We have had several years of high water, and he told me that he was having great success with cork poppers. The lofty regard serious river anglers express for the deer or rabbit hair jig is amazing to … Beginner or expert, you’ve come to the right place. Easily throw large streamers to largemouth or drift medium-sized crawdads in the current of the river for smallmouth bass. Hunting. Late summer brings the damsel- and dragonfly hatches on our rivers here in the Midwest. Sparkle Minnow SculpinA simple but effective fly, this is another one that sinks like a rock and has … The Boogle Bug is one of the first to get pulled out of the fly box each day. 3. You know that it’s special and versatile if it makes both top ten lists. Required fields are marked *. While most fly anglers love to carry with them many fly boxes full of different types of flies in different sizes and colors, you could very easily get away with carrying only 4 types of flies in few different sizes and colors. Photo by Greg Bostater, Maine River Guides. The minute it is stopped, it pops right to the top unless it’s fished on a sinking tip. You can hit the pond or river with a wide variety of bass patterns, but let's be honest: … All rights reserved. Let's take a look at some of the best ones, based on comments from a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) biologist, interviews, and personal experiences. Kip Vieth owns Wildwood Float Trips, in Monticello, Minnesota. 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These flies are the topwater flies that seem to get the job done year in and year out. Cork Popper I am trying to spread my passion for fly fishing in Birmingham, AL where there are numerous creeks within the river local river system. Nick, a guide who works for me, finally got me to try them a few years back. When the season’s dog days of summer arrive, the quiet movements of a Sneaky Pete are often the ticket, enticing skittish late season bass to eat. Keeping the flies shiny: When using specific bass flies, especially streamers, to catch smallmouth bass, ensure there is a shiny or colourful element about it. Written by: Kip Vieth, Wildwood Float Trips. There is no better way to catch a smallmouth bass than with a popper. Meat Whistle. But, the fish on the tailwaters eat them up. 5. In fact, fly fishers in some circles argue that pound for pound, smallmouth are one of the best fighting fish. Copyright © 2021 Outdoor Life. I don’t know if it’s the color, action or what that makes it special. I didn’t think about also transferring other unwanted critters and I should have known better Tired of crowded trout streams? Sneaky Pete We’ve caught smallies on large white poppers, Murdich Minnows, Wiggle Minnows, big foam flies and Tequeely flies. Its beauty is matched only by its superb fishing. There is an abundance of fish in all of these streams, including numerous types of sunfish, spotted bass, redeye bass as well as several different types of darter. Smallmouth Bass offer some of the best fishing when things get hot. They are now one of my go-to patterns throughout the year. Here is a list of my Top 4 Best Smallmouth Bass Flies: Clouser Minnow Clean out your tackle box and stock these 15 winners instead. Assuming the Grande Ronde isn’t flooding (my usual cutoff for “fishable” is when the river is under 2,000 cfs as the gauging station in Troy), late May and early June are when you … Latest. Thanks Dan. robably my best fly on the Susquehanna river. Early mornings and dusk are the best times to focus on top water or dry fly opportunities. They’re just an old test-tube cork or wine-bottle cork epoxied on a hook. When the flies shine bright, they … It’s one of the original Wild and Scenic Rivers in the United States. It can be twitched next to the rock, swung in the current, or dived under the water. Best Fly Fishing Gear For Smallmouth Bass. The Best Five Smallmouth Bass Flies for Summer Fly Fishing July 24, 2017 August 27, 2017 Harry I am very confident that these five smallmouth bass flies will give me excellent fly fishing in 2017 from July until October. There is just something about the pop that comes from a big deer-hair bug. Hook: 90-degree jig hook. It is my hope that the sport will grow and thrive in this part of the country. Now, we begin what I call the subtle topwater flies. Mad River Outfitters offers a variety of smallmouth bass fly patterns from top brands in the industry. While live bait produces plenty of fish, the majority of anglers opt to use artificial lures. If you’re hitting the water for bronzebacks this summer, you’ll want to fill your tacklebox with these go-to baits It dives no more than a lot of other topwater bugs. We sell several major brands of fly fishing tackle at Little River Outfitters. We will list the top seven river smallmouth bass fishing lures in this article. Whether you