I am happy to report the smallmouth bass season is in full swing.  We enjoyed some excellent fishing throughout the month of June despite a few major rain events.   The large rain events are always challenging as river flows can go through the roof and the action often drops off for a few days.  Yet, regardless of the higher than normal flows, with the warmer weather we have consistently found bass willing to take surface flies.  Sections of the Kennebec and Penobscot have produced lots of action for fly fishers and spin fishers alike.   A couple of weeks ago, we floated a section of the Penobscot below the confluence with the Passadumkeag and it was one of those days when it didn’t seem to matter what pattern passed over their heads.  At one point I asked Victor if he would give the “balloon fly” a whirl.  Admittedly it was an untested fly, but after half a dozen casts and three bass, the fish demonstrated it resembled something worth eating.