Largemouth Bass on Fly

***I haven't shared much regarding techniques for quit a while, my recent posts being more about the fish with which I am so enamored.  I'm going to start sharing more specifically what I've learned for the various species I've caught.

We all know fish in different waters can behave differently and have different preferences.  But I think overall this will give folks who want to try for certain species more info that can hopefully get them started off on the right foot, rather than going blindly.  We can all shorten our personal learning curve by first learning from the experience of others.***

This blog post is about Largemouth Bass. 

Largemouth Bass on Fly

Largemouth Bass on Fly

While I've caught Largemouth Bass on by flyfishing in lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers, targeting them in still water has been by far the most productive for both numbers and especially good sizes of bass.  That's what I'll focus on here.

For the sizes of flies I typically use for Largemouth Bass, I prefer 9' fly rods in 6wt-8wt.  An aggressive weight-forward fly line helps cast the heavier/wind resistant bass flies.  I like Airflo 40 Plus, but many others will work.  I've had enough broken tippets to have learned that 12 lb Fluorocarbon tippet is what I like to use for Largemouth Bass.

Most folks flyfishing for bass will be starting out on smaller public or private waters, like detention ponds in public parks, for example.  Bass in such waters will strike a wide variety of fly patterns.  Some of the best ones I've used include:

- Blayne Chocklett's GameChanger baitfish patterns, with overall lengths of 2.5"-4" being excellent producers,

- Flymen's Surface Seducer® Howitzer Articulated Baitfish Popper,

- Blockhead Poppers

- Microjigs under a strike indicator are EXCELLENT producers of even BIG bass, especially through the Fall.  Think "Float-n-Fly".  Extremely effective!

Other solid fly patterns include Woolly Buggers in a variety of sizes, weights, colors, and lengths, as well as other baitfish patterns.  I've not experimented much with crayfish patterns for Largemouth Bass, but they could be a good option.

(Check out this blog entry of mine regarding one of the best years I had for Largemouth Bass over 18" on fly:  https://fishndave.blogspot.com/2019/12/2019-iowa-flyfishing-summary.html )

Cast along shorelines, weed pockets, and weed edges for best results.  In waters lacking weed cover, target woody structure or rocks.

Here's some Largemouth Bass on fly pics: