Bass on the Fly in Chattanooga: A Wild Twist on a Classic Pursuit
If you think fly fishing is just for delicate trout in pristine mountain streams, think again. Bass fishing with a fly rod adds a wild, unpredictable edge to the sport—and it’s insanely fun.
Largemouth, spot, and smallmouth bass are aggressive, and hard-fighting, and they love a good topwater show. That makes them perfect targets for fly anglers looking to shake things up. Whether you’re casting poppers at dawn or stripping streamers through weedy shallows, the explosive takes and aerial acrobatics of bass on the fly are pure adrenaline.
The gear? You don’t need to go overboard. A 6–8 weight rod, floating line, and a few buggy-looking flies will do the trick. Think poppers, frogs, and big streamers—anything loud and lively. Bass aren’t picky; they’re opportunistic and bold.
Rod suggestion : https://www.lamsonflyfishing.com/products/liquid-outfit-complete
Fly suggestion: https://www.umpqua.com/warmwater-essential-fly-assortment/?searchid=0
Local Chattanooga Flyshop : https://www.thehatchoutfitters.com
Bass on the fly in Chattanooga: A wild twist on a classic pursuit can be fun and doesn’t have to be complicated. Best of all, bass are everywhere. From city creeks and ponds to remote lakes, there’s probably a bass fishery near you. So grab your fly rod, skip the finesse, and get ready for some rowdy action. Fly fishing for bass isn’t just a niche—it’s a blast. All over Chattanooga, in every small creek and big river, you’ll find bass of all different species sitting and waiting. You just have to get out there.
Guided trips: https://spotteddogoutfitters.com/guided-trips/
Author: Chachi Avirett has been guiding since he was 18 years old. Now at 40, he owns and operates Spotted Dog Outfitters, Southeast Tennessee’s premiere flyfishing outfitter.
