"smallmouth bass the gentleman of the warm water species"

-Harry Murray

     Greetings fellow anglers Dennis here from the OMF fly co.  wanting to share a little advice on getting after some early season smalljaws. 

Now that old man winter has loosened his icy grip on our beloved suskie, its time to get after these smallmouth bass waking up from there winter slumber.

With warming waters and the upcoming spawn these bass start to go on a feeding spree.  Now is the time more than ever to throw 

meat and potatoes to these guys, you really can't go to big from larger clousers, double decievers to large articulated sculpins.   

These fish are looking for large meals.

     With that being said the next things to consider is how to fish/hunt for these warm water gentleman.  Early in the season from around the end of February to mid March I tend to fish a full sinking line with a short leader to help me get my fly down deeper in the runs and pools.  Once things warm up a little more I will switch back to my floating line and tend to hunt the shallows.  From Mid March until the end of April when the season closes here in Pa. for the spawn.  Once the water starts to warm I will focus my hunt on the the shallows, where the water will be warmer and speed up their metabolism.  In these shallows the bass are very aggressive and will take a fly with vengeance.  here is were I tend to have the most success.  Looking for areas  with darker bottoms and in direct sunlight will tend to warm the water a little quicker attract these pre spawn fish.

 Hopefully these tips will help you bring more bass to your net this season, but also please make sure to handle these fish a carefully as you can because they are getting ready to help bring in the next generation of smallies!

tight lines

Dennis