Summers end

The dog days of summer are nearing an end. Boat traffic is subsiding. Time on the water has gotten back to a quieter time. Die in the wool anglers are gearing up for some of the best action of the season. As autumn approaches, and water temps drop, the fishing picks ups. One last good feeding period before ice covers our favorite honey hole. As some will head to the timber for a different cure to the urban life and daily grind, a lot of us will be on the water.

Fall offers quieter days with spectacular views. Here in Indiana, the beautiful hardwood forest explode with vibrant colors. Along the shoreline they reflect gracefully into the cool crisp waters below. Passing in silence, a trail of poplar leaves gently role along the river current bound for southern destinations like the marching flocks of water fowl above. Most days I feel utterly desolate on the waters without another boat in sight.

For walleye anglers, fall turnover brings heavily feeding walleyes back to familiar grounds. The large trophies that have been tucked away in endless fathoms below are now on the hunt for substance before ice up. Bass anglers are finding the hogs of early spring returning to normal feeding patterns after hiding from the millions of passing lures of summer. Crappie have put on the feed bags as well. For those trolling for walleye will find an endless supply of large crappie willing to take a crank bait passing by. Only one question remains. Where will I find my bounty of fresh fish?

Indiana truly offers a great multitude of fisheries. Most are closer than you may know. How many times during the course of your daily travels do you find yourself traveling over our water ways? Right here in the heart of Indiana I cross the White River daily. For those of us with larger boats, we are limited to which sections we get to navigate. The entire river system from Anderson down through the southern part of the state delivers up grand selection of opportunities. With the slot regulations in place for bass, the fishery has begun to grow quite a reputation. As a boater I am limited to three sections of the White. A small mud bottom pool north of Noblesville along state road 37. The Broad Ripple pool beginning at the Broad Ripple canal dam extending up to 86th street (465 when water levels allow). Let’s not forget the lake Indy pool, from the 16th street dam to 38th street and sometimes up to 65. These waters can be hazardous until you learn to navigate them. Just remember that every time there is a washing from up north, the river can and does change. Especially near the sandy areas, wide flats and sharp turns. If you have never run the rivers in the Indianapolis area in pursuit of lunker bass, I invite you to try. Just remember catch and release ensures a great fishery will continue. Synthetic mounts costs the same as live mounts and you may be rewarded again in the future. Think you’ve mastered the bass along the river system, then join in on Wednesday nights as we host bass tourneys each week at the Broad Ripple Park. So get out there and get fishing. Ole man winter is on his way.