Turkey Run State Park Canoe/Kayak Launchon Sugar Creek (Parke County)
Clear skies and 46°F
- 01Clear skies and 46°F, with unknown flow conditions.
- 02Subsurface patterns are key due to cool fall temperatures.
- 03Focus on deepest pools and runs with boulders and wood for congregating fish.
- 04Blue-Winged Olives and October Caddis may offer limited dry fly opportunities on warmer afternoons.
- 05Slow, deliberate retrieves for streamers and nymphs are crucial for lethargic fish.
What to tie on at Turkey Run State Park Canoe/Kayak Launch
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, triggering strikes from larger, lethargic fish like smallmouth bass, bluegill, and carp.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs become highly active in late spring as they migrate towards shore to hatch. This olive pattern is ideal for stripping slowly along abundant weed beds for sunfish and bass. Use sizes 14-16.
Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
This baitfish imitation is deadly for aggressive smallmouth bass, bluegill, and carp in Sugar Creek. Its vivid chartreuse and white color is excellent for attracting fish in varying water conditions. Use sizes 4-6.
San Juan Worm
A consistent attractor, particularly effective after any rainfall or flow fluctuations that might wash aquatic worms into Sugar Creek. Appeals to a wide array of species including bass, bluegill, carp, and suckers. Use sizes 10-14.
Buy at AmazonMop Fly
This grub/larvae imitation is a general workhorse for putting fish in the net, effective across various species in Sugar Creek including bass, bluegill, carp, and suckers. Use sizes 10-14.
Mother's Day Caddis
The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis and effective for rising smallmouth bass and bluegill. Use sizes 14-18.
Hellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammite larvae are a substantial food source for smallmouth bass in rocky rivers like Sugar Creek. Dragging this nymph slowly through deep rocky holes can produce strikes year-round, especially in spring. Use sizes 4-8.
Gurgler (Bass)
As spring progresses and water temperatures warm, topwater action intensifies. This popper creates an enticing disturbance, drawing explosive strikes from bass and sunfish in calmer pockets. Use sizes 4-6.
Gurgler (Bass)
A classic warmwater popper, excellent for enticing aggressive topwater strikes from bass and bluegill in summer conditions.
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.