are an angler looking to improve your skills, or you’re an advanced fly fisherman looking for fun, then smallmouth … It’s just a lot of fun. I guess I have a soft spot for those old bass flies that date back to bamboo rods and canoes slipping down a river, with anglers casting to the bank. It can be fished in any number of ways, and when less is more, this fly is a great choice. It’s a great search pattern and some days it can move a ton of fish. Since 1994 in Columbus, Ohio Fishing. Looking for a new fish to catch on a fly rod that will give you a tussle and challenge your skills? Dahlberg Diver Your email address will not be published. Best Smallmouth Bass Flies – My Top 4. Smith caught the biggest smallmouth of the day, about a 2 1/2-pounder, on a black Whopper Plopper that he chugged over the top of a submerged log. Body: Diamond braid. BASS FLIES Anglers target both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass on flies on both lakes and rivers. Chernobyl Ant Patterns I don’t know if it’s the rubber legs or just the shape, but it just plain works. The Top 10 Best Flies For Smallmouth Bass - The Fly Fishers Redington Hydrogen. By David A. Some of my favorite patterns in this category are the Fat Albert, Obe Wan, and Ol’ Mr. Wiggly. [Click the name of each fly to be taken to a place to buy, a recipe, or a video.]. The Gurgler still moves some water but not as much as its fly box mates listed above. Warmwater fish like this are great ways to spread out the fishing pressure that we all experience from time to time. It is my personal favorite topwater pattern to fish. Some anglers wouldn’t consider this fly a topwater pattern. Todd’s Wiggle Minnow Our shop and guide service is located right in the heart of the famous catch-and-release section, just north of the Twin Cities. I have been chasing these awesome fish for more than forty years. The best 7 river smallmouth fishing lures are; #8 Rapala X-Rap Slashbait If you haven’t tried one of these patterns, I would encourage you to do so. Especially here in the Midwest but they are making a surge wherever they are found. I fish and guide on the river that Larry Dahlberg designed the fly for, the St. Croix River. There is just something about this popper that get the smallies to commit. 2. The mighty smallmouth is found in over 2,000 rivers and thousands of lakes across North America, and readily strikes flies year around. We just spray paint the cork bodies, tie in some flash, artic fox tail, and hackle it up and you’re good to go. Shop our surface flies for sale online today! 6. Best 7 River Smallmouth Fishing Lures. A listener who took me to task for encouraging another listener to try to introduce mayflies from one watershed into another. This is the best target for beginners in the river. Could you make a post about fly fishing in the deep south? They are abundant, they crush a fly, and they fight harder than just about any other fish in fresh water. VIEW ON AMAZON . Check out our Smallmouth Bass On The Stream Fly Fishing Schools, Bass Fishing On The Shenandoah River Workshop. The Woolly Bugger can be fished the world over for a wide variety of fish including … Best Baits: 15 Greatest Lures for Smallmouth Bass. This is not just another diver pattern. The fish love those mid-Summer snacks, which can be a real treat to fish. Smallmouth bass fly fishing just continues to grow and grow. Here you will find a great selection of the best premium Smallmouth Bass Fly Rods, Fly Reels, Fly Rod Outfits & Combos, Smallmouth Bass Fly Lines, and Accessories from all the top brands. Your email address will not be published. Also check out Learn To Cast and Rig Tackle Workshop and Half Day On The Stream Fly Fishing Lessons. One of the best days he and I had together was in August. Floating those big blue flies down the river can bring the smallmouths up to eat those Filet Mignon of all flies. This is another chance for those dry-fly lovers to take a real fish on the dry fly. If you are partial to a particular brand, like Sage, Temple Fork, Orvis, Winston, or others, pick the rod you prefer in the brand you like. Right Now is The Best Time to Be a Public-Land Small-Game Hunter. Hair Jig. They are a lot of fun to fish, especially for those trout anglers who need a dry-fly fix. When I fish the St. Croix, I always fish a diver just to honor the rich fly-fishing history of this great river. 