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J C Murphey Lake

Boat Ramps
1
Access Points
2
Species
6

J.C. Murphey Lake is a man-made 1,000-1,200 acre lake nestled within the Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area in western Newton County, Indiana. Created in 1951 as a conservation project to provide habitat for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetland-dependent species, this shallow lake has an average depth of only 3 feet, with maximum depths reaching approximately 8 feet in a few small sections of the original ditch network on the lake bed. Surrounded by lush vegetation, expansive wetlands, rolling dunes, oak savanna, and forest, J.C. Murphey offers a serene yet thrilling environment for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. The peaceful setting provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day on the water while enjoying the abundant aquatic life.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at J C Murphey Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Channel Catfish49,657 fish · 2.7 in2026
  • Largemouth Bass224 fish · 3.7 in2025
  • Channel Catfish50 fish · 8.5 in2025
  • Black Crappie53,039 fish · 2.0 in2025
  • Bluegill Sunfish1,000 fish · 1.4 in2025

Source

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on J C Murphey 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 J C Murphey 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.

Take J C Murphey 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 J C Murphey Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for J C Murphey 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 J C Murphey Lake and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


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