Clear Creek - Local Spots

Clear Creek - Ketcham Bridge

Hello Dear Reader,

Today I want to share with you a stream that I frequent a great deal; Clear Creek. First, I want to note, that this is not to hot-spot an area. But rather to share some information on the stream, my past experiences, and point out that there are many streams right out your back door that can hold fish and are a real treat to explore.

Clear Creek is located about 10-15 minutes south of Bloomington, IN. Near Harrodsburg, IN it connects with Salt Creek and the tail-waters for Monroe Reservoir. The stream itself is very diverse in fish species. Depending on what section of stream you are on you can catch:

• Smallmouth Bass
• Largemouth Bass
• Spotted Bass
• Rockbass
• Bluegill
• Longear Sunfish
• Crappie
• Walleye
• Redhorse Buffalo
• Freshwater Drum
• Common Carp
• Channel Catfish

Smallmouth and Rockbass are the most abundant and sought after for anyone fishing the stream.

There aren't many people in Indiana that wade in my experience. More often than not, if I am on a stream I won't see a soul for miles or even the whole trip. Clear Creek is one of the exceptions to that rule. Because of its location it sees a lot more traffic than other streams I have been on.Our local fly fishing shop, JL Waters tends to send anglers here as well.

The fish are inherently spookier than other streams as a result. What's interesting too is, the stream's name isn't a mislead. It is one of the clearest creeks I have been on in the state and that is consistent year-round. Couple those two things together and you have a challenging enough outing on your hands.

The structure of Clear Creek will vary depending on where you are as well. There are several walk-in spots that are accessible to the public and each section of the stream presents its own set of challenges. There are big long flats with only edge structure. There are winding bends with deep structure on one side that look as those it were 2 feet deep (they're deeper) running through cliff-sides. There are large slow pool areas that have very little movement and can get up to 6 feet deep or more. There are shallow riffles from section to section where it is hard to gauge depth. And there are plenty of feeder creeks that come into the stream to create deep holes in very small areas.

All of those will hold fish. In fact, I caught my personal best (for a long time) Smallmouth Bass out of this stream. Right around this time of year, actually. It was a rainy, 40 degree day in February when I tossed a square-billed crankbait in what appeared to be a shallow piece of the creek and a 21 inch Smallie took it. 

Personal Best Smallmouth From Clear Creek

 

There are big fish that roam Clear Creek. But they are wary. And they come to hand infrequently. But enjoyment can be found even on a bad day. If you haven't given the place a try, it might just be worth checking out.

-------

I started wading several years ago with a friend from work, Brenden. A lot of streams in Indiana that I have been introduced to are thanks to him. He is an avid angler and streams are really where he is most comfortable. Of all the places that we have fished together, Clear Creek has always been the biggest puzzle. The most challenging, but also the most rewarding. If you have a friend or family member who is looking to start fishing and wading, take the time to be their guide. It can open up a whole new world to someone!

 

- WRS