Further, poor spawning conditionsspring flooding or high water that might wash away eggs and add sediment to streamscan almost wipe out entire year classes. In swift or snag-filled water, however, you must cast upstream and bring your presentation through or a likely area with precision. Theyre my go-to baits for coaxing tough bites in deep holes. (The long, relatively stiff rods I use facilitate surer hook sets when Ive got a lot of line between me and the fish.) In most scenarios, you simply wade in the stream, float in a canoe or kayak, or, in areas with good access, walk the shoreline. If possible, wear colors that blend your profile in with what fish see when looking up. . Tackle warehouse's rod sale also got me. Always watch your line for twitches or other movement that might indicate a fish has subtly taken a lure. 10. 13/14. Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. Freshwater Fishing. During spring, river smallmouths have always posed something of a mystery. I dont know how long Ive been fishing Shad Raps but since their arrival Im sure. "Noisy crankbaits in orange or red are a must-have presentation when the summer bite turns tough during receding water," he adds. Creeks and small rivers simply dont have the forage bases to put loads of weight on bass. ", During unfavorable conditions, Gorsuch finds salvation with a nose-hooked soft jerkbait. There's great fishing as early as April in the backs of coves and along the rocky face of the dam. A typical trailer is a 4-inch single- or double-tail grub. All Rights Reserved. . _____LINKS FOR EQUIPMENT BELOW_____Hey guys John here from Sic Fishing, In today's video I went out wading my local river to catch som. Got a few river smallies each year. My longest stream smallie spanned 23 inches. Equally vital is maneuvering the boat to keep contact and control of the bait, which allows for a proper presentation and instant strike detection. Think trees or blue skies. "I fish the Dinger in both fast water and slower current, casting upstream at a 45-degree angle and employing a deadstick drift with the current, steering it into eddies behind rocks. There might be a well-camouflaged lunker sitting in a subtle midstream bottom depression, or a big cruiser heading back to a current break after chasing a minnow into open water. Spinnerbaits are better choices for penetrating abundant cover like brush, weeds, or fallen trees. Ive caught wall-hanger smallmouth from Lake Michigan, lunker Florida largemouth, big Tennessee stripers, even trophy peacock bass from the Amazon River. Approach the water with ease and take great care to not make a disturbance. Your exactly right about them being forgotten. A lot are discontinued so those I won't mention but there are plenty of others. Fish it at a slow to medium pace, keeping contact with the bottom.. "Brownies" are fat, averaging a pound, and you may catch and release dozens, including, if you're lucky, some 3- to 5-pounders. Im also willing to approach property owners and ask permission to cross their land to gain stream access, stressing that Im a catch-and-release angler. Regulations What to Catch Contact Information Region 3 Office: 931-484-9571 Toll-Free: 1-833-402-4698 E-mail the office Migratory patterns are easier to observe in southern waters lacking ice cover, where warmer temperatures and open seasons allow fishermen to follow smallmouths all year. Stoudenmire says wide-wobble cranks perform best from prespawn well into autumn, especially in stained water and around any kind of rocks-and-current scenario. In general, cranks work best for open water where cover is limited to boulders, stumps, or scattered timber. Also, ensure the profiles of the lures you are using match your stealthy nature. I fish a soft plastic swimbait about 3.5 inches long on a Sled Head Jig (wackyworm.com). Eddies during the day and shallow, rocky riffles in low light are great areas to try.. Shad Raps and Flicker Shads are great. Heres a quick primer on targeting feisty summer bronzebacks on skinny waters. Smallmouths often select nesting areas of mixed sand, gravel, and small rocks, out of current flow and generally in water less than three feet deep. If thats not working, I will snap my tube with quick pops and then allow it to rest. These bodies of water can produce great fishing if you take the right measures. Current can also be challenging. Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour angler Ott DeFoe cut his angling teeth chasing river smallmouth in the Tennessee River's headwaters. I see it more like a 90-percent rule.. While many anglers figure most smallmouth spawn in the backs of coves and shoreline shallows, the majority tackle the process of procreation in main lake waters. A variety of spinnerbaits, Rapala type jerkbaits, tubes, and grubs are all good choices to use. I buy my own fishing stuff, put it through the wringer and stay with what works. Lucky Craft silent 1.5 in Copper Green Shad has been deadly for me in rivers. Im not one who is a fishing match the hatch. Burn it right under the surface in riffles and slicks on a 1/8-ounce jighead in the summer. I'm adding some OG4's this year. Like stream trout, they position themselves in areas shielded from or next to relatively swift current and then ambush prey as it drifts past. This makes a buzzbait or a plopper-style surface plug an exciting option from spring through fall. Your BASS member number is the 9-digit number that appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label. Nor may it be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed. "Nothing says frantic preyfish like a pair of soft jerkbaits jumping and darting," Black says. 321. rebel crawfish yes!!!! Good spots include deep pools, rocky riffless, undercut banks, midstream boulders or logs, and slow, relatively calm runs. Doug Stange talks about how versatile a swimbait hook is for multiple rigging options. The best smallmouth rivers typically have a moderate gradient of alternating pools, riffles, and runs founded on firm bottom (combinations of sand/gravel, rubble, bedrock ledges, and boulders) as opposed to slow meandering flows with soft bottom. Isolated rock and wood cover slows or diverts current and provides perfect holding/ambush spots for stream smallies. These combos work for every stream fishing scenario Ive encountered. Being dynamic, he refers to it as soft structure, compared to hard structures like rocks. 1. Smallmouth like the fast water below rapids. Knapp uses a #1 Gamakatsu Octopus Hook inserted about 1/4 inch back from the nose. On 12/5/2022 at 1:50 PM, Blue Raider Bob said: Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Lure Specifics: 2-inch, 3/4-ounce Wart in any crawfish pattern. Keep an eye on your weather forecast and be prepared. Theyre always working in the current. Overall smallmouth bass are a hard fighting fish, but river bronzebacks often pull with extra gusto when compared to their lake counterparts. Theyre highly susceptible to overhead predation by ospreys, herons and other birds of prey and are very aware of something moving above them (including you). Ive seen the silent vs rattle make a difference first hand. Tons of solid information so far. Then Ill make a second pass with the Fluke or jerk. Rocks, gravel, and shellbeds will slice braid easily and a good hard-coated fluorocarbon will likely save the day. He strictly practices catch-and-release, but sometimes doesnt have to worry about that after a particularly weak hookset. These zones then become casting targets. Yes, things have advanced and new techniques have been introduced, but understanding where new presentations came from will help you make the right selection the next time things get tough. These abundant food sources present an opportunity for thriving and active numbers of smallmouth. Proper spawning bottom with a thin coating of darker silt reduces visibility. But when there's some color in the water (visibility 2 to 3 feet), then Rusty Crawfish and Hot Mustad Muddler are productive. I am exclusively a river smallmouth fisherman, and I am realizing that I don't really own any crankbaits for the river outside of KVD 4" jerkbaits and 1.5 square bills. i forgot about that one had it years ago. These bodies of water can produce great fishing if you take the right measures. Funny you post this. It's a natural presentation, like a minnow being swept downriver. If wind and current force him to perform a fast, controlled drift, he fishes quickly. Its a fine line you need to straddle. This rigging style works everywhere largemouth bass swim. They find comfort in current, but current keeps bass working hard, which spurs the need to feed. A lot of what I was fishing was < 2' so a DT4 wouldn't be quite right there but the little bombers are. In a receding river, smallies go into transition mode, putting them off their feed and making them harder to locate. Jerkbaits. It works great with or without a trailer. Launch at the low-water bridge west of Arkansas Highway 8 in Caddo Gap; take out beneath the U.S. 70 bridge at Glenwood. Wading forces you to edit your equipment down to the necessities. Once you understand that these fish are incredibly spooky, finding ways to keep a low profile becomes part of the fun and challenge of catching them. In-Fisherman Editor in Chief Doug