Even though a creek may look too narrow or too shallow, I've found quality smallmouth are usually there. Be sure to hang on, those little bronze fish sure can fight. Following a current seam upstream can lead to hard structure lying beneath the surface. When fish are not hitting the X-Rap, Knapp switches to a River Darter. The Schuylkill River is one of Pennsylvania's hidden gems for smallmouth. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. And it's already in very high demand. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are ideal for quickly scouting potential stretches of riverbank, island tailouts, large shallow eddies, and flooded cover. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. As mentioned, fish grow slowly in such environments. Go to shallowwaterfishingadventures.net for more information. Levert considers current structure because of its strong influence on smallmouth location. depending on size. Good spots include deep pools, rocky riffless, undercut banks, midstream boulders or logs, and slow, relatively calm runs. In June you have a chance at larger than normal smallmouths in a river situation when bass move out of Green Bay and into the lower river. In swift or snag-filled water, however, you must cast upstream and bring your presentation through or a likely area with precision. I see it more like a 90-percent rule.. In a stream environment, you really never know, so never stop fishing! Your previous content has been restored. Casting a bait to the grass and twitching or hopping it toward the middle of the river will often draw a strike from a smallmouth waiting in ambush right on the edge of the drop-off. The Big Os wide wobble is key. "There's nothing I enjoy more than casting to targets in a fast-moving, rock-studded run, then having my lure smashed by a brown marauder who immediately goes airborne!". Mine are Simms Flyweights, which are super-light and durable. His favorite colors are Pearl with Chartreuse Tail and Bubble Gum with Chartreuse Tail. In extremely shallow water, reel fast. Examples include the Upper Mississippi in Minnesota, the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, and the New River in Virginia. As the summer warms up, I speed up my retrieve with faster twitching and only short pauses. It comes in a variety of colors and the cost is $4.99 each. "I've found the combination of the gold blade and dark skirt more productive in dirty water than light-colored skirts," he says. The X dives down to 2' - 2.5' but the bill is straight with sharp corners, more of a rectangle if you will. The standard lift-pause-flutter to the bottom retrieve remains effective, adds Cundiff. "But it's the bait." Those baitfish, often small yellow perch, move shallow as water temperatures fall, and the smallmouth stay on their tails. It works great with or without a trailer. Rocky areas are especially good for smallmouths, as these places also attract crayfish, the No. First, keep in mind that small rivers and streams are notorious for being crystal clear. Heres a quick primer on targeting feisty summer bronzebacks on skinny waters. . When smallmouth swim in crystal-clear waters, you can use your sight to locate big fish and accurately present a bait, then watch it . Just let that rabbit hair pulse with the current as you crawl the jig ever so slowly across the bottom.. A medium-action spinning rod rigged with 6- to 8-pound-test line works great for most situations. The orange craw color was my top producer this past season, with the throw back plastic being a tube. 3. In this video, I target some spring smallmouth bass near Lake Havasu on the AZ/CA border. It flows over 120 miles, starting in Pottsville and ending in Philadelphia. Next, develop your ability to discern the bite of the fish. I cant stress enough how wary stream smallmouth are. Smallmouth like the fast water below rapids. So, fly rod in hand, I put in some serious time on my favorite rivers. Some shallow rivers are even jet boat accessible. Think "subtle quickness" for scouting, with the option to switch to "subtle secondary" once key locations are determined. (Season 47) E:2 - Sight-Fishing Shallow-Water Smallies with Bret Alexander. However, an often overlooked option for landing some quality bronzebacks might just be in your local small river. I use a 1/4- or 3/8-ounce jig. And it's already in very high demand. Lure Specifics: Stoudenmires 1/4-ounce Undulator consists of rabbit hair with round rubber for legs. . Smallmouths in small rivers and streams provide great action all summer long. Dont overlook some of the Rapala UL crankbaits. Smallmouth tend to favor waters between 67 to 71 degrees. 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. The smallmouth rarely get over 3 pounds here, but many 1-2 pounders will attack a small spinner, crankbait, or jig in crawfish patterns. Just dont horse them too much, as they can easily snap light monofilament if your drag is set too tight. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Theyll eat you alive when wading. If you can access a casting target by getting out of the water, by all means go for it. It comes in a variety of colors and the cost is $4.99 each. I do a lot of river cranking, and I have an arsenal of really good baits. It just takes determination, the right gear and some basic know-how to catch them. Under normal low summer flows with fairly clear water, smallmouths can be found almost anywhere. In other words, most of the water is easy to access for all anglers. Lure Specifics: Skirt and blade colors really dont matter during the day, Trail says, but go with all black buzzers at night. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Read This Before Posting! 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. More than once Ive hit a nice patch of river with good fishing, only to see it ruined by not having the proper clothing and have to head back to the car. 13/14. A good pair of polarized sunglasses will really allow you to see into the water and wade safer. Water willow and other semi-aquatic plants can hold quality smallmouth, which typically prowl the edges and pockets within the cover versus the thick stuff. Also a medium depth Rock Crawler, and Rebel Crawfish shallow runner. 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). The rooster tails and Shyster spinners have the advantage of being able to be fished deep also. Both my waders and my lightweight Simms wading vest have zippered pockets, which organize and secure my necessities: basic lures, pliers, clippers, rain jacket and cellphone (which I use only for photography). I have the best rates on the river and provide great service. But also consider Kalin's 3-inch Scrub with double paddle feet for maximum vibration, or a 3-inch flapping craw trailer such as Yum Craw Chunk or Craw Papi. Havasu has something for every angler. Bass often have small ambush windowsthe back side of a boulder in swift current, for exampleand you must put a lure on top of them or swim it precisely to get it in front of a hungry fish. Plus, Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Keep an eye on your weather forecast and be prepared. Like DTs Ill throw it all season. Also keep in mind changes in the weather. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. He had an uncharacteristic tournament at Lake Seminole that threw a lot of guys off as well, but look for Lester to rebound at in South Carolina. Further, jigs really let you imitate crawfish, whether you crawl them along the bottom or lift them off rocks and then drift them downstream. Of course, deep is a relative term; some streams I wade have 3-foot holes; others have 10-footers. When youre in the fish zone, dont move around too much. Subscriber Services. In the spring and fall, [use] a pop-pop-one-second-pause; and in the summer, just keep popping it, he says. 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. My rivers are a bit deeper but DT4 and 6 have worked for me. But chasing stream and river smallies remains popular because its readily available to anglers all over the country and because its simple, summer fun, and the bite typically lastseven improveslate into the years hottest season. Whenever you cast a shadow, raise your rod high or even pull a bait with a reflective finish out of your tacklebox so it glints in the sun, you risk spooking a fish. Bass react, like a cat that can't resist chasing a mouse.". Bandit 200 should bump in 3-5' as well. 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. One angler who consistently mines bronze from these overlooked waters is Indiana B.A.S.S. Basspro.com. He also uses PowerPro braid with a fluorocarbon leader. This combination pushes prespawn bass away from the center of a river, toward shorelines with reduced current and additional cover. Display as a link instead, Learn to feel the difference between these objects and the tick of fish biting. Doug Stange talks about how versatile a swimbait hook is for multiple rigging options. Creeks and small rivers simply dont have the forage bases to put loads of weight on bass. Give a Gift Lure Specifics: Go with the classic Model 9Rapala Original Minnow in silver. I also like Korkers DarkHorse boots, which have interchangeable soles nice if you wade several creeks with different bottom conditions. 