Cagles Mill Lake & Cataract Falls

Home to Cataract Falls, Cagles Mill Lake is the only public lake in Putnam County large enough for boating, tubing, kayaking, jet-skiing, and all related watersports. Its 1,400 acres span both Putnam and Owen counties and include both Lieber State Recreation Area and Cataract Falls State Recreation Area.

The main gate at Lieber State Recreation Area takes you to the lake’s primary dock and beach area. Fishing is available off a number of piers or directly from the shoreline. Boat and jet-ski rental is also available to explore the lake. The water is deepest near the dam, and the lake is a wonderful fishing spot for walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and more.

The lake meanders through gorgeous, undeveloped natural areas until it flows over Cataract Falls, created by two pre-glacial bedrock ridges buried beneath ancient lake sediments of the Illinoisan glacial period. Cataract Falls is the largest, by volume, waterfall in Indiana. A main attraction on the lake is a bald eagle’s nest, where the birds return every season.

A concession operator offers snacks, drinks, boat rentals, and fuel from a recently updated dock near the beach, offering more opportunity to enjoy Cagles Mill Lake.