The Crash...let's be clear.

To watch a young guy, start a guide company and take a section of water (that you've been fishing for a long time) and completely dial it in...would probably frustrate a lot of anglers.  I'd be frustrated too except that this guy has given it due diligence,  put his time in, paid attention, took notes and figured it out....and taught me a lot.

He calls it "The Crash".

"The Crash" is Kyle Zempel's term for the crazy behaviour that smallmouth bass exhibit while foraging for baitfish on this river.  An East-coaster watching bluefish feeding in this manner would call it a "blitz".

It's magical and it's incredible.  Back in the early part of the 2000's I went with another guide to this river.  He knew a spot where this happened and he shared it with me.  We fished and giggled and we caught fish.   I was stunned at the wolf-pack nature of these bass and how they worked in schools to dismantle and destroy the baitfish.

I vividly recall late night conversations with Shox McSteel, trying to figure out if this one spot was special, or if perhaps, there were other places on the river where we might find this incredible fly fishing opportunity.

As I daydreamed and theorized about these watery sweet spots, Kyle Zempel launched his boat and found them.  He guided clients to the various locations and while catching fish, I'm certain he also blew minds.

I spend some time on social media and I've seen, in the past couple of years, others using the term "The Crash" to describe their days and successes on this river.

Let me make one thing perfectly clear...You aren't fishing "The Crash" unless you are in a Black Earth Angling Company boat.

Period.

You might find surface oriented fish and you can call it awesome, or incredible or insane or the best freshwater fly fishing of your life.  Call it a "Blitz" or "Small Mouth Slashing" or call it whatever you want.  If you decide to go out on a limb and call it the "The Crash" it best be followed by Kyle Zempel's name and at the very least a nod to his company...Black Earth Angling Company.

Chances are high that the only reason that you floated this section of river and know about the exceptional small mouth fishing is because a young gun of a guide put his time in and figured it out for you.

If you want to see what I am taking about, I invite you to take a look at Kyle's video of the fishing.  You'll have to forgive the colorful language because even after 26 years of fly fishing, some things take me over the edge.  After you are done watching, forego your desire to get on google maps and look for shortcuts.  Call Kyle and experience "The Crash" first hand. He has a sweet Jet sled that will take you where you need to go AND he knows where the fish are CRASHING.

OK, The video... Click HERE.