After many years of fishing the New River, I have come to believe that the best “all-around” time to fish for river smallies is the summer … Born and raised in the great state of Michigan, Schultzy has been immersed in the outdoors his entire life. Feast or famine is the new normal for stream flows. Smallmouth bass are known for that. We have compiled a category here of our favorite surface flies for smallmouth here. The #10 hooks are razor-sharp and are strong enough to pull in even the largest bass. The soft plastics that work well in the cool spring also will catch huge numbers of fish in the summertime, although faster techniques attract more strikes in warm water. Looking for the best fly patterns for smallies? After a soaking spring, precious rainfall eluded us through the start of fall, creating harrowing drought conditions across Connecticut. In lakes, look for smallmouths early and late in the day at the edges of drop-offs, along rock cliffs, and where the … Because that's usually what's active at this time of the year. So your best bet for summer smallmouth fishing is to find a river with a rocky bottom, clear water and midday water temperatures that stay below 75 degrees. In shallower waterways across the northern portions of the species’ range, smallmouth actually migrate. Some favor small flies, suggesting that the lethargic smallmouth will pursue small prey items because it takes less energy to track and capture those bite-sized items. The best flies for late summer and fall trout are terrestrials and small nymphs (with this exception). Best Time to Go Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass. ... Join the single best resource for news, features, flies, tips , deals and resources around the world of fly fishing. Some even have smallmouth bass fly lines. They will attack active baits with abandon. I spend the day chasing smallies on the river and share some tips and tricks I use to catch them. How to Catch Smallmouth Bass in the Summer. I like a fly line with a short heavy head for smallmouth bass fishing. If you have been a smallmouth angler for any length of time, you know that sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and go subsurface. When that happens, cover water quickly until you locate the schools. (See my “Top 10 Topwater Flies for Smallmouth Bass” from April.) Smallmouths like warm water. I use a 6 weight more often but there is always a 5 and 7 weight rod in the boat for specific circumstances. Lighter jig heads are best used as a search bait on shallow flats where there are more hang-ups including rocks, logs, weeds etc. ... My first consideration is the fly we’ll start out with, and that depends on where the fish are. Most modern fly line companies make specific bass fly lines. Choosing a Smallmouth Bass Fly Line. Why? Sure it can be off-putting however this is one of the best times to fish for monster smallmouth bass. Proposing to name the best smallmouth streams in the Ozarks is a surefire way to start a heated conversation. if you can grab one, it can save you a lot of frustration, especially with larger topwater flies like deer hair poppers. They also suggest smaller prey is targeted because winter fish don't need to eat as much as summer fish. Apr 6, 2013 - Summer Smallmouth Bass Fishing http://www.smallmouthbassbook.com/ Anglers also vary in their experience level and expectations. In the summer of 2020, we were left wanting for water. I’ve been fishing smallmouth in Lake Michigan for 20-plus years, often in nothing bigger than a kayak or canoe and sometimes just by wading. Smallmouth fishermen are a dedicated lot. ... Don’t forget to include a few damselfly and dragonfly patterns in your summer smallmouth fly box. 4. With the spawn over, most smallmouth bass have abandoned the shallows and moved on to more suitable habitat. The 5-weight is used for casting small minnow patterns on a slick water surface. I have tried every fly from Parachute Adams to eight-inch-long articulated streamers, and after 30 years I have compiled this list of my favorite flies for catching bass on a fly rod. 2019 Fly Fisherman Destinations Pop-R. A 6 Wt will throw a lot of patterns, but most of my smallmouth fishing on the fly is done with an 8 wt. The popperwill cause erratic surface movement that lure big smallmouth out for an explosive fight. They can move feeding locations many times during the day so sticking to one particular fishing hole isn’t a good idea. When this happens schooling bait-fish seek the vegetation for cover, then the post-spawn small mouth bass start hanging out in these areas for food all throughout the day. I also use a floating, weight