There are few things better than fly fishing for smallmouth bass with poppers. Smallmouth bass will either sip poppers off the surface like a fine wine or inhale it like a Hot Pocket at 2am. Both are fun, and both are bound to happen with the right flies and techniques.

These topwater flies are designed to create a commotion on the water’s surface, attracting bass with their splashes, pops, and gurgles. Some are designed to make a ruckus on top, while others are more subtle and natural. But which one will work?

So if you’re new to using poppers or just want to refine your technique, this primer will cover everything you need to know.

Are Poppers Good for Bass Fishing?

Absolutely! Poppers are excellent for bass fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass. 

The visual appeal of topwater fishing adds excitement, as you can witness the explosive strikes when a bass hits your popper. Or, you’ll see that swimming football with fins casually cruise to slurp your surface seducer. Wow, that was a lot of alliteration… Let’s keep going.

Poppers mimic the action of injured or struggling prey on the water’s surface, which bass find irresistible. Whether your fly resembles a struggling frog, a drowned terrestrial, an injured baitfish, or a good ole’ fashion flying insect, smallies will take a bite.

Poppers work well in various water conditions, especially in the warmer months when bass are more likely to be feeding near the surface.

There are several different styles of poppers. Cup-headed poppers like Boogle Bugs create a noisier commotion on the surface while softer-headed flies like Gurglers create a more subtle disturbance. Deer hair poppers like the Dahlberg Diver slurp down into the water column and create a unique action that can drive fish crazy.

When Should I Fish with Poppers?

The best time to fish with poppers is during the early morning or late evening when the water is calm, and bass are actively feeding near the surface. Overcast days can also be productive, as bass may stay near the top even during midday. During warmer months, bass are more likely to strike at surface lures, making poppers particularly effective.

The summer months are a great time to fish poppers. With the warmer temperatures, smallmouth’s metabolism is higher in response to the increased water temperatures. Consequently, smallies will need to feed more and are willing to chase down prey at the top of the water column.

Additionally, there is an increased volume of prey that comes to the surface and shallow areas this time of the year. Shad and other baitfish come to the shallows during the low-light hours to escape the heat and there is an increase of frog, terrestrial, and bug activity with the warmer environment.

Topwater poppers can be effective during other times of the year, but the warmer months are when they are traditionally most effective. 

How Do You Fly Fish for Bass with Poppers?

Fly fishing for bass with poppers involves casting your popper near structures where bass are likely hiding, such as rocks, logs, shorelines, or weed beds. The tailouts of pools and runs are also effective areas for topwater fishing.

Once your popper hits the water, give it a few seconds to settle. Then, start retrieving with short strips of the line to create a popping sound on the surface. The key is to mimic the erratic movement of a struggling insect or small fish. Vary your retrieve speed and rhythm to see what triggers the most strikes.

To fish your popper, point the rod tip toward the popper and down in the water. Strip line while occasionally twitching the rod to either side, which helps create the “pop.” It also helps to have a direct line to your fly, so a mend of the line may help as well.

It’s tempting to want to constantly strip and retrieve but less is often more when it comes to popping your popper. In one cast, I rarely give the fly more then 5-6 strips. Even with a soft landing and gentle pop, these things will get the attention of the fish. Bass will take the fly on the pause so make sure you give it plenty of pauses!

Popper Retrieves: Disruptive vs Subtle

With popper fishing, it’s mostly a matter of determining the mood of the fish on that particular day. This takes some experimenting with different retrieves and different flies.

If the fish are in attack mode, a fast retrieve with two or three strips and twitches followed by a pause works well. Disruptive flies like Boogle Bugs and Dahlberg Divers create a big, noisy commotion that trigger strikes from aggressive fish.

If they seem more subdued, a slow and subtle retrieve with one strip and twitch followed by a pause is more effective. The pause is crucial; let the fly sit still for 5-6 seconds, or even longer, before inducing more action, as most strikes occur when the fly is stationary.

More subtle flies like Mr. Wiggly and Gurgler style flies emit a softer “pop” at the surface which can be highly effective. These flies provide a more natural presentation when the fish are in a skittish mood. 

