still water fly casting for bass

I do pretty well on smallmouth in creeks with poppers and streamers but have a tough time getting largemouth to hit the same flies in small lakes like Boltz or slow streams like the Kentucky or North Fork of the Elkhorn. I don't fish at dawn or dusk and that may be part of the problem, although smallies smack poppers just fine in moving water from 10 a.m. until late afternoon. Anyone had much success casting for bass in lakes? I often bring my fly rod but end up using spinning tackle if I want to catch fish. Do I need to get up earlier or stay out later?

Bookworm, one problem you may have is that bass do not like a lot of sunlight and water temperature could be playing a role as well. In moving water the current helps keep the sun out of there eyes and water temps and oxygen levels are a little better. For lake fishing, try using a Streamer such as a Clouser Minnow and fish it similar to a jig or a Rapala, with strips and pauses.

Time of day does play a major factor........try early morning or late afternoons, just as the sun is starting to dip. If you are going to go after them during midday, you have to really match the forage. In that case, do as Tim said and use clousers or any minnow immitation that will closely mimick the bass's forage. Good luck!

-Rich