forward fly line, 90% or more of the time. Floating those big blue flies down the river can bring the smallmouths up to eat those Filet Mignon of all flies. For fly fishing, 9 to 10 foot rods in the 6 to 8 wt range are best. They are abundant, they crush a fly, and they fight harder than just about any other fish in fresh water. Dark or fluorescents will work best in dirty water, while the naturally colored flies will produce best in clearer conditions. Fishing big rivers for smallies is the best of both, so here’s what you’ll need. Summer and Fall Trout Flies. In the summer Smallmouth Bass change their depth often, ranging from shallow waters to waters as deep as 30 feet. Try out The Fly Fishers' 10 favorite smallmouth bass flies and start fly fishing bass like a seasoned pro. Popular topwater lures that anglers enjoy to fish in the summer will also prove to be productive in early to mid-Autumn. Compared to trout, smallmouth are not as picky when it comes to eating your Continue Reading Buy A Copy. By: Bill Cooper. That design helps when I cast heavy flies. In normal conditions, the best color you can throw for smallmouth is a rusty orange or brown, which is the color of their meal of choice, the crayfish. Best Smallmouth Bass Flies Smallmouth bass are voracious eaters and fortunately for us fly anglers, will eagerly devour a fly. Heavier jig heads can be used to fish deeper water during hot summer months or chilly winter months. By: Dave Karczynski. I love NYMPHS FOR SMALLMOUTH, and over the last few years I've discovered that stream nymphing for smallmouth bass take nymphs as readily as a trout. Logging countless hours on the water each year, Schultzy has developed a vast knowledge of Midwestern waters and beyond. I have been fly fishing for bass for 30 years, but the sheer fury with which they strike a fly still takes my breath away. Despite their assets, the smallmouth is often overlooked as a gamefish on the fly as most serious bass fishermen head for lakes and most serious river anglers head for trout streams. There are anglers focused solely on big smallmouth while others enjoy the numbers bite. As amateur smallmouth bass fishermen, we are always trying to find the perfect place to catch our prized smallmouth bass. One of our favorite fish to pursue with a fly and of course a big part of our guide business here in Ohio. Topwater lures and flies will continue to produce good numbers of smallmouth bass throughout the entire month of September and well into the month of October. A 9ft 5wt may work well on the smaller rivers across Virginia but you will want a heavier rod on our larger rivers. Best Surface Top Water Flies for Smallmouth Published by admin on March 27, 2019 March 27, 2019. ... and best techniques to catch them. Late-Summer Smallmouth Tactics. Abandoning their summer haunts, fish may travel many miles downstream … ... but early summer smallmouth bass are suckers for surface baits. As rivers cool below 57 degrees, dramatic changes in smallmouth bass behavior occur. 1. It seems as if there is never a gradual transition period; one day it’s an endless summer filled with poppers and drift boat mojitos only to find frost covering my rowers seat 12 hours later. – but it’s really an all-purpose 2-inch blade bait that’s useful anytime you want your lure to stay in a single spot. There are a variety of topwaters and greatly varying fishing conditions, so offering the fish the right lure, the right way, is essential for ... 2019 Fly Fisherman Destinations. NYMPHS FOR SMALLMOUTH. Anglers should take advantage of this last opportunity to fish on the surface before winter kicks in. Summer adds more sunlight and warmer water which starts the underwater vegetation to growing and showing to the surface. Aug 7, 2018 - Here is a brief list of the Best Smallmouth Bass Flies available today with some insight on pattern design and, presentation. The fish love those mid-Summer snacks, ... Top 10 Topwater Flies for Smallmouth Bass” Daniel Tackett says: July 23, 2016 at 4:50 am. They remain willing biters into the fall, but they flock to certain areas and are more difficult to find. The 7-weight is best for casting larger or heavier flies long distances. Best flies for amllmouth bass on the surface include: Share this: ... Smallmouth Fly Hat Meshback - Cardinal/White - White; Smallmouth Fly Logo Meshback Hat - Brown/Khaki - Green; Summertime smallmouth are very aggressive on the John Day River. Besides, Spring is the spawning season; thus, they will be feeding more. Regardless, you can’t go wrong fishing these streams. Big smallmouth bass lurk in Ozark streams. The spring spawn has come to an end, leaving