The Joy of Fly Fishing in New Brunswick» Blog Archive

January 8, 2008

Fly Fishing For Smallmouth Bass

When I started fly fishing I began fishing trout in small streams. Nothing like a good feed of brook trout while the water is still really cold. Later in the season as the water temperature rises I tend to strictly catch and release as I find they are a bit wormy by then.

After I had practiced fly fishing for a while I moved up to fly fishing for salmon. That is an experience you can share but it is always best experienced to really understand why it’s so addictive.

Fly fishing for salmon and trout is great but one day I decided to fly fish for bass. I found this to be a great way to get some one hooked on fly fishing. The main reason is that you can fly fishing for trout and salmon but a lot of care needs to be taken to keep out of the trees but not so with the places we fish for bass.

I purchased two float tubes so that I could reach areas that are out of reach of other boats and even canoes, plus I was equipped to take friends fishing.

Over the years I have found a ton of places bass live. Out of those many great fishing spots I have a few places that are just made for fly fishing newbies. They can learn fly fishing basics, catch fish with dealing with the wind or getting hooked on everything around them.

As they grow in experience I introduce them to some of my other fishing spots that take a bit more learnin’ and practice.

My favorite spot to take fly fishing newbies is a flooded strip-mine that has been stocked with smallmouth bass. This is such a great spot because it has little to zero wind, a lot of hiding places for bass to ambush their dinner and you can fish this area with or without a boat or float tube.

The area is surrounded by high hills created by all the mining which keeps the wind down. Plus over the years trees have taken root and now there is even better cover for the bass and more trees block more of the wind on those windy days.