As summer heats up, one of the best game fish can be found in many streams. I still consider the smallmouth bass one of the best fighters of all freshwater game fish. We are blessed to have these finny fighters in most of our local waters.
From the mighty Susquehanna, to some of our smaller streams, you will find smallmouth. My first encounter with these bass was in two streams near my home - those being Deer Creek and Little Deer Creek. At that period of my life, fishing tackle consisted of a cheap rod and reel and for bait a few earth worms.
Things have changed greatly as now my smallmouth fishing is with ultra-lite spinning tackle off of fly rod. As the waters clear during the summer, it is important to approach each area of these streams that may hold a few fat bass carefully. Sometimes, this may require long cast to the riffle or pool you plan to fish.
There are many lures and flies that will catch smallmouth bass. The idea is to closely represent as near as possible the natural food of the fish. They feed on a variety of different foods from smaller fish to insects to worms. By now you should know my summer choice is grasshoppers. I use the Rebel Crickhopper with spinning gear, but my favorite is the hair and feather flies that look like a real bug.
A good selection of spinning lures are small minnow like shallow swimming lures, spinners and small jigs with plastic trailers. I have also taken many smallmouth bass on shad darts.
My choice of flies are large nymphs, streamers and, of course, grasshoppers. Small hair bodied frogs slowly worked over a deep pool will often provoke a strike.
Stream fishing is a quiet and peaceful way to fish. The cool waters help keep the wader comfortable. A great way to spend a few summer hours in the outdoors.