Derby City Fly Fishers

Otter Creek Trip
2026-02-20 - 2026-02-22 | Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, KY, 40108, United States
Otter Creek Trip February 20th-22nd
Accommodations: Rustic bunk house located in the campground area Number of Spots available: 8
Cost: $60 a person Trip Coordinator: Mark Vincent, mark@derbycityflyfishers.com, (502) 500-1561.
Level 3 Trip: (See Trip Suitability for details). This is a DIY wade fishing trip, with access to the park provided. Please obey all fishing regulations. For those not familiar with Otter Creek it is located in Meade county about 30 minutes outside Louisville. Well stocked with Rainbow Trout and several access points if you are willing to hike a bit. Due to its proximity to Louisville, it does receive quite a bit of fishing pressure. Please pay close attention to the weather and bring appropriate clothing and gear.
Equipment: 2 to 6 weight fly rods. This is mostly a nymph stream, on occasion a good hatch will occur and dry fly action can be rewarding. Bring the usual fly patterns, too various to mention, keep in mind this is really not a beginner trip. Waders are a must, this is winter so wet wading could be detrimental to your health. Nets will increase your landing percentage and is much easier on the fish. Wading staff can be a good item to have as water could be cloudy depending on what type of weather we have leading up to the trip.
Fishing License and Permits: Kentucky fishing license is required. Make sure you purchase the license before you leave home as internet coverage can be inconsistent.
The Plan: You may arrive early on Friday (20th) and fish during the day. We will be having a community dinner that night. Saturday we’ll start with breakfast, fish during the day, and dinner that evening, time to be determined. If the weather permits campfire on Friday and Saturday nights is one of the highlights of the trip, be sure to bring a camp chair.
Check out is on Sunday you may fish as long as you like or until the park closes, whichever comes first. Cost of meals and lodging are included in the price, however lunch you will be on your own. Bring snacks and your choice of beverages for the weekend. We’ll be pitching in to assist with cooking and cleaning duties.
The bunkhouse has heat, electricity, no running water, no bathroom, and a small refrigerator. Please bring coolers for your drinks, lunch items, snacks etc. Access is provided within the campground to a heated shower house and bathrooms, bring your own towel and toiletries. You will need a sleeping bag, pillow, or whatever sleep system you prefer for a comfortable night sleep. There are 2-3 inch foam pads on each bunkbed, but they are not the most comfortable. If you have a sleeping pad to place on top of these mats we highly recommend bringing them along.
Ear plugs are not required but strongly encouraged.
More details will be delivered to those that sign up. If you have any questions about this trip please contact Mark Vincent (502) 500-1561.
Sign up here.

Quest Outdoors Fly Tying
2026-02-21 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-03-21 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-04-18 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | Quest Outdoors, 4600 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY, 40207, United States
The 3rd Saturday of Every Month. 10:30am to Noon

Quest Outdoors is pleased to announce they are resuming fly tying classes the 3rd Saturday of each month. Please call if you have any questions.

Fly Tying - Cabela's
2026-02-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
Our Fly-Tying Classes are open to everyone – you do not have to be a member to attend. Generally, we tie one fly, but we tie it twice. An instructor demonstrates, step-by-step, how to tie the fly with accompanying video on a big screen TV so students can see each step.
Tools and materials are provided at no cost, but if you have your own tools feel free to bring them.
Beginners are welcome. There will be experienced tiers available to provide individual help.
FEBRUARY FLY TYING will be lead by Wes Krupiczewicz. He will be tying two flies, the Utah Killer Bug:

Fly Tying - Bass Pro
2026-02-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Bass Pro – Clarksville, IN, 951 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville, IN, 47129, United States

Board of Directors Meeting
2026-03-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
You don’t have to be a Board Member to attend. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and contribute. The meeting starts at 6:30 PM and is over by 8:00 PM.

