Greene-Sullivan State Forest & Shakamak State Park, IN

Dates: May 8 -12, 2024

Coordinators: 

• Wes Krupiczewicz (wes@derbycityflyfishers.com; 502-938-2662)
• Joe Gahlinger (joe@derbycityflyfishers.com; 502-472-3975)

The Plan:  This will be the club’s second trip to the area around Linton, Indiana, about 2.5 hours West of Louisville.  You can find the 2023 Trip Report on the Website.

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

• The area include 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 a large number of 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 in the Persimmon Lake Loop and can room a total of 16 campers.  The plan is to split meal preparation between the two cabin groups since meal preparation for more than 8 people is difficult.  We may be able to combine some meals, but we’ve got to work that out.

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 are improved so that the small skiffs like we use on the Cumberland River work; gas motors cannot be used but trolling motor 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 and coffee for the group. We could use another large coffee pot.
• We plan to have group breakfasts and suppers. Please indicate your willingness to cook on the sign up. Plan a meal for 8.  If you need ideas on meals, contact Wes.  Cooks should save receipts since these costs are reimbursable.  Joe and I each have a large 2 burner propane stove that we will bring.
• I’m hoping we catch enough panfish to have fish fries. So bring your filet knives to clean fish and fish baskets/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 plastic ware.

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.  Each camper will get a lower berth to sleep and the upper bunk for storage.  The cottages have a kitchen with a full refrigerator, stove/oven 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 questions 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.
• Firewood is available for sale in the Park. We’ll buy firewood for the group fires. No outside firewood is allowed.
• We can set up popup shelters/canopies.

Parking is limited.  We may want to try to figure out how to carpool for this trip.  Other cars may have to park in a group lot which is close to the cottages.

The plan limits this trip to 16 participants.  Registration cost for the trip is $140 (payable at sign up) for the four 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). You can get them at any State Park Office including the one at Greene/Sullivan. These permits are good at all Indiana State parks.
• 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 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.