From experience, I’ve learned that it’s really easy to over-do the “popping.” More often than not, less is more when it comes to popper fishing. I like to get the fish’s attention with pops and twitches, then let the fly do its thing. 

Fish seem to respond to this better than the hyper-aggressive retrieves that are common with topwater flies. I really only give my consistent aggressive strips when the more subtle presentations aren’t working. 

Keep that in mind when fishing poppers. Get the fish’s attention, give it the occasional twitch to keep it life-like, but let the fly work its magic. Most of the time, that’s all that is needed. 

What Size Popper Fly for Bass?

The size of the popper fly you use should match the size of the bass you’re targeting. For smallmouth bass, poppers in the 2 to 4-inch range are ideal. Smaller poppers work well in clear water or when bass are feeding on smaller prey, while larger poppers are better in murky water or when targeting bigger fish.

Be observant to the natural forage as well. If you notice fish chasing down small baitfish, tie on a fly that matches that size and profile. If you see them aggressively hunting frogs or larger baitfish, throw on a bigger fly. Essentially, you want to “match the hatch” as much as you can.

What Color Popper for Bass?

In the opinion of many anglers, color can make a big difference in how effective your popper is. 

Natural colors like olive, white, or yellow work well in clear water, as they better mimic the appearance of real prey. Darker colors like black and brown can be effective in low-light conditions or murky water as they silhouette better against a darker background. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors to see what the bass in your water prefer.

Also, consider the habitat and forage base where you’re fishing. For instance, in a pond or lake with lots of lily pads and frogs, a frog-colored popper is a go-to regardless of weather conditions. Certain colors, such as yellow, olive, or chartreuse, are mainstays that can work at any time.

What Is the Best Fly Line for Poppers?

When fly fishing with poppers, a floating fly line is essential. A weight-forward floating line is typically the best choice, as it helps with casting larger, wind-resistant poppers and provides better control during the retrieve. 

A line with a bass-specific taper can further enhance your ability to cast accurately and control the popper on the water.

What Rod Is Best for Poppers?

A medium-fast to fast action fly rod in the 6 to 8-weight range is ideal for fishing with poppers. The heavier rod helps to cast larger poppers more easily and provides the backbone needed to fight aggressive bass. A 7-weight rod is a versatile choice that offers a good balance between power and finesse.

However, if you don’t have to cast far to reach structure, a 9-foot fly rod in the 5- or 6-weight range will work. The lighter rod also adds an element of finesse and sportiness to popper fishing. 

Casting a bass popper requires more effort than casting most other flies. Because the poppers themselves are heavy and wind resistant, you have to generate more line speed than you would with other types of flies. Don’t worry too much about delicate, picturesque casting when throwing poppers. Get it to your intended target, even if it lands like a boulder. The harsh landing will help get the fish’s attention!

How Long Should Your Leader Be for Poppers?

For popper fishing, a shorter leader is generally better. A leader length of 7 to 8 feet is ideal, as it allows for better turnover of the popper and helps to keep the fly line closer to the surface. The shorter leader also provides more control over the popper’s movement.

The length of your leader shouldn’t be the main focus of your day though. If the fly is unfurling at the right time and you can get it to your target, you’re good to go. It is good to know that typically this is achieved more efficiently with shorter, stouter leader.

What Size Tippet for Poppers?

A tippet size of 0X to 3X is recommended when fishing with poppers for smallmouth bass. A thicker tippet helps to cast the larger, more wind-resistant poppers and provides the strength needed to handle aggressive strikes and tough fights. 

Using a fluorocarbon tippet can also be beneficial, as it’s less visible in the water and more abrasion-resistant. A short section of fluorocarbon at the end of your line will also sink. This may sound counterintuitive, but will actually make your flies pop better than a mono tippet.

Conclusion

Fly fishing for smallmouth bass with poppers is a thrilling way to target these feisty fish. By choosing the right popper size, color, and gear, and understanding when and how to use them, you can significantly increase your chances of success on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, poppers add an exciting dimension to your fly fishing experience. So, next time you hit the water, don’t forget to bring along a selection of poppers and get ready for some explosive action!