign up) for the three nights and will include the group breakfasts, suppers and
firewood.  There may be a cash up-charge if we burn a lot of wood.  Any registration fee
refund is at the discretion of the DCFF Board.

Fishing License and Permits: (All these costs are in addition to the trip registration
fee.)
 You need an Indiana Fishing License; these can be purchased on line at Indiana
Fishing License.
 For boat operators, you also need a Lake Permit ($5/year non-motorized,
$25/year motorized (includes trolling motor only watercraft). You can get them at
any State Park Office including the one at Greene/Sullivan. These permits are
good at all Indiana State parks for the calendar year.
 Park entrance fees are $7 resident and $9 out of state; you will get a parking
pass after paying the 1st day entry fee.
Equipment: 3 to 8 weight fly rods, but if you want to spin or bait fish go for it.  Both
topwater and typical nymph flies should work.  Bluegill love mop flies and trout magnets!
Sign Up:  If you have any questions, contact Joe at joe@derbycityflyfishers.com or 502-
472-3975.  You must be a current DCFF member to sign up for this trip.
Click here to sign up.