Cecil M Harden Lake / Raccoon Lake, IN

Cecil M. Harden Lake (also known as Raccoon Lake), located in west central Indiana, lies predominantly in Parke County and extends into Putnam County. The dam is on Big Raccoon Creek 33 miles upstream of its juncture with the Wabash River, approximately 25 miles northeast of Terre Haute, Ind.  Cecil M. Harden Lake exists as a cooperative management effort between the Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The lake, formerly “Mansfield Lake,” is also referred to as Raccoon Lake. The 2,110 acre lake provides flood reduction downstream from the dam, primarily in the Big Raccoon Creek and Lower Wabash River watersheds. Cecil M. Harden Lake also offers water-related recreation and the enhancement of fish and wildlife.  Ice fishing permitted seasonally.  An archery facility is also available.

Recommended baits on this water include blood baits, chicken livers, worms, crank baits, minnows and jigs.