Tag Archives: One Pound Bluegills

January HFF Meeting Notes

Hoosier Fly Fishers started the new year off with a great meeting.  As always the food and hospitality at Bobby’s Colorado Steakhouse was the best.  Thanks to the staff for always taking such good care of us!

Mike Exl Fishing Guide
Mike Exl Fishing Guide

The guest speaker for this month was Mike Exl, head fly fishing guide at Wildcat Creek Outfitters located on Main Street in Zionsville, Indiana.  This evening Mike gave a talk about fly fishing for carp in Indiana and Lake Michigan.  Mike is very enthusiastic about fly fishing for carp and covered every aspect of carp on the fly so well that several of the members are ready to start tying carp flies for the coming year.  He even mentioned a few of his secret flies and honey holes for carp.  I know I am anxious to get to the tying bench to tie up some of those purple thingies and this summer you will find me wading the flats. Thanks Mike for a great presentation.  If you are interested in fly fishing Indiana stop in at  Wildcat Creek Outfitters and talk to Mike about a fly fishing trip soon or email him from their website. You’ll be glad you did.

Tim Mather
Tim Mather

Club President Tim Mather gave a fly tying demonstration on tying weighted flies.  Tim showed a large fly box full of examples of weighted flies from size 8 up to size 2/0.  For the demonstration Tim tied a Flat Wing Full Dress Clouser with tips on tying dubbing loops and spacing materials.  Tim also discussed what fish species he has caught using weighted flies such as wipers, smallmouth bass, carp and one pound bluegills.  What a great looking fly! I will use it wisely, thanks Tim.  If you missed the large box of weighted flies, it is rumored you might get a close look at it in the April Meeting, bring cash.

Flat Wing Full Dress Clouser
Flat Wing Full Dress Clouser

Fish Report: NONE

Upcoming Meeting Highlights:  February, Jill Vance of the Indiana DNR will be here to talk with us about youth fishing and Lake Monroe events.  April, Colonel Kevin will once again delight us with his Auctioneer Skills.

Upcoming Events:

Kentuckiana Fly Fishing Show January 23rd

Great American Fly Fishing Expo February 19th – 21st

The Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show February 19th – 28th

Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo March 18th – 20th

April Meeting

Tim M and Mike Exl
Tim M and Mike Exl

Spring is here and I think just the notion of better weather has everyone excited about fishing and the guest speaker for the month, Mike Exl from Wildcat Creek outfitters. Mike presented a great program about year-round fishing for smallmouth bass. Location, location, location seemed to be the key to success along with the correct presentation for the time of year.  If you missed the meeting, then you will not likely be catching lots of big smallmouth this year!  Mike also guides for smallmouth in central Indiana and knows where the best locations are for big smallies. If you fish with him, I’m sure he will clue you in on the best places and techniques for catching big fish. Check out Wildcat Creek Outfitters in Zionsville for more information.

H and L Variant
H and L Variant

Barry Clarke was the featured fly tier this month. As always Barry did a great job tying the H and L Variant, an old traditional dry fly.  Barry always ties more than one and shares them with the members. If you received one of Barry’s flies be sure to bring it to the Club Picnic next month and try your luck with one pound bluegills.

Barry Clarke
Barry Clarke
Barry Clarke At the Vise
Barry Clarke At the Vise

 

 

 

 

Since it is time to be fishing,  April was the last of the Official Club Meetings for the summer.  Official Club Meetings will resume in the fall. In case you get tired of fishing, information about Unofficial meetings will be made available soon. Next month will be the much anticipated HFF Club Picnic. Details will be coming soon.  Local water temperatures are rising fast and fish are moving and hungry, GO FISH!.