Round Spring/Big Springs Areaon Current River
Smallmouth
- 01Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Rock Bass are actively foraging.
- 02Target deeper pools, current breaks, and rocky structure.
- 03Crayfish and baitfish imitations are particularly effective.
- 04Nymphs mimicking larger aquatic insects can also be productive.
- 05Topwater action may still occur on warmer, sunny afternoons, particularly in shaded areas.
What to tie on at Round Spring/Big Springs Area
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs become highly active in late spring and summer as they migrate towards shore to hatch, making this pattern ideal for stripping slowly along weed beds where sunfish and bass forage.
San Juan Worm
A versatile attractor pattern that is effective year-round, especially after rainfall or runoff when aquatic worms are washed into the river system. It can entice a variety of fish.
Buy at AmazonClouser Minnow (Bass)
As water temperatures rise in late spring, smallmouth and largemouth bass become more active and readily feed on baitfish. This is a versatile baitfish imitation.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
An essential all-around streamer, imitating leeches and baitfish. It's highly effective for enticing aggressive strikes from smallmouth and largemouth bass as they become more active in warming spring waters.
Crayfish (Fly)
Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth and largemouth bass, especially in rocky river environments, and become increasingly active in spring. Stripping this along the bottom mimics a fleeing crayfish.
Buy at AmazonHellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a significant food source for smallmouth bass year-round in rocky rivers. Drifting this pattern slowly through deeper rocky areas can be very effective in spring.
Gurgler (Bass)
As spring progresses and water temperatures warm, topwater action for bass can begin, especially in late afternoons and evenings. This popper attracts aggressive strikes.
Crappie Jig Fly
This pattern is highly effective during spring when crappie, rock bass, and other panfish are spawning around structure, and bass will also key in on it.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass)
A classic and versatile streamer, effective for fall bass and panfish as they feed on leeches and baitfish in cooling waters.
Missouri season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.