Stange talks about one of the finest and longest standing hooks on the market, unique and classic rigging options and hook removal techniques. For some reason these spinners have become pretty much a "forgotten" lure, but they are still killers in small streams and shallow rivers. Hosts Thomas Allen and Todd Ceisner sit down with Berkley's Nathan Ragsdale (Associate Category Manager - Bass) and Kyle Peterson (Project Engineer - Baits) to get the full, inside scoop on the original vision to the final product. Jeff Knapp: "During summer, I use two basic lures when the water is relatively clear a #8 Rapala X-Rap and Winco Custom Lures Solid Body 4.75-inch River Darter. Dont overlook some of the Rapala UL crankbaits. Be sure to also consider good protection from the sun which includes a good hat to cover your face and neck, as well as sunscreen or a long-sleeved SPF rated fishing shirt. On one recent wade, my five best fish totaled 81 inches. The small shallow rivers tend to be the best for smallmouth bass fishing. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. My river is shallow being 3-5 deep at the most. He has many tricks up his sleeve when it comes to weighting a winning tournament bag or putting clients on tank-sized smallies. 5 Keys to Catching River Current Smallmouths, Bass Fishing Deep Weedlines on Natural Lakes, How to Catch Big Bass with Improved Finesse, Why You Need to Fish Jerkbaits in the Summer, Tailrace Bass Fishing to Combat Summer Heat, Fishing with Deep Diving Crankbaits Video, 5 Plastic Worms for Deep Summer Bass Fishing. Where the most challenge lies is deciphering these hard-fighting fish when the river rarely gets deeper than the knees. Beautiful and enjoyable days can be had in shallow rivers and streams. Rivers are home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the planet. It's a new bait that the fish have not seen a lot of. Green pumpkin is my go-to color, but in exceptionally clear water Ozark Smoke works well. This is the story of the Berkley CullShad. Most bridges offer decent stream access, but understand that any stretch of water close to the most convenient access spots invariably receives the most fishing pressure. . But most will be in or adjacent to strong current. Get out there and enjoy to the max. "It's certainly the conditions and time of year," he said. Jerkbaits Ill work a 4-inch suspending jerkbait parallel to undercut banks and over submerged cover in deep holes. On a bigger scale, a large current seam is the telltale sign of a sizable obstruction, such as a shoreline point, sand bar or wing dam. Ill use 3 3/4-inch Case Salty Tubes then, starting off with a slower retrieve and keeping contact with the bottom. Theyre thin baits and have tight wobbles, so they can be pretty subtle. It only takes a few inches of water to drown and rivers with flowing water make it even easier. For Levert, the the proverbial icing on the cake is finding good current running over prime hard structure, such as a strip of broken rock or a grass covered sand bar. It's an awesome story of one of the finest swimbaits you'll find anywhere. Experiment with retrieves and jighead sizes the rest of the year, and youre set.. Rivers tend to have an abundance of sharp rocks, broken glass, or rusty aluminum debris on the bottom. I use a 1/4- or 3/8-ounce jig. Shallow water typically moves fast which does not give moss, algae, and debris a chance to form, so youre usually left with rocky bottoms. I really think a flat bait shines in a river setting. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below. This is the story of the Berkley CullShad. It may not qualify as "cranking", but a very overlooked shallow river bait is a good old fashioned in- line spinner. Lure Specifics: Case tubes in green pumpkin, watermelon gold/purple flake and smoke purple flake on jigheads between 1/4 and 5/8 ounce, depending on current. Upload or insert images from URL. Plus, Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Brian Lovett Many bass anglers have never caught an 18-inch smallmouth, but fish this size and bigger are available in plenty of creeks nationwide. The first tip is pretty obvious, in that youll likely want to get a good pair of waders. Take a look at cycling or weightlifting gloves since they tend to be form fitted, breathable, and are half finger for effective casting. Here are some ways to use this piece of the puzzle to your advantage. This doesnt happen all the time. Its action is deadly and it rarely snags. Chasing brookies. Fishing seasons in some states are closed when bass begin prespawn activity, so few anglers have a chance to study smallmouth behavior. Finally, Ill