Smallmouth Bass

General Info: Smallmouth bass invoke a love/hate relationship status with the fly fishing community. They are invasive in many areas, and they out-compete native fish for food and habitat. This has resulted in some negative impacts on native fish populations in certain areas. Regardless of how you feel, smallmouth bass are great fly rod fodder. They are aggressive, love topwater presentations and fight really hard.

Preferred Gear

Rods: 6-7wt. rods built for streamer fishing.

Favorites: Orvis Recon, Big Y Boss, Echo Streamer X

Reels: It just needs to match size and weight. Smallmouth do not make blistering runs or anything.

Favorites: Big Y General, Lamson Guru, Orvis Hydros,

Lines: Weight forward. Floating, specialty lines for bass are great. Sink tip lines are used often after spawn (summer time) on bigger rivers.

Favorites: RIO Smallmouth, Scientific Anglers Titan Long, Titan Sink Tip