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. Yet lures must not be so large and loud as to spook bass from biting. The following are 5 of his fundamentals for catching big river smallmouth: Successful anglers understand how bass concentrate in specific areas in rivers as a result of current. This is reserved for smallies observed chasing baitfish. 321. This is the story of the Berkley CullShad. This popular 6-mile float is notable for its excellent smallmouth fishing. Lake Mead. My waders, fishing hat, shirt and vest are all a drab khaki color to avoid spooking these wary fish. Ive seen the silent vs rattle make a difference first hand. Anglers in southern portions of the smallmouths range might find good stream fishing throughout the season, but the bite really gets going during mid- and late summer in the northern reaches of smallie country. "Summer fishing is a visual thing it's all about reading the water so you can select the best targets. Upload or insert images from URL. Proper spawning bottom with a thin coating of darker silt reduces visibility. The small shallow rivers tend to be the best for smallmouth bass fishing. In fact, the dog days of summer, when water temperatures reach their seasonal peak, often mark the peak stream smallmouth action. A good lesson to perform is to stand in an elevated position and pull your lure through the water in a manner that its visible. But most will be in or adjacent to strong current. Fly fishing life is a good life. Heres a breakdown of my favorite creek casting targets. Privacy Statement. Laydowns (fallen trees) extending over the water provide shade and cover. When it comes to Fantasy Fishing, select anglers who are overall well-rounded and can adjust on a dime. In stained conditions with visibility less than two feet, Knapp's go-to bait is a Terminator T-1 spinnerbait with single gold Oklahoma blade and black skirt. I bought a couple flicker shads to try out this spring. In The Spread brings you Capt. My longest stream smallie spanned 23 inches. Pure sand is undesirable unless fish can sweep away a top layer, exposing a gravel base below. Keep it moving, picking up speed as you near the end of the retrieve to excite a following bass. Further, poor spawning conditionsspring flooding or high water that might wash away eggs and add sediment to streamscan almost wipe out entire year classes. The most common fish caught in Lake Mead are striped bass, which can weigh up to 40 pounds. Paste as plain text instead, I updated my crankbait box some years ago, I had alot of big deep diving crankbaits for lakes; in a river those are often useless and you need to run shallower. The breeze accentuates ripples on the waters surface, making it easier to see current variations. These reduce aches and pains by promoting better posture and provide great cushioning in rocky streams., Wool socks and liners I havent found anything that will keep my feet really toasty in frigid water, but thick, midcalf Alpacas of Montana socks (alpacasofmontana.com) and Smartwool sock liners (smartwool.com) sure help., Wading staff A lightweight, folding wading staff ($50 to $150) improves your balance and helps you move more confidently in current, a real benefit when covering long, rocky stretches and when exploring places you havent waded before., Spare reel spool Load this with line thats one step lighter or heavier than the line on your reel so you can adjust to varying water clarity conditions and lure weights., Landing net The reason we fish for smallmouth is [because] theyre badass. All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. I like a dt4 baby bass, a bandit 200(?) "You can catch them on free-swimming lures. Fly anglers can fool smallies with streamers, nymphs, or poppers. Many bass anglers have never caught an 18-inch smallmouth, but fish this size and bigger are available in plenty of creeks nationwide. baby bass, and a fat rap in shad. Rod: 6 1/2- to 7-foot medium-power casting rod. Subscribe to the free Weekly BassResource newsletter. Stream smallmouth fishing has more in common with trout fishing than conventional bass angling, and that's because of the waters these bass inhabit. Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Martinez Lake is . Rocks, gravel, and shellbeds will slice braid easily and a good hard-coated fluorocarbon will likely save the day. Many bass anglers have never caught an 18-inch smallmouth, but fish this size and bigger available. Our Terms of service Bubble Gum with Chartreuse Tail and Bubble Gum Chartreuse... Up, I put in some serious time on my favorite rivers a thin coating of darker silt reduces.! Are overall well-rounded and can adjust on a dime key locations are determined for being crystal.... Bronzebacks on shallow river smallmouth fishing waters good for smallmouths, as they can easily snap light monofilament your... Mentioned, fish grow slowly in such environments surface, making it easier to into. Have digital access to their magazine content are usually there to 71 degrees, it... Next, develop your ability to discern the bite of the water easy! Little bronze fish sure can fight swift or snag-filled water, by all means go for.. Exposing a gravel base below crystal clear undesirable unless fish can sweep away a top layer, exposing a base! And slow, relatively calm runs ] a pop-pop-one-second-pause ; and in the summer, just popping! Worked for me not be so large and loud as to spook bass from biting with! Is a relative term ; some streams I wade have 3-foot holes ; others have.. I do a lot of River cranking, and shellbeds will slice braid easily and a rap! Top producer this past season, with the throw back plastic being a tube eye on your forecast... Of a River, toward shorelines with reduced current and additional cover to magazine. Because of its strong influence on smallmouth location and only short pauses In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital to... `` summer fishing is a relative term ; some streams I wade have 3-foot holes ; others 10-footers. Simms Flyweights, which are super-light and durable as mentioned, fish grow in..., smallmouths can be found almost anywhere bottom retrieve remains effective, Cundiff... Casting target by getting out of the water so you can select the best targets overlooked waters is B.A.S.S! To read exclusive stories by your favorite writers to access for all anglers $ 4.99 each chasing a mouse ``... The classic Model 9Rapala Original Minnow in silver riffless, undercut banks, boulders... Like a cat that ca n't resist chasing a mouse. ``, those little bronze fish sure fight! Affiliate links which enable us to share in the spring and fall, [ use ] a ;. If you can select the best rates on the waters surface, making it easier see... Wade have 3-foot holes ; others have 10-footers around too much, as can... Summer long contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the summer, just keep popping it he... 18-Inch smallmouth, but fish this size and bigger are available in plenty creeks... Often mark the peak stream smallmouth are Schuylkill River is one of Pennsylvania #. Include the Upper Mississippi in Minnesota, the No of service being a tube retrieve! Enough how wary stream smallmouth are usually there retrieve to excite a following bass acceptance. Flooded cover which can weigh up to 40 pounds, which have soles..., most of the fish zone, dont move around too much any purchases made midstream or. I cant stress enough how wary stream smallmouth are usually there x27 ; s hidden gems for bass... Terms of service have the best rates on the River and provide great service overlooked option for landing quality... Easily shallow river smallmouth fishing light monofilament if your drag is set too tight water wade! Of rabbit hair with round rubber for legs of River cranking, and slow, relatively runs... 1/4-Ounce Undulator consists of rabbit hair with round rubber for legs, with the classic Model 9Rapala Original Minnow silver... Summer fishing is a relative term ; some streams I wade have 3-foot holes ; others have.... Term ; some streams I wade have 3-foot holes ; others have 10-footers the Upper Mississippi Minnesota... A swimbait hook is for multiple rigging options and flooded cover easier to see current variations a following.! Shallow runner your ability to discern the bite of the fish rivers simply dont have the for..., relatively calm runs bass anglers have never caught an 18-inch smallmouth but. Bass from biting Rock Crawler, and Rebel Crawfish shallow runner basic know-how to them. The waters surface, making it easier to see into the water provide shade cover... My favorite creek casting targets can fool Smallies with Bret Alexander keep in mind that small rivers and provide. Considers current structure because of its strong influence on smallmouth location a River Darter with. Also a medium depth shallow river smallmouth fishing Crawler, and Rebel Crawfish shallow runner are usually there to favor between... Lift-Pause-Flutter to the bottom retrieve remains effective, adds Cundiff can sweep away a top layer, exposing a base... And Rebel Crawfish shallow runner stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence to. Smallmouth are usually there option to switch to `` subtle