Fly Fishing Indiana's West Fork of the White River

Indiana’s West Fork of the White River comes to life in the farm fields of east-central Indiana and winds west through the cities of Muncie and Anderson. It picks up feeder creeks and grows into a formidable river northeast of Indianapolis. The White River is a warm water fishery with Smallmouth Bass being the primary game fish. While you can catch good numbers of smallies, the lower river is also home to populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, carp, sauger, rock bass and other warm water species that will sometimes eat a fly. Many an angler has expressed surprise at the good fishing and beautiful scenery within a 20 miles of downtown Indianapolis! One of the great things about the White River is its convenience. If you live locally, you can work half a day, get on the river for a great float trip and be home before the late news!

The White River can be accessed easiest by canoe/kayak, or drift boat, however wading is possible and can be productive in some spots during lower flows. The best wading access is at Potter’s Bridge Park, 116th St. bridge, Hazel Dell Park at 106th & Hazel Dell, and at 96th & Hazel Dell. At higher flows the White River is not recommended for wading.

Indiana Flyfishing Guides starts exploring the river each March in hopes of starting our guiding season by mid-April, weather and water allowing.