Come on out and see how your club is run. Give us your ideas and maybe consider getting involved (there are a number of opportunities to help out and you don’t have to be on the Board to do so.)
Afterwards we usually get together for some food, drink and socialization.

Kentuckiana Fly Tyers Fly Tying Night
2026-03-05 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Roosters on Shelbyville Rd., 10430 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY, 40223
Kentuckiana Fly Tyers conducts their monthly meeting the First Thursday of each Month. If you haven’t tied before, and would like to learn, they will provide you with the equipment, materials, and instruction to start you out. If you already tie, come out and bring whatever you would like to tie, and socialize.
Please click the applicable RSVP button below if you plan on attending so they can make sure they have enough materials to go around. We hope to see you all there.

RSVP – Tyers

RSVP – Beginners

Eat & Talk
2026-03-11 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Roosters on Shelbyville Rd., 10430 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY, 40223
We have the private event room so it should be quiet enough for conversation, with plenty of room to get comfortable and enjoy each others company. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of your DCFF club mates a little better and swap some fish stories. You can come when you want, eat and drink if you want, mostly just share some camaraderie.

Bass Pro / Cabela's Spring Classic Fly Tying Demo
2026-03-14 - 2026-03-15 | Ky
Bass Pro’s Spring Fishing Classic is Saturday March 14 and Sunday March 15. They
have asked us to set up fly tying demos Saturday 10am to 2pm and Sunday 12pm
to 4pm. Now, before you say “is it worth the time?” consider this. Bass Pro stores
in Clarksville and Louisville are critical to DCFF, providing meeting space for
general meeting, monthly board meetings, monthly fly tying and 5 th Wednesday
FF 101, about 25 times a year, NO CHARGE! Without their help, we would be in a
heap of hurt. Please help show our appreciation by signing for a shift by clicking here.

St. Patrick's Day Group Outing
2026-03-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Wick’s Pizza Parlor, 975 Baxter Ave, Louisville, 40204
Saturday March 14th / 3:00 – 5:00 pm (parade time, get there earlier to get a spot)
Wick’s Pizza Parlor
975 Baxter Avenue — Louisville, KY
On Saturday, March 14th your DCFF club members will once again be gathering outside of Wick’s Pizza Parlor at 975 Baxter Ave, Louisville KY for the 53nd annual St. Patrick’s Parade.
The parade start time if 3:00 pm but plan to get there much earlier to ensure you get a front row spot for optimal viewing opportunities. In the past, members bring chairs, blankets , appetizers, and beverages to enjoying during the festivities. In addition, some members will order pizzas at Wick’s during the parade and eat street side. In the case of inclement weather and the need to cancel our attendance we will make that announcement on the DCFF club home page Saturday morning .
Hope to see you there.
For any questions, please contact Sean Chandler at vicepres@derbycityflyfishing.com

