Hovey Lake
Hovey Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 3
- Access Points
- 3
- Species
- 17
Hovey Lake is a unique natural area nestled in the Ohio River and Wabash River floodplains in extreme southwest Indiana. This 1,400-acre oxbow lake is part of the larger Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area which encompasses approximately 7,404 acres. The property features not only the main lake but also smaller sloughs, marshes, and extensive bottomland hardwood forests. With its rich wetland ecosystem, Hovey Lake provides excellent opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and recreational paddling. The area has a long history dating back to treaties of 1803 and 1809 when it was designated as swampland, before eventually being acquired by the Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife beginning in 1939.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Hovey Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Hovey Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Hovey Lake
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Indiana licenses and regulations
Indiana Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Indiana Fishing License
Non-resident youth age 17 or younger are exempt from a fishing license, state migratory waterfowl stamp, and gamebird habitat stamp.
Indiana Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Indiana Stream Access Laws
Public recreation and boating are allowed on all navigable, state-owned waters/riverbeds. That determination, however, can be difficult to ascertain. We recommend consulting a stream roster on indiana.gov
Take Hovey Lake with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Hovey Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Hovey Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
Get the onWater Fish app
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Hovey Lake and check the forecast before you go.
BAYOU DRAIN NEAR HOVEY, IN
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