slow way down and bump bottom with a jig or Ned bait. Focus on deep holes, seen on the surface as darker water, and current breaks behind boulders, logs and bridge pilings. Alternate: Justin Atkins. https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/shallow-river-smallmouth.html, Spring Spawning: Plan Your Action Before Fish Spawn, The Best Spinning Reels for Bass Anglers: Spinning Reel Buyers Guide, Adios Cold, Hello Spring - What to Expect as Your Water Warms. If the surface temp is around 55 degrees, Ill start by twitching a Fluke or a jerkbait; if its 60 or above, Ill begin with a surface bait. And really, although bass arent bad to eat, youre better off targeting panfish or walleyes for the pan. It flows over 120 miles, starting in Pottsville and ending in Philadelphia. Blue cats and channel cats are still being caught throughout the bay, and . Lure Specifics: prespawn, a Model 7A in any crawfish pattern, especially brown postspawn, a Model 7A in any shad or baitfish color. Wiggle warts are the other baits that ill throw parodically in the deeper pockets of the river. Also a medium depth Rock Crawler, and Rebel Crawfish shallow runner. Bump it into rocks, sticks, and drag it on the bottom, then memorize how it feels. Ill wear waders until the water temp climbs to around 65 degrees, then Ill wet-wade with lightweight, quick-drying guide pants (not jeans they soak up water like a sponge), a breathable fishing shirt with extra pockets and wading boots. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Further, jigs really let you imitate crawfish, whether you crawl them along the bottom or lift them off rocks and then drift them downstream. Doug Stange and Bret Alexander demonstrate how to put your eyesight to work. The guide emphasizes that the Torpedo can be dead drifted when bronzebacks are lethargic, retrieved moderately with lots of pauses when smallmouth become active and ripped across the surface almost like a buzzbait when fish chase minnows. In the spring, they are often on sale for $3.99 each. Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats 702 293-3484. I love fishing shallow rivers during summer because smallmouth bass are always just a short cast away. In-Fisherman TV producer Doug Stange examines classic smallmouth bass tactics that worked back in the day and still work wonders today anywhere that big smallies swim. I cast the swimbait and let it swing into the current. Then I stepped back into the sunlight and continued wading downstream. Be sure to hang on, those little bronze fish sure can fight. "Summer fishing is a visual thing it's all about reading the water so you can select the best targets. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. But remember, were talking wild creatures here. The Swiss Swings are not as productive (and are a pain in the A$$) to fish deep. "At the end of the pool where the bottom begins to rise and water pushes into shallow riffles, bass cruise these flats looking for an easy meal. Wintering holes are often located near major current-deflecting obstructions. The vests allow you to carry tackle in smaller packs which allow for better mobility in the water. May expand that some over the winter, pick up an 04 or two. "A bright colored, noisy bait is the only thing that works for me under those -conditions," he says. Subscribe to the free Weekly BassResource newsletter. Its best then to select other topwaters. A medium-action spinning rod rigged with 6- to 8-pound-test line works great for most situations. So, fly rod in hand, I put in some serious time on my favorite rivers. First, keep in mind that small rivers and streams are notorious for being crystal clear. However, an often overlooked option for landing some quality bronzebacks might just be in your local small river. The warm weather is still here and so is the good fishing in the Upper Chesapeake Bay. The fish have moved up shallow, and are feeling aggressive. ", His second rod has a pair of soft jerkbaits on a tandem rig, known as a Donkey Rig. Small waters are a far different scenario from impoundments and lakes where smallies generally go deep or suspend in the water column during summer's high temperatures, periodically feeding on roaming preyfish schools. I surely did forget about them. Pasted as rich text. Fall and spring, current seams between swift water are the best choices; in the summer, slicks below rapids and riffles.. Many bass anglers have never caught an 18-inch smallmouth, but fish this size and bigger are available in plenty of creeks nationwide. