The Top 5 Flies for Ontario Bass Fishing!

There’s a reason bass are the most popular sportfish in North America. They’re found just about everywhere, they hit hard, they fight well, and best of all — they eat a wide variety of food, which means we get to fish a wide variety of flies. Whether you’re casting to smallmouth in rivers, largemouth in lily pads, or hunting them deep in open water, bass are a fun and versatile target species.

One of the things I love most about bass, and something that often gets overlooked, is just how varied their diet can be. In that way, they’re not unlike trout. One minute they’re keyed in on crayfish, the next they’re chasing baitfish, and before long they’re sipping bugs off the surface or munching on leeches.

They also live in a huge range of environments. Whether you're in shallow, weedy back bays, rocky river runs, or even 30-foot depths on open lakes like Erie, you’ll find bass. And that means no matter what kind of water or gear you prefer, there’s probably a way to make bass fishing work for you. You can fish for them on a 5-weight trout rod or a 9-weight saltwater setup. Both have their place.

So it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions we get at the shop is:

"What flies should I fish for bass?"

1. The Wedge Head Diver – A Topwater Classic (But Not a Popper)

Everyone loves topwater eats — and rightly so. Poppers usually come to mind first, but I want to introduce a slightly different kind of surface fly: the wedge head diver.

This pattern pushes water with its flat face like a popper, but in a more subtle and refined way. It creates a softer splash, dips under the surface a bit, and gives off a dying baitfish vibe — which can be just the thing in pressured or calm conditions.

It also has a sleeker profile, which makes it easier to cast than some bulkier poppers. For me, this is a huge confidence fly, especially in situations where bass might be a little wary.

2. Rio Soft Chew (a.k.a. Mr. Wiggly) – Calm Water Magic

Another topwater option — but a completely different vibe. The Rio Soft Chew is a quiet water killer.

Think glassy lake mornings, slow river stretches, or any time the surface is still. This fly imitates a bug, critter, or big terrestrial that’s landed in the water and is struggling. What makes it special is that bass rise to it like trout — you'll often see those slow, deliberate sips even from big fish.

It’s subtle, easy to cast, and incredibly effective. This one’s become a staple for smallmouth, and it's just as good for largemouth in the right conditions.

3. The Clouser Minnow – Baitfish Staple

If you're fishing subsurface, a baitfish pattern is a must — and the Clouser Minnow is the gold standard. It’s stood the test of time for good reason.

It fishes well in both rivers and lakes, and the way it dips on the pause mimics a wounded baitfish perfectly. The classic chartreuse and white combo is a favourite, but don’t be afraid to match your local forage. It’s a super versatile fly that deserves a spot in every bass box.

4. MFC Mardi-Craw – Subtle Crayfish Imitation

Bass love crayfish — plain and simple. But not all crayfish flies are created equal. While some patterns have big, exaggerated pincers, I find that more naturalistic, compact profiles tend to do better.

The MFC Marty Craw has a realistic swim, and comes in multiple colours. Since crayfish often mimic the substrate they're in, I recommend carrying a few different colours: olive, orange, and tan are great starting points.

5. Rio Flare Jig – The Finesse Leech Option

Finally, let’s talk leeches. They’re a hugely important food source — and when bass get picky, a subtle marabou leech pattern can make all the difference.

The Rio Flare Jig is a great example. It’s basically a fly version of the black marabou jigs that have become insanely popular in the conventional bass world. Whether you’re fishing it slow and steady like a swimming leech, or letting it hop and fall jig-style along the bottom, this fly is absolutely lethal.

I recommend fishing it on lighter tippet — something like 8lb fluorocarbon — and letting it do its thing. The soft movement and minimalist profile make it perfect when bass are being fussy.

Final Thoughts

Bass are fun, accessible, and wildly rewarding on the fly — and with just a handful of well-chosen patterns, you can cover almost any condition you might run into. These five flies give you surface and subsurface options, cover multiple food sources, and will work across lakes, rivers, and everything in between.

If you’re looking to get set up for bass fishing — or you just want to try a few new tactics — come visit us at Drift. We’re always happy to talk gear, tactics, and where to find fish.

See you out there!