Top Seven Jig Flies for Summer Smallmouth
GOT SMALLMOUTH?
Got low and clear water? Here are some flies that will work in the heat of summer for picky small jaws.
Gone are the days of the spring when smallmouth are eager to defend their beds and pack on extra calories in high muddy water with low visibility. This means stealth and finesse are the name of the game. Bigger bugs like larger Game Changers, Leggy Bois, and other swim flies can be too much. Instead, reach for sleek flies with minimal flash. Throwing a smaller profile on a jigged platform can often be a difference maker in these conditions.
No. 1. Kris KELLER'S Montana Humdinger
This fly has smallmouth written all over it. While it was originally intended to catch browns and rainbows this fly can crush smallmouth as well. On the smallest size (#10) there is a single hook at the back of the fly just behind a jigged shank. The larger sizes of this pattern (#6 and #2) feature a trailer hook and a front hook. Both hooks ride hook up and, very smartly, the back hook has some pieces of foam lashed to it to create neutral buoyancy and movement.
no. 2. JaWbreaker
The Jawbreaker is a souped-up Wooly Bugger on steroids. Featuring a twister style tail and a conehead, this bug gets down and mimics several different forage items ranging from crawdads, minnows, leeches and more. Fish this on the swing, under an indicator or jig it. This fly comes in four colors white, craw, black, and olive. This fly is a must have in your bass box. I have been known to throw this under a hair popper or large foam fly for both surface and subsurface action.
No. 3. BIG DADDY CRAW
The Big Daddy Craw is a crawdad pattern that is particularly suited to low and clear conditions. It has a lack of flash but features red hot spots and ample movement from its rabbit strip claws. The profile and action of the help to mimic the genuine article. Work this bug over rocks and through riffles for best results.
no. 4. UNSUPERVISED MINOR
Paying ohmage to the all-time classic, Bob Clouser’s, Clouser Minnow; the Unsupervised Minor is very similar to Clouser but is tied with craft fur and is on a jig hook. The craft fur allows the fly more movement while increasing the sink rate of the fly. This comes in a large variety of colors including Olive/White, Brown Trout, Baby Bow, Shad, Chartreuse/White, Perch and Firetiger.
No. 5. Jigged jj Special
The JJ Special is yet another bugger variation that flat out produces. This fly is most commonly associated with trout fishing but will work for bass as well. This fly features the elements that entice smallmouth to eat; plenty of rubber legs, movement from the marabou tail, and a heavy enough bead to get the fly down and in front of the fish. This bead is also excellent for creating a jigging action. Some similar bugs to the JJ Special include the Teqyeely Bugger and the Autum Splendor. These patterns will also work in a pinch.
No. 6. Riendeau's crawdad
This craw pattern is incredibly well thought out and fishes well. The fly jigs, has a touch of flash, and plenty of movement from the many rubber legs intended to emulate antenna, claws, and legs. This pattern also features shrimp eyes to make it that much more convincing. The smartest element of this design is the rubber tubing under the lead eyes. This allows the eyes to flex and move around the structure and not break off.
No. 7. WHAMMY CRAW
The Whammy Craw is a very slick design that features a unique epoxied head that encases a set of lead eyes. The fly has a relatively sparce body but appears larger from the craft fur carapace and marabou underbody. These elements create great profile and size with added movement. This pattern comes in a great Craw Orange and Olive.