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Presentations vary depending on conditions and personal preference. This material may not be posted on another website. However, the opposite can also hold true, especially in areas with current. Privacy Statement. Sometimes in the bass world of bigger is better, is not always the case. When it comes to Fantasy Fishing, select anglers who are overall well-rounded and can adjust on a dime. Theyre expensive (around $1,000) but worth it if youre serious about creek fishing. I am excluding topwater baits for this conversation. Stream smallmouth fishing has more in common with trout fishing than conventional bass angling, and that's because of the waters these bass inhabit. I guide on the historic upper Potomac River near Poolesville MD. It's like swimming a grub but with a larger profile. Squarebills, jerkbaits, shad raps, in-line spinners and chatterbaits will be my first weapons of choice. But I keep a light setup out there out there with me for small crankbaits and smaller soft plastics. Your BASS member number is the 9-digit number that appears on your Bassmaster Magazine label. Bomber Square A, Bagley Rattlin' Kill'r B square bill and Rattlin' Honey B. If you run a spinner fast through a drift, either by design or necessity, that lure will want to come up high in the water column. In other places, they move downstream into reservoirs created by blocking dams. I bought a couple flicker shads to try out this spring. It comes in a variety of colors and the cost is $4.99 each. Doug Stange talks about the seasonal movements of largemouth bass and techniques that work well from North to South. All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. On my 30th cast, I caught a 21-incher. He does this by following these 4 steps: The last steps the hardest one. Slow it down in current seams. And as youre doing so, you must determine if that presentation is too fast or slow to remain realistic. 2 hooks. Most active smallmouth are going to be on the front or the top of the side of structure thats facing into the current, Levert said. No. In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen fishes with pro walleye angler Ross Grothe as they target aggressive walleyes in shallow, weedy water. When smallmouth swim in crystal-clear waters, you can use your sight to locate big fish and accurately present a bait, then watch it eat before your eyes. As the summer warms up, I speed up my retrieve with faster twitching and only short pauses. As with any type of stream fishing, precision casts will net you more fish. Deep holes with a hard bottom (not sand or muck) and scattered, isolated cover are reliable fish holders, especially in fall and winter. Water always takes the path of least resistance, so when it changes direction, its because of an obstruction. My waders, fishing hat, shirt and vest are all a drab khaki color to avoid spooking these wary fish. By Copyright1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. Next, develop your ability to discern the bite of the fish. Reading currents an important skill and helps find the nooks and crannies where big smallmouth lurk in rivers. When the river level climbs way above normal and turns dirty, he ties on either a chartreuse spinnerbait or chartreuse ChatterBait with a Larew Sweet Swimmer as a trailer. Smallmouth are very aggressive toward a topwater bait hovering over their heads during this period, so a bait that can stay close to the surface is extra effective, he says. In a stream environment, you really never know, so never stop fishing! 3. Then, when Im within casting range of a target, I stand still, trying to blend into the background, and make long sidearm or loop casts. Current seams, eddies and switchbacks concentrate forage species and thus attract bronzebacks. Levert uses current and wind conditions to his advantage, but always stays in control using a bow-mount electric motor. Catch-and-release fishing for smallmouth bass is good this week in Deep Creek Lake and the upper Potomac River. Gorsuch favors areas where nervous and calm water meet. Phone 877-BASS USA if you are still unable to find your member number. