Flyfishing for bass presents an opportunity for Exciting top-water action and intense fights with huge fish. Although flyfishing may not be the go-to bass-catching method for every angler, it is perfectly possible to catch bass using a fly rod. Indeed, over the last few years, flyfishing for bass has increased in popularity. Specific gear and techniques have been developed to help trollers target bass and other warm water species.
For beginner fly-fishers, targeting bass can be an easy place to start, since the species is more forgiving of imperfect lure choices, casts, and heavier leaders. This removes some of the frustration from the learning process. In addition, for many people, while a good trout stream may be kind of a pain, a lake or stream brimming with bass can usually be found a relatively short distance from almost anywhere.
Feisty, intelligent, and present in ecosystems across the United States, largemouth and smallmouth bass are a lot of fun for fly-fishers to pursue. Although getting started can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before, once you master the art, bass fishing on the fly presents limitless opportunities for outdoor fun. Here’s everything you need to know about flyfishing for bass:
The Equipment
For success in any fishing expedition, you need to use the correct equipment, including the correct fly rod. Although it is perfectly possible to catch bass on a 5-weight rod, that weight is really more appropriate for trout fishing. It won’t stand up to a larger, feistier bass, so if you’re in it for the fight, then you will be disappointed. While a regular 6-weight rod should work without problem, experts recommend using an 8-weight rod when targeting bass on a fly.
When fishing for bass, fly choice is not quite as important as it is for some other species. Bass often have reactionary strikes, attacking any fly that they notice. Flies may vary depending on rod size. However, having a variety of flies to choose from, everything from frog imitation poppers to minnow streamer patterns, will contribute to your success on the water.
When fishing for bass on a fly, a larger arbor reel in a size similar to the chosen rod weight is recommended. This will help ensure you are ready for a fight. An adjustable drag system will also help. Similarly, make sure you’re fly lines are robust enough to overcome large and resistant wind patterns.
The Strategy
Since one of the bass’s biggest food sources is the crayfish, it naturally follows that flies modeled on crayfish patterns can work well. Casting one of these flies against a bank, with quick movements imitating a fleeing crayfish, is likely to catch the notice of resident bass. In addition, flies modeled on minnow patterns and topwater poppers can also work extremely well.
Another strategy for finding success fly-fishing for bass is setting out at the right time of day, i.e., in the very early morning or early evening. Although bass feed throughout the day, they are at their most active when visibility is low. In the height of summer, bass tend to wait until nightfall, coming out under the cover of darkness. As a result, on the hottest summer days, night fishing can be very successful.
Largemouth Versus Smallmouth: Know the Difference
Smallmouth and largemouth bass have several key physical differences. The jaw of the largemouth bass extends beyond the eye. They are green, with a well-defined black horizontal line. Largemouth bass typically prefer the shallows, resting it in the shade of lily pads.
This means small ponds in parks an ideal location for targeting largemouth bass that can easily be accessed on foot. When fishing rivers and lakes for largemouth bass, fly-fishers should focus on large structures like fallen trees. These provide protection from predators as well as coverage for ambushing prey.
Smallmouth bass are identified by their jaw, which is shorter than the largemouth bass, extending to the middle of the eye. Smallmouth bass are generally bronze or brown in color. They have a black vertical line on their bodies and characteristic horizontal lines on their cheeks.
Smallmouth tend to seek out cooler, deeper waters than largemouth bass do, particularly during the warmer parts of the year. They are often found in colder streams, cohabitating with various trout species. Smallmouth bass feed in a similar way to trout, and often lurking at the drop-off into a deep pool.
Conclusion
Of all game fish found in the US, it is hard to beat the mighty bass. From beginning anglers to seasoned pros, bass check all boxes. They are fearless fighters, easy to find, and a lot of fun to catch.