top of page

Tactics and Techniques: Bass

Fly fishing for bass, whether largemouth,  smallmouth or others is a whole different deal than fishing for trout. First, and most importantly, bass are way more aggressive than are trout. Second, locating bass is usually way less complicated than finding trout...unless of course the trout are rising. The key to finding bass is structure. Bass are primarily ambush predators and, as such, almost always look for cover from which they can attack unwary prey. Weeds, rocks, sunken logs are all examples of where you will likely find bass. Third, if you bring your trout fly box(es) on a bass trip, there is a very good chance that everything you have is too small. Bass flies are large...very large when compared to trout flies. Bass tend to prefer big food over small food. Therefore, your gear needs to be bigger and heavier so you can adequately cast these big flies that typically have more weight and, being larger, have way more wind resistance. Finally, compared to trout, bass are everywhere...they are a "warm" water fish so do not require the cold flowing water that is typical for trout.

Brown Trout

Situation: You are primarily a trout person and you want to go bass fishing with your fly rod...here are the main differences and the basics you should know...see more...

​

image credit: theesmelalda.com

bass-orange-popper_edited.jpg

image credit: Spotted Tail Fishing Charters

Situation: You want to fly fish for bass with a popper...Watching a big trout slowly rise and eat your fly is a special thing...but watching a big bass attack your popper is heart stopping. There is nothing delicate about it. As with all fly fishing, there are tactics and techniques you will need to know in order to be successful. Bass are not shy and, as a fly fisher, catching a nice bass on a popper is worth the effort you put into it.

See more...

SITUATION: SMALLMOUTH AND RIVERS...coming soon

SITUATION: STRIPPED BASS ON A FLY...coming soon

bottom of page