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Crystal Bugger
Crystal buggers are sinker flies, meaning that this fly will sink to the bottom instead of floating on the surface. The fly imitates most large swimming nymphs, along with leeches, according to the website Millers Fly Shop. The crystal bugger fly has a slender body (abdomen) that tapers off from the bend of its hook. The crystal bugger has brightly colored hair and, in the water, is visually appealing to smallmouth bass. Fishermen should cast this fly and allow it to float with the current.
Crayfish
The crayfish as a bass fly may seem strange, yet it's highly effective when fishing for finicky bass. At various times, both largemouth and smallmouth bass aren't interested in snapping flies off the surface of the water -- they're interested in finding creatures with a little more meat on their bones. On these occasions, try fishing with a red-hued crayfish fly. The unusual presentation of this type of fly can garner the attention of a bass and receive a hard strike. The crayfish fly is design to resemble a crayfish, with a 1/4 inch piece of reddish cloth that covers the hook. Fishermen using the crayfish fly have the best results when placing a single split shot 6 inches away from the fly. In addition, anglers should cast into locations that have rocky, gravel or sandy bottoms. Let the current take the crayfish fly; it will drift and come to rest on the bottom.
Bouface
The bouface is a fly specifically designed for bass fishing, as bass tend to eat flies off the surface of waterways. In many ways, this fly resembles a dragonfly or one of several species of flies that buzz several inches above the surface of the water. A bouface has natural deer hair of varying colors such as white, yellow, red and black. According to the website Fly Tyer, the bouface fly has deer hair woven to the hook, along with gold wire and brown yarn. This type of fly is very versatile in its compatibility with fly, spinner or bait casting rigs. A good technique to use with a bouface is to clamp a tiny 1/4 ounce split shot 6 inches to a foot from where the fly sits on the end of the line. When the bouface rests on top of the water, the hairy fibers will oscillate and give the illusion that it's alive and struggling on the surface of the water.
Gurgler Frog
A gurgler frog is useful when there isn't any sort of hatch occurring to bring bass to the surface of the water in order to feed. This fly simulates a frog swimming on top of the water surface. Anglers should attach the frog to his fishing line and cast the fly on top of the water. An angler would then retrieve the line while, at the same time, stopping and jerking the fly to make it appear as though it was flopping on top of the water. A bass that regularly feeds on frogs will key in on the gurgler frog and strike it as it skips across the water. A gurgler frog comes in size 14 to 18 hooks as well as an assortment of colors such as black, brown and green.
Fishing Flies for Bass
Use strong colors when fishing for bass -- tones such as black, white and red. When after largemouth bass, cast your flies where a slight current runs through submerged trees or large rocks, and let the fly sink to the bottom. Largemouth bass like to conceal themselves under, and in, foliage where they can blend into the surroundings and ambush their prey.
When fishing for smallmouth, cast the fly into clear sections of water. It's best to do this during daytime hours, as these fish will hide deep in holes surrounded by debris. A smallmouth will take a position near eddies and strong currents where bait is sucked into the whirlpool and then pushed out. Concentrate within these eddies. Let the fly drift and let it drop to the bottom before reeling in the line. The smallmouth will grab the bait when it is dropping.