Getting out in your backyard space. . . . outdoor cooking areas, flower and vegetable gardens, small fish ponds, bird feeder sanctuary. . . can rest the mind. Another way that you can manage your stress involves leaving your backyard and venturing to the lakes, ponds, creeks, and rivers of Indiana for the sport of fly fishing. . . the backyards of Indiana where you can enjoy a great activity for fun and relaxation!

Most people have the incorrect perception that fly fishing is done primarily for trout. Our opportunities for trout in Indiana involve a few lakes and even fewer streams. The majority of our lakes, rivers, and creeks are warm water and provide great habitat for bass, panfish, walleye, pike, muskie, salmon, steelhead and numerous other species. Our water quality for fishing is very good. Except during times of increased precipitation our water flows with good visibility and is very relaxing to wade with wading shoes and shorts or fish from a canoe, kayak or larger boat.

The most frequent question in our store is where to fish. The Delorme of Indiana (book of large maps) is the starting point for this discussion. The Delorme offers Topo maps of the entire state. Indiana is divided into 48 sections and each one is detailed with streams, lakes, back roads, recreation areas, etc. The majority of the streams and lakes in Indiana are open to wade as long as private property is not crossed to gain access. If you have questions about navigability of Indiana water visit the DNR website or talk with a conservation officer stationed in the county you are visiting.

There are people who enjoy making fly fishing complicated, but at FlyMasters of Indianapolis we make it simple and fun. Our experience has taught us that the best way to teach the sport is to have a school that consists of three phases.

1. In-store Introduction: After we close at 6 p.m. in the evening, we have an in-store session that explains the sport and its equipment. Basic knots are taught and questions answered. The schedule for these sessions is on our website (www.flymasters.com) or you can call us at 317-570-9811.

2. Pond Lessons: The pond phase is scheduled by appointment when you have time between Monday thru Saturday mornings during daylight hours. Most people complete more than one class at the pond since few people learn everything in one appointment. They are done individually or sometimes with two people. The pond lessons are repeated until the student has developed adequate skills to go fly fishing on his/her own.

3. Moving Water: The last phase is done in a small creek. All you need is a pair of shoes you can get wet and quick drying shorts or pants. In moving water, fish lay in different areas to feed, and we use different methods and flies to catch those fish. All three phases are included in the $100 school fee and are taught locally.

You have a state with lots of available water and species of fish, and a great resource readily available for instruction. All you need to add is a little equipment and a tank of gas.

Other than saltwater species, you can catch all of the popular species in your own Indiana backyard. In Marion County I have caught smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, panfish, sauger, and Eagle Creek recently stocked Muskie. Just slightly over an hour from Indianapolis you can visit Franklin County (Brookville, Indiana). There you can catch rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, walleye, and catfish. Many possibilities await the angler right here in Indiana. Come to FlyMasters at 8232 Allisonville Road and let us help you get started.