Hi Folks, I have been chasing the smallmouth bass with clients all week. It has been a great week of fishing and particularly for large fish. Water levels have been up all week from periodic thunderstorms. Temperatures have maintained in the low seventies in the bass water. Nice over cast conditions along higher than average flows, and off colored water has probably made the larger fish more comfortable in their environment. In the last two days I have floated in the driftboat, waded, and canoe fished. The river fishing has been way more productive that the still water fishing. The river fish appear to be more aggressive and active. Most of the action from the larger bass has come from either a Rapala or a 4" dead drifted Senko swim bait. The smallmouth have been holding in pools and off large rocks. A lot of strikes have been pretty subtle on the rubber to ferocious on the plugs. I have to say that the average size of the fish has been outstanding. The smallies look to be really well fed and healthy. Deep bodied fish that are really strong. The bass fishing is a great option in Vermont when the trout water warms up. Lot of terrestrials about now especially green bodied grasshoppers. Start paying attention in the afternoon flying ants. Still seeing lots of #18-#20 micro caddis as well as #22-#24 Trico spinners every morning. I am off to chase smallmouth. Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home. Have Fun, Willy