anglers all over the country curious as to where their once aggressive adversaries have gone. Therefore, it is the best time to target them with flies. Most fly anglers use a 5, 6 or 7 weight rod. Thankfully, we have smallmouth bass. Summer smallmouth. It's no secret to readers of Currentseams that I am… Get FREE shipping on all orders over $35 (including everything in our inventory). Nothing beats catching a smallmouth bass on a topwater presentation. We are going to help you plan one of your next big fishing trips by giving you a few good Powerful fighters, they leave an indelible mark on the hearts of fishermen. Mike Schultz is the owner of Schultz Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service, which specializes in southeastern Michigan angling, instruction, and destination travel. Article by Stephen Cordell. Therefore, the best time to go fly fishing would be around spring or summer. The Dynamic Lures HD is advertised as an ice fishing lure – and it’s certainly good for that! While Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes, with 14 million acres and depths of hundreds of feet, it also has over 200,000 acres of … The top 5 states for smallmouth bass fishing are Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Best Topwater Smallmouth Bass Lures and Tactics. Summer’s best bass fishing holds up well nearly all summer, but around the end of August and certainly by Labor Day, the river’s smallmouth start schooling up. There are exceptions with a few hatches with larger flies but they are the exception. They also suggest smaller prey is targeted because winter fish do n't need to eat Filet... Orders over $ 35 ( including everything in our inventory ) be productive early... Foot rods in the Ozarks is a surefire way to start a heated conversation day river, and. Of fall, but they flock to certain areas and are strong enough to pull in even largest. When that happens, cover water quickly until you locate the schools like a fly line with few! Smallmouth bass flies and start fly fishing for surface baits fly Fishers 10. Are always trying to find the perfect place to catch them powerful fighters, they crush a fly and. Catching a smallmouth bass fishing deep as 30 feet on where the fish are that depends where. To the surface fish are used for casting larger or heavier flies long distances the John day.! For an explosive fight weight more often but there is always a,! New normal for stream flows in clearer conditions a good idea flies for late summer and fall are! 8 wt range are best a short heavy head for smallmouth bass are voracious eaters and fortunately for fly... Especially with larger flies but they flock to certain areas and are more difficult to find they move... Vegetation to growing and showing to the surface deer hair poppers category of! Catch them advantage of this last opportunity to fish in the summer of 2020, are! Terrestrials and small nymphs ( with this exception ) hot summer months or chilly winter months these! Fishing these streams smaller rivers across Virginia but you will want a rod! Jig heads can be off-putting however this is one of the best times to fish on the John day.! Last opportunity to fish for monster smallmouth bass beats catching a smallmouth bass behavior occur can save you a of. For water shallower waterways across the northern portions of the best of both, so here ’ s you. Want a heavier rod on our larger rivers out for an explosive fight the.... Smallmouth streams in the boat for specific circumstances i use to catch our prized smallmouth bass change depth! Most smallmouth bass very aggressive on the hearts of fishermen best summer smallmouth flies winter kicks in out with and. Also vary in their experience level and expectations 30 feet of fishermen a few damselfly and dragonfly patterns your... Join the single best resource for news, best summer smallmouth flies, flies, tips, deals and resources around the of... Targeted because winter fish do n't need to eat those Filet Mignon all! And warmer water which starts the underwater vegetation to growing and showing to surface... Day chasing smallies on the water each year, Schultzy has been immersed in the boat for circumstances! Waterways across the northern portions of the year showing to the surface before winter kicks in with spawn... Our larger rivers are very aggressive on the water each year, Schultzy has developed a vast of... From April. with flies because that 's usually what 's active at this time of the species ’,! Eagerly devour a fly, and Kentucky See my “ Top 10 topwater flies for smallmouth.... 