Jma1087

I’m sick of the hot humid sticky weather and cannot for Fall. It’s my favorite season in general. Just picked up a new pair of waders and cannot wait to reel in some big autumn smallies on the river!

Lol I’m the exact same way. I was killing it with a jig last week and ended up buying 20 more right afterwards. Did the same with Chatterbaits, soft plastics, and so on.

I’m new to the forum so I haven’t met anyone in person but I have met up with people that I met on a fishing Facebook group before. With that said, if anyone is from the Western burbs of Chicago, I’d be down to do some local fishing!

Just from personal experience, the larger smallies I catch are closer to the bank. I don’t think there is a connection between the size of fish and the depth at which they are. I could be totally wrong though as I am quite new to river fishing.

Welcome from IL!

I love the DuPage. I caught my PB there last week!

I usually wade the DuPage or I'm on the bank of the Des Plaines.

I am planning on trying this spot out possibly tomorrow or this weekend. Anything change that you know of or is the security guy still ok with fishing just this one pond? Also, thanks for the info. I've been dying to try out a nice golf course pond!

Eating a huge/nasty meal the night before I plan on waking up at 4am. I want to get out on the water asap but can't because I get the case of the morning bubble guts. I'm sure a lot of you guys can relate?!

Followed!

I am in the same boat when in comes to wacky rigs. It's basically my skunk free rig when I've tried everything else.

I ended up catching my PB smallie last week while wading a local river. She measured at 3lbs and was sitting in the shade maybe a foot or so off the bank. I would say that majority of the smallies I catch do come from shallower water close to the bank.

Hi all, I have recently started wading rivers for smallmouth in my area. I've literally been having the most fun I've had fishing in a while. I am currently using a Medium Light spinning rod but I feel like I need something a little heavier. I mainly throw 1/4-3/8oz jigs + trailer as well as some soft plastics (tubes, craws, etc). I know for sure that I am overstepping the lure weight rating for my current rod and it just doesn't feel good, especially when trying to set the hook. I'm not sure if I should step up to a Medium or a Medium Heavy. I am leaning more towards a Medium since I do like the fight smallmouths give but I am realizing that many Medium rods are only capable of up to 5/8 lure weight which I think I am above when using a jig/trailer. I also want to keep it "compact" as I sometimes cast from the bank around a lot of trees. I feel that 6'8-7" would be perfect so I didn't really don't want to go over 7". I also prefer a spinning rod/reel when wading so I don't have to deal with any backlashes while in the water. I would be pairing this new rod up with a Shimano Vanford 2500. I would love to hear some recommendations on some stiffer Mediums or "shorter" Medium Heavy rods. Maybe someone that is in a similar situation as me, what do you use? My budget is around the $250-$300 area. Bonus points if its USA made but it's not a deal breaker if it isn't. Thank you in advance Joe

I’ve recently started river fishing for smallmouth and been having a ton of luck using 1/4-3/8oz jigs. I’m a big fan of the 1/4oz Strike King Bitsy Bug Jig followed by a craw trailer. As for colors I use either green pumpkin or black. Most of my catches come from near the bank under cover or from deeper pockets in the river. I also like to cast around any larger boulders or stumps that are sticking out and break the current.

Hi everyone, I’m a long time lurker and finally decided to make an account and join the community! This forum has helped me a lot on my fishing journey and is usually the first place I check for any questions I may have. As for introducing myself, I’m from the suburbs of Chicago. I’ve been fishing for 4 years now and mainly fish local ponds and smaller lakes from the bank. I’ve recently gotten into river fishing for smallmouth as well. Thanks for having me!