As is the case with fly fishing for trout, most anglers would probably say they prefer a topwater method that allows them to witness an explosive strike rather than fishing flies subsurface. Although it’s a hard fact that less oppurtunity comes when fishing topwater, its also hard to argue that that watching a bass explode on a popper and come right iut of the water isnt enough to make it worth catching less fish.
The best bet when smaillie fishing is to rig up to fish both ways. Usually poppers and other surface flies are best used in the early and late parts of the day, before and then after the hot summer sun gets too high. Often times you may have a stellar morning tossing poppers only to have it die off in the late morning, so its great to have your streamer set up along to extend the day.
HERE IS A LIST OF SURFACE FLIES WITH LINKS TO INSTRUCTIONAL TYING VIDEOS TO SOME OF THOSE THAT WOULD BE EFFECTIVE ON THE MUSKEGON (AND REALLY ANYWHERE ELSE).
Note: I AM A BIT BIASED BUT IN MY OPINION THE TOP FIVE ARE
- ZUDBUBBLER
- ZUDBUBBLER
- ZUDBUBBLER
- ZUDBUBBLER
- ZUDBUBBLER
IN MY OPINION IT IS THE GREATEST POPPER EVER DESIGNED. ITS EASY TO TIE, IT ALWAYS POPS LIKE IT SHOULD, IT’s SUPER EASY TO CAST, AND IT CAN BE TIED A MILLION WAYS TO SUITE ANYTHING THE ANGLER NEED.
HERE IS A LIST OF SURFACE FLIES WITH LINKS TO INSTRUCTIONAL TYING VIDEOS TO SOME OF THOSE THAT WOULD BE EFFECTIVE ON THE MUSKEGON (AND REALLY ANYWHERE ELSE).
MATT ZUDWEG’S ZUDBUBBLER