As the rivers temperatures drop the bass undergo a mini migration to deeper water which can range from five to eight feet deep. I switch to a SA Sink Tip III Line or a Teeny 200 Sinking Head Line at this time. Good flies are the Murray’s Magnum Hog Sucker size 4 and the Murray’s Magnum Creek Chub size 4. In order to get good depth I use a 5 foot leader.
One of my most productive tactics is to wade or float down the shallow side of the river of these deep pools. I start in the head of the pool and cast across stream. After my streamer sinks deeply I swim it slowly across the stream bottom by stripping it six inches every ten seconds. I move slowly downstream stopping every five feet to repeat this same fly-swimming action. This methodical tactic shows your fly to every large bass in that pool so take your time.
Setting the hook on these deep swimming flies requires special attention to assure a high percentage of hooked bass. My favorite tactic is to use a fast line hand stripping action while lifting the rod firmly. I use 10lb. or 12lb. leaders to avoid breaking the bass off on the strike.
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