How to Fly Fish for Smallmouth Bass

If you're looking for an exciting challenge, look no further than smallmouth bass fishing. These feisty fish are known for their aggressive strikes and impressive fighting skills, making them one of the most sought-after species among fishermen. In this guide, we will discuss what factors to consider before smallmouth fly fishing.

Must Needed Tools for Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Here are the essential tools for smallmouth bass fishing:

Fly Rod (With Strong and Heavier Rod Tip)
Smallmouth Bass Flies (Big Flies and Smaller Flies)
Fly Line

Hooks
Lures
Bobbers
Fishing Net
Pliers
Tackle Box
Sunglasses

Why to Fish for Smallmouth Bass in Warm Water

First and foremost, it is important to know that smallmouth bass are warm-water fish. This means that they prefer water temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature falls below this range, smallmouth bass become less active and may even go into a state of hibernation.

On the other hand, if the water temperature rises above 75 degrees, smallmouth bass may become stressed and seek out cooler areas or deeper waters. One key reason for their preference for warmer waters is due to their metabolism.

Smallmouth bass are cold-blooded creatures whose body temperature is affected by the surrounding environment. In cooler waters, their metabolism slows down, making them less active and requiring them to eat less frequently. However, their metabolism speeds up in warmer waters, making them more active and increasing their need for food.

What to look for when fishing for smallmouth bass?

Spawning season also influences smallmouth bass's preference for warmer waters. When water temperatures rise above 60 degrees Fahrenheit in springtime, largemouth bass begin preparing for spawning by building nests near shorelines with gravel bottoms.

As summer progresses and water temperatures continue to rise towards optimal levels for spawning (around 70-75 degrees), male smallmouths will guard these nests while females lay eggs inside them. The best season to fly fish for smallmouth bass is late spring to fall, since these fish spawn in spring and summer before becoming less active in colder months. Read more here.

Cover and Structure

Cover refers to any shelter or protection that smallmouth bass seek. This can include fallen trees, rocks, docks, weed beds, or any other type of obstruction in the water. These areas provide shade and protection for the fish, making them feel safe and comfortable.

When fly fishing for smallmouth striped bass, keep in mind that they prefer clear water with good visibility. This allows them to easily spot any predators or potential prey swimming by. They will often be found hiding in cover near open areas where they have a clear view of their surroundings.

Structure can also refer to the physical characteristics of the bottom of the river you’re fishing in. It includes things like drop-offs, ledges, points, and channels. These structures create changes in depth or current flow, which smallmouth bass use to their advantage. For example, drop-offs provide a sudden change from shallow to deep water, which smallmouths often use as ambush points for unsuspecting prey swimming above them. Ledges offer a similar advantage, as they provide a distinct edge where shallow waters meet deeper waters. If you’re familiar with the natural drop-offs and channels in a riverbed, it can increase your chances of hooking a smallmouth bass.

Fly Fish in Deep Water

It's important to understand why smallmouth bass are attracted to certain depths. These big fish prefer moderate water temperatures, which means they will often seek out deeper areas during hot summer months and shallow, sun-warmed waters when temperatures cool. Deeper water provides more shelter and cover for the fish, making it an ideal place to hide from predators. Knowing where to find smallmouth bass at different times of the year is key for a fly angler.

When water temperatures are cooler in spring and fall, trout are typically found in shallower waters between 5 and 15 feet deep. When water temperatures rise in the summer, they will likely move to deeper areas ranging from 15 to 30 feet deep. However, this can vary depending on the specific body of water you are trout fishing in, so it’s important to bring a guide who is familiar with the area.

Choose the Right Smallmouth Bait

There are several factors to consider when selecting a bait for smallmouth bass. These include water temperature, time of year, and natural prey in the area. By considering these factors, you can choose the most effective bait to entice those elusive smallies. Learn more about fishing for smallmouth bait.

Water temperature plays a significant role in determining which baits will be most effective. Smallmouth bass tends to be less active in colder water temperatures and prefer slower-moving baits such as jigs or live bait such as minnows or worms. As the water warms up, so does their appetite and activity level, making faster-moving baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits more effective.