Westover Farms Trip, Steelville MO
2026-03-16 - 2026-03-20 | Westover Farms, 546 Missouri BB, Steelville, MO, 65565, United States
March 16 – March 20 (Monday – Friday)
Coordinator: George Tipker, george@derbycityflyfishers.com, 502-594-2066 Jeff Moore 502-386-7958 newsletter@derbycityflyfishers.com
Location: Westover Farms, 546 Highway BB, Steelville, Missouri 65565 – (573) 743-6284 (Approx. 1 ½ hour southwest of St. Louis, MO) (drive time approx. 6 hours). Website link: http://westoverfarms.com/
Trip Level: This is a Level 2 trip(see Trip Suitability for details.) This is a wading trip and/or bank fishing. Wading and access to fishing locations are very accommodating. Participants should be self-reliant fly fishers. Individuals are responsible for determining the suitability of this trip with respect to their skill level and expectations. While this is not a beginner trip, it is an opportunity for anyone who does not need one one one help to trout fish in a beautiful resort setting.
Description: Meandering across almost six hundred acres of Westover property, miles of spring-fed waters offer year-round access to some of the best trout fishing in Missouri. Westover Farms is known as one of the best
places to fly fish in Missouri year-round. Westover Farms is a private remote fishing resort with its own trout hatchery.
Lodging/Accommodations: The Homes At Westover are century-old, hand-hewn log and stone houses, purchased, disassembled and transported throughout Missouri before being rebuilt on the Westover property. The antique, but modern, feel of these secluded homes creates a luxury lodging experience at one of the finest Missouri getaways.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, Satellite, TV, Woodburning Fireplace, Towels & Linens, Eco-Friendly Soap & Shampoo. Fully Stocked Kitchen: Includes a full-sized oven, electric stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and granite countertops.
Depending on number of attendees, we will most likely be staying in the Spring House and the connecting Branch. Everyone will have open access to the Spring House and will be our main gathering area. In the Branch each upscale room is equipped with its own small refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot (bring your favorite K-cups if you prefer coffee made in your room).
In an effort to keep the trip cost down, participants may be asked to share a king bed.
Meals: We will have group Breakfasts (Tue -Thur) and group dinners (Mon-Thur). Participants will be responsible for your own lunch meals. Looking for volunteers for meal prep. We will stop in route in Steelville, MO at the
Country Mart Grocery to procure any food items we think we will need. Bringing snacks, chips, sweets, “shareables”, is always nice.
Weather in March: Temps can range from average lows 35-40 degrees to average highs around 55 degrees.
The Fishing: Monday afternoon/eve, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. You may fish all day Friday as well, but check out is Friday AM and most participants will travel home Friday, foregoing fishing. In addition to the multiple fishable tributaries originating from the large spring on the property, there is a natural stream, Dry Creek, that flows though the property. (as a general point of guesstimate reference, Dry Creek is probably just slightly less in size and water volume than our Otter Creek in KY) Staying at Westover Farms allows private access to 2 miles of this trout filled stream. There is also a small spring fed trout lake on the property. Westover Farms has a fishing policy that restricts the total number of fishers on the entire property to just 25 maximum per day. All fishing locations (either fishing the spring, or Dry Creek (2 mile distance)) are easily walked to, which means we can walk back to the house and eat, drink, snack, warm up, and rest, whenever we want(to take a break, eat lunch, dinner etc) .
Stream side fishing and wading is the norm. (bring waders and wading staffs). Felt soled wading boots ARE allowed, its private property! (all other public waters in Missouri ban felt soles and only rubber soles are permitted in the state. Spikes ARE allowed no matter what, of course)). A Missouri fishing license is NOT required at Westover (it’s included in our stay). Otherwise daily passes to fish at Westover are $60/day for the general public. Note: Westover is closed to public fishing on Tuesdays, however since we are lodging on the premises, our stay allows our group to fish on
Tuesday.
The Gear: Three to six weight rods, reels and lines work well. Trout flies and indicator fishing/dead drifting /nymphing is predominantly the most productive fly fishing technique. High sticking can also be productive. If spring hatches are prevalent, then top water gets good attention.
Transportation: Carpooling is the norm. Details will be worked out among
participants and/or trip coordinator.
The trip requires a release signature and is limited to 14 participants. Click here to register.

Monthly Meeting
2026-03-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Bass Pro – Clarksville, IN, 951 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville, IN, 47129, United States
Meetings are open to everyone, you do not have to be a member to attend. Typical format: 10-15 minute “Tackle Time” presentation on some aspect of Fly Fishing followed by a business segment to introduce new members and guests, take questions and get updates on fishing from attendees, announce/discuss upcoming events/trips, and conduct any required club business. All this is followed by a 30 – 45 minute presentation by a guest speaker on a fly fishing related topic.
Information on the presentation for this meeting will be updated as the topic and speaker details are confirmed.

