"Mastering Striped Bass Fly Fishing: Top Locations, Techniques, and Flies"
Darren Crawford Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)
This powerful, aggressive fish is a thrilling catch for fly anglers. Found across North America and other regions worldwide, striped bass thrive in diverse waters.
Where to Find Striped Bass
The map below highlights global striped bass sightings, showing their distribution across continents, countries, and water bodies.
Native to North America’s Atlantic coast (Florida to Nova Scotia), striped bass have also been introduced to the Pacific Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and inland lakes and rivers.
United States
Prime U.S. spots include:
- Hudson River
- Chesapeake Bay
- California Delta
- Lakes: Texoma, Smith Mountain, Cumberland
Canada
Notable Canadian destinations:
- Miramichi River (New Brunswick)
- Bay of Fundy & Bras d’Or Lake (Nova Scotia)
Fly Fishing Techniques
Methods vary by water type and conditions:
Saltwater
- Blind Casting & Stripping: Cast into likely areas and retrieve the fly like a fleeing baitfish.
- Sight Casting: Target visible fish or structures.
Freshwater
- Swinging the Fly: Cast across currents and let the fly drift downstream.
Seasonal Behavior & Fishing Tips
- Spring: Migrate to rivers for spawning ("spring run")—prime fly fishing time.
- Summer: Feed near the surface; use poppers.
- Winter: Move to deeper waters; adjust tactics.
Best Flies for Striped Bass
Choose flies based on prey and conditions:
- Clouser Minnow: Sinks fast, mimics baitfish.
- Lefty’s Deceiver: Versatile for baitfish or squid.
- Crab Patterns: Ideal for saltwater flats.
- Poppers: Create surface commotion for summer feeding.
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