Few things in fly fishing get the heart pounding like watching a smallmouth bass explode on a topwater fly. Whether you’re knee-deep in a river or floating over rocky lake flats, that visual strike is what keeps us coming back for more. But timing, conditions, and fly selection all play a role in turning those splashy takes into fish in hand.

Let’s dive into some of the most common questions about smallmouth topwater fly fishing and help you get dialed in.

Do Smallmouth Like Topwater?

Yes, smallmouth love topwater, especially when the conditions are right. These aggressive fish are naturally curious and opportunistic, and they’ll often attack flies on the surface with a vengeance. 

What Temperature Do Smallmouth Hit Topwater?

Water temperature plays a huge role in smallmouth topwater fly fishing success. Generally, you’ll start to see reliable topwater action when water temps climb above 65°F, with peak topwater feeding in the 70°F to 80°F range. In these warmer conditions, smallmouth are more active and willing to chase food on the surface.

Earlier in the season or during cooler spells, smallmouth might still be more inclined to stay deeper, where subsurface flies like streamers or crayfish patterns are more effective. But once those temps hit that sweet spot, it’s game on.

From my experience, once water temperatures hit the 60 degree mark, I start thinking about topwater patterns. At this point, smallmouth are aggressively feeding and while the natural forage may not be up near the surface, the smallmouth are hungry enough to chase down (or chase up, wink wink) a hefty meal. 

Keep in mind, in rivers, the temperature can fluctuate more rapidly than in lakes, so local knowledge and checking temps with a thermometer can really help you decide when to throw topwater flies.

Will Bass Hit Topwater All Day?

Technically, yes, but it’s not always the best strategy. Smallmouth will hit topwater flies throughout the day, but certain times are much more productive. Typically, early morning and late evening are prime times for topwater strikes because the light is lower, and smallmouth feel more comfortable feeding near the surface.

That said, during overcast days or in shaded river sections, you can get steady topwater action even in the middle of the day. Water clarity, temperature, and angling pressure can also influence how willing smallmouth are to rise for a fly during daylight hours.

Some anglers swear by throwing topwater flies all day, especially in summer, but being flexible and switching tactics can save a slow day.

Low Light Conditions

You’ll hear the term “low light” conditions thrown around a lot when people talk about topwater fishing. Once the water temperatures are in their ideal range, the best topwater action comes when light/visibility is limited. This can mean:

• Morning (Sunrise)
• Evening (Sunset/Dusk)
• Cloudy Days (Overcast)

Smallmouth feel more secure feeding near the surface when the sun isn’t blazing overhead and tend to get more aggressive. The reduced light makes them less cautious and more likely to smash a fly on the surface. 

Additionally, during these low light conditions, it’s a little bit harder for smallmouth to see their prey deeper down in the water. The limited light doesn’t penetrate the water as well, which can persuade the fish to hunt further up in the water column. All that that to say is that “low light” conditions are prime time for topwater smallmouth fishing.

If you’re not getting much action during the day ont he surface, hitting the water during those dawn or dusk windows can make a huge difference. Plus, there’s nothing quite like watching the river come alive as the sun sets and smallies start looking up.

What is the Best Color Topwater for Smallmouth Bass?

When it comes to topwater fly color, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are a few patterns that consistently produce. Black, white, and yellow are classic choices, with black often being a favorite for low-light conditions because it creates a strong silhouette against the sky. White and yellow can shine during brighter conditions, especially when matching local forage like frogs or baitfish.

Some anglers prefer natural tones, while others swear by flashy, bright colors. It often comes down to water clarity and light. In clear water, more natural shades can work best, while in stained or low-light conditions, something bolder might help the fish locate your fly more easily.

And let’s not forget about the noise—flies that pop or gurgle can sometimes trigger strikes when color alone isn’t doing the trick.

Favorite Topwater Flies for Smallmouth Bass

While the effectiveness of topwater flies will depend on a few factors, I have a handful of flies that help me lock in the surface bite. Here’s my list of favorite topwater flies and when I like to throw them.

Boogle Bug

Boogle Bugs are the go-to, classic topwater pattern for smallmouth bass. You can find them in every fly shop in a multitude of colors and varying sizes.

