Whether you’re a novice venturing into the world of fly fishing, or an experienced angler seeking to revamp your tackle box, this guide will help you discover the best bass flies available today.
If you’ve read our guide on bass fly fishing and are eager to put your newfound knowledge to the test, the right gear, including a well-stocked fly box, can greatly enhance your fishing experience and success rate. The selection of flies you use can significantly influence the number of fish you reel in.
From patterns that mimic baitfish, crayfish, emergers, and surface bugs, to soft hackle flies, streamers, poppers, and more, we’ve got you covered. We’ve waded through countless bass fly fishing options, both classic and contemporary, to bring you our top picks for the best bass flies currently on the market. These recommendations will save you time, effort, and money, while also increasing your chances of catching more fish!
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ToggleThe Best Bass Flies
Planning some epic bass fishing escapades this year? You’ll want your fly box loaded with the top fly fishing bass flies. Here are our top picks:
Clouser Deep Minnow
The Clouser Deep Minnow enjoys a stellar reputation among fly fishers. In fact, ask any fly fisher about their go-to fly, and there’s a high chance it’s the Clouser Minnow – especially for bass fly fishing.
Invented by Bob Clouser in 1987 for smallmouth bass, this fly has been a popular choice ever since. Composed of marabou feathers and deer hair, the Clouser Minnow is just the right weight and, as it rides hook-side up, it rarely snags. Though its most common colors are white and chartreuse, it’s been tied in a variety of hues over the years. You’ll be astounded at how many fish you can catch with just this one fly. Every angler, from beginner to pro, should have a Clouser Deep Minnow in their arsenal for bass fly fishing. For tips on tying the Clouser Minnow fly, check out the video above.
Woolly Bugger
The Woolly Bugger is the quintessential fly for fishing in any outdoor body of water – lakes, rivers, or streams. It’s incredibly versatile, able to catch everything from trout to bass. This wet fly streamer is made of a chenille or fur body, a hackle that runs to both ends, and a marabou tail with a bit of flash. It can be used in both salt and freshwater for exceptional results. For more insights on fishing with a Woolly Bugger, check out our guide here.
Deceiver
Originally developed as a saltwater fly, the Deceiver has gained popularity for freshwater bass fishing as well. This lightweight baitfish fly is perfect for imitating emergers – dance the Deceiver around just under the surface, above weeds, or around lily pads.
The Deceiver is also versatile. Attach it to a sink line and drop it into the deepest river holes and pond bottoms to lure lurking smallmouth bass out from their hiding places. The color you choose depends on what you want to imitate, but chartreuse and white create a classic look that performs well.
Meat Whistle
This gem, designed by John Barr, is ideal for early-season fishing when the water is cool and the fish are still lethargic. A Meat Whistle will sink to the depths where the bass are hiding and entice them out. To get your fly to the right depth, use a floating line paired with a mono leader, and give it a few jerks to make it come alive and catch the fish’s attention. The Sparkle Brush Flash definitely helps here! Many a bass will succumb to the temptation of a tasty snack, and you’ll soon be reeling in a trophy catch!
Deer Hair Bass Bug
Another effective popper for bass is the Deer Hair Bass Bug. Some anglers are wary of deer hair flies, assuming that they quickly become waterlogged and heavy. However, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it – the results may pleasantly surprise you!
The Deer Hair Bass Bug is brightly colored and constructed (as the name suggests!) mainly from deer hair. It’s perfect for creating a splash and catching a fish’s eye!
Dahlberg Diver Frog
It’s always good to have a frog fly in your tackle box, and the Dahlberg is one of the best. Bass can’t resist a tasty frog, and the Dahlberg Diver Frog imitates a frog’s behavior perfectly by plunging into deep water and hopping along the bed, before soaring back to the surface at a remarkable speed when you pull on your line.
If you’re looking for a fly that will cause a commotion and attract attention, this is it! The Dahlberg Diver Frog makes plenty of noise and grabs the attention of hefty bass looking for a substantial meal, increasing your chances of landing a big one.
