Composed By: Tom Werkman, Werkman Outfitters/RiverQuest Charters

All pictures by Tom Werkman
Summer season is quick approaching, which usually implies low, clear water in the rivers. This is among our preferred times to fish for smallmouth bass, due to the fact that you can really sight-fish for them. Our go-to flies for these conditions are smaller sized (size 6 to 8) bass poppers in yellow, white, black, and blue, fished on 10- to 12-pound test. We likewise like the Fluttering Blue Damsel and numerous dragonfly patterns. You do not wish to toss anything too huge or fancy, given that smallmouth scare quickly under these conditions. It’s a tough venture in general, however do not get annoyed– with the best technique, you can still bring a few of these careful fish to the internet.

The most crucial information is that you do not remove your fly Rather, erupted as far as you can, and let your fly dead-drift with the present, using stack mends as required to get an even drift. From time to time, you can offer the fly a little wiggle, however do not recover it. Persistence is essential here: withstand the desire to get your fly and re-cast, and simply keep it moving with the river as long as possible. If you remain in a boat, ensure your fly is drifting well ahead, and attempt to decrease the disruption from the oars. Similar holds true for waders: keep the pressure wake from your steps to a minimum, and attempt to stroll a couple of actions downstream with your fly as it wanders.

Make certain to let your drifts extend as far as possible, given that the bass might be following your fly and waiting till the eleventh hour to strike. They can either take off on the fly, or gently drink it down, so be all set for either. We have actually landed a few of our greatest bass of the summer season in gin-clear water that’s as shallow as 2 feet. Simply attempt to move gradually and have persistence, and ultimately you’ll succeed.
Tom Werkman is owner/operator of Werkman Outfitters and RiverQuest Charters.