My son and I have been playing around with a three fly rig for smallmouth bass. Some anglers are reluctant to fish a three fly rig for fear the leader and line will become twisted. Actually this problem can be easily prevented. When the flies and line are extended on the stream in front of you, tip your fly rod low to the right so it is just above parallel to the ground.
While holding the line tightly in your line hand, make a powerful back cast to the side so the fly line extends straight behind you. Now lift your fly rod straight up in the air and make your forward presentation cast.
To do this, I use a 9ft 7-weight fly rod with 7-weight Bass Bug Fly Line and Bright Butt 9ft 2X Leader. I attach my first fly to the end of the leader. Using an improved clinch knot, come off the hook bend with 24-inch of 3X nylon and tie on second fly. Then come off the bend of the hook on second fly and repeat process to tie on the third fly.
Examples of Three Fly Rig
- Bass Caddis Nymph ->> to Bass Stonefly Nymph ->> to Olive Dragonfly Nymph
- Shenk’s White Streamer ->> to Murray’s Crayfish ->> to Murray’s Heavy Hellgrammite
This rig works best in water that is 4+ feet. If desired, add strike indicators.