Recent rain showers left our nearby stream stained, which raised concern that the fish would be unable to locate our flies visually. Our Ozark Woolly Bugger, with its bead head, was the logical choice for “rock-banging” presentations. It would enable smallmouths to utilize their lateral lines to locate our flies. Casts were delivered up-and-across the slow current above submerged rocks. A firm strip made the fly hit the rock which produced a clicking sound. Then a strong “mend” toward open water and stripped line caused the fly to dart away from its target. Many smallies of 9 to 13 inches fell for the tactic before sunset.
Our “Old Relliable”
