Smallmouth fishermen looking for some hot summertime smallmouth action in the Tennessee River Valley have ample opportunities to get their waders wet. The region is teeming with these hard-fighting fish — from east Tennessee’s Holston River, Little River, Little Pigeon River and Abrams Creek to north Alabama’s Aldridge Creek, Paint Rock River and Flint River, and many spots in between.
All an angler needs is a 6- or 7-weight rod to cast streamers and Woolly Boogers — the fly-fishing catch-all fly. Or, anglers may opt for a 5-weight rod for poppers to net bronze bass and bonus eager bluegill. The TVO’s Alan Clemons recently highlighted G. Loomis’ new IMX-PRO V2 series. The IMX-PRO V2 is a line built for a range of applications. It is designed to enhance natural ability, boost effectiveness and expand tactical opportunity.
Speaking of poppers, Orvis recently featured a video about the ins and outs of fishing them — including rigging, pattern selection, and presentation. Pennsylvania’s George Daniel is well-known for teaching anglers Euro-nymphing and streamer-fishing techniques. His video offers the ins and outs of catching topwater smallmouth.
