If you are partial to a particular brand, like Sage, Temple Fork, Orvis, Winston, or others, pick the rod you prefer in the brand you like. Most of ours are the Orvis Access mid-arbor reels. Account. Their research indicates an adult smallmouth bass is about 8” long at 3 years of age and 15.75 inches at 7 years old. Here’s a video of some whopper plopper action from last week up in northern Wisconsin. Only The Smallmouth Bass Smallmouth Bass painting Copyright 2015, by Mary K Jenkins. In narrowing that down a bit, I’ve had some memorable days of catching smallmouth bass. It’s the same with line weights. I caught this bass late one day while testing a Game Changer fly. I like the feel of a 6 weight. They all have a medium-fast to fast action. Smallmouth bass are most likely in deeper water when the sun is shining. The BVK is lighter. Water Body Little River, TN. In particular, we sometimes encounter a school of bass, attacking minnows in the middle of the lake. The “Little T” as we call it locally offers some great wading opportunities. All rights reserved. We may be fishing in deep lakes or rivers, in boats. We have both caught a lot of smallmouth bass using a 5 weight fly rod. By the way, I am right handed, I cast with my right hand and I reel with my right hand. From the confluence of Laurel Creek it runs for about 2 miles along Laurel Creek Road until it merges with the Middle Prong of the Little River and then the East Prong of the Little River at the Townsend “Y”.. This fish is 18" long. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) research has shown that a smallmouth bass that lives it’s life in a stream will grow on average to 14 inches by six-years of age. This section of river has it all and historically holds the most diverse fish species of all the Tennessee rivers. Steve was fishing with guide Josh Pfeiffer. When I began fly fishing in 1962, every reel I saw was made for right hand retrieve and they were not reversible like they are now. Tackle I Personally Use. Copyright 2015 Little River Outfitters, Inc. https://youtu.be/xNmxVqg There are four. The same is true for reels. They were not found east of the Appalachian mountains. This fish is 18" long. Current breaks, eddies, shoals, ripples are areas smallmouth like to hang out because there's dissolved oxygen and food there. Little Tennessee River Smallmouth Bass. Even down the river there are periods when the river can be too low to float. I put together some balanced outfits, just like mine on our online store, just to make it easy for you if you are in the market for a very good new outfit that doesn’t break the bank. They say fluorocarbon is also less visible to fish. And, let’s be practical. The smallmouth bass is the hardest fighting freshwater fish, inch for inch or pound for pound that swims. The leaders I use are either 2X or 3X in mono, and 8 pound or 12 pound test in fluorocarbon. Flowing northward from North Carolina to Tennessee, the Pigeon River itself skirts along the eastern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a particularly generous river when it comes to fishing for Tennessee’s state sport fish — the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing The water temperature is 38.5 degrees this morning. In reservoirs, a smallmouth will grow to be 14 inches in 4 years. River smallmouth in the fall will move to the shallow gravel banks to feed on minnows in the early morning so Smith will tempt these fish with spinnerbaits, Jewel Bait Company Gem Blades 2.0 rigged with swimbaits, Flukes and topwater lures. The rod is a Temple Fork Professional II. A couple yrs ago I ended up with a 14ft flatbottom for partial payment for some work I did. During the months of April, May, and early June, anglers can enjoy some of the best fishing of their lives. During summer months, Duke Power regulates a recreational flow schedule. Fiberglass rods are making a remarkable comeback. All rights reserved. I use Orvis leaders and tippet and have for at least 30 years. The New River is probably the best known, if not the most productive, smallmouth river in NC. The idea for the competition happened after Barry Puskas of the Miami Conservancy District discovered the Great Miami River is Ohio’s best river … In the Spring, when the water temperature rises to 50 degrees, smallmouth bass become more active by moving into or near spawning areas. My personal favorites are jerk baits, whopper ploppers, and weedless tubes. During the prime months for smallmouth, I … This is a female bass that has just spawned. Notice the thin belly. Median flow for this date is 255 cfs. Little Pigeon River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. That design helps when I cast heavy flies. Jan 16, 2017 - Little Pigeon River. I have always done good on the North Fork of the Little Red on Gulf Mt. But, my favorite smallmouth bass fly rod is a 9’ 6 weight. Smallies