J C Murphey Lake
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.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing 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.
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 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.
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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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