DCFF at the Louisville Cigar Company and Speakeasy
2026-03-24 18:30 - 22:00 | Louisville Cigar Company and Speakeasy, 968 Baxter avenue, Louisville, KY, 40204, United States
And now for something completely different…..
This is an informal event at the Louisville Cigar Company and Speakeasy. This is a chance to enjoy some fine cigars and bourbon in a classic atmosphere. The cigars are reasonably priced, and there is a limited beer menu. The intention is to sit outside, weather permitting.
Seating is on a first come first serve basis, and the location is close to Wick’s Pizza, so there is a chance that there may be mor than bourbon!
Please join us for fun relaxing evening. and as always, please drink responsibly.
The event is limited to 12 participants. Sign up here to attend.

Fly Tying - Cabela's
2026-03-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
Our Fly-Tying Classes are open to everyone – you do not have to be a member to attend. Generally, we tie one fly, but we tie it twice. An instructor demonstrates, step-by-step, how to tie the fly with accompanying video on a big screen TV so students can see each step.
Tools and materials are provided at no cost, but if you have your own tools feel free to bring them.
Beginners are welcome. There will be experienced tiers available to provide individual help.
This Month, Joe Gahlinger will be tying the “Mini-Clouser”. It is an unweighted version of the standard Clouser Minnow using small plastic mono eyes instead of lead barbell eyes. It is 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. The version, (and color – pink over white) works very well for White Bass during their spring spawning run on the Nolin and Salt rivers. It can be tied in multiple color combinations, but for White Bass one of the colors should be white. In addition to the Clouser I will spend some time at the beginning of the class on my version of the barbed jig hooks for Trout Magnets and Trout Worms as well as tying the simple mop fly. I have fielded numerous questions over the years from beginner fly fishers about the setup for these flies. It will also provide an opportunity for novice fly tiers to practice starting and wrapping thread — something we pretty much take for granted when tying all flies, but rarely spend much time on.

Fly Tying - Bass Pro
2026-03-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Bass Pro – Clarksville, IN, 951 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville, IN, 47129, United States

Board of Directors Meeting
2026-04-01 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
You don’t have to be a Board Member to attend. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and contribute. The meeting starts at 6:30 PM and is over by 8:30 PM.

Come on out and see how your club is run. Give us your ideas and maybe consider getting involved (there are a number of opportunities to help out and you don’t have to be on the Board to do so.)
Afterwards we usually get together for some food, drink and socialization.

FLY FISHING 101 – PARKLANDS Part 1
2026-04-11 09:30 - 14:30 | Parklands of Floyds Fork, 1411 Beckley Creek Parkway, Louisville, KY, 40245, United States
“Fly Fishing 101” a 2-part in-depth fly-fishing learning experience is being offered Saturday April 11th

from 9:30am to 2:30pm at the Parkland’s PNC Achievement Center, 1411 Beckley Creek Parkway,
Louisville, KY 40245. Derby City Fly Fishing, in conjunction with the Parklands of Floyds Fork, the Kentucky
Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club, we will be hosting this “hands
on” program.

You will be able to learn the basics of fly fishing, including, rod and reel setups, casting, fly types, basic
gear, and knot tying. The class will include indoor class room instruction, and outdoor casting practice.

And as a “Part 2” to the class, on Wednesday, April 15th, the Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club will be offering
an “on the water” casting and fishing opportunity at their lake located at 15400 Brush Run Road,
Louisville KY, 40299. (There is a rain date of April 22nd if there are weather issues on the 15th )

Please note the following:
There is a maximum of 30 participants for this event, and registration is required at:
https://app.fw.ky.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?ID=69953
Registration for this event runs from February 20th , – Saturday April 11th .
Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult to register for this event.
You must have a valid Kentucky Fishing license if you participate in the “on the water” fishing event at
Tom Hemel Lake. Please click here if you need to purchase a license. Click here for a map.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Easton Copley
Easton.copley@ky.gov
(502) 330-1411

