Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Independence Bridgeon Big Pine Creek

    A public access point near the town of Independence, providing good wading and float opportunities for smallmouth bass.
    Big Pine Creek reportDirections40.4000°N, 87.2300°W
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Clear and cool fall conditions at Big Pine Creek

    1. 01Clear and cool fall conditions at Big Pine Creek, with air temps around 51°F.
    2. 02Consistent hatches of Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) expected, especially on overcast days.
    3. 03October Caddis hatch is imminent or underway, providing opportunities for larger dry flies.
    4. 04Midges are a year-round subsurface food source, becoming more important as water cools.
    5. 05Focus on deeper pools, current breaks, submerged structure, undercut banks, and shaded areas.
    6. 06Stealthy approach and precise presentations are key due to clear water.

    What to tie on at Independence Bridge

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    streamer80%

    Woolly Bugger (Black/Olive)

    #4#6#8

    A versatile streamer imitating leeches and baitfish, effective for predatory smallmouth bass and opportunistic sunfish in warming spring waters.

    streamer80%

    Clouser Minnow (Bass)

    #1/0#2#4

    An excellent baitfish imitation, crucial for smallmouth bass and also appealing to rock bass and sunfish looking for a larger meal in clear spring conditions.

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    streamer80%

    Crayfish (Fly)

    #2#4#6

    Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass and rock bass in rocky creek environments and are actively moving in the spring.

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    nymph80%

    Hellgrammite Fly

    #4#6#8

    Hellgrammites are large larvae that smallmouth bass key on year-round, making this a highly effective subsurface pattern in spring.

    nymph80%

    Damsel Nymph (Olive)

    #14#16#18

    Damsel nymphs become active in late spring, migrating towards shore for emergence and providing an easy meal for sunfish and bass.

    dry80%

    Gurgler (Bass)

    #2#4#6

    As water temperatures warm in late spring, topwater action for aggressive smallmouth bass and sunfish can begin, especially in overcast or low-light conditions.

    popper80%

    Panfish Popper

    #8#10#12

    Excellent for targeting aggressive sunfish and opportunistic rock bass feeding on the surface in warmer late spring conditions.

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    nymph80%

    Hare's Ear Nymph

    #12#14#16#18

    A highly versatile nymph that imitates a wide range of aquatic insects, a consistent and important food source for all target species.

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    streamer80%

    Woolly Bugger (Olive)

    #4#6#8

    A versatile streamer pattern that mimics leeches and baitfish, effective year-round and particularly productive for smallmouth bass, rock bass, and sunfish in Big Pine Creek's summer waters.

    Indiana season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

    All fly shops
    30MISweet Creek Fly GuidesMontgomery County30MISugar Creek AnglersMontgomery County