By Ken Kastorff
A good back cast leading into a low forward cast, placed up under the cover of overhanging branches along shore. The popper lands perfectly within a foot of shore and in that instant, the water explodes. A good hook set… and the game is on. You’ve just hooked into a bronze back fighting machine. Pound for pound, it will jump twice as high out of the water and fight twice as hard as any other comparably sized freshwater fish species. Welcome to smallmouth bass fishing!
That is what fly anglers have to look forward to throughout the warm summer months here in Western North Carolina. As warmer and lower water conditions of summer approach, great trout fishing opportunities can still be found hiking into the high elevation streams of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, or on the phenomenal cold trout waters of the Nantahala River tail race. It’s one of the only rivers that offer outstanding trout fishing throughout the summer months.
However, some of the most enjoyable fly fishing will take place on our local warm water streams. Small mouth bass, spotted bass, brim, and red eye are all waiting to take a well-placed fly. This is a fun time of the year, where fly anglers can get out on big water and challenge themselves with long “River Runs Through It” style casts. It’s fun to get the heavier rods out and throw bigger streamers and crayfish imitations. This is the time of the year when it’s not unusual to land fifty or more fish a day on top water flies, like poppers, wiggle minnows or gurglers. You never know what you will hook up on. A few years ago, a friend of mine was fishing for small mouth and hooked into a huge musky.
There are several different streams in our area that are great options for bass on the fly. The Tuckasegee River from Dillsboro to lake Fontana has miles of good fishing water. The Little Tennessee, from Franklin to Lake Fontana, is another good small mouth destination. While there are some good wet wading options on both of these rivers, the best fishing is from a drift boat or raft. We offer float trips on both of these rivers. Another, not so well known small mouth destination, is the Cheoah River near Robinsville, NC. While this is a great small mouth river, it is hands down, one of the hardest rivers to wet wade. I do not recommend fishing it alone. You want to be in good shape and durable if you are planning a trip to the Cheoah.
When I am after smallmouth bass, I use a nine-foot, five weight rod most of the time. This is a great weight for throwing poppers. I also carry a heavier rod, up to 7 weight, to cast weighted larger flies. Make sure you have a good weight forward line on the reel. Scientific Angler makes a great weight forward line that is a half a weight heavier than the listed weight. It’s great for casting longer distances in windy conditions. I will usually use a nine-foot 2X or 3X tapered leader, if I am fishing poppers in clear water. If I am fishing weighted flies, like streamers or crayfish imitations, I shorten the leader to a maximum of six feet. Save your used 4X and 5X tapered leaders that have gotten down to around six feet, they work great for streamers.
A few words of caution are in order. No Waders! Leave them at home. It doesn’t hurt to wear a life vest. I like the Stohquist fishing vest, that I use on float trips on the Nantahala River, it is comfortable with lots of adjustment and has zippered pockets to carry some essentials. If you wet wade enough, you will eventually step in over your head and the vest will allow you to just continue fishing while you float along until your feet come in contact with the river bottom again. The vest will also protect you when you suddenly find your feet up over your head and land flat on your back. Welcome to the Cheoah! If you are wet wading any of these streams, I highly recommend buying a decent pair of wading boots. A lightweight, felt soled boot that comes up high enough to protect your ankles, is a must. This will make wet-wading safer and more enjoyable. We carry a great felt soled boot in our shop made by Chota that is comfortable, durable and won’t “break the bank”. Other than that, a good pair of polarized sunglasses, a hat, plenty of sunscreen, and you’re set to enjoy a fun day of fly fishing action. Good luck!
Ken Kastorff is a Guide and the Owner of Endless River Adventures. To book a guided trip near The Nantahala Gorge or The Cheoah River, give him a call.