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Paddling the Pigeon RiverSubmitted by uberpest on Sun, 2006-04-02 14:34.
DescriptionThe Pigeon River flows through the Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area, providing many opportunities for viewing wildlife and taking in beautiful scenery. Get on the river in early October to catch the fall colors. Spring and summer see moderate use, so don't excpect to be completely alone. The best times to float the river are during the week when the crowds are smaller.Pigeon Creek starts at Pigeon Lake in Stueben County, Indiana becomes the Pigeon River when it joins Turkey Creek in Mongo, IN. It flows into Michigan for a short while and eventually empties into the Elkhart River. The Little Elkhart River is also a tributary of the Pigeon. Pigeon Creek and the Pigeon River have over 40 miles of floatable length. Since it is not a very fast moving river it is suitable for beginners, while twists and turns keep it from becoming boring. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources clears much of the river of downed trees, however storms may down new trees overnight. Check at the livery or at the Pigeon River FWA check station for current conditions before heading out. Points of interest: Mongo, Nasby, and Ontario Dams. Former hydroelectric dams, these are now notable portages. Mongo Dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to keep the Mongo Millpond at a specific depth. The other dams no longer regulate any millponds. You must portage your canoe at these sites. At Mongo Dam paddle under the road near the dam and over to the parking lot. This will make the portage short and you will not have to cross a highway. DO NOT attempt to run the "V" at Nasby Dam. Many canoes have been ruined by doing this. The actual quote from someone who has seen this is "It will crush a boat like a pancake". It is NOT safe to run ANY dam. There is no swimming at any of the dam sites due to safety concerns. The Pigeon River is a release site for River Otters. I've seen otter slides at Mongo Dam. I have also seen a Bald Eagle over Mongo Mill Pond in winter time. If you are going to drink alcoholic beverages, be aware that Conservation Officers patrol the river since it flows through a Fish and Wildlife Area. They will write tickets if you don't have a life jacket (Indiana Law requires boaters to have life vests--a seat cushion alone will not do). Possible runs
Portions of the Pigeon River are closed during waterfowl seasons. Ask at the Pigeon River FWA headquarters or the livery for restrictions. MapComing soon.LocationNearest town: Mongo, Indiana. The Pigeon River is located in Northeast Indiana and lends its name to the Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area.WeatherAccuweatherMSN Weather Weather ChannelYahoo WeatherHow to get thereFrom Lansing, MI From I-69 South take exit 148 (Angola/LaGrange) and turn east toward LaGrange. Follow US 20 for approximately 12 miles to the junction with SR 3. Take State Road 3 north to the town of Mongo, IN (3 miles). Liveries
Pigeon River Canoe & Camp. 3490 S. 325 W. Pleasant Lake IN 260-475-5512. Easy access from I-69 between Angola and Ft. Wayne, IN. Offers trips ranging from 2 hours to all day. Has primitive camping. Also services the Fawn River in Indiana. Camping
HotelsHowe
Hunting/FishingSince the Pigeon River flows through the 11,000 acre Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area, hunting and fishing opportunities are abundant.Primary species of fish include catfish, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, smallmouth bass, redear, largemouth bass, rough fish, trout, and yellow perch.station. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources stocks the river with fish each spring. There is a 14-inch minium on largemouth bass 12-inch minium size for smallmouth bass on Pigeon River. Shore fishing is available on Beaver Dam Lake, Stayner Lake, Little Stayner Lake, Massassauga Marsh, East Pool, Rainbow Pit, Catfish Pond, and Troxel, Mongo, Nasby, and Ontario millponds Hunting for furbearers, deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, waterfowl, dove, pheasant, and wild turkey is common. Special hunts include youth waterfowl, daily waterfowl drawings, drawings for turkey hunts, and put-and-take pheasant hunts. Copies of full hunting and fishing regulations as well as licenses are available at the Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area check station in Mongo. Most fishing areas and portions of the Pigeon River are closed during waterfowl seasons. Ask at headquarters for restrictions. FoodThe Mongo Tavern (aka Sarge's) in Mongo offers typical pub faire along with some house favorites and offers cold carry out. You must be 21 to enter due to alcohol being served on the premisis. Accross the street is The Mongo Country Store with a rotating selection of hot and cold sandwiches and drinks, and snacks, plus warm carry out beer. Next to the Country Store you can get ice cream, and the Family Affair Restaurant (next to the post office) serves many small town favorites ("Nothing special, but everything's really good!"). It opens for canoe season and closes at the end of deer firearms season. The Town Square Restauarant in Howe (SR3 north to SR120, east to Howe) is famous for cinnamon rolls and pies, but don't hesitate to try anything on their menu. Also in Howe on SR 9 near the state line is the Golden Buddha restaurant, which features Chinese cusiene. SR120 East from SR3 will take you to the town of Orland, home of the Great American Clydesdales. While you're there, check out The Draft Horse Saloon and Chubby's Fish & Steak. Both are local favorites. Stock up for your trip at the grocery store east of SR327. Get some great draft horse and other souvenirs at Great American Mercantile. Following US 20 west and folowing SR9 north or south through LaGrange will lead you to a grocery store, a Dollar General, a McDonald's, Subway, and Pizza Hut Bistro, as well as a large selection of local eateries. Foltz's Bakery is known throughout the county for its baked goods, though the Author highly recommends Tom's Donuts for donuts in the morning (it's a local favorite, with several other locations including Angola and near the local lakes). Grossman's Tap/Grossman's Family Room is famous for its pizza and quesadillas (don't miss karaoke on Friday nights--they also have live local music on occassion). You must be 21 after 9pm due to alcohol being served on the premisis. Next to Grossman's is the Detroit Street Bar and Grill. Detroit Street has karaoke Thursdays. Si Senor offers authentic Mexican fare with generous portions at reasonable prices. The only party store in the area is Gay's Hops n' Schnapps in the US 20 Plaza just west of LaGrange, in Fremont, and two locations in Angola. In Angola, Indiana, Kendallville, Indiana, and Sturgis, Michigan, each about 20 miles from Mongo, you can find multiple restaurants, party stores, hotels, movie theaters, and large chain and grocery stores such as Meijer, Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply Company, Rural King, Scott's, and more. Angola is also home to Skip's Party Place (on the circle), not to be missed if you are a Blues fan. Emergency Services
Outfitters
Other points of interest
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