Fly Fishing for Bass: Tips, Techniques, and Gear Explained

Have you mastered bass fishing with baitcasting and spinning tackle and are looking for a new challenge? Are you a springtime trout fisherman looking for a way to extend fly fishing in the warm summer months? Or have you been intrigued watching the poetry-in-motion of an accomplished fly fisherman casting artistically on the water and want to try it?

Fly fishing for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass answers each of these questions, and it is easier to get started than you might think! You may discover the immense enjoyment and satisfaction of catching bass with fly tackle.

Unlike trout fishing, bass can be found almost anywhere. Lakes, bays, gravel pits, farm ponds, rivers, and creeks are almost always home to largemouth or smallmouth bass, sometimes both. Access to these waters can be as simple (inexpensive) or as elaborate (expensive) as your budget allows. Bass boats, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, and wading all work to put you within reach of fish.

Lakes, Bays, and Ponds

Fly fishing for bass is generally a shallow-water proposition. In large lakes and bays, you will find bass near shore close to structure and weed cover during the spring warm-up. During summer you will find bass in the same areas early and late in the day, or on overcast days, or days with mist or a steady light rain. Farm ponds abound across the country, and politely asking permission to fish may grant you access to quality bass fishing. And there is no better place to practice and perfect your fly casting than a farm pond. One secret for overlooked fishing hotspots is golf course ponds. Almost every golf course has ponds for irrigation and water control. Many are loaded with big bass! Ask the manager if you can fish on rainy days or on certain holes later in the day or early in the morning when golfers are likely to be out of the way. You may have a small window of time to fish there, but it may well be worth the effort.

Both species of bass may be found in still water. Largemouth bass are typically found in waters with lots of weed cover and mucky bottoms. Smallmouth bass prefer cooler waters with rocky bottoms. Sometimes, these types of waters overlap or are adjacent to one another. I have caught both large and smallmouth bass from the same body of water.

Rivers and Creeks

Moving water is the domain of the smallmouth bass. Pound for pound, few species of fish fight harder from hook-up to netting than smallmouth bass in moving water. Living in a constant current builds more muscles than their still-water brethren. Care must be taken if wading in rivers, but much fishable water can be reached whether wet-wading in the summer months or, if you prefer, in waders or hip boots. In my favorite rivers, I fish both from my canoe and wading. I frequently beach my canoe on an island or shallow bank and wade up or downstream from there. 

You do not have to have a significant river near you to fish, as many tributaries of large rivers and smaller creeks hold good smallmouth bass populations. The smaller creeks are special because you won’t have as much traffic from recreational kayaks and canoes as you will have in the rivers. You may be pleasantly surprised at the quantity and quality of smallmouth bass that you will catch from smaller, overlooked streams.

Knowing the best time to fly fish for bass can greatly improve your chances of success. Bass behavior changes with the seasons, so understanding these patterns is key to planning your trips effectively. Here's a breakdown of the best times to go fly fishing for bass throughout the year.

Spring Fly Fishing for Bass

Spring is one of the most productive seasons for fly fishing for bass. As water temperatures begin to rise, bass become more active and start moving towards shallow waters to spawn. This pre-spawn period, typically from late March to early May depending on your location, is an excellent time to target bass with fly fishing.

• Best Time: Late morning to early afternoon, when the sun has warmed the water slightly.
• Key Areas: Look for bass near shallow flats, around structures like logs, rocks, and weed beds.
• Effective Flies: Streamers that imitate baitfish, along with topwater flies like poppers, are highly effective during this time.

Summer Fly Fishing for Bass

Summer fly fishing for bass can be challenging due to warmer water temperatures, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. During the summer months, bass tend to seek deeper, cooler water during the heat of the day and move to shallower areas during the early morning and late evening.

• Best Time: Early morning and late evening, when temperatures are cooler, and bass are more likely to be feeding.
• Key Areas: Focus on fishing near drop-offs, deep holes, and shaded areas during the day, and target shallower waters during the early and late hours.
• Effective Flies: Topwater flies like frogs and poppers are great for early morning and late evening, while subsurface flies like crayfish and leech patterns work well during the day.

Fall Fly Fishing for Bass

Fall is an excellent time for fly fishing for bass as they become more aggressive in preparation for the winter months. As water temperatures cool down, bass move back to shallower waters and become more active throughout the day.

• Best Time: Late morning to late afternoon, as cooler temperatures keep bass active for longer periods.
• Key Areas: Fish around shallow flats, points, and areas with plenty of cover like weeds and fallen timber.
• Effective Flies: Streamers that mimic baitfish, as well as larger flies that resemble frogs or mice, can be very effective in the fall.

Winter Fly Fishing for Bass

Winter fly fishing for bass can be slow, but it’s not impossible. During the winter months, bass metabolism slows down, making them less active and more likely to be found in deeper water.

• Best Time: Midday, when the sun has had time to warm the water slightly.
• Key Areas: Focus on deeper water near structure, where bass are likely to be holding in a semi-dormant state.
• Effective Flies: Slow-moving flies like leeches and small baitfish patterns are best. It’s important to present your fly slowly and patiently during the winter months.

By understanding the seasonal behaviors of bass, you can plan your fly fishing trips more effectively and increase your chances of a successful day on the water.