Smallies on Funday

Now that the primary elections are complete, I have once again focused attention on generating some quality reading material for our audience. The MKFF Team East assembled in full force at the Dale’s Market parking lot on Sunday morning. Eating Dale’s Famous Breakfast Sandwich on the tailgate of Mark’s Toyota Truck has become a regular ritual for the team. In a future video blog we will evaluate the Taylor Ham or Pork Roll sandwiches available from the shores of the Paulinskill. For today, we decided to provide you (our readers), with a short synopsis on Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass with info on the species, techniques, flies, and river conditions.

When Nature Calls The Bio Wipes Are Ready

Conditions

Early in the season we reported on the low water levels and high temperature. Fortunately, conditions have changed. On June 11, in Blairstown, the river is flowing at 160 CFS. I neglected to take the temperature, however, what I can report is that the temperature is in the higher range of optimal for Trout. Evening thunderstorms are ideal for controlling the river temperature.

Mark And Kuhn Fishing A Slow Run

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass occupy a habitat similar to that of Trout; they are more amenable to a wider variety of water temperatures. Thus, you will locate Smallies in watercourses with sand or gravel bottoms and cool, clean, and clear water. In the Paulinskill, when the balmy summer heat forces the Trout into the cooling springs, Smallies occupy the territory vacated by the Trout.

Smallmouth Bass

Juvenile Smallmouth Bass feed on Zooplankton and Midge Larva. The adults feed on Crayfish and other aquatic invertebrates. The adults typically reach sizes of 12 to 15 inches, possibly reaching a maximum of 24 inches. One to two pounds is the typical weight of an adult Smallmouth.

Baby Turtle Hanging Out Riverside

Tactics

Smallies that make the Paulinskill their home tend to hold in a few key areas:

  1. The shade of overhanging branches and logjams.
  2. Behind large rocks and other obstructions in the stream.
  3. Areas of visible current or runs.

I have found that Smallmouth Bass will feed on almost all of the same flies that the Trout will consume in similar sizes. In addition, the Bead Head Woolly Bugger, preferably green with some flash, size 10 or 12, pulls fish out of the Paulinskill.   Rainbow Trout Pulled Out Of A Cool Section Of River

Bragging Rights

As I indicated above the water temperatures and conditions were optimal for the full range of Paulinskill River species. Special shout out for Mike’s Bass Grand Slam!

  • Mike Busteed – Smallmouth, Largemouth and Rock Bass
  • Mark Beardmore – Smallmouth, Sunfish, Brook Trout, Shiner
  • Christopher Kuhn – Smallmouth, Rainbow Trout, Sunfish
  • Deborah Walters – Smallmouth, Sunfish
  • Dave Boynton – Smallmouth
    Green Woolly Bugger With Tan Marabou

     

Fly-Fishing for Smallmouth: in Rivers and Streams

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