2026 Fly Fishing Smallie Thread

[nymphingmaniac]

was thinking it's close to trying certain sports for SMB. But went trout fishing this AM on THE J and did well on big fish (4) , but total number mediocre (6). Small tan caddis, black stones and sz 16 black caddis (no, not grannoms) were out but no risers

 

[Shawn_H]

was thinking it's close to trying certain sports for SMB. But went trout fishing this AM on THE J and did well on big fish (4) , but total number mediocre (6). Small tan caddis, black stones and sz 16 black caddis (no, not grannoms) were out but no risers

I’m starting to wonder about this. I fish the LJ quite a bit and this has been my experience for a while now - going on a year I’d say. Bigger fish and less fish. I have rarely caught anything under 12”. Not complaining but it’s a little concerning that there don’t seem to be as many young fish. Maybe it’s just me and winter can kind of be like that. But it’s something I’ve noticed.

 

[nymphingmaniac]

I’m starting to wonder about this. I fish the LJ quite a bit and this has been my experience for a while now - going on a year I’d say. Bigger fish and less fish. I have rarely caught anything under 12”. Not complaining but it’s a little concerning that there don’t seem to be as many young fish. Maybe it’s just me and winter can kind of be like that. But it’s something I’ve noticed.

electroshocking and angler surveys suggest fish have been getting marginally bigger, not statically significant, but noticeable over the last 10 years.
Catching more larger vs smaller fish might have to due with fishing location and style.

 

[Richbo69]

Awesome day for smallies. Caught a dozen or so. Some of the highlights.

 

[bdhoover77]

Awesome day for smallies. Caught a dozen or so. Some of the highlights. View attachment 1641249968View attachment 1641249969View attachment 1641249970View attachment 1641249971

What flies were they taking?

 

[Richbo69]

#2 Clousers. Was using a dark olive and yellow in morning then switched to chartreuse and white. They hammered both.

 

[bdhoover77]

#2 Clousers. Was using a dark olive and yellow in morning then switched to chartreuse and white. They hammered both.

I’m thinking about going out tomorrow afternoon on a MD river. Weather conditions are not looking ideal, but I’m hoping I might fool a few smallies.

 

[bdhoover77]

I went out for a few hours on a MD river. Skunked again for the second time in a week. Either fish weren’t interested, or I am just not very good at fly fishing…both of which may in fact be true.

 

[Richbo69]

An ok day. Only landed 4 but all but 1 was nice sized.

 

[REDNECK_FLYFISHER]

 

[REDNECK_FLYFISHER]

View attachment 1641250091

Best fightin bass i ever had

 

[5footfenwick]

Sweet photo and nice fish @REDNECK_FLYFISHER !!!

 

[GoldenRfly]

An ok day. Only landed 4 but all but 1 was nice sized. View attachment 1641250087View attachment 1641250088

Rich, your flies are so beautiful- it’s hard to see how any fish could resist them.
Nice day!!

 

[Richbo69]

Thank you!

 

[Broodstock]

electroshocking and angler surveys suggest fish have been getting marginally bigger, not statically significant, but noticeable over the last 10 years.
Catching more larger vs smaller fish might have to due with fishing location and style.

Anecdotally, I have noticed the same. The next LJRA meeting minutes should have the results of the angler survey that was done last year.

For me, I think it is fishing method mostly, but yeah - not as many fish in the 8-12" range as I am used to seeing. Mostly big fish, but fewer.

 

[shortrod]

Has anyone had much luck in this area on smaller creeks?

I don't think you will find many SM in the smaller creeks in the winter/early spring because they are not there yet. They migrate to bigger waters in October and return later in the spring.

 

[Shawn_H]

I don't think you will find many SM in the smaller creeks in the winter/early spring because they are not there yet. They migrate to bigger waters in October and return later in the spring.

Thanks. My smallmouth game is spotty at best but I’m learning.

 

[Dave_W]

I don't think you will find many SM in the smaller creeks in the winter/early spring because they are not there yet. They migrate to bigger waters in October and return later in the spring.

Agree.
I don't bother with small stream bass fishing until summer.

 

[Dave_W]

The SMB season is off to a slow start for me, but with the warm temps and rain as we start April, I would be very optimistic for the next couple weeks.

 

[Lhersh]

Finally connected on the Conestoga, water was 61 degrees today,..