Two Days Chasing Ozark Smallmouth on Indian Creek
No real plans and no expectations. That’s how my day started. I was torn between chasing trout on Beaver Tailwater or exploring a new section of Indian Creek.
As I headed north from my home in northwest Arkansas, I decided to skip Beaver and venture towards Lanagan, MO, a small town in southwest Missouri, to access Indian Creek. This stream flows through Newton and McDonald counties and is a tributary of the Elk River.
Lanagan Access provides entry to Indian Creek through a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the city of Lanagan. The city maintains the area, which includes a boat launch and on-site bathrooms.
Upon arriving at Lanagan Access, I had a feeling it was going to be a special day. The water looked perfect, and the first smallmouth I caught confirmed it. The only thing missing was my son not hooking a fish. We spent about three hours there, creating amazing memories before heading home.
That night, as I reviewed our video footage, it hit me: I had to go back the next day. The fishing was great, and I felt an immediate urge to return, something I’d never experienced before. The next day, despite a gloomy weather forecast, I took a chance and went back. I’m so glad I did.
I enjoyed a couple of beautiful days on Indian Creek, catching a few nice smallmouth bass. Despite getting wet and soggy, I didn’t mind. Days like these keep calling me back.
Flies, Streamers, Bugs
- Galloup’s Sx Dungeon (Natural) Size 4
- Roo's Deceiver (Chartreuse) 1/0 by Hoot’s Custom Flies
Fly Rod Setup
- Moonshine Drifter Blackout 6wt (Amazon Affiliate Link)
- Cortland Crown Series Fly Reel - Tactical Black 5/7 Reel
- Cortland Specialty Series Bass Line Size WF6F
Attention: When visiting, please remember your responsibilities as an ethical angler. We work hard to provide details on public access points and share with our subscribers. Please obey and respect all posted signs. In addition, please help us keep these areas open to the public by picking up trash to help keep our water clean and safe for you and others.
