Go to www.flyfishfinder.com to explore the latest app available, which is fly fishing exclusive and will truly improve your outings. In this episode of the Fly Fishing Insider podcast, host Christian Bacasa interviews Kip Vieth from Wildwood Float Trips. They discuss bass fishing in the Mississippi River and the unique characteristics of the fishery. The conversation covers topics such as water temperatures, fish behavior, fly patterns, and fishing techniques. Kip shares his insights and experiences as a guide in the area, providing valuable information for anglers interested in smallmouth bass fishing. In this conversation, Kip Vieth discusses his approach to fishing for smallmouth bass. He explains that he primarily fishes topwater near the bank or rocks, but in the summer, he switches to mid-river patterns. Vieth emphasizes the importance of manipulating the fly after the strip, creating a motion after the motion to entice strikes. He also discusses the significance of fishing the drop-offs and edges, as well as the visual aspect of smallmouth fishing. Vieth recommends using larger rods and flies to trigger aggressive strikes from smallmouth bass.   Takeaways The Mississippi River offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing opportunities, with clear water, diverse habitats, and a variety of fly fishing techniques. Water temperatures in the river range from 55°F in May to the mid-80s°F in August, with the best fishing usually occurring in the spring and early fall. Topwater flies like poppers and divers are effective for smallmouth bass, especially in the summer. Other successful fly patterns include crayfish imitations, minnow patterns, and sculpin patterns. Fishing techniques vary depending on the season and conditions, but dead drifting flies, stripping streamers, and using a sink tip line are common approaches. Catch and release is the norm for smallmouth bass in the Mississippi River, with regulations allowing for the keeping of one fish over 20 inches. The river is also home to other species like muskie, pike, and walleye, providing additional fishing opportunities. Fishing topwater near the bank or rocks is effective for smallmouth bass. In the summer, switch to mid-river patterns and focus on drop-offs and edges. Manipulate the fly after the strip to create a motion after the motion. Using larger rods and flies can trigger aggressive strikes from smallmouth bass. Fly Fishing Insider Blog is taking off and I'm putting out tons of content weekly.  Join the Loyalty Club for updates and all kinds of discounts! www.ffipodcast.com The Fly Fisherman's Channel has become my favorite place lately. I work with them, so the podcast is on there now and without ads. What I like is that it is the most extensive collection of fly fishing-specific content on the web! Subscribe with my link and get 10% off your subscription by using code: FFIP10SPRING23 https://bit.ly/10PtsOffFlyFishermansChannel If you like the Fly Fisherman's Channel, it really helps cover the show's overhead. Anyone you share that link with can help. Thanks!!! A lot of you have been asking what I'm using these days. Specifically, I use products from these companies because they have been shown to last and be worth the money. They tend to last long and have good functionality. I'll try to add them to the podcasts from now on and keep the list up to date. Additionally, I'll be doing more reviews, but taking a look now is worthwhile. Grundéns Waders - https://bit.ly/grundénswaders  Simms Fishing - Packs, Boots, Accessories, Waders - https://bit.ly/simmsfishingmain Patagonia - Clothing, Shells, Packs - https://bit.ly/patagoniamainpage Gerber Gear - Fishing Tools, Nipper, Pliers - https://bit.ly/gerbergearfishing BD - Clothing, Jackets, Headlamps - https://bit.ly/bdmainpage Gryal 24 Oz Bottle - Water Purification - https://bit.ly/gryalwaterpurification