Fishing Poppers for Bass in the Adirondacks
The Adirondack region of New York is renowned for its abundance of pristine lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers—home to a variety of species, including some of the best largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing in the state. Whether you’re new to the region or a seasoned angler, one thing remains constant: you’ll never have to travel far to find a body of water where bass are abundant. And where bass reside, the popper is a critical weapon in any fly fisherman’s arsenal.
Popper Placement
Effective popper fishing is not just about casting; it’s about strategic placement. Bass are highly opportunistic feeders, but they’re also wary of any disruptions in their environment. Whether you’re using a cork, wood, or deer-hair popper, the ability to accurately place your fly is essential. Position your popper alongside half-submerged tree trunks, in the heart of thick mats of lily pads or pickerel weed, or within those seemingly impossible small openings among submerged structure. These are prime spots where bass—both smallmouth and largemouth—are more likely to strike. The ability to place your popper in these hidden sanctuaries, often within mere feet of the shoreline, is what distinguishes an expert angler from an amateur.
Peckinpough’s “Night Bugs”
While modern anglers might use poppers at dawn or dusk, the innovation of the popper as we know it today owes much to the ingenuity of Ernest H. Peckinpough. An angler from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Peckinpough’s work in the early 20th century laid the foundation for the bass bug phenomenon. Initially designed for bream fishing, his creation—a cork body adorned with bucktail hair—became known as the “Night Bug”. His logic was simple: by keeping the fly longer on the surface, he could entice more fish to bite. His idea was refined and marketed around 1913, and the “Night Bug” eventually evolved into the bass bug or popper, a tool now synonymous with bass fishing.
Peckinpough’s original concept revolutionized bass fishing, and while modern techniques have advanced, the fundamentals remain rooted in his innovation. Today, many anglers swear by this “old school” approach, often catching bass on similar designs that have been refined over a century of fishing evolution.
Modern Popper Composition
Today’s poppers are made from a range of materials, reflecting the advances in materials science and design techniques. While cork remains popular, most modern poppers are constructed from wood, deer hair, foam, or even plastic—each material offering different advantages in terms of buoyancy and durability. The core principle behind any good popper is its ability to float and create disturbance in the water that attracts the bass.
Key elements in popper design include small, bright feathers or synthetic fibers affixed to the body, often extending over the hook. These additions provide added buoyancy and visual appeal. Additionally, many poppers incorporate rubber legs—often 4-6 strands—designed to wriggle enticingly when the fly is slightly twitched, mimicking the natural movement of prey.
Contrasting Color Schemes
One of the defining characteristics of poppers is their wide range of colors and patterns. Bright, solid colors like white, yellow, orange, green, and black are common, but many anglers choose two-tone poppers, with lighter colors on the belly and darker shades on the back to mimic real baitfish. Some poppers even incorporate contrasting stripes or polka dots for added visual appeal—features designed to make the fly stand out to bass, which are sensitive to movement and shape.
Color selection often depends on the water conditions, including clarity and lighting. Bright colors are ideal for low-visibility conditions or murky waters, whereas natural patterns are better suited for clear water where bass can closely inspect their prey. The key to successful popper fishing is matching the hatch, or selecting a fly that closely imitates the natural forage present in the water.
How to Begin Fishing Poppers for Bass
The key to fishing poppers effectively is the technique you employ. As an angler, your goal is to create a subtle yet enticing disturbance on the water’s surface, mimicking the movements of prey that bass find irresistible. Here’s a strategy to consider:
Last summer, I stalked around the perimeter of a small pond around midday with a rod in hand and a fly case packed with colorful balsa wood poppers. Keeping the sun at my back, I quietly approached the shore. With a couple of false casts, I placed a yellow popper just a few inches away from a patch of lily pads. Allowing the popper to sit quietly on the water’s surface, I waited for the ripples from the initial splash to fade before giving the fly a light twitch. The key here is patience—twitching too quickly can make the popper appear unnatural, while waiting too long can cause bass to lose interest. The balance of subtlety and movement is critical.
Reeling in Fly Fishing Successes
The moment the bass inhaled my popper, the water exploded with intensity. Spray flew everywhere as the fish lunged toward deeper waters, its powerful pull sending a rush of excitement through me. The five-weight rod bent under the strain, but its backbone held strong, keeping the bass from reaching the sanctuary of its deep-water hideout. With the fish still pulling hard, I began slowly stripping in line, savoring every moment of the battle. The bass, about a pound and a half, fought valiantly, tugging against the rod with a defiant strength. I could feel every twist and turn in the fish’s efforts to break free. Finally, after a few heart-pounding moments, I had the bass in hand, marveling at its sleek, muscular frame and vivid colors. I admired it for a moment before gently releasing it back into the water, grateful for the experience.
