Few species inspire the same level of respect and excitement when it comes to freshwater fishing as the smallmouth Bass. Known for their relentless fight and vicious takes, smallmouths are prized by many anglers.
Why Anglers Love Smallmouth Bass
From seasoned anglers to enthusiastic beginners, smallmouth bass attract a loyal following for good reason. Their aggressive strikes and bulldog-like runs thrill with every hookup. When they take the fly, it often feels like you've hooked a monster fish thanks to their sheer power.
Where to Find Them
Smallmouth Bass thrive in clean water with lots of structure. Their ideal temperature range is 65-75 degrees. During the spring, when temperatures hit between 55-60 degrees, they become more active and move to their spawning areas. Smallmouths are commonly found in streams, rivers, and some lakes throughout the United States. Some of the most renowned smallmouth fisheries include the Great Lakes region, the Ozarks, and countless smaller rivers and reservoirs scattered throughout the Midwest.
Fly Fishing Gear Recommendations
For those targeting smallmouth with a fly rod, here are some top gear picks:
- Rod: A 6 to 8 weight rod with a fast action is ideal for casting larger flies and handling strong fish. Many anglers prefer to use saltwater rods due to their fast action and strong backbone. Saltwater rods are ideal for casting large streamers and poppers. Popular rods are the Winston Air 2 Max 8'6" 7-8wt, Winston Air 2 Max 9' 7-8wt, Scott Sector 9' 7-8wt, Orvis Helios D 8'5" 7-8wt, and Sage R8 9' 7-8wt.
- Reel: Choose a reel with a smooth drag system—smallmouth can make blistering runs. A Hatch Iconic 5+ or 7+, Bauer SLT 7/8/9, or Nautillus CCF-X2 6/8 pairs up nicely with the aforementioned rods.
- Line: A weight-forward floating line works well for most conditions. Consider a sink-tip or intermediate line for deeper water. Our favorite lines are the Rio Elite Smallmouth Bass or Scientific Anglers Amplitude Textured Bass Bug. For intermediate lines, we recommend the Scientific Anglers Sonar Full Intermediate.
- Leaders & Tippet: Use a standard 9-foot tapered leader ending in 0X to 2X tippet works in most conditions. If water levels are low and clear, you may need to extend your leader to 10-11 feet with 2-3x tippet. When casting streamers with an intermediate line, 5 feet of fluorocarbon tippet like the Cortland Ultra Premium is preferred.
- Flies: Top choices include Clouser Minnows, Murdich Minnows, Poppers, Mr Wiggly, Deer Hair Bugs, Wooly Buggers, Drunk n Disorderly, and crawfish patterns.
Catch, Respect, Release
Smallmouth Bass are a valuable game fish. We recommend practicing catch and release to help preserve populations and ensure these incredible fish continue to provide unforgettable battles for generations to come.
[By Son Tao. Photos by Son Tao and Devin Davenport]
