I can still vividly recall the first smallmouth bass that I caught on a Spey rod. It was early May on an Ontario steelhead river as we attempted to intercept the last of the spring run. As the swing concluded into a soft inner seem I felt what seemed to be the weight of a fish. It wasn’t the explosive grab and pull that I was expecting but the hook set was met with heavy head shaking until the fish came busting out of the water.
At that time I had caught enough smallmouth to do an aerial identification noting that I had hooked into bronze and not silver. It seemed like a consolation prize. But as the battle raged on I realized that this wasn’t a typical smallmouth and when the fight was over a rotund fish of nearly five pounds was brought to hand. Most likely a lake resident that had pushed its way up the river to feed and spawn.
I have always enjoyed the simplicity of smallmouth bass fishing, especially with a fly. The technical aspects that are a key element in most of my fly fishing are simply not as important when smallmouth fishing. Known for their aggressive behavior and feeding, particularly in the spring and fall, smallmouth represent the simply fun side of fly fishing and a fishing experienced to be enjoyed by anglers of various abilities.
Equipment has changed dramatically since my first Spey rod smallmouth. Some of the new lighter two-handers and switch rods line up perfectly with the average size of a smallmouth. So much so that when steelhead runs begin to wind down for the year, Spey fishing can extend all the way through the summer with the same techniques used for migratory trout and salmon.
The smallmouth is native to the midwest United States and Great Lakes region and dipping well to the south. The smallmouth’s range has expanded over the years due to the connection of various waterways by man-made means such as the Erie Canal and by stocking programs. The smallmouth has not been a welcomed interloper on some non-native rivers and lakes, but throughout its historic range there is a healthy appreciation for the sport that this species provides.
One doesn’t need a $60,000 rocket powered bass boat to catch some of the largest smallmouth bass that swim in North America. One only needs some waders, a two-handed or switch rod and a little stealth.
The Great Lakes region benefits from large lake resident bass moving their way up one of the lake’s tributaries. These are fish that experience high growth rates in the forage rich lakes and in the spring nose their way into tributary waters that warm faster than the lake water. Great Lakes smallmouth can normally be found in the tributary waters until mid summer. While most of these fish will be two to three pounds, some will be of trophy proportions for smallmouth with a few exceeding five or even six pounds. The fishing regulations vary by state and province with respect to targeting these lake-run fish.
Due mainly to tighter regulations and an overall greater emphasis on catch and release fishing, many rivers within the smallmouth’s range are now producing fish in the four to five pound range. But growth rates for river resident smallmouth will be slower than Great Lakes fish, especially for waters located in northern climates. It may take seven to eight years for a fish to reach four pounds on some rivers.
River smallmouth will usually be found in water with moderate current – perfect for swinging. Structure is one of the key elements to locating fish throughout most of the year. Smallmouth relate to boulders, ledges, changes in the river bottom, and downed trees. Pools strewn with boulders through the mid section and into the tail out represent prime smallmouth waters.
A smallmouth’s diet comes from a wide source of aquatic life as various baitfish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects all make it to the menu. Smallmouth can be ravenous eaters rarely passing on an opportunity to strap on the feedbag. The need to feed can dictate fish movement as it is common for roving groups of bass to follow migrating schools of bait. Also, hunting for crawfish across rocky bottoms or feeding mayfly nymphs in shallow riffles will dislodge smallmouth from their protective structure.
River smallmouth can be caught at any level in the water column. Sink-tips and sinking leaders can be used to swing patterns along the bottom or in swift waters. A floating line combined with a stiff, long leader and a weighted fly provides a stealthier option in ultra clear water conditions. The floating line and long leader will also be used for swinging and waking a surface offering. On many rivers smallmouth are very surface oriented which provides another very enjoyable aspect of bass fishing.
Rotating through the pool provides the same advantage of water coverage as when fishing for migratory fish. The actual approach is uncomplicated. A mend can be used to control depth but smallmouth readily move up to feed. A uniform swing across the current will be very effective. For a variation, add a short strip or pulse to allow the fly to dart and move in the water. Make sure that the fly covers obvious areas of high percentage structure. Allow the fly to sit for an extended period on the hang down, especially when fishing a dry. Smallmouth often follow a fly and attack when it stops moving.
I have caught smallmouth in the spring on just about any of my favorite steelhead flies. So in other words it is not necessary to be too particular with pattern selection. But when specifically targeting smallmouth it makes sense to utilize flies that represent a common food source for that river. Streamers that represent bait common to that river or various crayfish imitations are always a good choice. Bunny buggers and over-dressed wooly buggers in black, brown, or olive are universally effective smallie patterns. For surface flies I prefer patterns that push some water and make a disturbance such as deer hair poppers and foam gurglers.
When specifically targeting bass, matching the right two-hander or switch for the job will add to the enjoyment. Lighter rods will increase the ability to cover specific structure and enhance the connection to a smallmouth when one is hooked. The added sensitivity of a lighter rod will also help detect subtle takes.
A smallmouth bass was the first game fish that I ever caught. And growing up on a smallmouth river lead to the development of a special affinity. Targeting bass with the swung fly requires a slight shift in mind set from pursuing migratory trout and salmon. The fish aren’t as big nor as sexy, but represent the opportunity for some relaxing time on the water with the chance of multiple hookups. And just about any angler will learn to appreciate the smallmouth’s aggressive spirit. If you live near a smallmouth river, try to swing a few up this summer - you won’t be disappointed.