live in freestone streams, natural lakes, impoundments and tailwaters where the water is cool and clean. The others cost about $100 less and feature the Temple Fork Professional II fly rods. "The Fish Lady", Townsend, Tennessee, MORE SMALLMOUTH BASS FLY FISHING PAGES You may not need a lot of backing for smallmouth bass, but if you do hook a huge carp, you will. If I had one word to describe my vacation to TN. I use the Rio Smallmouth Bass fly line on my outfits. The Smithsonian Institution wrote in the 1880s, that the Little Tennessee River was "undoubtedly the most interesting archaeological section in … Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing Outfits - Free Shipping. I try to keep this simple. Best Smallmouth fishing river in Arkansas? If I’m alone in my kayak, fishing for smallmouth bass, I always seem to choose the 6 weight. From Lake Greeson (Narrows) Dam to Ouachita River: The bass are more likely to be in shallow water under these conditions and you can get closer to them. I was there that day, fishing from a kayak down river, so I missed the show. Smallmouth Bass The New has a South Fork and a North Fork. I use one too, for bluegill mostly. They often feed on threadfin shad that are dying, due to the cold water. Also on lakes, a little chop on the water is beneficial. SMALLMOUTH LAKES. We sell several brands. Details: Smallmouth Bass. I always tie on my flies using a non-slip loop knot, so the flies have more action in the water. Growth rates are determined by water temperature and the amount of available food. I prefer the BVK, but to me, they both cast about the same. Some of the bigger river fish Smith has caught in the winter have weighed 4 to 4 1/2 pounds and measured 20 to 21 inches. I always use 9’ extruded and tapered leaders. We have a wonderful smallmouth bass river, 5 minutes away from our home, called Little River. Some excellent research on smallmouth bass has been done by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). But, the fish on the tailwaters eat them up. We do not charge for ground shipping. A smallmouth bass fingerling. Smallies in rivers may seek structure on river bottoms and lay dormant, not feeding at all when the water is cold. Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/OVFishing. All of my smallmouth fly rods are 4 piece, and made from graphite. The river currents are slow and gentle flowing and the bottom layout is medium sized rocks, with shelves and ledges. You can cast larger flies with a 7, than you can with a 6 or 5 weight. by Bob Jensen In thirty five years of fishing all over the Midwest and much of North America, I’ve had the good fortune to get in on some outstanding fishing action for a wide variety of fish. The bass finally took the fly. He was using a white popper. Species Bass. Josh has some smallmouth bass flies that would scare the heck out of a smallmouth bass on the Little Tennessee River. They may tire somewhat, but they never quit. These fish have stamina and determination. Personally, I've had very little success on late fall/winter smallmouth as im on the shore. My wife and I just returned home tonight, and we both wish we could go back tomorrow. We use small, 1 ½ inch long threadfin shad patterns. Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing But, I do pull out some big flies, cast them on the 7 weight at times, and they do catch big fish, like the old saying goes. For the money, they can’t be beat. Others are partial to fiberglass fly rod, reminiscent of the days when I started this sport. The water is deep. Basically, they like cool, clean water. Steve Hall caught this beautiful smallmouth bass on the French Broad River, in July. The West Prong Little River offers the opportunity to test your mountain stream fishing skills on wild rainbows and native brook trout. If I need a shorter leader, for a very heavy fly, I may shorten the leader, by cutting some material from each end. Steve Hall caught this beautiful smallmouth bass on the French Broad River, in July. The waters, when undisturbed by rain, are emerald green to a tannic clear. Range and Distribution, Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing For The Little Pigeon River and its tributaries will be the site of this two-day event that allows anglers to fish from the shore, wading, or from a kayak. Smallmouth Bass Biology My trout lines are either Scientific Anglers or Rio. Beautiful would be the word! Fly line brands are a personal choice in my opinion. Typically we’ll float the Little River further downstream around Walland and further down for panfish and smallmouth bass. The bass rose to the fly 2 or 3 times as they watched. If I am drifting down a river with a guide, I always take a 6 and 7 weight. I need to go do some river fishing. Some anglers prefer fast fly rods, stiff sticks that cast big flies in the wind well. I don't normally use expensive reels