Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: Apennock on May 06, 2017, 02:25:56 PM

Title: Bass flies
Post by: Apennock on May 06, 2017, 02:25:56 PM
I'm hoping to do a bit of smallmouth fishing in the next couple of weeks but have never fished them on the fly before.  I figure Wooly Buggers are a safe bet, I was also thinking along the lines of a sneaky Pete and maybe tying up some Copper John's with extra long lets.  Am I on the right track?  Any recommendations?
Title: Re: Bass flies
Post by: DanL on May 06, 2017, 04:35:53 PM
I havent fished smallies in a while but used to do a yearly excursion to St Mary's on Saltspring back in the day.

When not chucking gear, the go to flies for us were leech patterns on type 1, 2, or 3 sink lines. I usuually went for a purple rabbit leech (super easy to tie), while my friend swore by a clown marabou leech. Also spun deer hair patterns or poppers when the conditions were right for surface action.
Title: Re: Bass flies
Post by: RalphH on May 06, 2017, 05:28:05 PM
Yes on the wooly buggers. Black, blue, olive, silver body with red hackle. Zonkers.

Borger Fleeing Crayfish: http://www.garyborger.com/2011/08/13/fleeing-crayfish/

(https://i0.wp.com/www.garyborger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Fleeing-Crayfish-6.jpg?resize=480%2C359)

one of best. Pheasant rump hackle can replace the long fur - in fact that was what Borger used on the original. Large gold bead chain for the head is cheaper than dumbell eyes.

Large dragon fly nymphs - smallies like big mouth fulls but if there is a smaller hatch standard trout patterns will work. Smallmouth behave much more trout like than largemouth.

If you want to have fun get some poppers or mouse patterns & toss them at the end of docks and boathouses. When it's on the bass will explode on them.