When it comes to fly selection, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. But if you peek into a seasoned guide’s fly box, like that of expert angler Jeff Liskay, you’ll usually find a more simplified approach, one that’s built on repetition, results, and a deep understanding of how fish behave. In this post, we’re diving into Jeff’s practical, no-fuss way to choose flies that get results, especially when targeting bass in lakes, rivers, and large impoundments.
Keep It Simple: Three Main Categories
Start by breaking your fly choices into three basic groups: baitfish, creepy crawlers, and insects. These categories provide a solid foundation to work from. Not every fly will produce results every day, but thinking in these terms helps you narrow things down based on what the fish are actively feeding on.
Baitfish patterns sit higher in the water column and can be incredibly effective, especially when tied with the right belly colors. Think back to the gear-fishing world and jerk baits – those belly colors make a difference. Pink, chartreuse, white, and especially orange are all proven triggers. The key is contrast: light on the bottom, dark on top. That contrast helps fish see the fly more clearly, whether the water is stained or crystal clear. This is also where more “outside-the-box” color combos like Tutti Frutti can really shine.
Don’t forget about the “young of the year,” either. These are juvenile versions of common native species, like yellow perch or freshwater drum that become prime food sources for larger predators. Small rabbit strip closures are a great go-to when these baitfish hatches start happening, especially in late summer when fish begin chasing them in open water.
Pay Attention to the Hatches
One of the biggest game changers in the Great Lakes and similar systems is the massive mayfly hatch. These hatches are so dense in places like Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair that storefronts have to be cleared with leaf blowers. During this time, fish can become laser-focused on mayflies, and traditional baitfish patterns often stop working.
This is where fly anglers sometimes have the upper hand. Downsizing your tippet and switching to floating or intermediate lines can be the difference-maker. Popper fishing also shines during the hatch, especially when fish are looking up. Smaller poppers that match the hatch and subtle dragonfly or damsel patterns in white, green, or blue can be super effective.
And here’s a tip: look for the windward side of coves and flats where mayfly carcasses get trapped. These areas become buffets for bass, panfish, and even carp, creating prime surface action.
Don’t Forget the Bottom Feeders
Once the hatch slows down, or on calmer days, it’s time to switch gears and think about bottom-oriented food sources, specifically, the round goby. Though once seen as an invasive pest, this soft-bodied baitfish now makes up a huge portion of the smallmouth diet on the western end of Lake Erie.
Goby patterns should resemble sculpin flies with a bulky head and a tapering body. Pick up both light and dark versions to match different water and lighting conditions. But here’s the kicker: gobies don’t swim far off the bottom, so keep your strips low and tight. Aggressive strips can work, but you’ll want to maintain bottom contact or get right back down after a retrieve. These flies excel on calm, slow days when predators aren’t actively chasing.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, fly selection does not have to be complicated. Stick with the three core categories – baitfish, creepy crawlers, and insects – and stay tuned in to what is happening in and on the water. With the right colors, awareness of seasonal hatches, and a few trusted patterns, you will be ready for most conditions you encounter.
Want to keep learning from Jeff Liskay? He goes even deeper into fly selection for big water in his full class, covering techniques, patterns, and strategies that work. Unlock the complete course by clicking here.
