The Best Flies for Bass Fly Fishing

Woolly Bugger

This fly is a staple among trout anglers, but larger woolly buggers tied on a number 1 or 2 hook also work well for bass. These are subsurface flies and have an imparted action thanks to the marabou tail and flowing hackle on the body. While woolly buggers do not look like any one food source, they do a good job of representing multiple temptations such as minnows or leeches. Allow the fly to sink after it hits the water and vary the retrieve based on water conditions; long, slow strips in cold water and fast, short strips in warmer water.

Soft-Shell Crayfish

This fly represents one of the bass's favorite food sources, the crayfish. Smallmouth bass have a fondness for crayfish throughout the season since these hard-fighting bass prefer a hard, rocky bottom where crayfish are readily found. But largemouths will key on the crayfish that go through the molting stage in which the crayfish are vulnerable with a soft outer shell. Work this fly on the bottom with short, abrupt strips to mimic the swimming motion of a fleeing crayfish.

Deer Hair Bug

Bass are famous for striking items on the surface of the water. Be it a frog, a minnow or a mouse, bass will charge the surface to engulf an easy meal. This fly rides high on the water with its spun deer hair body and makes plenty of commotion with short, hard strips. Let the fly settle after each strip and the dangling rubber legs will drive bass crazy.

Todd's Wiggle Minnow

Crankbaits are lures bass anglers use to cover water in search of active bass. Fly fishing anglers can now enjoy the same success with this wobbling fly. With a hard foam body and a flat face, the Wiggle Minnow will swim seductively on a straight retrieve. This fly also works well will short, fast strips that impart an erratic action to entice bass in various locales.