After the winter the country has had, you’re probably looking forward to spring. The comfortable temperatures, sunny skies and fresh air makes the perfect setting for some outdoor fun – like a bass fly fishing trip! Now is the prime time to catch a big one as the bass migrate from large, cold bodies of water to warmer, shallower lakes and rivers. If you’re new to bass or fly fishing in general, here are some tips for finding active spots, choosing the best bass flies and using effective fly fishing techniques in different environments.
Finding That Sweet Spot
Before we get into specific bass fly patterns and fly fishing techniques, let’s start with location. In early spring, the bass migrate to shallow areas where they can lay their eggs. Bass are creatures of habit, so you’ll find that they often travel along canals, ridges and ditches in shallow waters. During spawning season, you can search for their possible nest locations.
It can take a while to identify that sweet spot where the bass are biting instead of sleeping and hiding. Using a thermometer can help since these fish prefer water temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees. Also, remember bass move slower when the water temperatures drop below 60 degrees.
Many anglers find success by fishing in rocky, grassy areas near docks or down trees. Once you’ve identified a good location to try, then you can decide what are the best fly fishing techniques and flies to use there.
Best Bass Flies and Bait
The great thing about springtime is that bass are on the prowl. As the fish prepare to spawn, they’re in desperate need of food. Ultimately, with the right fly fishing flies for bass, both beginner and experienced anglers shouldn’t have trouble getting a bite. When selecting your flies, consider your destination’s environment along with factors like how bass react to changes in the weather, as well as your presentation speed and casting distances.
You’ll want to stock some topwater flies like poppers, some streamer flies like minnows as well as some baitfish flies that imitate crayfish. Each type has some of the best bass flies for different environments. It’s good to load your tackle box with various styles and sizes since the weather and water visibility both can change day-to-day in the spring.
When the water is murkier, you’d want to use bigger bass flies that move a lot of water with brighter colors. On the other hand, if the water is clearer, then you’d have better chances matching the color, size and shape of their natural food in that spot. That’s just one example of how being prepared with the various essential bass flies to use in different environments can have a big impact on your experience.
Spring Bass Fly Fishing Techniques
There is more to attracting a fish than just selecting the best bass flies, as crucial as that is. Keep in mind you’ll have to adjust your technique to fit the varying weather and the fish’s behavior throughout the pre-spawn and spawn seasons.
One way to get a bite is by dragging a crayfish bass fly along the bottom of the lake, river or pond with a slow and steady presentation. It’s essential to crank the bait just a bit so that it pushes a lot of water so as to capture attention. Another way to catch bass in the spring is to float a topwater popper fly across the surface, again with a slow presentation to allow time to attract attention. This technique works best when the water is clear and calm so the bass can see the bait floating on the surface. Jerk the bass fly ever so lightly to create gentle ripples in the water. Then watch both large and smallmouth bass hit your surface fly!
If it’s spawning season, bass will want to protect their nest, so they’re more likely to bite anything that gets close. Cast your fly past the location and drag it back towards the nest to imitate predator-like movements.
Bass Fly Fishing: Plan an Adventure
If you’re looking for a fun way to start enjoying the outdoors this spring, a bass fishing trip is a great option, from the thrill of the hunt to the beauty of the scenery. You can plan a local day-trip, or a week-long adventure. The destinations are countless since bass are so plentiful in the US, from the South to the Great Lakes and out to California. So, call up some buddies and pick a destination, fill your tackle box with your favorite bass fly patterns and get ready to use some of these tried-and-tested techniques to kickoff spring right.