Questions on Smallies...oh, and a short report.
First off, the report...Columbia River, between Hood River and The Dalles:
This was my first time ever even targeting these guys on the fly, but we did get into a few...mostly small, but enough to put a really nice bend in the rod. We were fishing intermediate lines with weighted flies (big fuglies with lots of rubberlegs) and varied the retrieve until we found something that worked. Most fish were caught in around 4 feet or so of water and all were caught within a two hour time period (we didn't even get any hits before or after--possible temperature spike?) I forgot to take a water temp as well...The gear guys were definitely doing much better than us, but we were also dealing with a hellacious wind that they didn't have much of a problem with (that, coupled with the fact that they can get their lures in front of many more bass in a given period of time)
obligatory invasive pic:
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...ng/smallie.jpg
My questions are for those who have had a bit of success with this, is there a water temp where things just turn on? I know that they are in pre-spawn mode, but I really don't know a ton about their life cycle or the best way to approach this type of fishing. I did LDR a really nice fat female and saw several caught by some of the gear guys...so I know they're there.
Thanks,
Randy
Smallmouth Fly Fishing; by Tim Holschlag
I bought Tim Holschalag book after hearing him talk at the"Great Water Expo" in Bloomington MN, a couple years ago! I thought I knew how to catch Smallmouth Bass on a fly rod. But after reading Tim's Book, I learned a lot that I never really knew.
I will share the 8 things you should know about Smallmouth (from Tim's Book)
1. THEY'RE NOT LIKE TROUT
The two species are very different and require different strategies.
2. ADAPTABLE SPECIES
More widespread and adaptable than most realize
3. THEY LIKE IT HOT
They do well in warm water, grow fastest in 80-plus-degree water.
4. THEY MOVE A LOT
In some waters smallmouth travel many miles annually
5. VERSATILE FEEDERS
They eat whatever is easiest to capture and most nutritious, seldom insects
6. CLARITY IS KEY
Water clarity is one of the most important angling factors
7. ACTIVE AT MIDDAY
Temperature, clarity and oxygen levels can all cause a hot midday bite.
8. NOT LARGEMOUTH
Smallmouth predominate in rivers and rocky, clear lakes
Tim say that the two top rivers for smallmouth in Oregon State are the John Day River, and the Umpqua River. In Washington State, try the Columbia River near the border with Oregon, Yakima River, and Grande Ronde River (SE corner of Washingtion State)
Better yet buy the book, goes for $29.95 retail price. Published by Smallmouth Angler, 2309 Grand St. NE, Minneapolis MN 55418, Phone: 612-781-3912.
Book has 15 Chapters of detailed instuction; 40 Best Flies (recipes & haow-to); 100 Top spots (maps, details, tips).
Tim Holschalag really knows what he talks and writes about! ~Parnelli
In Washington