Fishing Smallmouth Bass in Rivers

Smallmouth bass fishing in rivers clearly defines transition fishing. The transition from spring to summer fishing can be perplexing...especially on rivers.

In river situations, smallmouths are on the move, the spawn is over, and they're honing in on positions for food sources and the best possible ambush areas. It's no longer cold enough to hold them in the deeper winter sanctuaries, but it hasn't warmed up enough to cause them to move into the shallow, faster water below shoals and rock bars. Where do you turn?

Getting the best of of river-run smallies from May to June will test the wisest of smallmouth anglers. The fish are scattered and a little harder to pattern, but they're looking for a fight. The smallies have the upper hand. It's time for you to go on the offensive and hunt them down. When you find them...you'll know it!

River Smallmouth Gear

You should have two rods with you. Don't leave the cabin without at least a 6-ft. medium-heavy spinning rod and reel combination, and take a baitcaster spooled with 12-lb.-test line. The spinning rod spooled with 6-lb.-test line will be used for pitching light tackle into cover or tight situations or for firing a cast upstream. The baitcasting combo can cast big spinnerbaits into and around springtime cover.

The late spring can often bring more fronts and additional rain causing higher-than-nornal water levels that force the smallmouth bass tighter to cover. You need a baitcasting setup in your hands to handle the surge that smallies are famous for in river current.

Where To Find River Smallmouth....After The Spawn

As smallmouth bass are transitioning in rivers, you'll want to target in-between water. That means the banks above and below winter hangouts and spawning areas. There's usually plenty of water in the river this time of year, compared to summer and fall. It often pushes smallmouths tighter to cover and closer to the bank.

Key areas to search include not only the upper and lower ends of rock bluffs in river bends and long stretches, but also deep water next to flats and secondary water below shoals.

Other prime late spring hotspots are banks with an outcropping of river rock or pea-sized gravel. Log-jams, blowdowns, and other sub-surface brush shouldn't be passed by without you working them over.

Best Baits for River Smallmouth

Let's take a look at a couple of baits that really excel this time of year on river smallmouth.

Two of the best baits for hunting late-spring smallmouths are 3-inch plastic grubs in pumpkinseed and smoke colors. You can swim it, jig it, or rip it through the water to grab the attention of hungry smallmouths. It's the perfect river baitfish imitation. It's hard to find a better bait for working rock structures from bluffs to shoals.

To draw a reaction strike, a bait has to be either irresistible, the perfect baitfish imitation or just plain irritating!

The second great springtime transition bait is the ever-popular spinnerbait. Try the 1/2oz. size as they can be very productive at this time of year. Go with natural color spinnerbaits; avoid the flourescent colors. Anytime your boat drifts by wood, pick up your spinnerbait rod.

With heavier line, don't be afraid to throw your spinnerbait into thicker cover. When placed properly, the spinnerbait bumping a log or limb will draw the reaction strike you're looking for. Cast to each spot more than once--this is one bait that really irritates smallmouths into striking.

All that's left now is launching that boat with your rods rigged and ready. Go give Mr. Bronzeback a hard time. Start a feeding frenzy!