"On the discussion of fly fishing; many people think of swift, free flowing streams or gurgling brooks, and of clear waters harboring native trout. But me, I dream of a calm bay, intently watching and listening to the 'blurp' of a colorful hand tied deer hair bug all while anticipating the swirl of a red-eyed smallmouth."
If your passion is fly fishing; then you owe yourself a trip to Ely, Minnesota. Here, the vast BWCA and Quetico Wilderness is truly a smallmouth bass heaven. Over the years, I've had the opportunity of being entertained many times while watching fly fishing guests catch and release hundreds upon hundreds of smallmouth bass of all sizes, on their own hand-tied fur and feather patterns. Those years of experience have taught me that consistent fly fishing action in the BWCA and Quetico Park begins around the third week of May and the Memorial Day weekend, and then continues through to mid-August. This sounds late in the year to some of you but believe me; during the mid summer period, fly casting over the submerged open water reefs can offer you superb Smallmouth Bass action.
"For instance, on an early evening outing not long ago I had the canoe situated on an open water reef called 'Bandit'. The air was heavy with an impending storm, we were literally laughing out loud with the explosive smallmouth action. I was there guiding ...absolutly incredible the fury those bronzebacks had!"
Sometimes the action comes in spurts, mainly in the early morning and evenings on into dusk; but if you are a dual purpose fisherman (fly rod and spin gear), we'll fish deeper during the day off the reefs for walleyes as well. I've had guests pull in some bruiser bronzebacks with sink tip line and weighted streamers while I sculled (slow troll) backwards along the broken edges of these reefs. Plus, there are many small, secluded lakes off the beaten track (a portage or two through the forest) that harbor fiesty smallmouth and even the indigenous largemouth bass, eager to strike all summer long!.
Check these trips out-
By far, the perfect flyfishing trip!
The Gone FishINN' package combines comfortable lodging at JC's A Stay Inn Ely with Don's Classic Northwoods Day Trip. Over the years, many of Jasper Creek's customers have chosen to get their Canadian RABC permits in advance; then secure their Canadian fishing license(s) on their first day out at the Prairie Portage Ranger Station on world renowned Basswood Lake. They then proceed to enjoy a consecutive run of Jasper Creek's Classic Day Trips up on the Quetico (Canada) side of Basswood Lake and fish for trophy smallmouth bass, and yes, we do catch our share! Evenings are spent back at the comfort of our beautiful hand hewn -A Stay Inn Ely.
The popular 'Cast and Cruise' style trip was designed specifically for the fly fisherman's needs.
The 3 day/ 2 night action packed 'Bass Blitz' is a great option for busy fly anglers on tight schedules!
All of these Smallmouth Bass fishing trips are unique, designed with the needs required of the fly fishing enthusiast, and offer a constant supply of quality shoreline waters to float your lines.
Tackle suggestions include an eight to nine foot rod with #7 to #8 weight line. A light #6 weight can really offer a fun adventure when fighting an 18-inch smallmouth bass. Bring two outfits along with spare spools wound with sink-tip line. Remember backing and check your knots. Tapered leaders seem the most practical and nine feet in length the most common. That's your call. Deer hair bugs, frogs, woolly buggers, clousers, leech, and crayfish patterns work well. Flash Dancers and Dahlberg Divers are also excellent smallmouth bass patterns. A fly fisherman paddling throughout the border waters can keep many patterns in a small package. Just make sure to bring an ample supply because the BWCA and Quetico Park smallmouth bass fishing is fabulous.