I like throwing Boogle Bugs on calm, flat days. The fly makes a solid “popping” sound when stripped aggressively and can also be fished on a dead drift for when the fish want something subtle. The versatility of the Boogle Bug is one of the reasons it’s the most popular topwater fly out there.

Frog Poppers

Frog Poppers are fantastic to fish around weeds and lily pads- or anywhere frogs are naturally present. These flies can have a lot going on- rubber legs, flash, aggressive “pops” so I like to fish them when I’m targeting larger smallmouth that are hunting near structure for a big meal. 

Gurgler

Divers

Deer hair divers are typically larger profile topwater patterns that sneak underneath the water before rising back to the top again. This diving action provides a different action that most other topwater patterns and it can drive the smallies wild.

I like throwing divers when fish are in an aggressive mood. I’ve had success with them when the water is a little bit stained. With lower visibility, the fish may start to key in on prey using their lateral lines vs their eyes. Big, bushy deer hair flies push tons of water that makes a commotion, helping smallmouth find your fly and attack it. 

Mr. Wiggly

Mr. Wiggly flies are the ultimate in subtle topwater presentation. With no cup or lip, Mr. Wiggly flies look like an injured terrestrial, dragonfly, damselfly, or even baitfish that is drifting helplessly in the current. 

Less is more with these flies. I like to fish them on a dead drift in very clear water or when the fish are in a funky mood. Smallmouth will often gently sip these flies off the surface like a trout. While it’s not the aggressive “blow up” you get with some other patterns, there’s something addicting about getting a smallmouth to slowly inhale its prey.

When smallies are in a shy mood in clear water, Mr. Wiggly is the fly I’m fishing and I’m letting the legs do the work. No need to overwork this fly!

Topwater Tips for Smallmouth Bass

Topwater smallmouth fly fishing is all about reaction strikes, movement, and making the right presentation in the right place. Here are a few simple tips to help you get more blowups and hookups when you’re fishing on top:

Experiment with Retrieves

Change up how you work the fly. Try short pops, long steady pulls, or even just letting it sit still. Some days, smallmouth want it moving; other days, they’ll smash a dead-drifting fly.

From my experience, it’s very easy to overwork your flies. It’s tempting to want to aggressively strip and pop every fly you have on the water. However, fish seem to respond better when the fly is paused often and for much longer than you think. So get your pops and strips in, but be patient!

Throw at Different Types of Water and Structure

Cast to slow seams, fast pockets, current breaks, undercut banks, around boulders, and fallen trees. Smallmouth will hold in all kinds of places when hunting on top.

Lily pads are another favorite target of mine. While smallies don’t necessarily hunker down in the weeds like largemouth do, fishing along the edges of the pads yields the best results. 

So fish your topwater pattern as you would any other fly. Identify structure, give a few casts and move on until you dial in what type of water the fish like that day.

Use Fluorocarbon (…a little bit)

Run mostly a monofilament leader to keep your fly riding high. But add a 4–6 inch piece of fluorocarbon tippet at the very end—it helps poppers grab the water better and creates a sharper popping action without sinking your whole setup.

It may sound counterintuitive, but this fluorocarbon tip makes a big difference. Try it out next time- it works especially well with Boogle Bugs, Divers, and Froggy Poppers.

Don’t Worry about Delicacy

You don’t need perfect, soft landings. A splat on the water can actually attract curious smallmouth. They’re aggressive predators—make your presence known.

Sure, sometimes fish like a subtle presentation (especially with Mr. Wiggly flies), but it doesn’t need to be the delicate dry-fly casting for trout. A harder landing will announce your fly and maybe even get an instant reaction strike from an aggressive smallmouth.

Conclusion

Topwater smallmouth fishing is one of the most exciting ways to catch these aggressive bass. From explosive blowups to delicate sips, fishing the surface adds a level of visual drama that’s hard to beat. 

Understanding the best conditions, the right flies, and a few simple tricks can make all the difference in your success. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler, topwater smallmouth action is something every fly fisher should experience. Tie on your favorite bug, find some good water, and get ready for the strike!