FLY FISHING 101 – Part 2 Fern Creek Sportsman Club
2026-04-15 17:30 - 21:00 | Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club, 15400 Brush Run Rd., Louisville, KY, 40299, United States
This is the second meeting of a two part series of the Fly Fishing 101 Series
You must have participated in part one to participate in this event.
“Fly Fishing 101” a 2-part in-depth fly-fishing learning experience is being offered Saturday April 11th

from 9:00am to 2:30pm at the Parkland’s PNC Achievement Center, 1411 Beckley Creek Parkway,
Louisville, KY 40245. Derby City Fly Fishing, in conjunction with the Parklands of Floyds Fork, the Kentucky
Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club, we will be hosting this “hands
on” program.

You will be able to learn the basics of fly fishing, including, rod and reel setups, casting, fly types, basic
gear, and knot tying. The class will include indoor class room instruction, and outdoor casting practice.

And as a “Part 2” to the class, on Wednesday, April 15th, the Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club will be offering
an “on the water” casting and fishing opportunity at their lake located at 15400 Brush Run Road,
Louisville KY, 40299. (There is a rain date of April 22nd if there are weather issues on the 15th )

Please note the following:
There is a maximum of 30 participants for this event, and registration is required at:
https://app.fw.ky.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?ID=69953
Registration for this event runs from Tuesday February 20th , – Saturday April 11th.
Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult to register for this event.
You must have a valid Kentucky Fishing license if you participate in the “on the water” fishing event at
Tom Hemel Lake. Please click here if you need to purchase a license. Click here for a map.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Easton Copley
Easton.copley@ky.gov
(502) 330-1411

Spring 2026 Bardstown Bluegill Trip
2026-04-20 - 2026-04-21 | Ky
Coordinator: Steve Cullen S.Cullen325i@gmail.com ; 502-599-7494
The Plan: This will be the club’s second trip here thanks to the generosity of DCFF
member Lou Kaufman who has graciously offered us access to the venue.
This trip will be limited to 8 participants due to space constraints on the water.
The registration fee is $25 to cover dinner and breakfast as well as firewood.
We will be fishing two private lakes near to the area around Bardstown Kentucky, about
40 minutes South of Louisville.
These are small lakes with limited launch opportunity so we will be limiting this to
Kayaks and Canoes only. Wade or bank fishing isn’t really an option other than one pier
on the larger of the two lakes.
We will be fishing for Bluegill and Bass. We don’t plan on any fish fry’s but anglers may
keep some of their catch. No limit on Bass, 10 Bluegill each.
We may arrive any time on the afternoon on the 20th and may fish if you like after
checking in and getting a little orientation. Supper followed by a fire at the cottage that
evening. Group Breakfast the morning of the 21st, after which you may fish either lake for
as long as you like.
Lodging: Lou has a cottage on the property which he has also made available to us.
There’s a large open room room as well as a three season room with plenty of space for
cots or air mattresses and sleeping bags.
We have a kitchen and bath. We must bring our own towels, cookware, camp chairs,
and eating utensils.
You will need to bring your own cot or air mattress, sleeping bag or linens and blankets
and a pillow.
There are ample electrical outlets, but you might want to bring a short extension cord
and/or power strip to handle your electronic needs.
We’ll buy firewood for the group fires.
We have space to set up popup shelters/canopies if you choose to bring them but we
have no plans to bring the clubs.
While we intend to leave the cottage open all day for bathroom access, we would
appreciate it if your gear was packed up and out of the cottage after breakfast.
Parking adjacent to the cottage should be ample but… Carpooling would be a good
idea if feasible.
We will be able to drop boats lake side. The property is gated and generally secure but
your gear is left at your own risk so please plan accordingly.
Meals:
Plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, and beverages of choice.
I will bring the DCFF coffee pot, coffee and condiments for the group.
We plan to have group supper the evening of the 20th and breakfast the morning of the
21st. Both of those meals are open for a volunteer preparer. (You’ll have help and
your offers are greatly appreciated!)
We’ll tentatively plan suppers at 7PM but will adjust as needed.
You need to bring your cooking and meal prep/serving utensils – if you think you’ll need
it, bring it! We will have paper plates and plastic ware.
Description: These are small impoundments with a varied shore line.
Depths can be up to 14 feet, but most areas are significantly shallower. There are a
variety of Bass, as well as Red Ear and Bluegill in these lakes.
Accessibility: Access to the larger of the two lakes is firm and relatively shallow in
slope meaning trailer launch is difficult if not unlikely. Plan on walking your boats in. That
will definitely be the case on the smaller lake where launch is limited to a walk in at the
end of the dam. Gas motors cannot be used but trolling motors are acceptable.
Level: This is a Level 2 trip. There will not be dedicated fishers to teach beginners fly
fishing basics.
Fishing License and Permits: This is private property and fishing licenses are not
required.
Equipment: 3 to 6 weight fly rods, but if you want to spin or bait fish don’t hesitate to
bring your gear. Both topwater and typical nymph flies should work. Bluegills love mop
flies and trout magnets! While I can’t say what things will be like in October, the top
water bite was good in June though nymphing in deeper water was also productive.
To sign up and pay, please click here.

