Chasing Bass

Hi Folks, That time of year when the smallmouth bass fishing really shines. I love summer and fall bass fishing. When the big water trout fishing slows down during the summer months due to warm water temperatures, the surface bass fishing really picks up. I find that when the water temperature exceeds 70 degrees the topwater bite really picks up. Presently, I have recorded water temperatures at 73 in the river and 77 to 79 degrees for a surface temperature on the lakes I guide. There are several factors that drive the fish to eat off the surface. Bass are opportunistic. Anything struggling on the surface is easy pickings. Lots of food items are now available in the top of the water column for bass. The Hexagenia hatch has been taking place for a couple of weeks.The largest mayfly on the planet. A large food item that takes its time emerging from the lakes surface. Easy pickings for a bass. Terrestrials are now becoming more prevalent on a daily basis. Additionally, this is the time of plenty for baitfish and juvenile game fish. All on the menu for a hungry bass. We were casting a Clouser Minnow the other day and the fish would smack it the moment it hit the water. A great representation of a small bass or minnow. The most productive surface fly has been a #6 Black and Yellow Boggle Bug. My opinion is the color scheme and profile of the fly is close enough to a hatching Hex that the fish are fooled by the pattern. Still, surface fishing will always be best in the early morning and or late day to dusk. For equipment, I have been casting bass bugs with 9’ 6wt. and 7wt. fast action rods. Floating fly lines are in order for top water fishing. The weather looks for summer like for the foreseeable future. Should offer up some fine top water bass fishing. Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home. Have Fun, Willy