Trip Sponsor: Jim Sprandel
Lake Patoka is the second largest lake in Indiana with about 8,800 acres of water and over 160 miles of shoreline. Hoosier National Forest surrounds the lake with rolling tree-covered hills and rock outcroppings. There are headwaters to explore, as well as, sections where the lake starts feeling like big water. For Sunday, we have planned a 6-8 mile paddle to an interesting and hard-to-find chain of quarry lakes near the Southeast corner of the lake which is interesting.
Since it takes over 3 hours to get to Patoka, we will camp overnight at Fisherman’s Camp on Saturday night and paddle both Saturday and Sunday. This campsite is located near a limited speed section of the lake which is more kayak-friendly.
Patoka Lake Map: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/patoka_trail.pdf
Fisherman's Campsite Map: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/patoka_camp_fishermen_youth.pdf
Meeting Place/Put-In: Fisherman’s Camp at Newton-Stewart State Recreation Area or look for my car (Blue Sonata and an HCC Sign) in Fisherman’s camp. We’ll try to get as close to the lake as possible. Newton-Stewart SRA is just north of Wickliffe, Indiana. There is a $7/car fee to enter the SRA.
Directions to Meeting Place: It is about a 3-hour drive from the intersection of I-65 and I-465 on the south side of Indianapolis to Patoka. Drive South on I-65 and get off at Exit 6B (I-265 toward I-64/IN-62/New Albany). Take Exit 0 off of I-265 to merge onto I-64W toward IN-62/St. Louis. Go about 43 miles west on I-64 to Exit 79 and then go 7 miles North on IN-37. Turn slightly left on IN-64 West/IN-145. Follow IN-145 north 3.6 miles until you reach IN-164. Turn left (west) onto IN-164 about 1.3 mile until you see the sign for Newton-Stewart SRA and then turn right (North) into the SRA. Follow the signs in the SRA to the Fisherman’s Camp and look for us.
Note: This is the fastest route. There is a shorter, sometimes slower, and more scenic route through West Baden.
Camping Information: Fisherman’s Camp is a primitive camp ground with water and vault toilets. Each campsite used to cost $12/night and the park allows 2 tents and cars per campsite so you may be able to share a campsite.
What to Bring: Bring your camping gear including food (Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast and any snacks you might need) and paddling gear. Be sure to bring your spray skirt since we will be going over to the open area of the lake near the dam and there may be some waves when the wind picks up. We’ll be “car camping” so you won’t carry your gear in your boat on this trip.
Note: You need a current DNR sticker ($5) for your boat. They are available at the park gate if you don’t have one.
Schedule:
Friday Night - I will get in relatively early on Friday or Thursday. We may have a short sunset paddle around 5:30 if people get in early and are interested.
Saturday 10:00 am - Arrive at Fisherman's (Ready to Launch by 10:30 am)
Sunday - We will paddle 3 hours and then head home.
Contact information: RSVP tot Jim Sprandel by 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 11. There is a good chance that I will head down on Thursday to get a good campsite and to explore the lake - people are welcome to join me on Friday if they want.
Jim Sprandel merlin-3d@sbcglobal.net