Fly Tying - Cabela's
2026-04-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
Our Fly-Tying Classes are open to everyone – you do not have to be a member to attend. Generally, we tie one fly, but we tie it twice. An instructor demonstrates, step-by-step, how to tie the fly with accompanying video on a big screen TV so students can see each step.
Tools and materials are provided at no cost, but if you have your own tools feel free to bring them.
Beginners are welcome. There will be experienced tiers available to provide individual help.

April’s fly, a UV coated fly good for fishing for White Bass, Smallmouth, and Bluegill.

Fly Tying - Bass Pro
2026-04-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Bass Pro – Clarksville, IN, 951 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville, IN, 47129, United States
Our Fly-Tying Classes are open to everyone – you do not have to be a member to attend. Generally, we tie one fly, but we tie it twice. An instructor demonstrates, step-by-step, how to tie the fly with accompanying video on a big screen TV so students can see each step.
Tools and materials are provided at no cost, but if you have your own tools feel free to bring them.
Beginners are welcome. There will be experienced tiers available to provide individual help.

April’s fly, a UV coated fly good for fishing for White Bass, Smallmouth, and Bluegill tied by Mike Parker.

Spring 2026 DCFF Golf Scramble
2026-04-29 17:15 - 20:00 | Wooded View Golf Course, 2404 Greentree N, Clarksville, IN, 47129, United States
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for the Spring DCFF Golf Outing. This will be a 9-hole, “best ball” scramble. It will be held at the Wooded View Golf Course in Clarksville. You must be a DCFF member to participate.
The scramble starts at 5:36, but please be there by 5:15 for team and cart assignments. Cost is $21 cash only. f you have any questions, please contact Brian Kaluzney at brian@derbycityflyfishers.com
To register, please click here.

5th Wednesday Fly Fishing 101, "Knots and Leaders"
2026-04-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
This part of our continuous series discusses / demonstrates some of the basics of the sport.
We will be covering the basic knots commonly used in fly fishing and tying your own leaders. Materials will be provided.
Please come with questions, and ideas of what you would like to see at any of the future events. if you have any questions, please contact our director of education, John Froehlich at education@derbycityflyfishers.com

