LaHave River Bass Flies

Protect our Bass!

First let's start by saying Catch & Release is not just a catch phrase but a necessity. Our bass here grow terribly slow. Perhaps it is due to our short growing season or perhaps because of a lack of crayfish(where crayfish are present they make up the majority of the bass's diet) or then again it is probably due to both, in any case our bass grow slow.

On an overview of bass in Nova Scotia, Barry Sabean wrote, "Growth rates in Nova Scotia tend to be fairly slow compared to those in other provinces and states. Three year old fish average about 8 in. and 8-yearolds 16 in. and about 2lbs." On the other hand our bass are long lived compared to our southern friends. Barry writes, "One tagged individual originally introduced as a 9'' fish in Spectacle Lake, Digby County in 1971 was caught by an angler in 1985 at a weight of 3lb. 1.5oz. The fish would have been at least 3 years old when released so it must have been at least 17 years old."

With this knowledge, the choice must be obvious. To take a good fish, let's say a 2 pounder, home for supper, seems a real shame. The fish could easily be 10 years old! The large fish are the ones that have the genetics for our future stocks. They are the fish that can sucessfully build and protect a nest. These fish, the "good ones", must be handled with care, not thrown on a fillet board. Don't get me wrong, a few bass here and there for a meal is not a bad thing. However, we must carefully select those that we put in our limit. I use this guideline, 12'' or larger I release. You will have to decide what you think is appropriate. Remember one female could produce up to 14,000 eggs. If you take her home, that's 14,000 less chances of our river remaining a good angling experience.

LaHave Bass Flies

(The LaHave River has many regulations that change throughout the season. Gear resrtictions are common. Know the regulations before you do any angling.)

Flies for bass on the LaHave probably differ little from other flies on bass rivers with one exception; we have no crayfish in Nova Scotia. A study on bass in the LaHave shows us that insects were their mainstay. With this in mind we can approach what flies should produce fish. This is not to say that other flies will not work as well or better. I suggest the following common patterns if you simply do not know where to start.

Click on the flies for close-ups.

If I were limited to one fly it would be a Woolly Bugger. A bugger can imitate many forms of underwater life, from nymphs to leeches. My favorite is black with a grizzly hackle. Bead heads can be added to get your fly a little deeper.

A Muddler Minnow is another great fly. It imitates small baitfish and also terrestrials. In heavy water I like the traditional tie. In slack or still water I prefer a marabou wing.

A Deer Hair Popper is good for topwater action. Taking a bass on a popper is exciting. Timing is crucial. One tends to pull the fly from the fish when the strike occurs. Remember to feel the fish before you set the hook. The color I like is the traditional red and white. There is something about this color combination that bass just love. "My Creations" also has a hard bodied popper in this color combination.

Ok, this is for you dry fly fanatics. Fishing dry flies for bass can be as exciting as it is for trout. They can also be just as wary. Proper placement and drag free floats just as important. The Royal Wulff is high floating and has high visibilty. I've got one in my box that has seen a lot of fish. All that's left of the red floss is a few strands.

I could not imagine suggesting flies to try and not giving the nod to my all-time favorite. The Mickey Finn was the first fly I ever got a fish on. Since then it has proved to be one of my "must haves". Not just for bass but for anything that swims. If you are just starting to tie, this is a great fly to try. It uses only a few readily available materials and even the most feeble attempt will catch fish.

Last but not least, the Clouser Minnow. This is truly the best smallmouth fly ever invented. Specifically made for river smallies, this fly will produce your better fish. Tying variations can produce a glide on the fall or a quick drop. They can also be tied in an endless scheme of colors.
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Jamie Heim, Canada, ©1999-2003