There are well over 50,000 miles of rivers and creeks running through Indiana. Countless lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, dot our landscape as well. All of these waters offer anglers opportunity for fly fishing.
When those two beautiful words; fly and fishing, are uttered together, classic images immediately begin running through the minds of all within earshot. Crystal clear waters careening through grand mountain vistas and delicate little dry flies lain out on a perfect loop remain eternal staples of fly fishing mystique. But as Bob Dylan so powerfully pronounced years ago, “The times, they are a changing”.
Today, another crowd of fly-fishers is emerging. A younger, fresher, more enthusiastic group of seekers are mixing the elements of a new generation with the traditional aspects of fly fishing. Rods are stronger and faster. Flies are bigger, heavier, and less natural. Smallmouth bass are targeted almost as often as trout, and anglers are chasing everything from tarpon to carp.
This new energy has done wonders for less traditional fly fishing states like Indiana and its Midwestern neighbors. Anglers who once thought fly fishing was reserved for those souls living a life of mountain solace, are beginning to realize the excitement of a largemouth bass exploding a popper on the surface of their subdivision pond. Many lifelong bait anglers are discovering the simplistic joy of using a 4-weight to drop dry flies over a bed of bluegills. A mass abandonment of worms and bobbers has yet to transpire, yet the more romantic of fishermen are increasingly being drawn to undeniable beauty and grace of standing in a river and waving a stick.
When it comes time to outfit yourself for fly fishing, the internet of course, offers an endless opportunity to shop for everything you need. A major aspect of fly fishing though, a sense of appeal you will hopefully come to know, is the inoculating culture; a culture that can not be experienced online.
Indianapolis has multiple retailers and organizations catering to fly fishers. Gander Mountain, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and many of the other box stores have some fly fishing equipment. The staff there may even know a thing or two about fly fishing. When it comes to really soaking the marrow out of an outfitting experience though, a fly angler should treat themselves to the experience of an authentic fly shop.
There are two independently owned, authentic fly shops in the Indianapolis area, as well an Orvis Retail Store. FlyMasters of Indianapolis is located on the northeast Indianapolis corner of 86th St. and Allisonville Rd. Wildcat Creek Outfitters is found on Sycamore St. in Zionsville, and the Orvis store is on Clay Terrace Blvd. in Carmel. The advantages of spending time and money at one of these professional fly fishing retailers are found in expertise and equipment. Not only are the staffs of these shops fly fishing professionals, they are passionate anglers who spend time fishing and researching Indiana waters.
When you visit a fly shop, you’ll always come away with than what you paid for at the register. Little tidbits of essential information on topics such as knots, flies, lines, literature, and of course location are invaluable bonuses readily available inside the confines of your fly shop of choice. Each shop will have its own unique culture, based on the collective spirit of staff and customers. If you want to excel at fly fishing, figure out which fly shop best fits your personality and spend more time there than necessary. Ask questions, listen to conversations, and just soak in all that is going on around you.
When you’re ready to really immerse yourself in fly fishing culture, Indianapolis is home to a couple of fly fishing clubs that have stood the test of time. Reel Women – Reel Men and the Indianapolis Fly Casters are both active organizations focusing on fly fishing. Clubs such as these are where fly fishers come together to share all things angling. Camaraderie breeds information so if you’re looking for an opportunity to gain some on the water advice, one the fore mentioned Indianapolis fly fishing clubs will be a great place to obtain such training.
Reel Women – Reel Men have also made a significant splash in the Indianapolis fly fishing culture with their annual fly fishing show – Indiana on the Fly. Having gone two-for-two with outstanding shows in regards to both substance and attendance, Indiana on the Fly looks to be a regular, early winter, Indianapolis event for years to come. Top fly fishing industry professionals have been on hand to present seminars. Regional fishing guides and service providers have used the show to gather exposure, while attendees have reaped the benefits of show special sale prices and booking fees. The success of Indiana on the Fly has been a great indicator of the growing interest in fly fishing around Indianapolis.
Remember this; fly fishing is not as hard as it looks. It’s actually very comparable to the game of golf. With the right mentality - one of being able to accept a challenge - you’ll be good enough at fly fishing to enjoy yourself the very first time you hit the water. Like most golfers though, you’ll never be completely satisfied with your game. There will always be room for improvement. Your equipment will increase under the pretense of belief that new gear will make you better. Dreams will evolve out of destinations to fish. You’ll seek insider information and coaching, all the gloriously while frustrating yourself to no end. Then you’ll spend the entire work week thinking of how great it was and how you just can’t wait to get back on the water.
Fly Fishers have it good here in Indiana; probably much better than you realize. From our lake run steelhead of the north, to our ferocious stripers of the south, Indiana is blessed with an abundant variety of species of fish willing and able to put an ache in any fly anglers arm. Bluegill, bass, northern pike, musky, crappie, carp, catfish, steelhead, and yes, even trout swim the multitude of waters right here in land of Hoosiers. A complete list of places to fly fish in Indiana would take a lifetime to compile. Basically, anywhere you can catch fish with spinning or bait casting equipment; you can catch fish on a fly rod. The following is a short list of waters providing only an attempt to highlight different regions of the state with multiple species of fish to target.
Trail Creek, Salt Creek, & Little Calumet
Great Lakes tributaries with annual steelhead runs are highly publicized in states like Michigan and Ohio, but many fail to realize that right here in Indiana we have a few outstanding creeks of our own. Trail Creek, Salt Creek and the “Little Cal” are Lake Michigan tributaries with notable runs of Skamania steelhead. Anglers should contact Fly Masters to keep abreast of when the runs are hot.
Lake Webster
Musky madness has swept Indiana. What was once a biological pipe-dream is now a nationally recognized success. Musky madness in Indiana is growing and growing fast. Fly anglers are cashing in on the opportunity to tangle with toothy predators exceeding 40 inches. Lake Webster is just one of the many waters in northern Indiana boasting a quality population of muskies.
West Fork of the White River
The West Fork of the White River - north of Indianapolis to its southern confluence - is perhaps the premier smallmouth bass water in the state of Indiana. Fishing streamers for smallies in this section of the White can wear an angler out. Wade fishing and float fishing are both viable options for pursuing bronzebacks in this river running through dense population of out state’s capital.
Brookeville Tailwater
Trout, trout, and more trout right here in Indiana. A true tailwater fishery, the two miles of river directly below Brookeville Dam has become a well known fly fishing destination in the Midwest. Rainbows dominate the species, but twenty-inch browns are common. Please respect this valuable resource by practicing catch-and-release.
Greene Sullivan Strip Pits
A very unique and biologically diverse section of Indiana is found straddling the counties of Greene and Sullivan. Commonly referred to as “The Greene-Sullivan”, this area is heavily comprised of public land and water. Old strip mines have been returned to nature, resulting in hundreds of lakes full of bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and even a few trout.
By no means are these destinations the only, or the greatest, waters to fly fish in Indiana. It’s up to you, the angler, to get out and explore, to find places of your own. Go back to your old reliable haunts, but this time, go with a fly rod. Take a road trip somewhere new and fish water you’ve never experienced before. It’s all about the journey.
The traditional mentality of fly fishing belonging only in mountainous states with trout filled waters is fading rapidly. Indiana has a thriving, growing fly fishing culture with deep roots in the city of Indianapolis. There may be no better way to enjoy the natural world around you, than casting a fly to an eager fish.