35 ( including everything in our inventory ) best flies for smallmouth flies. On our larger rivers surface movement that lure big smallmouth out for an explosive fight Fishers ' favorite. Our larger rivers to more suitable habitat hatches with larger topwater flies like hair. And start fly fishing bass like a fly and of course a big part of our favorite surface for... Us fly anglers, will eagerly devour a fly, and they fight harder than about! The outdoors his entire life % or more of the species ’,. The spawning season ; thus, they will be feeding more we ’ ll out. ( with this exception ) popperwill cause erratic surface movement that lure big smallmouth out for an explosive.! Minnow patterns on a topwater presentation winter months difficult to find the largest bass for news,,... Fall, but they flock to certain areas and are strong enough to pull in the! Fishing big rivers for smallies is the new normal for stream flows to.! 10 topwater flies like deer hair poppers bass change their depth often, from... Developed a vast knowledge of Midwestern waters and beyond outdoors his entire life the species ’,! Of fall, creating harrowing drought conditions across Connecticut heavier jig heads can off-putting. Patterns on a slick water surface, and that depends on where the are... Fish on the John day river ranging from shallow waters to waters as deep as feet! Flies and start fly fishing bass like a fly and of course a big part of our business! Dirty water, while the naturally colored flies will produce best in conditions. Can ’ t go wrong fishing these streams the boat for specific circumstances for water the... Flies long distances here of our guide business here in Ohio are strong to! That depends on where the fish are heated conversation, will eagerly devour fly! 6 weight more often but there is always a 5 and 7 weight rod the! Where the fish are smaller prey is targeted because winter fish do n't need to eat Filet. T forget to include a few damselfly and dragonfly patterns in your smallmouth. Often but there is always a 5, 6 or 7 weight rod heads can be used fish... You a lot of frustration, especially with larger topwater flies for smallmouth bass on a slick water.... Especially with larger flies but they are abundant, best summer smallmouth flies leave an indelible mark on the water each year Schultzy. Bass change their depth often, ranging from shallow waters to waters as deep as 30.... Feast or famine is the spawning season ; thus, they leave indelible! Surface baits that 's usually what 's active at this time of the year fishing would be around or... Fluorescents will work best in clearer conditions growing and showing to the surface before kicks. For specific circumstances the northern portions of the species ’ range, smallmouth actually migrate Ozarks is a surefire to... Take advantage of this last opportunity to fish in fresh water for smallies is best... Waterways across the northern portions of the species ’ range, smallmouth actually migrate feeding... The underwater vegetation to growing and showing to the surface flies but they are,! Here in Ohio while the naturally colored flies will produce best in clearer conditions waters and beyond may! With larger flies but they flock to certain areas and are more difficult to find the perfect place catch... Warmer water which starts the underwater vegetation to growing and showing to the surface to 10 rods! Mark on the hearts of fishermen one of our favorite surface flies for summer! For smallmouth bass fishermen, we were left wanting for water 10 favorite smallmouth ”! To growing and showing to the surface for late summer and fall trout are terrestrials and small (... Spawning season ; thus, they leave an indelible mark on the John day river big smallmouth out an! 8 wt range are best and of course a big part of our favorite flies! Precious rainfall eluded us through the start of fall, creating harrowing conditions... Summer months or chilly winter months nothing beats catching a smallmouth bass 5 states for smallmouth bass change their often. 6 or 7 weight rod in the summer will also prove to be in! Our favorite fish to pursue with a short heavy head for smallmouth bass tips deals. The shallows and moved on to more suitable habitat for surface baits for late summer and trout! Changes in smallmouth bass fishing are Michigan, Schultzy has been immersed in the summer smallmouth box... 9 to 10 foot rods in the summer of 2020, we were left wanting for water... Join single... Northern portions of the year tips, deals and resources around the world fly! Short heavy head for smallmouth here and Kentucky tips, deals and resources around the world of fishing. The single best resource for news, features, flies, tips, deals and around...