Smallmouth Bass Flies: A Comprehensive Guide How to Catching Bronzebacks on the Fly

Smallmouth bass are a favorite target for fly anglers because of their aggressive nature, acrobatic fights, and widespread distribution. I have found out over the years o successfully catch smallmouth bass on the fly, it's essential to have the right flies in your arsenal. In this article, we'll explore some of the best smallmouth bass fly patterns and provide tips for fly fishing for smallmouth bass in rivers.

Smallmouth bass can be exciting to catch on a fly and provide a unique challenge compared to catching trout on a fly. If you are not careful they will quickly jump and spit the hook right as you get it set. Stick to these tips I provide and you will sure be able to land a few smallmouth bass on your next fly fishing trip!

Best Smallmouth Fly Patterns

There are many different flies you can use to fish smallmouth bass. It really comes down to Matching the Hatch when targeting smallmouth bass. I wrote a article on Matching the hatch which can be found here if you are interested in learning how to match the hatch and catch more fish.

When it comes to smallmouth bass flies, there is a wide variety of patterns that can be effective. Some of the best smallmouth bass fly patterns include:

1. Clouser Minnow Fly Pattern

The Clouser Minnow is a versatile and effective fly pattern for smallmouth bass. It imitates a variety of baitfish and is particularly useful in clear water conditions. The weighted eyes help the fly dive, and its erratic movement can trigger aggressive strikes from smallmouth bass. This fly comes in various sizes and colors, making it easy to match the local forage.

2. Woolly Bugger Fly Pattern

The Woolly Bugger is a classic and versatile fly pattern that works well for smallmouth bass. This fly can mimic various food sources, such as crayfish, leeches, and baitfish. Woolly Buggers are often fished using a slow retrieve or stripping action, making them perfect for targeting bass in deeper water or along weed lines.

3. Gurgler Fly Pattern

The Gurgler is a topwater fly that creates a commotion on the water's surface, which can entice aggressive smallmouth bass to strike. Gurglers are an excellent choice when fishing around cover like lily pads, submerged logs, or rock piles. Bass will often smash the fly as it moves across the surface, making for some exciting and visual fly fishing action.

4. Crawdad Fly Patterns

Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass, so it's no surprise that crawdad patterns are among the best smallmouth bass flies. Flies like the Near Nuff Crawfish and Whitlock's Hare Sculpin can be incredibly effective when fished along the bottom, where crayfish are typically found.

How to Tie Great Small Mouth Bass Flies

Tying flies is super exciting, especially when you catch that monster smallmouth bass on a fly that you tied by yourself. If you wish to learn how to tie your own flies you can check out my article about tying flies for beginners. Tying flies for smallmouth bass can be challenging and will require a fly tying kit.

Tying a great smallmouth bass fly requires a lot of practice and patience. You must start with a hook, normally a size 12, 1X long hook for smallmouth bass and build it up with various feather, furs and wires to look how the insect you are imitating looks.

How to Fly Fish for Smallmouth Bass in Rivers

Rivers offer excellent opportunities for fly anglers targeting smallmouth bass. In order to successfully catch smallmouth in rivers, it's important to understand their preferred habitats and adjust your approach accordingly. I have found throughout my years of fly fishing for small mouth bass in rivers that it can be a challenging task. All rivers flow differently and not all smallmouth bass populations are the same in each river. Here are some tips that I have learned for fly fishing for smallmouth bass in rivers that are sure to help you out:

1. Focus on Structure

Smallmouth bass often hold near structure such as rocks, logs, and weed beds. Targeting these areas can be highly productive, as they provide cover and ambush points for bass to hunt prey. Cast your fly near structure and use a slow, methodical retrieve to entice strikes. Structures to fish can be anything from man made docks, fallen trees and even dams.

2. Vary Your Retrieves

Varying your retrieves is an essential technique when smallmouth bass fly fishing. Different retrieves can trigger a reaction from the bass and help you catch more fish. By experimenting with various retrieval speeds, patterns, and techniques, you can determine what works best under specific conditions and for different fly patterns. Here are some tips on varying your retrieves for smallmouth bass:

Slow and Steady: A slow, steady retrieve can be effective when using streamers, nymphs, or crawdad patterns. Smallmouth bass can be more likely to strike if they have time to inspect the fly and decide whether it's worth pursuing. This is particularly useful in colder water temperatures when bass are more sluggish.
Strip-Pause: The strip-pause technique involves retrieving the fly with a series of short, quick strips followed by a brief pause. This erratic, darting action can entice smallmouth bass to strike, especially when using streamers or baitfish patterns. Experiment with different strip lengths and pause durations to find the combination that triggers the most strikes.
Pop and Pause: When fishing topwater flies like poppers or gurglers, try using a "pop and pause" retrieve. Cast the fly to a likely holding spot, give it a sharp pop, and then let it sit motion

3. Fish the Current Breaks

In rivers, smallmouth bass often hold in areas with reduced current, such as behind rocks, in eddies, or along seams. These areas allow the bass to conserve energy while waiting for food to drift by. Cast your fly upstream of these current breaks and let it drift naturally into the slack water.

Fishing the current breaks allows for you to set yourself up for amazing success when fishing for smallmouth bass on a fly. Always remember to check the where you think smallmouth bass would be sitting in the current break/flow.

