If you don’t recognize the name Tim Holschlag, he is a professional smallmouth bass fisherman.
He makes his living fishing for and communicating about smallmouth bass. After fishing one of my favorite waters, Sugar Creek, with Holschlag, it was easy to see why he is considered one of the best in the business.
Holschlag is the author of the books “River Smallmouth Fishing” and “Smallmouth Fly Fishing.” He’s published hundreds of magazine articles on the subject, has produced a DVD titled “Stream Smallmouth Fishing,” commercially ties smallmouth flies, hosts on-stream smallmouth fishing schools and guides smallmouth fishing trips.
If that doesn’t qualify someone as a professional smallmouth fisherman, I don’t know what does.
Upon my invitation, I learned Holschlag had fished Sugar Creek before, many years ago.
I was pleased when he said he looked forward to returning, further stating the combination of the creek’s scenery and fishing left an indelible mark on his memory.
“Sugar Creek, especially in the state parks, is one of the most scenic streams I know of, and the smallmouth fishing is right up there with the best I’ve encountered in the lower Midwest,” Holschlag said. “It can be fished year round.”
Sugar Creek is home to smallmouth bass Holschlag considers of “impressive size.” In 2007, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources implemented a law limiting keeping smallmouth bass to one fish per day, and it must exceed 20 inches.
Under such strict regulations, Sugar Creek has unofficially become a catch-and-release smallmouth water. Very few fish consumers are willing to spend their time trying to catch one trophy-sized bass for the frying pan. The only bass being kept these days are the occasional trophy for the wall and the unfortunate monster that falls victim to a catfisherman.
Jeff Conrad, a fly fishing guide on Sugar Creek, said, “Sugar is the best protected smallmouth river in Indiana, partly due to the ‘over 20’ regulation and partly due to the relentless patrolling of the river by conservation officers who patrol the river by kayak and respond quickly to any notification of poaching.”
Fishing with an authority on any species is an incredible opportunity. Tactics you thought were correct can be improved, and new lessons are sure to be learned.
During our outing, Holschlag pointed out spots along the creek that would be prime to target at different times of the year. He pointed out seams, boulders, back channels and bluffs like a kid pointing out a wish list in a toy aisle.
In spending only a few hours with Holschlag, it’s obviously apparent that he not only understands smallmouth bass, he truly loves them and the waters they swim.
See you down the trail.
