NRV_Smallmouth

Hello everyone I live in Southwest Virginia and fish the New River around Radford Va. I usually only fish warmer weather (water temperature upwards of 55 degrees) however this year I would like to start earlier. Currently the water temp is in the high 40's around 47 degrees. Would it be a waste of time to go this early? I plan on fishing a Small dam on a river that feeds into the New River. From what I've read Smallies should be in the calmest parts of the river when its cold and there are many still pools below the dam. Would that be a wise choice or should i fish the main river? Lastly I'm not sure what baits to use since the water is cold - I plan on dead-sticking tubes and senkos and possibly trying some jerks baits is this the right approach? This is new to me and I am open to any ideas. Tight Lines.

I have a few strike king micro spinner baits, a few larger spinnerbaits and xcalibur rattle baits so I'll definitely bring those thanks!

I live in southwest Virginia and the temperature have been ranging from 30-65 degrees over the past two weeks, it snowed quite a bit today however next week is supposed to be near 70 all week. With that said I plan on going to fish the new river. I expect the water to be cold 45-55 degrees. What baits and areas should I fish? I plan on using small tubes, jerkbaits, football jigs, and fish near some small islands that split the river. Am i right in doing so or am i missing something?

I fish out of a kayak so it shouldn't be much different, I should be at the river this coming week I'll keep you updated - thanks!

I have been using either a 1/4 ounce or 1/8 ounce and yes i use a crawdad trailer. What technique do you use to catch fish on jigs? Dragging? Hopping?

Thank you! I'll be back on the water in couple days to try it out!

Thank you! The water temp was about 50 but it was sunny. I was fishing at some eddies that were about 5-7 feet deep. I have football head jigs ranging from 1/8 - 1/4 ounces, I belive I was using a green and orange 1/4 ounce jig. Also I have caught a good number of fish on tubes and grubs I was just wondering if jigs were amother good bait to use or not.

Hello I live in Virginia and I fish the New River very often. I usually use Senkos, crankbaits, and grubs to catch smallmouth but lately I've noticed a lot of people using football jigs. I've bought a couple but have had no luck. I've tried slowly dragging them and hopping the like a senko around spots that I usually catch smallmouth but again no luck. So how should I use football jigs and where?