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.
Turtle Creek Reservoir testing larger boat motors
Turtle Creek Reservoir in Sullivan County, one of Indiana’s finest catfish destinations, has long maintained a 10-horsepower motor limits for boats. After the success of lifting the limit at a recent fishing tournament, the reservoir’s rules are being temporarily modified to allow larger boat motors to be run at idle speed settings.
The rule modification allows fishing enthusiasts who have invested in larger boat motors to enjoy the opportunities at Turtle Creek Reservoir. If the test period is successful, the change may become permanent.
Waterfowl hunting dates
Preference for sites will be given to parties of two and three with remaining blinds available for individual hunters.
Turtle Creek Reservoir will be closed for fishing during periods of waterfowl hunting which coincide with dates set by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Hunting is scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from one-half hour before sunrise until noon.
Early Season Hunting Dates are October 24, 25, 27, 29, 31; November 1.
(Duck and goose all dates.) Selection of locations will be held at 6:00 a.m. each date during the early season. The reservoir will be closed for fishing each hunting day from 4 a.m. until noon and will reopen at noon on these days.
The reservoir will reopen for daylight fishing (sunrise to sunset) from November 2 until November 25, 2009 and will be closed to fishing from November 26 through January 14, 2010. It will reopen for fishing on January 15-north end of lake only. State season begins November 25 but Turtle Creek begins on November 26.
Late season for ducks and geese will begin on November 26, 2009 with hunting allowed on the following dates: November 26, 28, 29; December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31; January 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14.
From January 15 through the 28th 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 29, 30, or 31. The extended goose season will be February 1 through 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.
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