Green-Sullivan State Forest & Shakamak State Park 2026
2026-05-06 - 2026-05-09 | Green-Sullivan State Park, 2551 IN-159, Dugger, IN, 47848
May 6, 2025 – May 9, 2026
Dates: May 6-9, 2026 (Wednesday – Saturday)
Check-in NET 4pm May 6 th , Checkout NLT 11am May 9 th
NOTE: We are not staying overnight Saturday as Sunday is Mother’s Day
(Optional) Typically, we meet for lunch at a TBD diner in Dugger, IN on Wednesday, get
our launch permits, fish that afternoon and get back to the bunkhouses sometime after
4pm.
Coordinator:
Joe Gahlinger, joe@derbycityflyfishers.com, 502-472-3975
The Plan: This will be the club’s fourth trip to the area around Linton, Indiana, about 2.5
hours West of Louisville. You can find the 2023 Trip Report on the Website. I’ll provide
more details about lakes, access points and experiences from previous trips as we get
closer to the trip.
We will be fishing for bluegill and bass in three Indiana State Land areas.
The area includes Greene-Sullivan State Forest
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/greene-sullivan-state-forest/
Shakamak State Park
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/shakamak-state-park/
Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/properties/hillenbrand-fwa/
There are many (about 200) small lakes and impoundments with a variety of
small boat (skiff, canoe, kayak, float tube, etc.) and bank fishing opportunities.
Shakamak State Park also rents boats with trolling motors.
We have rented two cottages (bunkhouses) in the Persimmon Lake Loop which can
accommodate a total of 16 campers.
Description of Waters: This area in Western Indiana is a former coal strip pit area.
There are about 120 small lakes in Greene-Sullivan ranging in size from 3 acres to 120
acres. The Forest itself has many small lakes with over 50 launch ramps; the Dugger
Unit has 13 launch ramps with somewhat larger lakes. Shakamak has 400 acres of
man-made lakes with boat ramps, canoe launches, fishing piers, fish cleaning stations
and boat rental. Hillenbrand has another 25 small lakes. Greene-Sullivan is about 10
miles and 20 minutes southwest of Shakamak. Hillenbrand is about 13 miles southeast
of Shakamak.
Accessibility: With all the launch points, this is an ideal area for small boats including
kayaks and canoes. Almost all the boat ramps can handle boats like we use on the
Cumberland River; gas motors cannot be used but trolling motors are acceptable. You
will need a PFD on your watercraft.
Level: This is a Level 2 trip. There will not be dedicated fishers to teach beginners fly
fishing basics. There may be teachable opportunities, but there are no guarantees.
Meals:
 For now, plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, and beverages of choice.
 I will bring the DCFF coffee pot, filters, coffee and condiments for the group.
 We plan to have group breakfasts and suppers. Please indicate your willingness
to cook on the sign up (meals are a team effort, we just need a head chef for
planning and provisioning each meal.) Plan a meal for 16. If you need ideas on
meals, contact me. Cooks should save receipts since these costs are
reimbursable.
 I’m hoping we catch enough panfish to have at least one fish fry either Thursday
or Friday evening. So, bring your filet knives to clean fish and fish
baskets/stringers/wells to keep fish.
 There are grocery stores close by, so we can shop locally and do not have to
pack everything in.
 You need to bring your cooking and meal prep utensils – if you think you’ll need
it, bring it! We will have paper plates and bowls, plasticware, foil chafing pans,
paper towels, zip lock bags, cleaning supplies, charcoal and standard
condiments.
Lodging: The Club has rented Persimmon Lake bunk house cottages #1 and #2 in
the Shakamak Group camping area. Directions will be provided in the trip updates just
prior to the trip. Each bunk house has 11 double bunk beds. We plan on 8 campers per
bunkhouse. Each camper will get a lower berth for sleeping and the upper bunk for
storage. The cottages have a kitchen with a full refrigerator, stove with oven,
microwave and a sink; we will keep the bunk bed next to the kitchen empty for storage.
There are 2 shower stalls, 2 toilets and 2 vanities. There are two picnic tables and a fire
pit outside.
 We must bring our own linens, towels, cookware, camp chairs, and eating
utensils.
 The bunks have a pretty good foam mattress, and most previous participants did
not see a need for air mattresses. Pillows, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags
are highly recommended.
 If you want to be in the same bunkhouse as someone else, please so state in the
remarks field on the sign up.
 If you want to participate but NOT stay in the cottages, camping spots and
cabins are available; you need to make your own arrangements.
 We’ll buy firewood for the group fires. No outside firewood is allowed.
Parking is limited. Carpooling is highly recommended.
The plan limits this trip to 16 participants. Registration cost for the trip is $95 (payable
at sign up) for the three nights and will include the group breakfasts, suppers and
firewood. There may be a cash up-charge if we burn a lot of wood. Any registration fee
refund is at the discretion of the DCFF Board.
Fishing License and Permits: (All these costs are in addition to the trip registration
fee.)
 You need an Indiana Fishing License; these can be purchased on line at Indiana
Fishing License.
 For boat operators, you also need a Lake Permit ($5/year non-motorized,
$25/year motorized (includes trolling motor only watercraft). You can get them at
any State Park Office including the one at Greene/Sullivan. These permits are
good at all Indiana State parks for the calendar year.
 Park entrance fees are $7 resident and $9 out of state; you will get a parking
pass after paying the 1st day entry fee.
Equipment: 3 to 8 weight fly rods, but if you want to spin or bait fish go for it. Both
topwater and typical nymph flies should work. Bluegill love mop flies and trout magnets!
Sign Up: If you have any questions, contact Joe at joe@derbycityflyfishers.com or 502-
472-3975. You must be a current DCFF member to sign up for this trip.
Click here to sign up.