Shoreline Fishing
One of the most crucial aspects of shoreline fly fishing, especially during the peak summer months when the sun is beating down and the waters are crystal clear, is to avoid casting a shadow on the water. A silhouetted figure along the shore can easily spook bass and other species hiding in the shallows, so keeping a low profile is key. This is why many anglers choose to fish during the early morning or late evening hours, when the light is softer and fish are less likely to be startled. When water clarity is high, this technique becomes even more essential, as the bass will be able to detect any movement on the shore. Dressing in light-colored clothing and crouching low to the ground further helps to blend in with the natural surroundings, making it less likely that your presence will disrupt the fish’s feeding habits.
Avoiding Obstacles
Fly fishing along a shoreline can present a variety of challenges, especially when it comes to casting poppers for bass. Trees, shrubs, and thick vegetation can create significant obstacles for an angler trying to make a clean cast. In these situations, it’s important to know how to maneuver your line. One effective technique is to let the line out by hand, creating a bit of slack, then using a roll cast to get the popper out into the open water where bass might be holding. If the shoreline is too dense with cover, the bow and arrow cast is a valuable skill to master. This allows you to shoot the fly into tight spaces without worrying about obstacles. And if all else fails, sometimes the best solution is to wade into the water. Putting on an old pair of sneakers or wading boots and getting closer to the bass allows for more freedom to cast parallel to the shoreline and maneuver around the thickest vegetation.
Careful Wading Techniques
Wading, while essential for accessing more remote spots along the shore, requires patience and a strategic approach. Sometimes, the best fishing opportunities are just beyond the reach of shore, and wading in up to your knees or waist can give you the necessary casting clearance. But wading requires extreme care, especially in waters that may be filled with rocks or submerged debris. A single misstep could create a loud noise, causing the bass to retreat into deeper cover. Wading requires slow, deliberate steps—keeping your movements fluid and quiet. Avoid stomping on rocks or kicking up sediment, which can spook fish into fleeing. Anglers who are patient and mindful will be rewarded with better casting angles and more chances to entice bass into striking.
Using a Wading Staff
In faster-moving waters, especially in boulder-strewn Adirondack rivers that are home to smallmouth bass, using a wading staff becomes indispensable. The swift current and slippery rocks can create a dangerous environment for even the most experienced anglers. A wading staff helps maintain balance, especially when crossing fast-moving streams or navigating rocky riverbeds. It also alerts you to hidden drop-offs or deep pockets where fish may be lying in wait. With the wading staff providing extra stability, you can confidently work your way into prime fishing spots, keeping your focus on the water and not on your footing.
Location, Location, Location
Finding the right fishing spot is essential, particularly when fly fishing for bass in unfamiliar ponds or lakes. One effective strategy is to slowly drift or troll a popper behind a canoe, kayak, or rowboat, keeping the bait about 25 to 30 feet behind the boat. This method helps to cover more water and increase your chances of encountering bass in shallow, productive areas. When selecting a location to drift, look for areas where the water is three to five feet deep—ideal territory for bass. Structures such as submerged rocks, weed beds, or fallen logs often attract fish looking for shelter or feeding grounds. If you get a strike, don’t immediately cast again. Instead, continue drifting a bit, then swing the boat back upwind for another silent pass over the same area. The bass will likely be more willing to strike a second time once they’re accustomed to your bait.
Think Like a Bass
To improve your chances of success, you must think like the bass. While drifting or trolling, it’s important to stop occasionally and anchor in likely bass hangouts, such as drop-offs, weed beds, or near submerged structures. Once anchored, gently twitch the popper, making tiny ripples on the surface that mimic struggling prey. Bass are opportunistic predators, and this subtle, realistic presentation often tempts them to strike with lightning speed. When you feel the familiar tug on the line, keep your rod tip high and be ready to set the hook. Timing is crucial, and staying alert will ensure that you don’t miss that critical moment when a bass decides to bite.
Have Fun
Using bass bugs on the surface is not only a productive method for catching bass but also one of the most exciting and enjoyable ways to fish. The anticipation of watching a popper create ripples on the surface, knowing that a strike could come at any moment, adds an element of thrill to every cast. The Adirondack region of New York offers some of the best bass fishing in the state, complemented by breathtaking natural beauty and a host of other outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisherman or a beginner, the Adirondacks offer a memorable fishing experience that you won’t soon forget. The next time you’re planning a fishing trip, consider heading to this picturesque area, where the waters teem with bass, and the landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for any outdoor enthusiast.
Original Article By John M. DeLisle Sr.
About The Author
John M. DeLisle enjoys many aspects of outdoor sports in the Adirondacks. He is a freelance writer and contributor to “New York Outdoor News.” He is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