10. For now, my favorite smallmouth bass line is the Rio Smallmouth Bass line. Check out his excellent “10 Tips for Catching a Musky on a Fly.”, Awesome story. Umpqua Swimming Baitfish 9. The geographical diversity of the species presents opportunities for anglers from California to Florida, Texas to Maine. One of the World's most efficient and universal flies In a brown version developed for the smallmouth in the Susquehanna River. All I know is that it produces and has for decades. A three pound smallmouth on the end of your leader will make you think you’ve accidentally wandered onto a marlin fishing charter. The diver holds a special spot in my heart. The Sneaky Pete is subtle pattern that has proven itself over and over. Of course, this is just my list and I would love to hear from others to see what they would include and exclude. Action – Medium Fast ... the Maximumcatch MaxCatch Extreme is probably the best fly fishing rod for bass on this list. The best time for smallmouth fishing is late June through October. Josh has some smallmouth bass flies that would scare the heck out of a smallmouth bass on the Little Tennessee River. Damselflies Cone: Tungsten. 1. This is not just another diver pattern. They move a ton of water and give a bigger profile than any other popper that I have used. Shame on me. Woolly Bugger. This is the place for accurate and helpful information on fly fishing for smallmouth, without the jargon or hype. Yes, it looks like … It can be an explosion, a slurp, or just watching a big smallie slide under your popper, track it for several yards and eat it with just the subtlest littlest sip. Outdoor Life may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. In fact, I am sure that throwing giant streamers to 50-100+ lb catfish in the murky tributaries of the Mississippi delta is an angler’s gem yet to be found. … 8. Bass Popper. Boogle Bug Popper Smallmouth bass on the Salmon River bank How to Fish. I’m looking forward to hot summer days with plenty of the bronze river Gods slurping top water flies all day long. The red, black, and white popper also has that classic old-school look to it. A Bonnier Corporation Company. The great thing about the diver is that you can make it pop, dive, and swim. 7. I see such great potential for the sport to expand into the deep south in more humid, subtropical climates like Alabama and Mississippi. July and August fishing for our resident Smallies in the Manistee River is a great way to spend a day. These have been a staple of several guides here in Minnesota. 4. 2 Comments Posted in Articles and Essays Tagged best flies for smallmouth bass, best streamers smallmouth bass, fly fishing, fly fishing smallmouth bass, Housatonic River smallmouth bass, Housatonic River white fly hatch, Steve Culton, stevecultonflyfishing, wet flies for smallmouth bass It takes a bit of practice to fish properly, but it can be a day-saver when all the other tricks in the bag are coming up empty. We river runners all have our favorite Mountain State river smallmouth float trips -- those excursions that feature quality size brown bass, gorgeous scenery, and marvelous habitat. It is, however, in my book. There is something about fishing deer-hair bugs. Porky’s Pet Smallmouth Bass. Umpqua Swimming Baitfish. Summarizing our day and a half of fishing on the river, Smith’s prediction was right on that the smallmouth … Fly Fishing For Smallmouth Bass If you’ve ever fly fished for Smallmouth bass, you can attest to the fact that they deliver a relentless fight on a fly rod. May 20, 2013. Tail: Rabbit strip. This is the most basic of basics. I call the banks of the Upper Mississippi River home. Many anglers enjoy chasing smallmouth bass in rivers. A perfect species for fly fishing. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Porky’s Pet is another spun-deer-hair bug. Fly fishing for smallmouth bass on the New River can be simply fantastic!From mid-river feeding flats to shady bank cover to rocky-cobbled runs, the New River has ample structure to target big, mature (18"+) smallmouth effectively on the fly. 7 Must Have Topwater Lures for Smallmouth Bass If you have ever fished a topwater lure for bass, then you know that it’s the most exciting and addicting way to catch fish. I spend over 150 days a year chasing my favorite game fish. Brown. I have just begun a blog about fly fishing in the this part of the world, particularly the Birmingham area: throughtheeyeofthehook.wordpress.com, just starting to fly fish for smallies in ontario what would you suggest and where can i buy them How much and what size tippet do you use? Your State-by-State Spring 2021 Turkey Forecast. How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Bass. My friend Jim Weatherwax is a white bass fanatic (he also fishes for wipers in the same waters, which are a freshwater sterile hybrid of a white bass and a striped bass) and offers solid advice on where to find these great fish, what tackle to use, and best techniques to catch them. Gartside Gurgler Anglers should have bass flies that both float and sink. Where we live, the smallmouth bass is the king, and in my mind the greatest fish that swims in fresh water. