Hovey Lake is a serene and distinctive fishing location tucked away in the untamed Ohio River bends southwest of Indiana. This lake, formed from an old river oxbow, is preserved for ducks migrating. This lake, whose size fluctuates according to rainfall, forms the heart of the 7,404-acre Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area, home to wetlands and marshes reminiscent of Mississippi’s bayous. The lake was formed more than 500 years ago when the Ohio River changed its course. Among the many fish species that call the lake home are largemouth bass, flathead catfish, sauger, sunfish, and white bass. The area has a rich history, with archaeological evidence of Mississippian-culture Native Americans who lived along its shores before 1650 A.D. Today, dikes and natural sand ridges limit the lake’s area, while the nearby John T. Myers Lock and Dam on the Ohio River help control water levels. The lake offers various exciting recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and bird watching. The Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a boat launch and permits shore fishing on the west side of the lake. Boats are restricted to a speed limit of 10 mph, and fishing and boating are not allowed during fall and winter. The Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Department occasionally open the site to the public for walking adventures around the four miles of shoreline. Discover the hardwoods, marshes, small ponds, and sloughs with nature lovers. Because the yellow-crowned night heron nests nearby, bird watching is quite popular. The ghostly silhouettes of the cypress trees pierce the lake’s surface and fascinate photographers. During the hunting season, the Hovey Lake region is also a popular destination for hunters with the proper permits. Administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Nature Preserves, the nearby Twin Swamps Nature Preserve features boardwalk walkways that allow nature lovers to get up close and personal with various ecological niches. About 15 miles to the northeast lies Mt. Vernon, the closest town of any size, and Evansville is another 15 miles away. Evansville is an ideal starting point for exploring the region because it has museums, dining options, retail stores, and a thriving entertainment scene.