By Louie Stout

Water is rising in renovated J.C. Murphy Lake but it’s probably going to take at least a couple of years for it to produce an abundance of keeper fish.

We reported in March the early details of the massive renovation project at the 1,200-acre lake on the Willow Slough Fish and Game Area in northwest Indiana. The reservoir has to be renovated about every 12 years due to its shallow nature. The lake averages 3 feet with a maximum depth of about 10 feet.

But the future looks bright. District Fisheries Biologist Tom Bacula said the lake will be restocked with about 300,000 redear, 330,000 bluegill and 25,000 largemouth bass this year.

When the lake was drained in 2022 the Indiana DNR salvaged about 2,000 sport fish that have been kept in holding ponds. Those fish that survived, including several bass 5 pounds or bigger, will be put back into the lake once the water level has risen to a desirable height.

In fact, Bacula said he has observed several small young bass that apparently were spawned in the holding ponds last year.

During the drawdown, native plant life was allowed to flourish on the shallow flats. Ditches that wander through the property were cleaned and deepened. In addition, the DNR and volunteers erected fish habitat near fishing piers and along the ditch channels last summer and fall.

Stake beds built in J. C. Murphy Lake

The teams built sizable stake beds and artificial habitat structures near the fishing dock and boat ramp. They also put 120 large, log-style piles along the ditch channel to include vertical pilings that serve as channel markers and fish sanctuaries.

Bacula said that water levels will be kept below normal in 2024 to allow more vegetation growth. Fishing will be allowed, including boats (no outboards, electric motor only) but it will take some time for the fish to reach harvestable sizes.

Arial view of J. C. Murphy Lake

“We’re excited about the progress but honestly, it will take 2 to 4 years for it to be a hot lake again,” said Bacula.