Turtle Creek Reservoir was built in 1980 to cool the Merom Generating Station. The 1,550-acre lake opened to the public for fishing two years later, in 1982. The power plant still runs, and the warm water it returns to the lake keeps the reservoir from freezing through most of the winter, extending the growing season for the fish stocked here.
The lake is stocked with bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Standing timber and submerged vegetation hold fish year-round, and largemouth carry a 20-inch minimum with a one-fish daily limit. Shoreline anglers work the spillway and the rip-rap from the designated areas; boats find the islands and the deeper structure where the water stays warm in winter. Motors are held to 10 horsepower, anything larger must idle, and canoes, kayaks, and boats under 14 feet are not permitted.
Waterfowl hunting takes over the reservoir in late fall. The posted season runs November 29 through February 15, on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5 AM to 3 PM, across about 33 numbered blind sites assigned on set days. Hunters check in at the guard house, bring their own boat, and follow Indiana and federal waterfowl rules, including the ban on lead shot. Hoosier Energy can close all or part of the lake to fishing during the waterfowl season and for water testing, and those dates go up at the launch area, so call the reservoir office at (812) 356-4744 if the trip falls in that window.
A nominal fee covers boat ramp access; payment is by debit or credit card, no cash. This is a fishing and hunting lake: swimming, camping, water skiing, ice fishing, and pleasure boating are not permitted, and a signed waiver is required before you use the facility. The reservoir is owned and operated by Hoosier Energy, with an on-property Environmental Education Center near the public access. The reservoir office is at 5500 W. Old 54 in Sullivan.