Selecting the Best Smallmouth Bass Fly Rod

Choosing the right fly rod is essential for a successful day on the water. The best smallmouth bass fly rod will depend on the size of the water you're fishing and the flies you plan to use. Generally, a 6 to 8 weight rod is ideal for smallmouth bass fly fishing. These rod weights provide the necessary power to cast larger flies and handle strong, acrobatic bass.

1. Fast Action Rods

Fast action rods are a popular choice for smallmouth bass fly fishing because they offer greater casting distance and accuracy. These rods are stiffer in the lower sections, allowing for quicker line pickup and more powerful casts. Fast action rods work well with a variety of smallmouth bass fly patterns, including larger streamers and poppers.

2. Moderate Action Rods

Moderate action rods are a versatile option for smallmouth bass fly fishing, as they offer a balance between power and finesse. These rods have a slightly softer action, making them ideal for casting small to medium-sized flies with precision. Moderate action rods are also an excellent choice for anglers who prefer a more delicate presentation.

3. Rod Length

The length of your fly rod will depend on your personal preference and the type of water you plan to fish. A 9-foot rod is a versatile option, providing ample casting distance and control in a variety of situations. However, if you're fishing smaller rivers or streams, a shorter 7.5- to 8.5-foot rod may be more suitable for navigating tight spaces and making accurate casts.

Essential Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing Techniques

Mastering various fly fishing techniques is crucial for consistently catching smallmouth bass. Here are some essential techniques to help you land more bronzebacks on the fly:

1. Dead Drift

The dead drift fly fishing technique is a method used to present a fly to a fish in a way that mimics natural food sources. It involves casting the fly upstream and allowing it to drift naturally downstream with the current, without any drag or unnatural movement.

To achieve a dead drift, the angler must cast the fly upstream at an angle, allowing the fly line and leader to drift downstream ahead of the fly. The angler must then carefully manage the line and leader, ensuring that there are no unnatural movements or drag on the fly as it drifts downstream.

One way to achieve a dead drift is to mend the line, which involves lifting the line off the water and repositioning it to ensure that the fly is drifting naturally downstream. The angler may also use different casting techniques, such as a reach cast or a parachute cast, to control the line and present the fly in a more natural manner.

The dead drift technique is particularly effective when targeting smallmouth bass, as they are often found in fast-moving currents where natural food sources are likely to drift by. By presenting the fly in a way that mimics these natural food sources, the angler can increase their chances of catching a fish.

2. Stripping Retrieve

The stripping retrieve technique is a common fly fishing technique used to imitate the movement of a baitfish or other prey that is swimming through the water. It involves pulling the fly line in short, rapid strips to make the fly move in a jerky, erratic motion that is similar to the movement of a swimming fish.

To use the stripping retrieve technique, an angler first casts the fly to the desired location. Once the fly has landed in the water, the angler begins to retrieve the fly line by pulling it in short, quick strips using the hand that is holding the rod. The strips should be relatively fast and jerky, imitating the movement of a baitfish or other prey trying to flee from a predator.

As the angler retrieves the line, they can also vary the speed and length of the strips to create different movements and imitate different prey species. For example, a faster retrieve with shorter strips might imitate a fleeing minnow, while a slower retrieve with longer strips might imitate a slower-moving baitfish or other prey.

The stripping retrieve technique is particularly effective when targeting predatory fish, such as bass, pike, or trout. These fish are often attracted to the erratic movement of a swimming baitfish and will strike at the fly as it moves through the water.

3. Popper Retrieves

The popper retrieve technique is a fly fishing technique used to target fish that are feeding on the surface of the water, such as bass, panfish, or trout. It involves using a popper fly, which is a buoyant fly with a concave or cupped head that creates a popping or splashing sound when it is retrieved through the water.

To use the popper retrieve technique, an angler first casts the popper fly to the desired location. Once the popper has landed on the water, the angler can begin to retrieve it by pulling the fly line in short, sharp strips. As the angler pulls the line, the concave head of the popper creates a popping or splashing sound that imitates the sound of a struggling or injured prey item on the surface of the water.

There are several different ways to retrieve a popper fly, including a slow, steady retrieve, a fast, erratic retrieve, or a stop-and-go retrieve. Anglers may also vary the length and speed of their strips to create different sounds and movements, which can be effective in attracting fish to the fly.

The popper retrieve technique is particularly effective when targeting fish that are feeding on the surface of the water, as the popping or splashing sound created by the popper can be very enticing to these fish. This is where the awesome top strikes where the smallmouth bass jump out of the water happens. This technique can be especially effective in calm or still water conditions, where the sound and movement of the popper can be more noticeable to the fish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, smallmouth bass fly fishing offers a thrilling experience for anglers of all skill levels. By understanding the best smallmouth fly patterns, honing your techniques, and selecting the right gear, you can increase your chances of success on the water. Whether you're fly fishing for smallmouth bass in rivers or lakes, these tips will help you make the most of your time on the water and enjoy the thrill of catching bronzebacks on the fly.

Remember, the key to success is to experiment with different fly patterns, retrieves, and techniques until you find what works best for the conditions and the specific body of water you're fishing. With time, patience, and practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient smallmouth bass fly angler.

Now that you're armed with knowledge on smallmouth bass flies, gear, and techniques, it's time to hit the water and put these tips into action. Good luck, and tight lines!