By T&T Pro Staff Justin Laffin

Mother Nature has thrown anglers curve balls for the past several years. Heavy rains and high heat waves have caused rivers to rage to biblical flows with increased water temperature. Within weeks, water levels receded to extreme lows, causing anglers to scratch their heads about when the best time to head out and chase smallmouth. I would tell you that anytime is the best time to get out. Waiting for the perfect weather or flows will cause anglers to miss out on many opportunities.

High Water

With high flows, you will often see an increase in dirty, stained conditions. It has been said that smallmouth bass prefer structure. This is increasingly accurate when high water flows and decreased visibility are available to them. When targeting smallmouth, I have found that the closer to the bank you can present your fly, the better. If you cast right to the bank and drag the fly into the water, that is not a bad technique either.

Secondly, pairing the correct fly with the conditions is key. Look to throw water pushing flies. I usually size up slightly because it is harder to see your fly. If it were me, I would not try to cross a raging river for a donut, but if you dangled prime rib or some thick-cut steak at me, you better believe I would move. I equate this same thing to smallmouth. Play around with fly patterns such as game changers, Leggi boi changers, and Swinging D’s. If I am throwing these larger flies, I will only throw them on an intermediate line and an eight weight such as the Thomas and Thomas Zone or Exocett. Look for smallmouth to be tight to structure, whether a down log, boulders, or the smallest cut in a bank. You will be surprised at how shallow and tight you will find smallmouth hanging in higher flows and stained water.

Low Water

With low and clear conditions, it is the complete opposite. Look to downsize your fly selection and presentation. Reminding yourself to slow down and make accurate casts should be at the forefront of your mind. Often, the successful angler will pause and survey the different holding areas of a section of the river, trying to spot a smallmouth holding or causing. Once you are able to locate a target, it’s time to think about what to throw. I have enjoyed throwing terrestrial patterns such as the Ol’ Mr. Wiggly or Project Hopper. Downsizing your leader and tippet is also something to consider. If you’re building your own leaders, it may be wise to step down from twenty-five pounds to ten or eight-pound monofilament. I also love to downsize my rod selection to an Exocett SS in 160-grain. 

No matter the conditions, get out on the water. Figuring out a pattern or theme for the day is half the fun!