Peck’s Popper
This classic has been a favorite for topwater fishing since its creation by E. H. Peckinpaugh in the 1920s. The best way to use a Peck’s Popper is to let it rest for a moment, then strip the line in a lifelike manner to catch the attention of any nearby bass.
Soft Shell Crayfish
Spring is crayfish season for bass! This is when you’ll want a variety of crayfish patterns in different colors and sizes, as they entice the bass and add a fun element to your fishing experience.
If you find yourself bored with using the same techniques every time you cast, consider adding a crayfish fly or two to your tackle for your next fly fishing trip. The Soft Shell Crayfish is a wet fly that is weighted to reach the depths where bottom-dwelling crustaceans hide.
Once you master the art of casting a Soft Shell Crayfish fly and drawing it along the streambed, you’ll enjoy watching bass chase and devour it.
Tequeely
If you’re the type of fly fisher who prefers to let the fly do its job, the Tequeely may be just what you’re looking for. With its vibrant orange hue, long legs, and marabou plume tail, the Tequeely is a surefire way to attract bass.
Swingin’ D
In contrast to the Tequeely, the Swingin’ D pattern is an elaborate, articulated fly designed by Mike Schultz. It features mallard flanks, grizzly soft hackles on the side wings, a large glass bead, a tail with two saddle hackles, and a foam diver head. Dart this fly around to get the bass biting! For fly fishing in still water, use a full sinking line to submerge it to your desired depth.
Gartside Gurgler
When searching for top flies for bass, don’t overlook the Gartside Gurgler. At first glance, it may appear unimpressive, but this fly is highly effective for bass fishing.
Designed by Jack Gartside to create a disturbance on the water’s surface, the Gurgler can be customized to mimic the exact environment you’ll be fishing, from color to size. This makes it one of the best bass flies around. Wherever you plan to cast your line, this versatile fly is a must-have for your tackle box.
Muddler Minnow
Though the Muddler Minnow is typically associated with trout, it can be equally effective for bass. It’s an excellent imitation of baitfish, like the sculpin, which bass can’t resist.
Topwater Popper
Topwater poppers are most effective on hot, sunny days in late spring and summer. If the weather is warm and you’re up for some fun, try using a topwater popper. The results may surprise you!
There’s a particular technique to it: when you feel a tug, wait a moment before setting the hook to ensure you’ve really got that bass. If it doesn’t seem to be working, save it for another day. But when conditions are right, topwater poppers can add an exciting element to your bass fly fishing experience.
Bunny Bass Leech
Specifically designed for catching bass, the Bunny Bass Leech is a simple yet effective fly made primarily of dyed rabbit fur on a hook. It’s also an excellent option for beginners learning to tie their own flies, as it’s relatively easy to create. While you can experiment with different colors, purple or black tend to yield the best results for largemouth bass.
Bass Hopper Fly
Though you won’t use this fly most of the year, there is a brief period in the summer when grasshoppers are plentiful and the Bass Hopper Fly shines. Given that grasshoppers often end up in the water due to their poor flying ability, bass have developed a taste for them. The Bass Hopper Fly perfectly imitates a grasshopper with a foam design, making it irresistible to hungry bass.
Boogle Bug
A top fly for summer, the Boogle Bug is a must-have when bass are on the hunt for the plentiful surface bugs. If you’re hoping to reel in a decent catch of smallmouth bass, the Boogle Bug is your best bet.
Your technique should adjust to the depth of the water: aim for a small pop in shallow water and make a bigger splash in deeper areas. Slight movements will make the fly appear to be moving its legs. Master this, and you’ll soon become a pro at topwater bass fishing.
The Wrap Up!
Now that you’ve read our roundup of the best bass flies, you should be well-equipped for your next fly fishing trip. This list includes a variety of flies, from streamers and poppers to jigging flies, providing you with a range of options depending on the fishing conditions and your preferred techniques.
So, visit your local fly fishing shop, pick up a few of these reliable bass patterns, and hit the water!
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your fellow anglers. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment or ask any questions below – I’ll be more than happy to respond!