Smallmouth bass swim in lakes and river across the United States and Canada and are a premier fly-rod game fish in almost every way—they take flies readily, feed on diverse foods, tolerate warmer water temperatures than trout, and fight harder than any other North American freshwater fish their size.

As smallmouth bass fishing has grown in popularity, so too has the innovation behind fly design. From new materials—both synthetic and natural—to advanced tools and tying techniques, the evolution has been nonstop. Flies are now more lifelike and more durable than ever.

In this book, smallmouth guide and fly designer Jake Villwock breaks down smallmouth flies into three categories—topwater, mid-column, and bottom—and features 50 essential patterns from tiers such as Russ Maddin, Blane Chocklett, Chuck Kraft, Mike Schultz, and many more smallmouth experts.

In addition to detailed recipes and photos, Villwock covers insights into when and how to fish each fly. Many of the contributing tiers have included their own words explaining the design and tactics behind their patterns, so you’re getting knowledge straight from the experts.