Green River Float Trip
2026-05-06 - 2026-05-08 | Paddle Trails Campground, Greensburg, KY, 805 Legion Park Rad, Greensburg, KY, 47243, United States
May 6-8
NOTE: This trip may be cancelled or rescheduled due to expected unfishable water conditions. Should that happen, everyone who signed up will be notified as soon as the decision is made and payments refunded.
Location: Greensburg, KY, Green River Paddle Trail Campgrounds, 805 Legion Park Road, Greensburg, KY 42743 Google Map Link
The Paddle Trial Campgrounds are brand new and look to be a great place to stay. They have their very own boat ramp right at the campground. You have multiple floats available and all floats can end at the campgrounds. We’ll do our best to make sure we can shuttle everyone as needed.
Dates: May 6-8, 2026 (Wed – Fri)
Coordinator: Pat Brucoli pat@derbycityflyfishers.com 502-541-9011
Trip Level: This is a Level 2+ trip — You must be able to handle a canoe, kayak, etc., in moving water and fly fish from it. Opportunities for fly fishing instruction will be limited. Some short portages will be likely depending on water conditions.
Number of Spots: 12
A KY Fishing License is required. Click here to purchase.
Outing Details: This is a float trip since bank and wade fishing are extremely limited. We’ll be targeting smallmouth bass, but other species are abundant. Watercraft will be limited to kayaks, canoes, and the like as sections of the river are shallow and some portaging may be required. Rental kayaks and canoes are available, click here for more an interactive map of the Green River and watercraft rental information. Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are required, so if you’re bringing your own watercraft be sure to bring a PFD. There are several floats available ranging from 2 to 8 hours. We’ll work out launch and take out access points and shuttles on a day-by-day basis. Click here for a map of the Upper Green River with watercraft access points highlighted (provided by KY Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of their Blue Water Trails series.)
Lodging: We have reserved four cabins that sleep three each, in various combinations of a couch, bunk beds, and/or regular beds. It may be possible to accommodate more, if there is a fold out couch, and possible room for air mattresses. Please contact the trip coordinator for details and availability. The total trip cost is $100 which covers both nights accommodations. . We should have access to the Pavilion that is covered and has a firepit and plenty of lighting and picnic tables. You are on your own for meals. Click here for information on the Paddle Trail Campgrounds and their amenities.
Sign Up: You must be a current DCFF member to sign up for this trip. Click here to sign up. Also note, that this location is in the Central Time Zone