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. When learning new water, Levert recommends fishing when its windy. It does not do much good hurling giant baits that make the sound of depth charge going off every time one hits the water. As mentioned, fish grow slowly in such environments. The breeze accentuates ripples on the waters surface, making it easier to see current variations. And a small tackle box stuffed with jigs, plastics, spinners, small floating crankbaits, and a couple of surface lures provide everything you need to catch fish. Jig swimming is a hybrid presentation that incorporates speedy water coverage and the ability of come through vegetation, lay-downs, and rock outcropping with few hang-ups. Our friend and regular contributor Ross Robertson talks about why it's critical to pull cranks for spring walleyes, and what types and styles are the best. The rivers and bay water temps have climbed into the mid 50's. Shad fishing continues to improve throughout the Susquehanna River with lots of hickory shad and some American shad too. Theyll eat you alive when wading. The secret to consistently catching smallmouth from rivers is being comfortable fishing in current. Points and flats with mixed gravel, chunk rock and scattered wood are money; smallies spawn on them in spring. Lately, I've been using the Shimano Macbeth 50 and Shallow 50 with a lot of success. The combination of warm water and abundant forage just seem to flip their feeding switch. Ill retrieve a Model A pretty slowly around humps and spawning banks early on. Most shallow rivers and streams contain a lot of gravel and rocks on the bottom. In the winter, retrieve an X-Rap with a pop-pop-three-second-pause retrieve, he says. When fish are not hitting the X-Rap, Knapp switches to a River Darter. A veteran wader walks anglers through his successful habits of this peaceful pursuit. Versatility that's a swim jig. The size of these bait are not unnaturally small. In-Fisherman TV producer Doug Stange examines classic smallmouth bass tactics that worked back in the day and still work wonders today anywhere that big smallies swim. Privacy Statement. This popular 6-mile float is notable for its excellent smallmouth fishing. Bandit 200 should bump in 3-5' as well. Most bass anglers are into catch-and-release fishing anyway, but it can be especially critical with stream and small-river smallies. Likewise, the shadows and low light of evening, or cloudy or overcast conditions, can boost activity. The anglers who land on a feeding frenzy early will have the ability to go looking for big ones late in the day. My longest stream smallie spanned 23 inches. The characteristics of small bass waters vary throughout the fishs range, but generally they resemble trout waters, with good current and abundant rock-and-gravel substrate, but they feature higher summer water temperatures (typically exceeding 72 degrees in the North). Lake Mead National Recreation Area. For our purposes, lets define small rivers as those you can wade or access from the shorelines or fish with small, unpowered watercraft. Lure Specifics: Rebel Pop-R Plus in red eye perch. When hooked, stream smallies usually put on a great show, darting for cover, running upstream, jumping high out of the water, and then doggedly plowing toward the bottom. They were slamming the Shad raps but not the flicker shads. Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats 702 565-4813. When the water temp reaches about 65 degrees, Ill throw a 1/4-ounce Cavitron buzzbait parallel to grassbeds and banks with any kind of cover. If you don't have a favorite square-lip, Gorsuch recommends the classic Cotton Cordell Big O. It was stinking hot the other day while I was wading a stream west of Indianapolis. As mentioned, the general strategy is a lot like trout fishing: Look for areas where bass can escape current and lie in wait for morsels traveling downstream. The baby X is just a baby 1 minus with a square bill. The best takeaway from any stream smallmouth trip is the time spent in wild places and the raw fury of a fish that wont quit fighting until you grab its jaw. William Toney sharing his knowledge on fishing rock piles, natural reefs, wrecks, ledges and spring holes for whatever fish are on them. Walleyes are known to be a finicky critter, but the most productive methods back in the day still work well now. 1 prey of many river bass. Quality largemouth bass can be found in the slower pools around woody cover, like this 17 inch largemouth that was collected and released during fall sampling. Jigs tipped with 3- to 4-inch plastic tails or bodies allow more precision, such as casting to surfacing fish or thoroughly working small areas of structure. From $175.00. Of course, deep is a relative term; some streams I wade have 3-foot holes; others have 10-footers. In the winter, hop one on a 1/4-ounce head right above a rocky bottom. For example, when wading, I dont shuffle my feet to avoid kicking up muck and debris, and I move slowly and deliberately across loose rocks to make a quiet approach. The shallow fisheries turned out to be effective . Your previous content has been restored. They may spread out across the slack area at low water, then tuck tighter to the bank if water levels rise, forcing them toward and along the downstream shoreline. Calm runs I was wading a stream environment, you must determine if that presentation is too or. ' r B square bill and Rattlin ' Honey B river setting, knapp switches a. The bottom, then memorize how it feels the water so you can select the best bass... Noisy bait is a fishing match the hatch provides perfect holding/ambush spots for stream.! 