Fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass with dry flies and popping bugs is very exciting. Unlike trout, bass also go after dry flies that float on the water, especially around mayflies, caddis, and other insects. You can use similar flies and techniques as in trout fishing, but there's a big difference: bass prefer bigger prey. So, for bass, it's best to use larger flies like the Parachute Adams and bushy ones like the Brown, White, or Royal Wulffs. These imitate the larger insects bass like, making your fishing more successful.
Nymphing, a technique often used for trout, works well for catching bass too, especially smallmouth bass in rivers. These fish feed on underwater insects like mayfly nymphs, dragonflies, damselflies, and hellgrammites. By using trout nymphing methods, such as high-stick and indicator fishing, you can successfully attract bass by imitating their food sources with dead-drifted nymphs.
Streamer fishing works really well for bass since they naturally hunt smaller fish, minnows, leeches, swimming insects, and crayfish. Using streamers, which mimic these prey, is a great way to catch both smallmouth and largemouth bass because of their predatory behavior.
Bass have a notable attraction to surface flies such as poppers, sliders, and gurglers, which is one of the unique aspects of fishing for them. These types of flies loosely imitate large prey like frogs, swimming mice, or ducklings. However, it's primarily the noise and motion they produce that draws, excites, and tempts bass.
For successful fly fishing, aim to cast your flies near structures where bass are likely to hide, such as lily pads, piers, fallen trees, rocky areas, and under branches along the shore of lakes and ponds. In rivers and still waters, you'll find bass in similar spots as trout, making these prime areas to target.
ripples fade, usually waiting five to ten seconds, before gently pulling the slack out of your line. Then, with your rod tip low, give a sharp tug with your hand that's pulling the line. This action makes the fly move—pop, dive, or slide—creating disturbance on the water's surface that attracts bass. Pause again before repeating the action.
Bass often bite the fly during these pauses, so avoid retrieving too quickly. Let the fly's materials, like rubber legs, hackle, and hair, add subtle movement, simulating life during the pause, and then give it another "pop."
When a bass strikes, wait until you can no longer see the fly before setting the hook hard, as bass mouths are tough. Use a heavy tippet, between 0X and 2X, to ensure you can set the hook firmly and manage the fish away from obstacles.
While you can use a 5-weight trout rod for bass, it's not ideal due to the size and wind resistance of bass flies. A 6- or 7-weight rod with medium action is better suited for bass fishing. These rods are designed to handle large, bushy poppers and navigate through dense cover.
