Smallmouth flies

[Lance]

What fly does everyone like to use for smallmouth? I'm looking to start targeting them a little more and was looking for preferences. Traditional stuff like clousers? crayfish?? what do you like? I've caught some on buggers but have not really spent much time on them.

[Doodle]

Lance,

I've recently been experimenting w/ my own patterns, but you can break them down into three groups: bucktails, streamers, and buggers. Try tying miniature versions of these, from 8's down to 14's. Yep, size 14 mini-buggers in yellow have been real hot. Yesterday the color of choice was white, saw some ephrons popping off so that made sense. White feather winged streamer in size 10. Couldn't get a thing on black winged streamers that I started off with.

Basically, I go small and flashy during the day. Try adding crystal flash and ice chenilles. Also I've been using nickle-plated dumbell eyes on some. Too big of a fly and it seems to scare the fish.

Also, when fishing wets, I've found the action you give the fly is very important. So many times you'll get following fish that won't commit. Find the right retrieve while sight-fishing these guys.

At night I go bigger, to 6's and 8's to catch the attention of the bigger fish. Dark colors, too. There is some great dry-fly action for smallies in the evenings before the ephron fall swamps the place out this time of year. There's even a few large hex types. Large parachutes or spinners in more natural colors are great.

[Lance]

Cool thanks! I wouldn't have thought of going down to 14's for bass. Smallest streamers I usually tie is 12's, another excuse to go to the fly shop! :D