Fly fishing smallmouth bass
Late May to Mid-June
This is typically the timeframe of the smallmouth spawn, when the smallies feed on smelt. To imitate smelt, use flies like a Cone Head Articulated Bunny Leech, white color, size #8 (about 4" in length), containing a trailer hook. Trailer hooks help with the short strikes expected from bass on a 4" fly. Make sure to include a wire leader, as it’s typical to get strikes from northern pike while fishing for smallmouth.
Late June to Mid-July
The mayflies hatch around the first week of July, making this a great time for top-water action! Smallies are looking up for mayflies and anglers can site-fish the clear waters along rocky shorelines and boulder reefs. Mayfly drakes are olive green in color and over an inch long. They are blown into the windy shorelines, so fish water less than three feet deep, right up to the shoreline.
Mid-July to Mid-August
After the mayfly hatch, the smallmouth bass feed on crawfish, leeches and minnows. This is when the typical bass flies from home will work well in Canada.
recommended flies
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Head Articulated Bunny Leech #8
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Mercer's Poxyback Green Drake #8
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Kaufmann Stimulator #6 (olive)
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Murray's Strymph #6 (olive, tan)
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Helms Deer Hair Popper #6 (tan, yellow, grizzly)
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Fruit Cocktail Deer Hair Popper #6 (green, white)
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Bunny Crayfish Weighted #4 (brown, black)
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Conehead Krystal Rubber Leg Woolly Bugger #6 (orange, brown)
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