As spring gets more and more sprung on rivers and streams in the country, for smallmouth bass fishing near you be sure you are armed with the best flies. Smallmouth bass are often the most active in the spring and early summer months. They are getting out of their winter slumbers and actively pursuing prey. From smallmouth rivers in Oregon like the John Day to the more known waters in the Midwest or southern states, smallmouth fly fishing is hitting its prime window.

Here are 5 of the best flies for spring-time smallmouth bass fishing.

Clouser Minnow. Created by Bob Clouser back when most people fly fishing today weren't even born yet, is a perhaps the most versatile baitfish pattern out there. Bright colors are ideal for sunny days and dark colors are good for cloudy days.

Sculpzilla. This is afavorite pattern for streamer fishing for smallmouth bass. Its origin is a partial hi-jacking of the Zonker and the Wooly Bugger, but it’s so much more than those two now. A Sculpzilla is best fished single as the articulation creates havoc for trailing flies tied to the bend of the hook.

Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow. Tied with lots of flash and with marabou as its key element, the Sparkle Minnow owes its lineage to the Wooly Bugger. Best fished stripped or swung, this pattern is hard for a feisty bass to pass up.

Crawdad Claws. This pattern is very effective because it is the best pattern to imitate the distinct claws of a crayfish, which are often a primary target for predatory smallmouth bass. The fly features large, articulated claws that create realistic movement when stripped through the water. Do not go to any smallmouth river near you this spring without a few Crawdad Claws.

The Circus Peanut. Sure this is known as a trout fly, but it imitates a wounded baitfish. A hungry smallmouth is probably going to munch any nearby wounded baitfish. With either a spun dyed deer hair or chenille head, articulated body in multiple segments and hooks, this fly is not one you give up easy if snagged. With articulation, large dumbbell eyes, stinger hooks, and rubber legs the Circus Peanut has roots in a variety of traditional patterns.

There you have it---the best flies for fishing for smallmouth bass. Now it is up to you get out there and go fishing.

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