How to Fish a Clouser Minnow for Bass

The Clouser Minnow is one of the most popular and versatile fly patterns used in fishing. Although it has been used to catch different types of fresh and saltwater fish, the Clouser was initially designed to fish smallmouth bass. So, here’s how to fish a Clouser minnow for bass.

How to Fish a Clouser Minnow for Bass

There are different fishing techniques, ranging from longline fishing and dredging to trawling and angling. Fly fishing is also one such technique and it is done by making use of a fly. One thing that is common with all of these fishing techniques is that for optimum results, they have to be carried out with adequate knowledge and preparation.

If you would like to try out fly-fishing for bass, the first thing you should know is that the Clouser is one of the most effective flies you can make use of. When using it, here are some things that you should keep in mind:

Ideal Location

No matter how good your fly is, if you are fishing in the wrong location, you are bound to face some challenges. Hence, when fishing for bass with a Clouser minnow, try to concentrate more on the shallow areas, especially areas protected from the wind.

Areas like this are great because bass is more likely to lay and guard their eggs there. During this period, they tend to bite more quickly because of hunger and the overwhelming need to protect their eggs from predators, thus increasing your chances of getting a bite.

Rod Positioning

Most fly-fishing techniques require placing the rod in a high, upright position. However, the case is different when fishing the Clouser. After casting, ensure to lower the tip of the rod to the water, then take in your slackline, and prepare to pull in the fly.

This fly uses a constant, active retrieve, therefore, to have an optimal fly action, the rod must be low with the tip of the rod in the water.

Fly Retrieval

To achieve an optimal fly action, it is advisable to use the Susquehanna strip when fishing for bass with the Clouser. This fishing technique is done by performing a full arm’s length strip under the reel and then ending with an abrupt stop.

The abrupt stop makes your fly dart about, mimicking a fleeing minnow. You can make this abrupt stop by forcing the thumb on your stripping hand straight rearward. Ensure to keep your rod tip at low to prevent poor fly action and the fish from slipping away.

Fish Hooking

To catch more bass using the Clouser Minnow, ensure to continuously strip the fly even when the fish makes contact, however, it does not get hooked. This is to ensure the Clouser maintains its darting movement that mimics the escaping minnow and tempts the hunting instinct of the fish to snatch prey up.

Only when you feel the fish hooked on the line should you raise the rod up and unhook the fish.

How to Tie a Clouser Minnow for Bass

The Clouser is easy to use and quite adaptable as it allows various alterations to suit different fishing conditions. Generally, the Clouser is considered a simple fly pattern to tie, however, many individuals still struggle with properly tying it. With the proper tips, you can tie a Clouser minnow for bass fishing and work with an upside-down hook.

Material Type

The first tip when tying a Clouser is the selection of quality and appropriate materials. Such materials used include:

• Hook: Bass or Pike 2 or 1/10, Mustad 3407, Tiemco 811S or equivalent.
• Thread: Danville Fine Monofilament, 3/0 Monocord, Nylon e.t.c
• Eyes: Dumbbells, painted lead or brass eyes
• Flash: Pearlescent or crystal flash
• Body: Bucktail(white) or synthetic hair
• Wing/Back: Bucktail/chartreuse- any color of choice i.e red, green, yellow e.t.c.

Sequence Tying

With the hook turned upside down, tie a thread, preferably with colors that will match the belly of the fly, and attach the thread from the end of the hook to approximately one-third down the hook shank. This is to allow enough room to attach the bucktail properly.

Eyes Fixing

To ensure the Clouser eyes are properly attached, tie the eyes using crossing or diagonal wraps, crossing both over and underneath the shank. This is to prevent the eye from moving or swiveling around the shank.

Glue can also be applied after tying the eyes to secure it firmly on the shank.

Bucktail Tying

It is advisable that when tying the bucktail, do not use too much bucktail to avoid making the fly too heavy which would deter easy movement. Instead, ensure the bucktail is sparse and properly trimmed, approximately the length of 2 shanks. This is for easy tying and a clean finish afterward.

Place the white bucktail at the middle of the eyes and firmly tie the first end in front of the eye to the hook shank underneath it. Also, when tying the cocktail, you need to ensure the white cocktail is firmly attached to the shank at the back of the eye to prevent it from spreading outwards.

Flash Attachment

Turn the hook up and attach the flash firmly to the shank by properly tying it with the thread. Experts suggest that 4-6 flashes are sufficient for an effective Clouser. The flash should be properly trimmed, making sure it is a little longer than the cocktail.

If you want the flash to lie flatter on the shank, ensure to tie the flash up to the point a little after the eye, just before the hook bends.

Wing/ Chartreuse Outline

Still holding the hook up, attach the chartreuse at an angle just in front of the eye and firmly bind it to the shank using tight wraps. At the back of the eye, divide the chartreuse into 2 equal halves and wrap firmly, moving away from the eye.

Once this is concluded, carefully trim the attached chartreuse in case of stray strands for a clean finish. You may also use UV glue, head cement, or epoxy for quick curing and lasting durability.

Why Should You Use a Clouser Minnow for Bass?

The Clouser is a must-have for most fly fishers because it has several advantages over other streamers.

• When compared to other streamers, the Clouser mimics the minnow fish best, thus, it attracts bass more easily than others
• It is durable and reusable
• It does not require any special technique to use, making it a good option for beginners
• It is versatile and can be easily modified to suit different fishing conditions
• The Clouser is less likely to snag on rocks and weeds; hence, it can be used in rocky areas or areas with heavy weed cover.

Related Questions

Is a Clouser Minnow a Streamer?

Yes, the Clouser Minnow is an artificial fly streamer used to fish under fresh water, streams, ponds, rivers, bays, and even saltwater.

What Else Can You Catch With a Clouser Minnow?

In addition to striped, smallmouth, and largemouth bass, Clouser can be used to catch different species of fish including:

• Trout
• Sunfish
• Perch, both the yellow and white species
• Pickerel
• Bluefish
• Weakfish
• Flounders
• Croaker
• Roosterfish

Conclusion

The Clouser Minnow is one of the most successful and well-known fly patterns used in fishing. It is well known for its simplicity, adaptability, and effectiveness in both fresh and saltwater. The tips I have listed above are tested and trusted to assist you to make proper use of the Clouser for bass fishing.