http://www.wildcatcreekoutfitters.com

http://www.blackhawkflyfishing.com

Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - Magazine - Index

ILLINOIS
GEORGIA
INDIANA
• Sugar Creek
• Wildcat Creek Outfitters
• Kankakee River
• Matt Mullady Guide Service
• Soque River
• Blackhawk Fly Fishing
Few things can match the strike of a top-water
smallmouth, not to mention that determined first
run back to cover. No matter what the gear, even
a little bass will put up a battle worthy of much
larger species. Aptly labeled the “hardest fighting
fish in freshwater,” fly fishers around the country
seek this thrill on lakes and rivers. Although it
seems there are more and more places to find good
smallies, sometimes they’re right under your nose.
One Midwest destination worth a trip is Sugar
Creek near Crawfordsville, Indiana. Known as
one of the cleanest, clearest running rivers in
the state, this beautiful stream flows through
wooded areas past towering limestone bluffs,
farmlands, and state parks. Depending on the
season, it’s possible to wade or float this shallow
river at a leisurely pace while casting top-water
bass bugs, Clousers, or productive streamers like
the Wildcat or Todd’s Wiggle Minnow. Along
the way you’ll find plenty of enticing riffles,
pools and wide runs. Some of the better spots
take time to discover, so your best option is to
book a day trip with Scott Gobel of Wildcat
Creek Outfitters in Zionsville, Indiana. This full
service fly shop and guide service charges $300
for a full day for one or two anglers; $225 per
half day including tackle and lunch. To book a
guided trip, call Chad or Scott at the shop at
(317) 733-3014, or log on to their website at
wildcatcreekoutfitters.com by Robert Tomes
It’s no secret that the vast inland sea of Lake
Michigan offers some of the best smallmouth fishing
in the country. From Green Bay and Traverse Bay in
the north, down to the Chicago and Indiana lakefronts
in the south, you’ll find serious bass anglers
chasing fish in everything from waders to bass boats.
Although this is world-class fishing, inland northern
Illinois also offers some quality smallmouth fishing,
especially in rivers and streams, like the Fox, Rock,
Kishwaukee, and Kankakee Rivers.
Located an easy couple-hour drive from Chicago,
the Kankakee is one of my favorites. With
easy access, and moderate depths and flows, it
holds some nice bronze backs, along with northern
pike, walleye, and panfish. Probing the river with a
bead-head woolly bugger, crayfish pattern, or topwater
popper can be quite productive, especially
when visibility is good. Kankakee bass like to hold
in all the usual places: riffles, eddies, pools, holes,
wood, and rock rip-rap structure. Wading is always
an option here, but with fluctuating water levels a
boat and a guide are the best way to cover the water
and increase your odds. Long-time guide and dedicated
river conservationist, Matt Mullady, is widely
considered the expert when it comes to fishing the
Kankakee River. With over 30 years of experience,
he knows exactly where, when and how to fish this
river throughout the season. To take advantage of
this great Illinois fly fishing opportunity, give Matt
a call at (815) 932-6507. by Robert Tomes
Tons of rainbows in the 22- to 30-inch class
(as in “8 to 15 pounds”) are not uncommon at
Blackhawk, a private section of northeastern
Georgia’s Soque River. Throw in some huge, wily
browns and you’ll get the picture.
John and Abby Jackson are truly the perfect
Southern hosts at Blackhawk. Several miles of the
best stretch of the Soque have been in the Jackson
family for generations. This incredible stretch of river
is fed by run-off from the Blue Ridge Mountains and
a spring-fed tributary. Robust strains of rainbows
and browns grow unimpeded year round. Stream
conservation policies—like strict catch-and-release,
barbless hooks, no fishing in the primary spawning
area, and stream closure in July and August—contribute
to building this world-class trout fishery.
Cold, clear, spring water feeding the Soque
(pronounced “sa-kwee”) has enabled it to withstand
the extraordinarily severe drought conditions
that have plagued this area for the past
decade. Wading and sight-fishing are the standard
technique, and it simply takes your breath away
to stalk these giant, hard-fighting trout.
Rates are $250/day/person for up to 8 anglers,
or you can request a rate to lease the entire stretch
of river on a per day basis. The Soque has never
fished better, thanks to new, natural structure that
increase holding areas for big trout. Log on to
www.blackhawkflyfishing.com or call Blackhawk
at (706) 947-FISH. by Tom Boyd