on a lake. Steve was fishing with guide Josh Pfeiffer. Sevierville’s waters will be teeming with … Technique casting. Little Tennessee River is one of the most beautiful rivers in North Carolina and is one of the best rivers in the state for smallmouth bass fishing. He was using a white popper. You can see these combos, and order one if you like by clicking the link below. When I fish Little River, I always grab the 6 weight, my sling pack, waders and go. Also, the reel is a very expensive Tibor. If you asked 20 different avid smallmouth bass fly fishermen, which fly rods they prefer, you would probably get 20 different answers. The bass rose to the fly 2 or 3 times as they watched. Make sure your reel is saltwater safe, especially for a 7 weight. Photo courtesy of Fishes of Wisconsin, John Lyons, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sometimes a 5 weight is a lot of fun to use for smallmouth bass. I would not go cheap on the fly line, never. Smallmouth bass do best in cooler, highly oxygenated water. Copyright Little River Outfitters, Inc. I like a fly line with a short heavy head for smallmouth bass fishing. River fishing for smallmouth. Maybe it is the shape of the fish or the muscle density or maybe it is all attitude. Little River is now a significantly smaller stream. For now, my favorite smallmouth bass line is the Rio Smallmouth Bass line. My favorite 6 weight is the BVK. If you are partial to a particular brand, like Sage, Temple Fork, Orvis, Winston, or others, pick the rod you prefer in the brand you like. This selection of fly fishing tackle, is dedicated to fly fishing for smallmouth bass. If I could have only one, for smallmouth bass it would be s 7 weight, 9’, medium-fast fly rod. I do the best out of current in "deeper" spots 10-15 feet (which is still shallow, but the deepest im able to get from shore) But, I think the video below from TacticalBassin explains fishing rivers … Tackle I Personally Use. All of my smallmouth bass fly rods are made by Temple Fork. Since we are in the most southern range, the growing season is longer than it is in the northern states. Two have my favorite Temple Fork fly rod, the lightweight BVK in 6 and 7 weight. I was there that day, fishing from a kayak down river, so I missed the show. Below Waterville Dam, the Pigeon is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth bass river with fish averaging 1-4 lbs. Most fly fishermen reel with their left hand. Smallmouth Bass That rod in our boat always has a Puglisi Threadfin Shad tied on. If I am wade fishing, I usually choose the 6 weight. Lee Herold. We sell several major brands of fly fishing tackle at Little River Outfitters. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, The Fishes of Wisconsin, reports that a 19 inch smallmouth bass in that state is rare. Smallmouth Bass Biology All of my outfits have mid-priced reels, Orvis mid-arbor reels to be specific. But, lets face it, for smallmouth bass, a hand made reel, with cork drags and a price tag to match is overkill for smallmouth bass. A smallmouth bass fly fisherman, needs to understand to some extent, what these fish eat, in the waters being fished. Believe me, it happens. Smallmouth bass are members of the sunfish family. Fly Fishing For Smallmouth Bass Diet 0. We’ve caught smallies on large white poppers, Murdich Minnows, Wiggle Minnows, big foam flies and Tequeely flies. I would definitely have a reel with the capacity for plenty of backing. The South Fork is the more popular. We always try to choose cloudy days to fish, if possible. WMA . Smallmouth Bass Home So, all of my smallmouth bass outfits have mid-priced Orvis reels, with a sealed disk drag and they are all mid-arbor reels. On cloudy or rainy days, you may find these bass in shallow water all day. In fact, one day we were fishing and catching nothing. Smallmouth bass are top carnivores and predators. Favorite smallmouth baits for river scenarios? I’ve made that mistake. I don’t know why. Reproduction Behavior Smallies move from shallow water to deep water as temperatures change. I use monofilament leaders for top water fishing because mono does not sink as fast or as deep as fluorocarbon. Dan Munger of Little River Outfitters with a beautiful smallmouth bass, caught on a fly in the Boundary Waters. These fish never give up. Reproduction Behavior Most new moderately priced reels are saltwater safe these days. I love reels and have some really nice ones. We will rig it for you. The smallmouth bass is the official state sport fish. We know, at least in the southern states, these suspended bass do eat. By Jeff Little I caught my first big river smallmouth in 41-degree Shenandoah River. If someone were to paint a picture of a smallmouth angler going after his intended species somewhere in Arkansas, it is highly likely that the brush strokes would reveal one of the mountain streams listed previously.