The Greene-Sullivan Region of Indiana is a wooded wonderland dotted by hundreds of man-made lakes all exuding natural relaxation. This Indiana hideaway harbors a distinct down home persona where camouflage cut-offs out number suits 10 to 1. Public land abounds, offering pursuit of fish and game, along with opportunities to hunt for mushrooms, bird watch, hike, camp, and enjoy countless other natural pastimes.

The region is referred to as Greene-Sullivan because a majority of the area’s attractions are found in those two adjoining counties. The small towns of Linton, Dugger, Jasonville, and Sullivan are minor points of civilization in and around the region, but the true essence of the area is found in the vast expanse of reclaimed coal fields. Once stripped bare by mining companies, Greene-Sullivan forests have grown back dense and wild. Hundreds of lakes in the region are revitalized coal-mined strip pits, long since filled with water, providing a plethora of angling opportunity. Shorelines are most often thickly wooded creating a beautiful backdrop for scenic angling experiences.

Very little development exists on any of the public pits. While pursuing an abundance of bluegill, bass, crappie, and catfish, fishermen are left to enjoy the solitude and serenity of the wild. There is even one pit renowned for its hold-over rainbow trout. No name given, because that’s part of the fun. Most locals and travelers alike keep their strip pit knowledge behind tight lips. Hunting for fishing information is just one more enjoyable pursuit of the region.

Fellow anglers will tell you to try a pit and if you don’t catch anything, move on to the next one. But if you’re desperate for information, stop by and see Bill Fish at Minner’s Bait Shop just south of Linton. He’ll point you in the right direction, but be prepared for a rocking chair style chat. People don’t go on too fast around here, and Ol’ Bill can spin a yarn.

Probably the most appealing aspect of the Greene-Sullivan is the amount of public land available to those seeking outdoor recreation. The Greene-Sullivan State Forest, Goose Pond FWA, Minnehaha FWA, Shakamak State Park, Redbird State Riding Area, and John Hillenbrand FWA all offer public access for fishing and outdoor recreation. What really makes the public land of the region valuable though is the pleasingly sufficient amount of fish and game.

Fly fisherman will enjoy the fact that there is an extremely limited use of gas motors, no water sports, and solitude found in significant supply. The hundreds of public water fishing holes dotting the Greene-Sullivan, which range in size from an acre to many hundred acres, are perfect spots to launch your canoe, kayak, inflatable pontoon, or float tube. Jon boats with electric motors are Cadillacs on these waters. Fishing from the shore will be very difficult in most places. It’s best to be prepared to fish from the water.

Even with all the great public land opportunities, sometimes people just want to get away from it all. There are a number of private pits in the area, and with a little research, one can locate a number of ways to obtain permission to fish one these sanctuaries.

One such highly recommended property available to those looking for a place to stay and fish is Deer Run Properties. Located in the heart of the Greene-Sullivan Region, just north of Dugger, Indiana, Deer Run consists of five-hundred private acres of land with 6 private pits all full of fish. This is truly a special place offering seemingly endless woodlands to hunt, hike, search for mushrooms, or simply get away from it all on private ground in a true paradise. The fly fishing is outstanding for bass and bluegill. In fact, it is almost too good, because it can easily spoil an angler.

The owner of Deer Run, Bob Hunley, is comfortable with anglers keeping enough fish for an evening fry while staying in one of his beautiful, Amish built, lakeside log cabins. Deer Run offers packages for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, or just good old fashion log cabin relaxation. For more information about staying and playing at Deer Run Properties visit www.deerrunprop.com or call Bob Hunley at 812-798-2675.

Spring is perhaps the best time to experience the true essence of Greene-Sullivan. Opportunity to combine your passion for fly fishing with another outdoor activity abounds. Turkey hunting is excellent in the area and Indiana offers over-the-counter non-resident tags at a reasonable price. During the mushroom rush, people flood the area to try their hand at locating one of nature’s finest natural delicacies. Countless families gather in Greene-Sullivan to tromp the endless acres of public ground in hopes of stumbling upon a mother load of morels.

Imagine an evening meal of oven roasted wild turkey smothered in wild morel mushroom gravy on a plate garnished with pan-fried bluegill fillets. That’s a realistic dinner you could have sitting on your table after an honest weekend’s work in Greene-Sullivan country. You won’t find that meal on the menu of your favorite restaurant.

Very few places exude such a simple stance of natural relaxation. If Huck Finn were still around, you could probably find him, hat pulled down over his eyes, floating the day away with a cane pole in his hand on one of the region’s many secluded waters. It would be tough to design a better weekend getaway for a sportsman, than pitching a fly rod and tent in the back of your vehicle after strapping a canoe to the roof, and heading to Greene-Sullivan, Indiana.

If you have never experienced the Greene-Sullivan Region, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised as long as you’re not expecting to find a Hilton or TGI Friday’s. If you like to combine your fly fishing with hunting, camping, hiking, bird watching or riding, it’s all waiting for you in this diamond in the rough region of southwest Indiana.

Time it right, and you’ll be amazed at just how good the Greene-Sullivan fishing really is. One last thing, don’t forget to try the apple butter at Stoll’s Country Inn - the local Amish restaurant. That my friends, maybe your best tip of all.

See you down the trail…..