Photos by Tom Klubens
When Noblesville resident Jeff Pass first picked up a fly rod, he didn’t realize it would lead to a statewide art and conservation movement. But just months after brainstorming his initial ideas, Pass is building a network of communal fly-fishing art installations, known as Flybraries, with a mission to connect Hoosiers to their parks, waterways and each other.
Launched in late 2024, the Indiana Flybrary Project is the brainchild of Pass’s own journey through healing, creativity and a lifelong connection to the outdoors. After serving 17 years in the military and facing mental health challenges following his medical retirement, he turned to fishing as a form of therapy. Weekly trips to the water became a grounding routine – one that soon intersected with his other passion: making art.
“I was dealing with a lot of mental health issues, so I started prioritizing my mental health by fishing at least once a week,” Pass shares. “It gave me clarity, and it gave me a new way to think about how we connect with each other.”
Inspired by the original Flybrary Project created by Tailer Trash Fishing in Florida, Pass began crafting a localized version for Indiana in November 2024. By December he had already started prototyping the first box. Fast-forward to this spring, and his first community fundraiser is now behind him, with a long list of cities and parks lined up to bring Flybraries to life – including right here in Hamilton County.
At its core, the Flybrary Project is simple but powerful: small wooden boxes placed in public parks, each stocked with handcrafted fishing flies and designed as communal “Take-A-Fly, Leave-A-Fly” hubs. But these aren’t just tackle stations; they’re public art pieces, designed and built by local woodworkers, decorated by Indiana artists, and engraved with messages about conservation, licensing and how to get involved in the local arts scene.
Pass envisions each Flybrary as a permanent fixture in its park – a way to highlight local talent, promote sustainable outdoor recreation and remind visitors that conservation is a shared responsibility. “I would really like to see people continue getting involved in our local conservation,” he says. “Flybraries are a creative and community-driven way to do that.”
The project is already in motion with confirmed and potential locations across Indiana, including Noblesville, Bloomington, Marion, Brookville, Monroe Tailwaters and Fairfax Beach. Pass is especially excited about collaborating with Indy’s creative community to bring eco-friendly woodworking and artistic design to future boxes.
Each Flybrary will serve as a collaborative community hub, spotlighting the contributions of local artists, guides and conservation groups to inspire deeper connection and involvement. As new Flybraries are completed, they’ll be added to a national registry, drawing fly-fishing enthusiasts and curious travelers who often go out of their way to visit these unique community landmarks. Ongoing fundraising efforts will support the long-term maintenance and restocking of each installation.
Pass’s vision goes far beyond the act of casting a line. It’s about building something lasting and inclusive, something that invites people to connect with nature, creativity and one another.
Pass is actively seeking artists, woodworkers, donors and community partners to continue bringing the Flybrary Project to life across Indiana.