Presenting Your Bait

The first thing to consider when it comes to presentation is the fish's location. Smallmouth bass tend to hang out near rocky structures such as drop-offs, boulders, and ledges. They also like areas with fast-moving water, such as riffles and eddies. You want to ensure that your presentation is close to these structures and that you’re casting upstream and letting your bait drift toward them.

It's important to keep bait lively and natural-looking. This means avoiding excessive weights or hooks that could impede the movement of live bait. For example, when using live minnows on a hook, make sure they are attached with minimal weight so they can swim freely.

Presentation also involves understanding how fast or slowly you should retrieve your bait or lure. Fly fishing with an angler who is educated on local water temperature and weather conditions will give you the advantage. In colder water temperatures (below 50°F), smallmouth bass are less active and tend to prefer a slower presentation. In warmer water temperatures (above 50°F), they are more active and respond better to a faster presentation.

Choose The Right Time of Day

When it comes to smallmouth bass fishing, one important factor to consider is the time of day. This can greatly affect these feisty fish's behavior and feeding patterns, ultimately impacting your success on the water.

Early Morning

The early morning hours are often considered prime time for smallmouth bass fishing. As the sun rises and begins to warm up the water, these fish become more active after a long night of rest.

During this time, they tend to move from their deeper hiding spots towards shallower waters in search of food. This is especially true if there is cover or structure such as rocks, logs, or vegetation.

Midday

Smallies may also seek out areas with shade or cover like areas beneath docks or overhanging trees. When targeting them during midday hours, focus on using lures or baits that can reach deeper depths and mimic natural prey items like crayfish or minnows.

Late Afternoon/Evening

Like in the early morning, late afternoon and evening are prime times for catching smallmouth bass. As the sun sets and temperatures begin to cool off, these fish will become more active and venture into shallower waters near structures in search of food. This is also a great time to use topwater lures, since smallmouth bass tend to be more aggressive in the evening.

Night Fishing

While only some fly anglers prefer night fishing, it can be highly effective when targeting smallmouth bass. These fish tend to be most active at night due to decreased boat traffic and reduced visibility to predators. Look for areas with structure or cover and use lures that create vibrations or noise to attract the attention of these nocturnal feeders.

Different Weather Conditions

One of the most important factors to consider when planning a fishing trip is weather conditions for fly fishing. Smallmouth bass are cold-blooded creatures, meaning their body temperature depends on the surrounding water temperature. As such, they tend to be more active and aggressive in warmer water temperatures (around 65-75°F) and less active in colder water temperatures (below 55°F). It’s essential to pay attention to how changing air temperatures affect water temperatures and adjust your fishing techniques accordingly.

Wind is another factor that can impact smallmouth bass behavior. A light breeze can create ripples on the surface of the water, which can attract smallmouth bass, which prefer feeding in slightly choppy waters. However, strong winds can make fishing difficult, making casting and keeping your bait or lure in place challenging. Finding sheltered areas or using heavier lures that can withstand strong winds may be necessary.

How to Avoid Startling Smallmouth Bass

Choosing a fly fishing rod is one of the first things to consider when trying to be stealthy. Light and quiet equipment will increase your chances of catching smallmouth bass. This means using a lightweight rod and reel with low visibility line, such as monofilament or fluorocarbon. It also helps use smaller lures that can mimic natural baitfish without disturbing the water.

In addition to equipment for fly fishing, it is important to be aware of your surroundings while fishing for smallmouth bass. Avoid making unnecessary noise, such as slamming boat hatches or dropping heavy objects on the deck. When moving around the boat, do so quietly and avoid stomping on the floor or hitting objects with your feet.

Book Your Fly Fishing Trip With Frontier Anglers TN

Smallmouth fly fishing presents an exhilarating challenge for anglers seeking action-packed adventures on the water. To maximize your success, it's crucial to consider equipment, environmental factors, and seasonal fish patterns.

If you are looking for the best smallmouth bass fishing experience in TN, look no further than Frontier Anglers, your trusted guide for fly fishing trips. We provide fishing guides on popular rivers in Tennessee, including the Holston River, French Broad River, Clinch River, Little River, Pigeon River, and Caney Fork River. Contact Us today!

What Factors Should You Consider Before Smallmouth Fly Fishing?