The hot summer nights are in full bloom. The temperatures are in the 80's-90's during the day and starting to cool off in the low 60's at night. This is the perfect start of the season for popper fishing. The team and I are fishing and guiding daily on the local waterways. No need to wake up early, wait till the 3:00 or later, the bite will be much better. If you are interested in a guided trip, give the fly shop a call at 937-434-8472.
The larger rivers like the Great Miami, Lower Little Miami are still slightly off color. Clarity is around 2-3ft and clearing over the weekend. These larger rivers are nice and hot. These rivers have been exceptional for the popper fishing in the evening. Look for vegetation like water willow, rip rap, or even logs/stumps along the shore line. I really like to look for a riffle first, find the vegetation second, then you find the first fish. Best fly that I love is a Zoo cougar or a soft slider in the vegetation. Hard poppers in the deep pools and eddies.
The smaller creeks and streams like the Mad River, Wolf Creek, Stillwater, and Twin Creek are low and clear. However, presentations in the riffles in deep pools have been phenomenal. More oxygen in the riffles on these hot days. Use smaller white to olive baitfish patterns in the 1-3in size. Love a Shenks minnow, murdich minnow, or just a lightweight meat whistle. No need to go big in size. In the evening, find the vegetation and deep cover and you will find these fish. I love a slider or a soft small foam popper for these types of streams.
Stop by the shop, we are fully stocked on all smallmouth flies. We are also getting ready for the fall time, where larger bass will feed up for the winter time. Good luck this week.
-Parker