smallmouth bass

Hi folks, Been guiding the last few days from my boat and canoes for smallmouth bass.  Tons of fun.  Water conditions have been perfect with very little wind and water temperatures holding from 73 degrees to 77 degrees.  Nice thick morning fog has kept the sun off the water until at least 8am.  We have been casting small #8 chartreuse poppers and #8 frog pattern poppers.  In my opinion the top water smallmouth bass fishing for the next 6 weeks is some of the best of the season.  I have been locating active bass on sharp drop offs  from the shore line.  Ledge rocks with over hanging trees have been prime locations.  Really like these spots when you have a downed tree that extends out to the deep water.  The smallies will be set up on the outside edge.  We must have had over 20 smallmouth come to the fly yesterday morning.  Lots of fish in the 1 year old to 3 year old class.  The larger fish were a bit reluctant to eat off the top.  We did cast a chartreuse streamer that moved some of the larger fish to eat.  I think the bright sun slowed down the top water bite from the big boys.  We still need big time rain and our streams are very low.  I have been staying off the trout water as much as possible.  The big rivers are too warm and the little brooks are pretty low and clear.  Smallmouth fishing is fun and can be done in a number of lakes, ponds, and river systems in Vermont with fly or spin gear.  Plenty of opportunity to tug on one of Vermont's more powerful jumping game fish.  I am off to guide smllmouth this afternoon.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy