bass bite

Hi folks, Guided a large body of water for smallmouth bass with the fly rods last night.  Started late in the day and fished into dark.  Pretty darn hot out there and the sun is big and bright.  Looks to stay that way for a few days.  The surface temperature was a really warm 80 degrees.  slight breeze from the west which laid right down towards dusk.  Good conditions for top water fishing though really warm water temps. have to make a percentage of the fish lazy.  We fished a #6 frog popper.  The yellow bottom is the key.  I do really well with any yellow bottomed or chartreuse bottomed popper this time of the year.  Must kind of look like the profile and color of the Hexagenia and other large may flies that have hatched out in recent weeks.  We fished rocky islands that were surrounded by lilly pads.  We focused on the outside edges.  Landed 2 really nice 2.5lb smallies that literally jumped higher out of the water higher than we are tall.  One strike was really aggressive and I thought at first it was a big pickerel or pike.  The second take was a slurp and I thought it was perch until the line came tight.  Lots of perch last night and few bass we missed.  For a hot day, pretty good fishing.  the smallmouth fishing should remain steady.  Just pick an choose your times and go early and late.  Trout fishing is getting more tricky with the low water and warming temperatures.  We need rain and a cool down.  Off to fish at dusk again tonight.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy