Lake Sugema, considered some of the best fishing in all of Iowa, is a 574 acre lake 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 structures that helps fish survive and reproduce.

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This lake 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.

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The area immediately surrounding the lake, about 3,000 acres, has been purchased by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Van Buren County to be managed as a wildlife area. That management is helping to build up the number of wild turkey, deer, squirrel, geese, quail, rabbits, songbirds, and other wild animals. Habitata are also being developed for raccoon, fox, mink, muskrats, and bald eagles, among other wildlife.

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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.