All posts by MikeB

April Fly Tying

We had a good turnout for the April HFF Meeting.  For those that were expecting to see Ian Anderson we apologize.   He will reschedule and join us later in the year.

Dick Powell Tying a bluegill fly
Dick Powell Tying his bluegill fly

Most everyone came to the meeting for the great food and service at the Colorado Steakhouse and the fellowship and fly fishing tales.   However, the highlight of the evening was the fly tying demonstrations done by club members Dick Powell and Mike Donovan.

Mike Donovan tying with Rowan
Mike Donovan and Rowan

Our newest members, Rowan and David joined in on the fly tying and the older members were eager to help them.  It was an enjoyable  meeting and almost everyone went home with new flies and hopes of great success using them.

Dick Powell's Bluegill Fly
Dick Powell’s Bluegill Fly
Predator Tied by Mike D
Predator Tied by Mike D

 

The next HFF Club meeting will be at the annual club picnic on the 31st of May.   More information will be posted soon.

Fishing Report:  Spring is here and along with it comes rain and high waters in some of Indiana’s rivers and reservoirs.  Most rivers have high flow rates from the reservoirs release rates but most small ponds and pits are looking good.  Most small streams are clear and wadable now and fish are on the move with water temperatures ranging from the low 40’s in tailwaters to almost 60 degrees in small ponds.  Fish are hungry and eager to bite this time of year.  One Pound Bluegills, crappies, and bass are active in the small ponds and pits.  Reports have come in of a few smallmouth being caught in creeks and some walleye, white bass,  crappies, and wipers moving in the rivers and below dams.  Check the stream flow rates on this website in the sidebars and forums.  Get out and give it a try, let us know how you do!

April HFF Meeting and Stuff

UPDATE: Ian Anderson is unable to attend the HFF meeting on the 15th.  Amended schedule will include three fly tying specialists doing what they do best.  Come see what they will be tying.  Ian Anderson will be rescheduled later in the year.  Food and fellowship at 6:00 PM and Fly Tying Demonstrations at 7:00 PM

The next meeting of the HFF will be on April 15th at the Colorado Steakhouse.   As always dinner will be at 6:00 and the program will start at 7:00.  We have an exciting program this month with Ian Anderson telling us all about Fly Fishing for White Bass.

Well,  at least we will not have to water the lawn any time soon. On the other hand,  it may be a few days before local fishing makes any sense.   At 9:00 this morning Lake Monroe is at 545.62 feet which is above  538 feet, the normal pool.  This is 7.62 feet high!  And,  the chance for rain today is 50%.  You can keep an eye on the lake levels at the club web site,  click on Lake Monroe Hydrograph. There are other local water condition links on the website.  Check them out for current water levels.  Some even have water temperatures.

On a brighter note,  the April program will be Ian Anderson from Flymasters (http://www.flymasters.com) and the very interesting website, Warmwater Chronicals (http://warmwaterchronicles.com).   Ian will be telling us all about White Bass fishing.  According to the Flymasters staff profile,

Ian Anderson
Ian Anderson

“Ian taught himself to fly fish at 17 and has done nothing but fly fish since.  Having grown up in Northern Indiana he has spent many long hours learning warmwater fly fishing.  His favorite fish is the smallmouth bass.  “They can be as finicky as trout but always put up a good fight”.  Having recently started saltwater fishing he likes to get back to the sea as often as he can.”  Ian also teaches the Beginning Fly Tying and Intermediate and Skills Development Fly Tying Classes being offered at FlyMasters. Come join us and learn all about tackle, techniques and flies.”

More news…  The annual HFF picnic will be May 31st.  Once again Barry Clarke has offered this Lake Lemon estate for the venue. Thank you Barry.  The club will provide burgers,  brats and buns. Please bring some tasty side dish to round out the groaning board.  As always this will be a chance to chat with friends and perhaps even catch a fish or two.  The fun will start at 11:00 with food at 1:00. More on this later…

The Hoosier Fly Fishers does not officially meet over the summer. Our constitution mandates this schedule.  The reason for this pause in official business is the fact that we need to be fishing during the summer,  not attending meetings.  So it is just that simple,  simply go fishing.  However, if you miss our merry band of fly fishers,  we will meet unofficially on Tuesdays over the summer at the Colorado Steakhouse.  Unofficial meetings will be June 17,  July 15,  August 19,  and September 16th.  Hope to see you all there.  Tall tales and useful tips are in order.  The first officially official meeting of the fall will be October 21st.

Tim