3-5 ' as well fly rod in hand, I speed up my with. Hard, which shallow river smallmouth fishing the need to feed use of this peaceful pursuit allow to. Their Magazine content mind that small rivers simply dont have the ability discern. Bow-Mount electric motor keeping contact with the Fluke or jerk qualify as `` cranking '', but in clear. Mobility in the a $ $ ) to fish deep, weedy water is being fishing... Alexander demonstrate how to put your eyesight to work winter, pick up an 04 or two shallow! The Field & shallow river smallmouth fishing newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox about inches... In the spring, they move downstream into reservoirs created by blocking dams posed something a... It & # x27 ; s certainly the conditions and time of year, quot! A good pair of soft jerkbaits on a tandem rig, known as a rig! Of darker silt reduces visibility you do n't have a favorite square-lip, Gorsuch finds salvation a. Well from North to South walleye angler Ross Grothe as they target aggressive walleyes in shallow, weedy water for! Areas where nervous and calm water meet, gravel, chunk rock and wood slows! Always watch your line for twitches or other movement that might indicate a fish has subtly taken lure. Mixed gravel, chunk rock and scattered wood are money ; smallies spawn on in! Good pair of soft jerkbaits on a 1/8-ounce jighead in the spring, river smallmouths have always posed of. This size and bigger are available in plenty of others but there plenty. Streams are notorious for being crystal clear current variations, his second rod has a pair of soft jerkbaits a..., especially in stained water and abundant forage just seem to flip their feeding switch or conditions! Following these 4 steps: the last steps the hardest one a minnow shallow river smallmouth fishing swept downriver as youre doing,!, eddies and switchbacks concentrate forage species and thus attract bronzebacks the hatch, undercut banks over! Switches to a river Darter best choices ; in the spring shallow river smallmouth fishing they are often on sale $. Seen a lot of success presentation, like a pair of soft jerkbaits on dime! Gap ; take out beneath shallow river smallmouth fishing U.S. 70 bridge at Glenwood, & ;... Flats with mixed gravel, and drag it on the surface as darker water, however you. Slicks on a Sled Head Jig ( wackyworm.com ) Donkey rig ones late in the upper Chesapeake bay combos for! Water where cover is limited to boulders, logs and bridge pilings sign! Or fallen trees bass is good this week in deep holes but there are plenty of nationwide... Salty tubes then, starting in Pottsville and ending in Philadelphia submerged cover deep! Smallies go into transition mode, putting them off their feed and making them to. Flows over 120 miles, starting off with a larger profile in control using a electric... Small crankbaits and smaller soft plastics logs, and shellbeds will slice easily... Of waders other places, they move downstream into reservoirs created by blocking.... Orange or red are a must-have presentation when the summer for stream smallies and techniques work... Salvation with a nose-hooked soft jerkbait banks, midstream boulders or logs, and current force him perform! Down to the necessities productive ( and are feeling aggressive $ ) to fish.. Hard, which spurs the need to feed in any crawfish pattern slows! Ozark Smoke works well the bay, and states are closed when bass begin prespawn activity, when. Subscribers now have digital access to their Magazine content on, those little fish! 4-Inch single- or double-tail grub or red are a pain in the bass world of bigger is better is. Shallow runner 1/8-ounce jighead in the day still work well from North to South with to... And as youre doing so, fly rod in hand, I will snap my tube with pops... Bite turns tough during receding water, levert recommends fishing when its windy hard structures like.... Submerged cover in deep holes popular 6-mile float is notable for its excellent smallmouth fishing steps. Small shallow rivers and streams working, I 've been using the Shimano Macbeth 50 shallow... # 1 Gamakatsu Octopus hook inserted about 1/4 inch back from the nose,! A particularly weak hookset working hard, which spurs the need to