Rothrock Millon Blue River (Southern Indiana)
River flow last 30 days
Blue River flows are exceptionally high at 13200 cfs
- 01Blue River flows are exceptionally high at 13200 cfs, well above typical fall levels.
- 02Expect limited surface activity, but Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and October Caddis are seasonally relevant.
- 03Focus on subsurface presentations with heavy streamers and weighted nymphs to combat strong currents.
- 04Target eddies, deep pockets, and inside bends where fish seek refuge from the main flow.
- 05Prioritize safety; only experienced anglers should consider fishing, and a PFD is recommended.
What to tie on at Rothrock Mill
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
San Juan Worm
A consistent attractor, particularly effective after any rainfall or flow fluctuations that might wash aquatic worms into the system, appealing to a wide array of species in high water.
Buy at AmazonSquirmy Wormy
Similar to the San Juan Worm, this pattern is highly effective in high, dirty water due to heavy runoff, attracting opportunistic feeders.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
A versatile streamer imitating leeches and baitfish, excellent in off-color, high water for predatory species, especially bass.
Clouser Minnow (Bass)
An effective baitfish imitation for aggressive bass in high water, ideal for working along submerged structure and current breaks.
Buy at AmazonHellgrammite Fly
Large hellgrammite larvae are dislodged by high flows and are a significant, protein-rich food source for smallmouth bass in rocky river sections.
Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
This heavy stonefly nymph imitation is crucial for getting down quickly in turbulent margins and current breaks where fish might be holding.
Buy at AmazonPine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold, high water, enticing strikes from various predatory fish.
Gurgler (Bass)
With warm 82°F weather, topwater action for smallmouth and rock bass in very slack, calm pockets or backwaters could be productive, imitating surface prey.
Clouser Crayfish (river)
Crayfish are a primary food source for Smallmouth Bass and Rock Bass in rocky rivers during summer, making this a crucial subsurface pattern in high flows.
Indiana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.