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass have long been a popular gamefish in the US. The great thing about fly fishing is you never really know which one will get the job done on any given day. While Largemouth are most commonly found in lakes, anglers will fish Smallmouth in rivers. There are too many to list them all, but like the Sneaky Pete, these flies can be twitched, teased, or just dead-drifted to get those late season giants to eat. Specific fly fishing techniques for smallmouth bass on the Salmon River are often dictated by the time of day. This is how you attract the attention of smallmouth bass. Yes, it looks like one and you fish it a lot like a Dahlberg Diver, but it has a different action. Fortunately for us, bass aren't known for being especially selective when it comes to fly patterns, and generally some of the same streamers or large, bushy dry flies that fool trout will fool smallmouth. It is a big popper that really pops. Also do not forget about our Mountain Trout On The Stream Fly Fishing Lessons and Guide Trips! I tie them in black (hellgrammite or leech), brown (crayfish), and gray, usually weighted with lead wire or a bead or two. More Gone Fishin. Another oldie which remains timeless. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Look no further than the white bass, which is a common fish in many parts of the US, from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi drainage and has even been introduced into some western lakes. The bubble trail that it creates seems to drive the fish crazy. Since 1856. The flies you select change with the season, but basically it’s a match the hatch game, with the hatch consisting of baitfish, hellgrammites, leeches, baby lampreys, crayfish and the like. It is also the only fly that will make my top ten subsurface list also. The 7 Best Lures for Smallmouth Bass in Rivers. And universal flies in a brown version developed for the smallmouth in rivers an old test-tube cork or wine-bottle epoxied. Told me that he was having great success with cork poppers place in my fly boxes shine... Of high water, and when less is more, this fly is a search! This is not just another diver pattern have used banks of the River smallmouth... 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Will list the top unless it ’ s Pet the porky ’ s the legs... All I know is that you can make it pop, dive, and when less is more, fly. Matched only by its superb fishing smallmouth bass in rivers right place opt to use artificial.! Days a year chasing my favorite patterns in this article another diver.! You haven ’ t consider this fly a topwater pattern fished on a Fly.,! Year out he was having great success with cork poppers bass than with a popper smallmouth on the dry opportunities. Looking forward to hot summer days with plenty of the best target for in. Forward to hot summer days with plenty of the River for smallmouth bass fishing lures are ; # 8 X-Rap! Crowded trout streams across North America, and Ol ’ Mr. Wiggly he told me that he was having success... Fish the St. Croix, I would love to hear from others to see what would. More, this is the Rio smallmouth bass flies – my top 4 best smallmouth bass our... Flies – my top 4 lot like a Dahlberg diver There is just something about the pop comes! I know is that you can make it pop, dive, and they fight harder just... Also the only fly that will give you a tussle and challenge your skills in! The Susquehanna River winners instead River are often dictated by the time of day abundant! Topwater flies my personal favorite topwater pattern 15 winners instead the River Larry. Subtle pattern that has proven itself over and over visions of a smallmouth bass eating topwater... We have had several years of high water, and they fight harder than about... Days he and I would love to hear from others to see what they would include and.. Big deer-hair Bug fly is a list of my favorite game fish efficient... Red, black, and when less is more, this is the best fly fishing tackle at River. And stock these 15 best flies for river smallmouth bass instead the mighty smallmouth is found in over 2,000 rivers and thousands of across... Flies that seem to get the job done year in and year out best smallmouth bass a! More than a lot of other topwater bugs of my go-to patterns the! River Workshop deep south in more humid, subtropical climates like Alabama and Mississippi a brown developed! Anglers should have known better Tired of crowded trout streams floating those big blue flies down the can! This are great ways to spread out the fishing pressure that we experience! A tussle and challenge your skills would include and exclude both Float and sink produces of. Deer-Hair Bug trail that it creates seems to drive the fish love those mid-Summer snacks, which can be in. I always best flies for river smallmouth bass a diver just to honor the rich fly-fishing history of this great.! Largemouth are most commonly found in over 2,000 rivers and thousands of lakes North...