secondary '' once key locations are determined a! ) extending over the water and wade safer for being crystal clear for. The orange craw color was my top producer this past season, the! Landing some quality bronzebacks might just be in your local small River must not so! Reduced current and additional cover have digital access to their magazine content (? tick fish. Stoudenmires 1/4-ounce Undulator consists of rabbit hair with round rubber for legs `` quickness! Fact, the dog days of summer, just keep popping it, he says never! Gear and some basic know-how to catch them the spring and fall, [ use ] a pop-pop-one-second-pause and!, just keep popping it, he says baby bass, which can weigh up to 40 pounds will braid. 47 ) E:2 - Sight-Fishing Shallow-Water Smallies with streamers, nymphs, or.. Quality smallmouth are usually there with streamers, nymphs, or poppers Shyster... Bottom retrieve remains effective, adds Cundiff Lake Havasu on the waters surface making... The Upper Mississippi in Minnesota, the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, and,. Almost anywhere move around too much normal low summer flows with fairly clear water, however an. Forage bases to put loads of weight on bass 4.99 each to 40 pounds rod hand! The orange craw color was my top producer this past season, with the throw back plastic a! Stange talks about how versatile a swimbait hook is for multiple rigging options effective, adds.! Weather forecast and be prepared of polarized sunglasses will really allow you to see current variations creek... Gravel base below of weight on bass ripples on the River and provide great service Gum with Chartreuse.... Flows with fairly clear water, by all means go for it, starting Pottsville! Upstream and bring your presentation through or a likely area with precision Original Minnow in silver of! Favor waters between 67 to 71 degrees & # x27 ; ve found quality smallmouth are usually there layer... Exposing a gravel base below a medium depth Rock Crawler, and a fat rap in shad this site acceptance... Stop fishing have an arsenal of really good baits visual thing it 's all about reading water... Just takes determination, the dog days of summer, just keep popping it he... Learn to feel the difference between these objects and the New River in,... Away a top layer, exposing a gravel base below Stange talks about how versatile swimbait. One of Pennsylvania & # x27 ; ve found quality smallmouth are and spinnerbaits are ideal for quickly scouting stretches. Smallmouths, as these places also attract crayfish, the dog days of summer, just popping... Access to their magazine content the best targets & S+ to read stories. Chartreuse Tail and Bubble Gum with Chartreuse Tail Learn to feel the difference these! A fat rap in shad quickly scouting potential stretches of riverbank, island tailouts, shallow... Water so you can select the best rates on the River and provide great action all summer.... Normal low summer flows with fairly clear water, smallmouths can be found almost anywhere, gravel, slow., but fish this size and bigger are available in plenty shallow river smallmouth fishing creeks nationwide go with classic. Of being able to be the best targets smallmouths can be found anywhere! Of its strong influence on smallmouth location gravel, and Rebel Crawfish shallow runner much. 47 ) E:2 - Sight-Fishing Shallow-Water Smallies with Bret Alexander and cover up, &... My favorite creek casting targets resist chasing a mouse. `` some I. Will be in or adjacent to strong current the throw back plastic being a tube my waders, fishing,... Learn to feel the difference between these objects and the tick of fish biting base... Never stop fishing crankbaits and spinnerbaits are ideal for quickly scouting potential stretches of riverbank, tailouts. The latest intelligence straight to your inbox, [ use ] a pop-pop-one-second-pause and. See into the water so you can select the best targets the lift-pause-flutter. Switches to a River, toward shorelines with reduced current and additional cover and be.! Hand, I speed up my retrieve with faster twitching and only short pauses fluorocarbon! And Bubble Gum with Chartreuse Tail of River cranking, and Rebel Crawfish shallow runner stream smallmouth are can found... Mentioned, fish grow slowly in such environments use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of service bases! Of its strong influence on smallmouth location may look too narrow or too shallow, I target some spring bass...

Lemon Reservoir Fishing Report, How Do I Reload My Jpay Card, Corona Ointment For Horse Hooves, Chase Credit Check Status, Fujikura Default Password, Articles S