Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are one of the most popular game fish across the US.
Usually only second in popularity to the more widespread and bigger Largemouth Bass.
But not to be outdone, pound for pound smallies are one of the hardest fighting fish you can catch!
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know to land a smallmouth on a fly.
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Where to Find Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass range across most of the United States in habiting lakes, streams and even some ponds.
While very similar to their cousins, the Largemouth Bass, they are different enough that they usually aren’t in the same exact place as largemouths…
Even if they are in the same lake!
Smallmouth bass prefer much cooler water than largemouth bass.
This causes them to tend to be more common in bodies of water further north than largemouth bass.
It also causes them to tend to be in deeper water in lakes and much more common in rivers and streams.
Aside from winter, you can find smallmouth bass in 10-20 feet of water.
In the early spring, before they spawn, and in the fall, they will tend to be at the shallower end of this range.
If it’s the heart of summer, they’re going to be on the deeper end enjoying the cooler waters.
Smallmouth bass strongly prefer clear waters, much more so than largemouths.
So if you’re fishing a lake, try to avoid fishing the inlet unless it is EXTREMELY clear.
Instead focus on the other end of the lake, this end is usually much clearer and deeper…
Both things smallies like.
Fly Fishing Set Up for Smallies
Luckily smallmouth bass aren’t the biggest or the pickiest fish in the water, so you don’t need to go overboard in specializing your set up to fly fish for them.
In many cases, you can use the same set up you would use for other predatory species like largemouth bass.
But in case you have no idea where to start, I’ll run you through everything.
What Size Fly Rod for Smallmouth Bass?
If you’re just getting started fly fishing for smallmouth bass and want something simple, then go with a 5 or 6 weight fly rod.
This is going to be more than enough to handle the majority of smallies.
That size fly rod will also work for average size largemouths and for bluegill, both of which you might hook into while searching for smallies.
But if you want to specifically target bigger fish, like if you’re trying to set a state record, then you’re going to want to beef your rod up.
For smallmouth specifically a 7 or 8 weight will work…
But then again if you think you’ll run the chance of hooking into the largemouth or pike of a lifetime while you’re chasing smallies, then bump up to a 9 or 10 wt.
This will be a touch overkill for big smallmouths, but most anglers would consider it better than losing a 12 pound largemouth.
What Size Tippet for Smallmouth?
Your tippet size might vary slightly based on the size of the flies you use, but for the most part you can use a 2x-3x tippet
Or if you’re using fluorocarbon, something with a breaking strength between 8 and 10 pounds.
If you decide you’re going to be throwing big streamers to try to catch THE big one, then you can beef this up accordingly.
The length of your tippet can vary depending on where and how you’re fishing, but if you start with 9 foot, you’ll be covered in most situations.
What Size Flies for Smallmouth Bass?
Despite what the name suggests, under the right conditions smallmouths will eat almost anything.
Especially when they start reaching the higher end of the size range.
In special cases you can go bigger than that, but that’s the sweet spot.
Related: Best Bass Fly Reel
Popular Flies for Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are some of the most aggressive feeding fish you can target in the US.
This is part of what makes them so much fun to fly fish for!
It also means you don’t have to use small trout flies to get them hooked.
In fact you almost want to do the opposite!
You want your flies to grab their attention and draw them in.
Whether your fly pops, shines and wiggles, you want it to draw in eyeballs.
Popper Flies
Poppers are great topwater flies to use for smallmouths, largemouths and even bluegills.
The key to their success is the popping sound and water movement they make as you retrieve them with small, aggressive strips across the water.
All of the commotion helps to draw in fish that may not see the fly initially.
The only downside is that topwater flies tend to be most effective in small windows, in the very early morning and late evening.
Clouser Minnows
The clouser minnow is a bass fishing staple.
All species of bass love to eat minnows of any species and the clouser minnow is one of the best minnow imitations.
One thing to keep in mind is that bass love flash, so you want to make sure you’re using a clouser tied with something flashy in it.
Some easy baitfish colors to start with are shad and bluegill, these species are found in almost every body of water that smallmouths are found in.
Crawfish Flies
Crawfish are one of the favorite prey species for smallmouth bass, so make sure you always have one with you!
These can work especially well if you’re fishing streams and rivers.
Their claws provide plenty of movement to draw in bass and the slower presentation makes them an easy snack for a passing bass.
Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing Records
The current Fly fishing world record comes from the Men’s 12 Pound fly fishing tippet class and weighed in at 8lb 1oz (3.66 kg) !
It was caught by Spencer Alan McCormack in 2020.
In case you were wondering, the All-Tackle (any fishing gear) world record is 11 lb 15 oz, caught by David Hayes in 1955.
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