Fly fishing in February for smallmouth bass is difficult but certainly not impossible. During periods of high water the powerful flows cut back into the river banks and form what I call bank bays. These may extend from 10-20 feet bank into the bank and reach 20-30 feet downstream. The depth in these areas may range from 2-5 feet deep. These are wonderful protected feeding stations for the bass as they hold many minnows. I recommend using a Murray’s Heavy Hellgrammite, Murray’s Magnum Hog Sucker, and Tungsten Conehead Marauder, Pearl all in size 4. LISTEN TO MY PODCAST FOR MORE



Fishing for Stocked Trout



The trout in the large stocked trout streams have become acclimated to the natural foods in the streams. Many of the large rainbows are feeding well on the large nymphs in the heavy riffles. Often I use large nymphs for my smallmouth bass fishing and I have found these same nymphs to be effective for the large stocked trout.




Bass Stonefly Nymph size 4



Olive Dragonfly Nymph size 6



Bass Caddis Nymph size 6




First start on the side of the stream right below the riffle and cast across stream. Then let the nymph sink deeply and strip it slowly across the stream bottom. After each cast, take a small step downstream and repeat the nymph retrieve. Continue this process until you have covered the whole area.



LEARN HOW TO FLY FISH



Each Spring and Summer Murray’s Fly Shop offers on the stream fly fishing schools. Rod and reel outfits are provided for the schools. Click on the links for more information.




Mountain Trout Fly Fishing School in the Shenandoah National Park



Mountain Trout Fly Fishing School in the George Washington National Forest



Full Day Fly Fishing School on the Shenandoah River



Half Day Fly Fishing Lesson on the Shenandoah River