Description
Unique natural area nestled in the Ohio River and Wabash River floodplains in extreme southwest Indiana. Hovey Lake FWA covers approximately 6,963 acres and features a 1,400 acre oxbow lake, other smaller sloughs, marshes and extensive bottomland hardwood forests. Hovey Lake is dedicated to providing and maintaining quality hunting, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities.
Trip Report
James, his dad and I visited this area for a good morning of kayaking. I've been wanting to get out on this lake for a while now because it looked like a fun maze of cypress trees. Little did I know, there are Osprey and Bald Eagles nesting here. We paddled to both nests and were able to spend some time watching the birds. The Osprey were very active soaring around the nest, probably curious about whether or not we were a threat. At the Bald Eagle nest, two fairly grown Eaglets perched on the edge of the huge nest. We spent some time waiting and finally the female made a showing, but did not come all that close to the nest. A bit more time and the female made a pretty large circle around us and the nest then perched itself on a fairly distant cypress. I guess she had no issues with us being near the base of the nest. We continued on and eventually found ourselves zigzagging between a forest of cypress before heading back to the dock. It was a great morning with awesome weather and very calm waters. I look forward to another day at Hovey to explore many of the creeks that branch off of the main lake.
Location
15010 Highway 69 South
Mount Vernon, Indiana 47620
(812) 838-2927
Facilities
There is a park office at the front entrance for whatever information you may need. It is staffed from 8:00am to 3:30pm, but the park is open 24 hours a day. The boat ramp is plenty wide and very functional with a dock extending out in to the water. It's a free park and you don't have to stop and sign in. Portajons are available near the parking lot. Not sure on the water situation, but I would think you could fill up at the main office. Mount Vernon, Indiana is just 9 miles north of the lake where you can find anything you need. Camping is no longer available.