Greene-Sullivan State Forest & Shakamak State Park, IN

May 10 -14, 2023

Coordinator:  Wes Krupiczewicz

The Plan:  This will be the club’s first trip to the area around Linton, Indiana, about 2.5 hours West of Louisville.  We will be fishing for bluegill and bass in the lakes in the Greene-Sullivan State Forest (https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/greene-sullivan-state-forest/) and in Shakamak State Park (https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/shakamak-state-park/).  Both places can be researched on the links above.  There are a large number of small lakes and impoundments with a variety of small boat (canoe, kayak, float tube, etc) and bank fishing opportunities.  Shakamak State Park also has boats available for rent.

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 carry down launches; the Drugger 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.   Greene-Sullivan is about 10 miles and 20 minutes south of Shakamak.

Accessibility:  With all the launch points, this looks like an ideal area for small boats like kayaks and canoes.  Based on the maps, it looks like there are also carry in opportunities to small lakes without ramps; those might be ideal for float tubes.  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 you own breakfast and lunch, unless someone is willing to cook breakfast.  I will bring the DCFF coffee pot and coffee for the group.

We will have group suppers on Wednesday thru Saturday.  Cooking volunteers should save receipts since these costs are refundable.  I have a large 2 burner propane stove that I will bring.  I’m hoping we catch enough panfish to have fish fries.   There are grocery stores close by, so we can shop local and do not have to pack everything in.

You need to bring your cooking and eating utensils.

Lodging:  We will stay in Persimmon Lane bunk house cottage #12 in the Shakamak Group camping area.  Google Map Link The bunk house has 3 rooms.  There is a kitchen with a refrigerator, stove/oven and a sink.  There are 2 shower stalls and 2 toilets.  There are two picnic tables and a fire pit outside.  We will have to bring our own linens, towels, cookware and eating utensils.  Firewood is available for sale in the Park.  We can set up a popup shelter.

There are only 2 parking spaces at the cottage.  We may want to try to figure out how to carpool for this trip.  Other cars will have to park in a group lot which is close to #12.

I plan to limit this trip to 8 participants.  Registration cost for the trip is $120 for the four nights and will include the group 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:  You need an Indiana Fishing License, a lake permit ($5/year non-motorized, $25/year motorized) and entrance fees (possibly as high at $9/day – not sure).  All these costs are in addition to the trip registration fee.

Equipment:  3 to 8 weight fly rods, but if you want to spin or bait fish that is acceptable.  Both topwater and typical nymph flies should work.  Bluegill love mop flies and trout magnets!

Sign Up:  If you have any questions, contact Wes at wes@derbycityflyfishers.com or 502-938-2662.  You must be a current DCFF member to sign up for this trip.  Click here to sign up.