When it comes to fly fishing for bass, there are a few key differences from fishing with conventional tackle. You will have to get the right fly, the right size rod, and get that fly into the best spots. This can be a tad more challenging than fishing with conventional tackle.
But, when all is said and done, bass are bass, and they behave the same way no matter how you are fishing.
Bass relate to structure, bass spawn in beds, and bass prey on bait fish. That last point is where the Clouser Minnow comes in.
Mimicking Bait Fish
The Clouser Minnow is designed to mimic the small bait fish, like shad and blue back herring, that bass prey on. Most Clousers have a darker top, over a lighter bottom. Combine this with the overall look of the fly, and you have a great tool in your fly box for landing big bass.
When choosing your color, make sure to do some research around your local area. You may not be “matching the hatch” here, but you still want to get it as close to realistic as possible.
Presenting The Fly
When you have chosen the right minnow for your area, it’s time to present the fly.
What you want to do is target a specific piece of structure, like a submerged log, and cast right along side it. Make sure to make your cast beyond the target.
Let the fly sink for a couple of seconds, and begin stripping your line. After a good strip, pause. Give it two more good strips, then pause again.
Continue with this pattern of one strip, then pause, two strips, then pause. Keep repeating until you land a bass, or it’s time to cast again.
When working the target structure, be sure to hit it from multiple angles. Don’t make the mistake of fishing only one side or the other. Give both sides of the structure equal time, and at different angles, before moving to the next.
Get The Clouser Minnow In Your Tackle Box!
The Clouser Minnow is one of my “go to” flies for pulling bass. It’s also very effective for big brown and rainbow trout.
Make sure you get the Clouser in your fly box before your next trip!
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See ya on the water…
[…] along some streamers, definitely bring some Clouser Minnows, and bring along your eyes. You will find bass, specifically Red Eye Bass, hiding in the shoals, on […]