Most of us fly fishermen and women seem to prefer trout, but occassionally the Smallmouth peek our curiosity and provide a fun day of fly rod fishing. Locally, the Connecticut and White rivers are great smallmouth fisheries (as are many warmwater ponds). Typically I catch “smallies” on streamers and large nymphs in the slow, deep holes of the White. On the Conn. I like to float down, casting a popper into the shore line. Fun times, especially when the trout fishing is slow.
Did you know?
* Smallmouth are not really bass. They are actually members of the sunfish family.
* They can not close their eyes (e.g. no eye lids). So on bright sunny days you will most likely find them in shaded areas or deep water.
* Crayfish make up the majority of the smallmouth’s diet.
* Spawning generally takes place when the water temps are 62-65 degrees. After spawning the males stay on the bed to protect the eggs and fry, while the females retreat to deep water to recuperate.
White River smallmouth 6/2/10
USGS Streamflow Map