Outdoor Chat > fall smallies on the Mississippi
Hola,
I agree with you entirely about the colors, however sometimes I feel that it is more important how you run your bucktail, and the vibrations that the blades put off instead of the actual colors. For any muskie fisherman, sometimes just having the right sounding bait and the right speed is more critical than the colors. I have mixed and matched nearly every color imaginable, however I find that it is more of knowing where the fish are and being there when they want to eat. Sometimes the feeding windows are very short lived, which makes it tough to know if the colors are really crucial. I tend to use just a couple of baits and have a lot of confidence in them, which is another reason I don't switch very often. I agree with the idea of mixing colors, and that is very neat that you can make your own lures. You should bring them by some time. Good post!
Travis Frank
River Ratt, I don't get too worked up over colors, more so presentation. I learned river fishing from my own river rat buddy, Paul Hansen. He's worked flies in every color of the spectrum, and I think he's determined presentation may have more impact than specific colors. This time of year, seems fewer fish take up on top. So, I tend to use flies that get down, even using sinking lines. If I was going to pick specific colors, I'd stick to those that mimic natural colors. Greens, reds and browns for crayfish patterns. Silver and grey and for minnow patterns. Most of my poppers have green in them, just like a real frog. Lots of locals swear by blue and white Clouser Minnows, otherwise patterns with chartreuse in 'em. I'll expect a report back once you try a few colors on the river!
Bill Sherck
Bill, thanks for the reply regarding my past post. I really feel you are a sharp lad when it comes to smallies and muskies. I am wondering what do you think is the best colors for flies for fall season smallmouth? I agree with Travis regarding the black colors for muskies, but I have found that black added with other colors like purple and yellows have added to my larger muskies. Travis try mixing your black bucktail baits with some other colors and I am sure you find this to be true. I tie my own bucktails so this makes it muck easier than buying off the rack with little or no choices. Good luck Guys!!! Keep up the great work Bill. I hope to meet you in person one day.