Fly Fishing with Small Streamers on Small Creeks

May 1, 2024

Fly fishing for smallmouth bass can be really exciting. It's seriously my favorite fish to chase. I've had many subscribers who found us through our trout fishing videos that have taken the leap into smallmouth fishing over the last couple of years and have had lots of questions.

The tactics are pretty similar to trout in fact bass act a lot like trout, fixing tightly near the seams sometimes in the fastest current and don't forget those breaks next to dead water with deep pockets.

So your interested in chasing Ozark Smallmouth? First things first….Do you admire the allure of getting out and getting lost on a small creek chasing the most spirited fish on the planet? Ok good let's move on.

An extremely effective method for landing smallmouth bass involves employing streamers. Now you'll find many different streamer patterns large and small. While a 6wt or 7wt fly rod can be beneficial in helping cast out and turn over that larger streamer, it's not an absolute requirement to achieve success in this pursuit.

Frequently, you'll find me employing a 4wt or 5wt fly rod paired with a floating line as I pursue smallmouth bass in the numerous small creeks scattered across the Ozarks. Now mind you I'm not talking about throwing those massive 4 inch long double articulated streamers. Trust me I really enjoy tossing big ol’ fat streamers with my 7wt fly rod, but let's dial things back.

If you've only fished for trout no worries I'm sure you have a fly box with a few flies that will mimic the prey that smallmouth bass love, and when presented correctly, they can yield impressive results.

In this article, we'll explore a few of my techniques, gear, and strategies you need to master the art of using small streamers for smallmouth bass.

1. Selecting the Right Streamer Patterns:

- Begin by choosing streamer patterns that imitate the natural forage found in the waters you'll be fishing.

- Popular streamer patterns for smallmouth bass include Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, and Crayfish imitations. (don't worry at the end of this article you'll find a list of my favorites)

- Pay attention to the color and size of the streamer, matching them to the local baitfish and crayfish on the creek your fishing.

2. Equip Yourself with Suitable Gear:

- For smallmouth bass, a 5 to 8-weight fly rod is ideal, depending on the size of the streamers you intend to use and the size of the fish in your target area.

- Pair your rod with a weight-forward floating line to allow for precise presentations and accurate casting. Most folks have a 5wt rod with float line for trout - now it becomes your small streamer rod for smallmouth.

- For my leader setup I use Cortland’s Monofilament Nylon Leader Material to build all my bass fishing leaders. I use about 4ft of 20lb down to micro swivel then add 1-2ft of 14lb down to my fly. Works amazing!

3. The Art of Presentation:

- Cast your streamer towards likely smallmouth bass habitat. Smallmouth habits follow a distinct pattern they favor ambush tactics, interception, and finally, chasing. Look for structure such as gravel bars with ledges and rocky bottom runs. They also hold up in the shade, so look for rock ledges, stumps, and downed timber.

- Use a variety of retrieves, including a steady strip, erratic jerks, or a pause-and-go retrieve to entice strikes. Go crazy don't stick to the methodical strips you do with trout fishing.

- Experiment with retrieval speeds to determine the fish's preference on any given day.

4. Pay Attention to Seasonal Behavior:

- Understand the seasonal movements and habits of smallmouth bass in your area. They may change their location and feeding patterns throughout the year.

- During the summer months, as the creeks dwindle and warm under the sun's influence, smallmouth bass frequently relocate to pools and take refuge along the shaded banks. They seek shelter near the depths, favoring spots near sizable boulders or fallen tree trunks. When the light diminishes, such as during dawn or dusk, they venture towards the edges of the pool, the tailout, or riffles to feed.

This article from the Missouri Department of Conservation notes that Smallmouth bass avoid waters where temperatures consistently surpass the mid-80s, as temperatures exceeding 90 degrees can prove fatal. Additionally, these fish require ample dissolved oxygen levels to thrive. You'll hear me talk about this in many of my videos - calling out oxygenated water this is where you see tons of bubbles forming.

With the onset of the cooler autumn weather and increased rainfall, these fish migrate back to the runs and riffles. They continue this pattern until the water temperature drops significantly, at which point they return to the deepest, slow-moving water structures they can find to endure the winter season.

5. Practice Catch-and-Release:

- Ozark smallmouth bass are a valuable resource, and many anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve their populations and you should to.

- Handle the fish gently and minimize the time they spend out of the water to ensure their survival after release.

Conclusion:

Using small streamers for smallmouth bass can be a highly productive and enjoyable way to spend your time on the water. By selecting the right patterns, equipping yourself with suitable gear, perfecting your presentation, and understanding the behavior of these bass throughout the seasons, you'll increase your chances of landing these prized fish while contributing to their conservation efforts. So, gear up, head to your favorite Ozarks creek, and get ready for an exciting fly-fishing adventure!

Here is a list of my favorite small streamers when fishing in the Ozarks. Keep it simple with natural colors and size to your fly rod setup.