Lake Sugema
and Indian Creek Van Buren Watershed
Lake Sugema . . . considered by many sportsmen as some of the
best fishing in all of Iowa.
The 574-acre lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, black
crappie, channel catfish, and saugeye. Extensive planning was done
by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to establish underwater
structure that helps fish survive and reproduce.
This
lake is also good for fishing because of the steps taken to prevent
siltation. Besides the hundreds of farm ponds, crop rotations, crop
residue management and other soil saving practices farmers have
established in the lake's drainage area, the lake is protected by a
series of smaller sediment-control dams.
The area immediately surrounding the lake, about 3,000 acres, has
been purchased by the DNR and Van Buren County to be managed as a
wildlife area. That management is helping to build on the number of
wild turkey, deer, squirrel, geese, quail, rabbits, songbirds, and
other wild animals. Habitat is also being developed for raccoon,
fox, mink, muskrats, and bald eagles, among other wildlife.
The Indian Creek Wildlife area is meant for public hunting, fishing,
hiking, bird watching, cross country skiing, picnicking, nature
study, primitive camping and other fun in the outdoors.
Shimek State Forest is managed as a multiple-use area for timber
products, wildlife habitat and recreation. The 900-acre forest
includes hiking trails and is available for public hunting.
