Brenton returned back to New Jersey from Utah for Father’s Day Weekend. Needless to say the MKFF East Team met the West Team and we all went Fly Fishing. As previously discussed, Bass fishing is so hot right now. Largemouth Bass are killing Poppers on the farm ponds, while Smallmouth Bass love the Wooly Bugger out in the Paulinskill. This trend continued unabated through the weekend, with a slight downturn in Smallmouth catch count towards the end of the weekend. Check out the gallery and enjoy!
Fish On!
Father and Son
Brenton’s Trophy Bass caught on a Mouse Hopper he spun up. Caught on Proving Grounds.
Rusty blows up the Proving Grounds.
Proof of MKFF Popper success.
MKFF Popper, achieved one Largemouth Bass per cast for six straight casts on Dave’s pond.
Cave entrance, undisclosed location.
Drifting nymphs for Smallmouth.
Gathering of Toyota’s best Trucks.
Check out our awesome meal and the Hot Dog Cooker!
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:
The shade of overhanging branches and logjams.
Behind large rocks and other obstructions in the stream.
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.
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
Spring arrived quickly this year; there was no melting snow to supplement the water level of the streams here in New Jersey. That being said, Trout season has been charging hard out of the gate. As I write this, glancing at the weather forecast, we should be receiving a substantial downpour this evening into tomorrow. With luck the low water issue will be rectified quickly.
Accidental Carp
A month ago, Larry Chandler posted a blog titled, “Carp on the Fly.” Whilst pondering that piece, I was stoked on the idea of hooking into a Carp. In an average year, Carp are sought during the warm summer months when other fish are not biting. Friday after work the Moose Knuckle Fishing Crew dropped in at the Black River to rip a few lips. Water at the Kay Pond was a mere trickle. Returning to the point I was throwing the Moose Knuckle Fishing Wooly Buggerwhile slow strip retrieving easily along the mucky bottom. There were stocked Trout nibbling on the Bugger, I simply could not land one. Then along came this juvenile Carp, my first Carp on the Fly.
Carp On The Fly
Smallmouth Bass are Biting
Anticipating the downpour to commence on Saturday I met up with my fishing buddy Chris on the Paulinskill. Again the water was warm and sluggish, we have already addressed the lack of rain issue. Chris and I each pulled up two trout; my two were on a size 12 March Brown Nymph and the Wooly Bugger (fly is so hot right now). The feeding activity was sluggish much more so than last weekend; likely the result weather and low water.
Cute Little Smallmouth Bass
While Trout may not thrive in the current conditions, Smallmouth Bass sure do! During warmer months, the Paulinskill is an exciting Smallmouth fishery. When the Trout hide in the refreshing water of natural springs, Smallmouth veraciously feed. Looking forward to many good days this summer.
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