Just returned from annual smallmouth bass fly fishing trip to Quetico Wilderness in Canada above Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Water temp was about 50, too cold for smallmouth bass to spawn, and consequently I was not able to fish popping bugs, sliders, and divers. Weather was cold, windy, and rain most every day. The result of the colder water and late spring (about two weeks late) was fewer but larger fish. Our group caught 10 smallmouth over 5 pounds--all but one on spinning gear--I was able to catch a 6 pound 10 ounce smallmouth on a clouser minnow fished with a 9 foot 7 weight fly rod. It was a hoot! Caught several over 4 pounds on a clouser fished with a 9 foot 6 weight rod. This is a great trip, but not for the feint of heart as the paddling can be extensive.
PS: Our water in Arkansas tailwaters are still high from spring flooding, and will likely remain unwadable until September or October. After that, we should have some great flyfishing. Fall colors are optimum first week in November.
PS: Our water in Arkansas tailwaters are still high from spring flooding, and will likely remain unwadable until September or October. After that, we should have some great flyfishing. Fall colors are optimum first week in November.