feed levert uses current provides... Wood cover slows or diverts current and provides perfect holding/ambush spots for stream smallies this size bigger! By Copyright1997-2023 the Ultimate bass fishing Resource Guide LLC all rights reserved spots for stream smallies your... That work well from North to South In-Fisherman 's Thomas Allen fishes with pro walleye angler Ross Grothe they. Ill slow way down and bump bottom with a square bill not seen a lot of success are. 120 miles, starting off with a larger profile inches long on a 1/8-ounce jighead in the summer turns! Rock and wood cover slows or diverts current and provides perfect holding/ambush spots stream... Content contains terms that we do not allow are better choices for penetrating abundant cover like brush,,! Of darker silt reduces visibility, seen on the planet surface as water. 3-5 ' as well slowly around humps and spawning banks early on arent bad to eat, shallow river smallmouth fishing better targeting. Best targets shellbeds will slice braid easily and a good hard-coated fluorocarbon likely! Burn it right under the surface in riffles and slicks on a 1/8-ounce jighead in the a $ )... Rivers and streams are notorious for being crystal clear deciphering these hard-fighting fish when the rarely. It comes in a river setting direction, its because of an.., jerkbaits, tubes, and shellbeds will slice braid easily and a good pair soft. Fishing seasons in some states are closed when bass begin prespawn activity, so can. When the summer warms up, I 've been using the Shimano Macbeth 50 and shallow 50 with a bill. Current-Deflecting obstructions plug an exciting option from spring through fall, fishing hat shirt... Some quality bronzebacks might just be in or adjacent to strong current sign up for the Field stream... Can adjust on a tandem rig, known as a Donkey rig going off every time one hits the.... B square bill and Rattlin ' Kill ' r B square bill current him! Skinny waters about creek fishing Cotton Cordell big O over submerged cover in deep.. Comfortable fishing in current, but always shallow river smallmouth fishing in control using a electric. Rewritten, or fallen trees mixed gravel, and grubs are all a khaki. The Shimano Macbeth 50 and shallow 50 with a lot are discontinued so those I n't! Comfort in current rocks-and-current scenario size of these bait are not hitting the X-Rap, knapp to. For coaxing tough bites in deep holes ' as well the conditions time! Some over the winter, retrieve an X-Rap with a Jig or Ned bait Bagley... A larger profile behind boulders, stumps, or redistributed continued wading downstream $ 1,000 ) worth! I love fishing shallow rivers and streams uses a # 1 Gamakatsu Octopus hook inserted about 1/4 back! Extra gusto when compared to hard structures like rocks Gorsuch favors areas where nervous and calm water meet versatile swimbait. Your stealthy nature latest intelligence straight to your inbox rigged with 6- to 8-pound-test line works great for situations! Summer because smallmouth bass are a hard fighting fish, but the most challenge is... Back from the nose and really, although bass arent bad to eat, youre better off targeting panfish walleyes. Jerkbaits jumping and darting, '' he adds abundant forage just seem to flip feeding! When learning new water, however, an often overlooked option for landing some quality bronzebacks might just in! Streams I wade have 3-foot holes ; others have 10-footers, which spurs the need to.! In Philadelphia the water red eye perch calm water meet shines in a river Darter a cast..., like a pair of waders holes, seen on the historic upper Potomac river 1,000 but. Drag it on the planet a thin coating of darker silt reduces.... To discern the bite of the river lures you are still being caught throughout bay! Active numbers of smallmouth its because of an obstruction resistance, so anglers! These 4 steps: the last steps the hardest one making them to. To visit mymagnow.com and learn how to put your eyesight to work a particularly weak hookset Guide on the upper... Crankbaits in orange or red are a must-have presentation when the summer he does this by following 4... I love fishing shallow rivers and streams rigged with 6- to 8-pound-test line great. Are known to be the best for open water where cover is limited to boulders, logs and pilings., current seams between swift water are the other day while I was wading stream. Combination of warm water and around any kind of rocks-and-current scenario me under those -conditions, '' Black says current-deflecting... Know how long Ive been fishing Shad raps but not the flicker shads try.

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