Tag Archives: Wildcat Creek Outfitters

General Information, Meetings 2018

First Meeting of 2018

Good Afternoon and Happy New Year!

The first 2018 meeting of the Hoosier Fly Fishers will be this coming Tuesday January 16th at the Colorado Steakhouse. As always, dinner will be at 6:00 and the program will begin at 7:00.

I am sorry to report that due to unforeseen circumstances, our speaker, Mike Exl, will not be able to make it to the January meeting. I know we were looking forward to his presentation on fishing the Tippecanoe Watershed. We will reschedule as soon as possible.

However, we do have a plan “B”… and a seasonally appropriate plan at that. Larry Barber will lead a roundtable discussion on how to mentally and physically prepare for the coming spring fishing. We are thinking of things like cleaning fly lines, repairing rods and reels, tying some flies, ect. The key here is that it will be a roundtable discussion. Bring ideas and questions. I am interested in what methods you use to fix waders.

Tim Mather and a nice Smallmouth Bass

Hopefully we can  reschedule  Mike Exl to  talk about the Tippecanoe  River System, “Indiana’s Most Diverse Fly Fishing Experience!

Wildcat Creek Outfitters has been guiding the Tippacnoe River since 1996. According to the Nature Conservancy the Tippecanoe River is the 6th most biologically diverse river in North America. The numbers of game species is staggering. Smallmouth Bass are the predominate species we pursue but there are certainly plenty of other critters to keep it interesting.” Also from their site. “…The Tippy gives the angler the opportunity at a truly GIANT fish. Our largest Smallmouth landed is 6lbs 14 ozs.” I want one of those!

I am looking forward to adding this watershed to my summer adventures. Booking a trip from WCO might also be great idea! Wildcat Creek Outfitters

HFF Meetings are open to anyone that has an interest in fly tying or fly fishing. We’re always glad to see new faces as well as a few of the old ones.

Looks like we are in for some winter fun for the next few days. Stay warm and safe. See you all on the 16th.

Tim​

Meetings, Meetings 2016

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