The Hunt Is On Fly Fishing for Ozark Smallmouth
After getting slammed with massive storms a few weeks ago, the Ozarks were left flooded and unfishable. We definitely needed the rain to refill our creeks, rivers, and lakes—but man, it would’ve been nice if it had come in waves instead of all at once.
Air and water temps are finally on the rise. It felt like winter just wouldn’t let go, with temperatures bouncing all over the place these last few weeks. I kept waiting for the right window to hit the water, but life just didn’t want to cooperate. Of course, the perfect weather always seems to land on the days you’re stuck at work. Go figure.
On this particular day, I managed to carve out a 3-hour window—just enough time to hit the water before heading home to pick up my wife from the airport. Not ideal, but I’ll take what I can get.
I’ve said it a million times: Find the time. You won’t regret it. We’re not meant to be cooped up behind screens or desks all day. Get outside. It doesn’t have to be fishing (though it absolutely should be)—just put the phone down, breathe it in, and reconnect with nature. You’ll feel it in your soul. Those few hours recharged me, and landing a few nice fish was the icing on the cake. The Hunt is back on—get out there. - Paul
Flies, Streamers, Bugs on this Episode:
-Roo's Deceiver (Chartreuse) Sz 1/0 by Hoot’s Custom Flies
-Hurst Thrasher (Olive) Sz 1/0
-Cheech Leech (Black and Red) Sz 1/0
My Leader/Tippet Setup: I use Cortland’s Monofilament Nylon Leader Material to build all my bass fishing leaders. I use 4ft of 20lb down to a micro swivel then add 2ft of 14lb down to my fly. Simple to build and gets the job done.
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