Trading Trout for Smallmouth: Embracing the Summer
- Clifford Taylor
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
When the water drops low on the Gunpowder, it’s a story felt across trout streams all over the region. As a conservationist first and a fisherman second, protecting those fragile, heat-stressed trout ecosystems comes before anything else. But that doesn't mean you have to hang up the rod for the summer.
Lately, I’ve been shifting my focus toward a much more resilient opponent: bass.
Yes, with a fly rod. And yes, they absolutely crush flies.
There is a reason bass are America’s number one game fish. They are hardy, aggressive, and found almost everywhere in the United States. My own introduction to the obsession started on a Warrior Community Connect trip, hitting the water for my first official bass float with Wes Hodges’ guides. That trip hooked me on the pure, unadulterated joy of fishing a topwater popper.
Fly fishing for bass is a completely different world than technical trout fishing, and it is incredibly liberating:
Ditch the Micro-Flies: Forget squinting at a size 18 dry fly. Bass poppers are big, chunky, and meant to be fished with attitude.
Make Some Noise: Instead of a delicate, whisper-light presentation, you actually want a popper to splat hard against the surface to wake them up.
Travel Light: No floatant required. That's just one less piece of gear to clutter your pack.
Stay Cool: While trout fishing usually means sweating inside heavy waders, summer bass fishing means wet wading—just you, the river, and the open air.
Now Guiding: Summer Smallmouth Wade Trips
I am incredibly excited to announce that I am expanding my guiding services to offer wade fishing trips for Smallmouth Bass on two of Maryland's premier scenic waterways: the Potomac and Monocacy rivers.
If you book a trip with me during summer, you'll quickly realize how nice it is to leave the suffocating waders at home. Our exact destination on the river will depend entirely on current water conditions and your personal mobility. There are countless tactical ways to target summer smallies, and I can't wait to break them down for you on the water.
Trip Rates & Packages
Trip Type | 1 Angler | 2 Anglers | Included Perks |
Half-Day (4 Hours) | $325 | $400 | Fresh water & snacks provided |
Full-Day (6 Hours) | $375 | $450 | Full lunch, water & snacks provided |
Preparing For Your Adventure
To get the absolute best bite of the day, I highly recommend meeting at 4:30 AM. However, this is your trip—we can adjust the meeting time to whatever fits your schedule best.
Because smallmouth wade trips can be physically demanding, please keep the following preparation tips in mind so we can tailor the day specifically to you:
Mobility & Safety First: Let me know where you are at mobility-wise before we head out so I can plan the perfect access points. Please remember to take all necessary daily medications before hitting the water.
Hydrate Early: Start drinking plenty of water the day before our trip. There is very little shade on these river stretches. We can always seek out shade when needed, but we won't be standing in it all day.
What to Wear: Plan for a full day of wet wading. I personally recommend wearing your standard wading boots* (for traction), quick-dry shorts or pants, and a high-quality sun shirt.
*wading boots are available for rent at Great Feathers fly shop.
Whether we are throwing topwater poppers at dawn or adapting to the midday heat, it’s going to be an unforgettable day on the water.
And in the famous words of Mr. Tom Rosenbauer... "Let's try a big nymph."
Ready to book your summer smallmouth trip? Let's get it done.
(shoot me an email at info@bignymphing.com)
Comments