When the heat of summer rolls in and the cold-water streams of Maine warm beyond what’s healthy for trout, fly anglers find themselves at a seasonal crossroads. But rather than packing up the gear or turning to other pursuits, there’s another direction that opens up—one that’s just as thrilling, with a fish just as willing: the smallmouth bass.
Smallmouth bass thrive in the very conditions that push native trout into thermal stress. While brook trout retreat to spring seeps, deep pools, and cold-water refuges, smallmouth become aggressive, active, and perfectly accessible on a fly rod. Warm water and long daylight hours stir them into explosive surface takes, fast runs, and acrobatic jumps that leave no doubt you’re hooked into a worthy opponent.
Fishing for smallmouth bass during Maine’s warmer months isn’t just about the excitement—it’s about making a responsible and informed choice as a conservation-minded angler. Our native brook trout are under increasing pressure, especially in summer, when higher water temperatures and low flows can put undue stress on them. Targeting these fish when they are already in survival mode can tip the scales in the wrong direction. As a fly angler, choosing to fish for a more temperature-resilient species like smallmouth is one way to be part of the solution rather than the problem.
Maine is home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the Northeast. From the Penobscot River to the Belgrade Lakes and down to the Androscoggin, countless waters hold strong, healthy populations of bass just waiting for a well-placed fly. You’ll find them hugging rocky shorelines, cruising weed beds, and holding in current seams—all prime targets for streamers, poppers, and crawfish imitations. They fight with a tenacity and spirit that rivals any cold-water species, and on a 5- to 7-weight fly rod, they give you every bit of the challenge.
Fly fishing for smallmouth bass is also a gateway for those newer to the sport or looking to develop skills during a time of year when trout fishing wanes. It allows for a more relaxed approach, with fish that are more forgiving and eager to engage. Whether you’re casting from a canoe at sunrise or wading a riverbank at dusk, the experience remains every bit as rewarding.
At Maine Fly Company, we celebrate all aspects of fly fishing in our great state—but we also recognize the importance of fishing responsibly. As climate patterns shift and water temperatures rise, adapting our habits is not only wise, it’s necessary. By shifting focus in the summer months from trout to smallmouth, we protect what’s native while still immersing ourselves in the rhythm of the river.
So when the water warms and the trout grow scarce, don’t hang up the fly rod. Shift your focus. Explore a new river. Tie on a popper and chase the bronze. Maine’s summer bass are ready—and waiting.