By Jeremy Edge
Spring has sprung, and as summer approaches, anglers might begin to see their local trout streams getting too warm, too low, and not to mention too crowded due to the influx of summer traffic, aka “tube hatch.” Because of this, anglers tend to seek alternate species to pursue in the anticipation of warmer months ahead. Opportunity knocks with warm water fish like bass, bluegill, carp, and gar, all of which offer rewarding experiences in many ways. From your local lake or river, to even a farm pond, there is a good chance that there are at least a few species you may find.
The Author with a Smallmouth Bass
I grew up fishing for Largemouth Bass in the lakes of Alabama and Georgia, and then found my love for Smallmouth Bass by exploring local rivers along the way. It wasn’t until I moved to Western North Carolina that for the first time in my life, I had lakes and rivers within 45 minutes to an hour of Asheville that provided me with access to numerous species; and better yet, that access wasn’t limited. Oftentimes, when people think of bass fishing, they think of spin rods, glitter bass boats and Evinrude 250s….that’s cool, but most folks either only have enough time to wade, or they don’t have any friends with a bass boat. The problem is, a lot of these rivers can’t accommodate the launch of a Bass Tracker anyway, but they are easily accessible to waders, rafts or kayaks. My advice is, make friends with someone who owns a bass boat…you’ll thank me later.
The truth of course, is that you don’t need a spin rod or a motor boat to find and catch warm water fish, including bass. If you’d like to try your hand at catching one of these beauties with a fly rod, then you may be wondering what to bring with you. Depending on your fly selection and the type of fish you’re after, I would recommend either a 7wt or 8wt rod with a floating line, but having a spare spool of sink-tip line is not a bad idea, also. In your box, flies should range from baitfish, crawfish, and hellgrammite, to frog patterns. Poppers in all sizes can make for a fun day if the fish are hitting top water. Leaders should range from 7 to 9 feet, and between 10 and 15 lbs. On your feet, wading socks can allow you wear wading boots if preferred, but in warmer temperatures, sandals/water shoes are adequate and may be more comfortable.
If you are interested in learning more about Fly Fishing for Bass, then please contact us at Brown Trout Fly Fishing, and book a Bass float trip on the French Broad, Pigeon, or Tuckasegee Rivers.
