Gorge Fly Shop Blog: Predator Hunt

What time of year do you start thinking warmwater? May or June!

I readily admit in my younger years I had a hard time fishing bass before May and June was even better. Over several years of pushing earlier and earlier into the spring season I can safely say March is not too early. I'm not just speaking to those in southern regions, I've personally have caught and released trophy class smallmouths in March on the Columbia River as well as many other locations.

The idea for this article comes from the fact that here we are in middle March and I'm already feeling behind on preparing my gear for some warmwater fly angling. Winter trout fishing has been so good that I'm running into species overlap. I'm not ready to give up winter trout'n but pre spring bass'n is ready to take off. Better get my rear in gear!

Key points to this Pre-Spring Bass Fishing

Early Bird

We've all heard the old idiom of "early bird catches the worm." Throw that bird crap out the window. Early season bass requires you to fish in the warmth of the day. It's fine to start early or finish late but In my experience this time of year mid day is where it's at.

Slow Down! No need to armpit strip those streamers right now. Let the fly sit in their face for as long as possible. With that said focus your flies on ones that sink slowly or better yet suspend.

Recognize the Strike

Cold water bass strikes are usually much more tame this time of year. Keep full attention on fly and fly line. Watch for the slightest of ticks. Try to keep your line taunt without moving your fly. That doesn't mean drag your fly slowly. Instead, jerk your fly multiple times then allow it to suspend for as long as you can stand it. The erratic jerking movements will attract the fish and pause suspension will give him time to commit.

Location, Location, Location

This one could be a whole article or a book. Fish south facing shorelines and areas that get a lot of sun. Look for obvious structures such as boulders, culverts, and tree stumps. Rocky reefs and current breaks can produce some early bass. Bottom line is fish where you would usually find fish with an emphasis on areas that will likely warm earlier in the year.

Be Stealthy

Spring time before major rain and runoff, rivers and lakes are usually pretty clear. You should take extra precaution with a stealthy approach. Stay away from wearing bright colors, watch your shadow, cast long when possible and avoid moving fast and making noise.

Boat or Foot

Boats can be super helpful but I found that if you can access good water on foot you may have an advantage in early spring. Boats make noise and easily get blown off target. On foot you are quiet and land will keep you on spot. Access is key and you may only have access with a boat but do keep in mind trolling motors, kickers and anchors all make a lot of noise, noise that most fish have not heard all winter long. If using a boat you might consider setting up drifts using the wind instead of motors and anchors.

And my last tip is...

Get acquainted with fishing a Float and Fly Rig. There is no better time of year than to soak a fly under a indicator for early season bass. What's funny is I won't spend one minute fishing an indicator for trout but when it comes to bass and the dozens, maybe in the hundreds of trophy size smallmouth that F&F has shown me over the past 15 years is more than proof that early season smallmouth want their presentation to be suspended with time to ponder and commit.

If you are one that refuses to fish an indicator I totally understand and respect your position but do please take away the F&F idea that the longer a fly will suspend in the face of a early season bass the more likely curiosity will prevail and attack is imminent.

Greg Darling

How to Float and Fly