Keys to Catching Bass on a Fly Rod

Work topwater flies slowly.

Topwater fly rod bugs can be deadly for bass on summer evenings. As the sun goes off the water on a hot day, it's possibly to catch a true lunker this way. However, most people fish these bass bugs the wrong way. They rip them across the water loudly and quickly, sending the bass scurrying for cover back in the weeds or brush pile. You should fish your fly much more slowly, in a subtle manner. Let it sit for 20 seconds, and give it a slight twitch, and repeat this process, until the bass bug is too far from cover to attract fish.

Use long leaders when you fish sinking flies.

No, you don't need a 15 foot leader, but you should have enough to get your fly to the right area. In the average small bass water, 8 or 9 feet of leader/tippet will be fine. If you are fishing deeper water in a large reservoir, don't be afraid to use a leader up to twelve feet. If the fish are so deep that a twelve foot leader isn't enough, you can switch to a sinking line. But when fish are holding in water that is fifteen feet or deeper, it's probably best to switch to a spinning rod.

Give the Woolly Bugger its due.

The Woolly bugger is the most popular all-species fly in existence, and that didn't happen by accident. It is especially effective for bass, and various sizes and colors will be successful. I find it difficult to beat an olive or black #8 Woolly Bugger. When fish aren't taking anything else, a Woolly will usually get you into a couple fish. Just twitch it slowly along cover near the bottom, and you'll be surprised at the results.

Use bright flies in cloudy water.

When the water isn't very clear, a bright fly is your first line of defense. I find yellow and white to be my favorite colors in these situations. Marabou streamers, Woolly Buggers, and Clouser Minnows all work when the water is less than clear.

Don't give up!

The main thing is to stick with fly fishing for bass long enough to get the hang of it. There are certainly some difficulties involved with learning to cast, retrieve, and play fish properly. But anyone can become a decent fly fisherman with some practice. It doesn't require nearly as much coordination as most think. If you stick with it, you will learn to catch bass on a fly rod, and it will be extremely rewarding.

Fly fishing may not be the most popular way to go after bass, but it is definitely a lot of fun. It's not nearly as exact of a science as fly fishing for trout, but it is nearly as enjoyable. Just remember, you don't need expensive gear, and you don't need to be all that skillful. Just get out there, and give it a try, and you will eventually be rewarded greatly!