This month, redfish enthusiasts welcome the return of thick grass in coastal ponds. The grass not only attracts small crabs and baitfish, it also maintains clarity. And that means great sight-casting opportunities.
Getting a fly through the vegetation is best done with bendback style flies like the Prince of Tides, Bendback Mullet and Borski Sparrow. On the edges of grass, try traditional early-season flies like Charlies and small crab patterns.
Throughout the month, bass will be spawning. In grassy marsh areas like Delacroix and Lacassine, poppers and Seaducers will garner strikes. In the deeper lakes, try weighted flies like Bass Bullies, Y2K Buggers and Kray Phish.
Late in the afternoons, bluegill will start hitting popping bugs and spider flies around trees, docks and close to shorelines.
Redears will be bedding this month in slightly deeper water. For the chinquapins, let your Cap Spider, Fluff Butt, Cajun Tickler or weighted Woolybugger get to the bottom, then strip in very slowly. The strike often comes on the rise.
Crappie action remains good this month. Cast Crappie Candies and Fluff Butts along cypress trees, shallow water structure, edges of grass beds and docks.
Trout enthusiasts in the northern part of the state will be making the short trip to the Little Missouri River in Southwest Arkansas for the start of the March Brown hatch. Some of the best dry fly trout fishing in the south can be had. Cast Parachute Adams and A&W Emergers in runs and flats and wait for the rise!
