DESCRIPTION

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area is unique in that much of the land has been strip-mined. Sugar Ridge is made up of six separate areas, totaling approximately 8,100 acres. The strip-mined land now features about 100 pits and lakes, along with rows of overburden from the mining operation. The land that has not been mined is mostly rough and rolling.

A large part of the land which is now Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area (Areas I, II and III) was once leased from Amax Coal Company. The leasing began in 1964 and continued until 1980 when most of the land was donated to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Currently, only Area VI is still leased through Gray Farms, Inc. Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area are derived from the sale of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. Funds are also received from the federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson programs to aid fish and wildlife restoration. These funds are derived from taxes levied on sport hunting and fishing equipment. Indiana hunters and fishermen are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing

• Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area provides approximately 145 acres in 24 major fishing pits. No check in is required for fishing.
• Major fish species include bluegill, redear, channel catfish, largemouth bass.
• Bethel pit (Area VI) is stocked with trout. Trout stamp required when fishing for trout.
• Shoreline fishing is available at some pits.
• Handicap fishing access available on West Twin pit. (Area I)
• Boat Ramps are available at most pits on Areas I, II, III,and VI.
• Electric motor only, 12-volt max.
• Fourteen inch size limit for largemouth bass, all other state size and bag limits apply.
• Bow and spear fishing is permitted according to state fishing laws.
• No boat rental provided.

Hunting

• Deer, squirrel and wild turkey are common at Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area.
• Self-service check in is required. Self-service permit stations are located on Areas III,V,and VI. Daily permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter to enter the field. The cards must be returned to any on of the drop boxes at the end of the day.
• Drop boxes are located throughout the property.
• All hunting season and bag limits apply.
• Night and predator hunting is provided by self-service check in.
• Area III - Designated dog training.

Trapping

• Trapping is available through drawing only. Contact the office for details.

Wildlife Watching

• 8,100 acres of upland game habitat, wooded reclaimed mine areas and stripper pits attract a wide variety of song birds, woodpeckers, hawks, and waterfowl.

Neighboring Land

• Glendale FWA
• Pike State Forest
• Ferdinand State Forest

Additional Opportunities

• Trapping is available through drawing only. Contact the office for details.
• Mushrooms, berries and nuts may be gathered, however a written permit is required to remove plants, animals, rocks and fossils. Contact the office for details.
• Target ranges: Area I–Shotgun, Area III–Rifle and Archery.

NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.

Please Read and Obey All Signs.

RULES

In addition to state fish and wildlife laws, this property is governed by posted regulations affecting the public use of lands and facilities owned, leased or licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.

Posted Areas

Safety zones, refuges, waterfowl resting and other restricted areas are marked with appropriate signs. PLEASE READ AND OBEY ALL SIGNS.

Violations

Violation of any law, rule or regulation governing this property may be cause for forfeiting your hunting, fishing, or visiting privileges on this area.

Responsibility

The Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, will not be held responsible for any accidents or deaths occurring from the use of these facilities.

Permits

In addition to a hunting and/or fishing license the following permits are required:

• Permission to hunt during the on Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area must be obtained before entering the field.
• Daily hunt permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter and recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the self-service permit stations. Hunter permit drop boxes are located in various locations on the property for your convenience.
• No check-in is required for fishing.

Target Ranges

• Target ranges for shotgun, rifle and archery are open to the public. All shooters must obey range rules and regulations.
• Area I - Shotgun, Area III - Rifle and Archery.
• Range is open daily during April through August from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and September through March from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Traffic

Traffic on public roads through the area is governed by state and county laws. Traffic over service roads and trails, except by authorized vehicles, is restricted to walking.

No motorized vehicles, horses or bicycles are permitted beyond county roads.

MAPS

• Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area Map in online viewable format
• Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format

GALLERY

You are leaving the IN.gov website. By clicking OK, you will be taken to a website that is not affiliated with the State of Indiana and may have different privacy and security policies. The State of Indiana is not responsible for, and does not endorse, guarantee, or monitor content, availability, viewpoints, products, or services that are offered or expressed on this non IN.gov portal website.