Late summer smallmouth bass fly fishing in virginia
Late summer can be a great time for fly fishing for smallmouth bass in Virginia on the New River and James River. Smallmouth bass are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights, making them a popular target for fly anglers. Here are some tips and considerations for successful late summer fly fishing for smallmouth bass in our rivers:
Late summer can bring warm water temperatures, so it's best to fish early in the morning or late in the evening when the water is cooler and the fish are more active. Overcast days can also provide good fishing opportunities, as the fish may be more willing to come up to the surface.
Choose flies that imitate the natural prey of smallmouth bass. Poppers, divers, and streamers are commonly used for smallmouth bass fishing. Topwater flies like poppers can be particularly effective in the early morning and late evening. Streamers that imitate baitfish and crayfish can be productive when fished along the bottom or retrieved with short, erratic strips.
Vary your retrieve to find what the fish are responding to on that particular day. Sometimes a slow and steady retrieve is effective, while at other times, a faster, erratic retrieve can trigger strikes. Experiment with pauses and twitches in your retrieve to mimic wounded prey.
Use a sturdy leader and tippet setup to handle the strong fight that smallmouth bass are known for. We build our own leaders, whether they’re for topwater bugs or fishing subsurface, but a 7-9 foot leader with a tippet ranging from 2X to 0X should work well. This setup will help you handle larger flies and the powerful surges of the bass.
Smallmouth bass like to hold in areas with structure, such as rocks, fallen trees, and riffles. Look for calm pockets of water near these structures, as well as deeper holes where the bass may seek refuge from the heat. Focus on areas with a mix of shallow and deeper water.
Practice catch and release to conserve the fish population. Use proper handling techniques to minimize stress on the fish, and release them gently back into the water.
Consider reaching out if you are looking to shorten the learning curve on your smallmouth bass hunts! Late summer is some of the best fishing we have for smallmouth bass in Virginia.
By following these tips and adjusting your approach based on the specific conditions of the day, you can increase your chances of having a successful fly fishing experience for smallmouth bass on the New River and James River in late summer.
