Turtle Creek Reservoir
The 1,550-acre reservoir was constructed in 1980 to provide cooling water for Hoosier Energy's Merom Generating Station. Since that time, Turtle Creek has matured into one of the best fishing and waterfowl hunting recreational spots in Indiana. A map is available for download in Adobe Reader* format: driving instructions to Turtle Creek Reservoir.
Located at the reservoir is Hoosier Energy's Environmental Education Center. The center is an 1,100 square foot classroom/laboratory available to educators, scouting groups and others with an interest in science, energy or the environment.
For the fishing enthusiast, Turtle Creek Reservoir has been stocked with bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish. For the waterfowl hunter, Turtle Creek provides in-season goose and duck hunting. An informational brochure is available for download in Adobe Reader* format: "Turtle Creek Reservoir A Recreational Facility for Fishing and Waterfowl Hunting."
All sporting activities are subject to Hoosier Energy rules and regulations and Indiana State Fish and Wildlife laws.
Waterfowl hunting dates at Turtle Creek Reservoir
The fall and winter waterfowl hunting schedule has been established for Turtle Creek Reservoir in Sullivan County. The reservoir will be closed for fishing during periods of waterfowl hunting which coincide with dates set by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Preference for sites will be given to parties of two and three with remaining blinds available for individual hunters. Hunting is scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from one-half hour before sunrise until noon.
The reservoir will reopen for daylight fishing (sunrise to sunset) from October 31 until November 23, and will be closed to fishing from November 24 through January 12, 2012. It will reopen for fishing on January 13 at the north end of lake only.
State season begins November 23 but Turtle Creek season begins on November 24.
Late season for ducks and geese will begin on November 24, with hunting allowed on the following dates. November 24, 26, 27, 29; December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31; January 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12.
From January 13 through 26, goose hunting will be allowed all day on the south end of the reservoir. Selection for hunting locations will be at 6:30 a.m. Daylight fishing will resume on the north end of the reservoir at sunrise. There is no fishing on the south end of the reservoir. All fishermen must be off the lake at sunset.
There is no goose hunting on January 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31. The extended goose season will be February 1-15. Fishing will remain on the north end of the lake only during the extended goose season. The entire lake will be open for fishing the morning of February 16.
Hunters will be charged a user fee of $1 per day for persons 16 years old and under and for those over 65 years of age. All others will be charged $3 per day.
A valid hunting license and appropriate stamps are necessary to hunt at the reservoir. Waterfowl hunters must register with the Harvester Information Program (HIP) and the HIP number is to be recorded on your license. All other state and federal waterfowl hunting regulations apply. Hunters must use state-approved shot.
Upland game hunting is not permitted at the reservoir or any other properties owned by Hoosier Energy.
Wind speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour will cause the reservoir to be closed to all activity until conditions improve and the security guard on duty authorizes resumption of activities. Fishing will be allowed on scheduled days of hunts until 4 a.m. and resumed at noon. No fishing between the hours of 4 a.m. and noon on days of hunting.
Turtle Creek Reservoir is owned and managed by Hoosier Energy as a source of cooling water for the Merom Generating Station. The reservoir and other facilities offer recreational and educational opportunities.
Questions about fishing or hunting conditions may be directed to (812) 356-4744.
For more information, contact:
Turtle Creek Reservoir
PO Box 7
Sullivan, IN 47882
Phone: 812-356-4744