Fishing Bridges

[Rez]

When fishing bridges with large concrete pilings and rip rap shores what is your approach? The bridge I have the easiest access too is in about 15 ft of water with both sun and ample shade underneath. I feel like many people on my reservoir ignore the bridges and would like to know how often you guys fish them, with what success, and with what approach. Thanks!

[papajoe222]

The presence or lack of current makes a big difference in your plan when fishing bridges. Many guys will go directly to the pilings on either side of the creek bed,which is a good starting point for active fish when there is current. You can then work the other pilings and out to the riprap banks. The lack of current may be the reason the locals ignore the bridges and that's a mistake. Would you avoid a major piece of cover on a creek bed that wasn't visible above the surface?

Choose a presentation you have confidence in and don't forget to target the up current side of the pilings current or not. Debris will collect there adding a different form of cover. A systematic approach will keep you focused.

[greentrout]

The presence or lack of current makes a big difference in your plan when fishing bridges. Many guys will go directly to the pilings on either side of the creek bed,which is a good starting point for active fish when there is current. You can then work the other pilings and out to the riprap banks. The lack of current may be the reason the locals ignore the bridges and that's a mistake. Would you avoid a major piece of cover on a creek bed that wasn't visible above the surface?

Choose a presentation you have confidence in and don't forget to target the up current side of the pilings current or not. Debris will collect there adding a different form of cover. A systematic approach will keep you focused.

Great post. Where I live there is major flooding. I fish several flood detention basins in the Bayou City area. There's a bridge on the walking trail for walkers that is normally 10 feet above the water level. Not now. High water. I went out to fish and noticed a gentleman at the bridge who was pulling in bass, nice bass, with ease fishing at the bridge. I learned he was using a Zoom Super Fluke weightless. Blew my mind. Most of his bass were 2lbs. and up. He did tell me he was a tournament basser and member of a bass club. .  Nice gentleman. Never too old to learn.

 

The old school basser...

[geo g]

Over the years I have caught loads of bass of all sizes under bridges with big concrete pilings and rip rap banks.  The alley is a 50 mile stretch of super Highway that cuts right through the heart of the Everglades.  There are big canals on both sides of the roadway which provided fill for the highway..  Every mile there are twin bridges along the entire route.  If there is current under the bridges the fishing can be magical.   Big bass will use the bridge for shade, and sit in ambush on the down side of the pilings, just waiting for food to flow by in the current.  They will also hang near the rip rap in the early morning, and in the winter the rip rap will hold heat..  Current around the pilings is key  The bridges are also a great place to hide if a storm blows in..

[Rez]

Great advise so far! The only real current occurs after a storm rolls in but I saw the rip rap covered with small baitfish. Promising to say the least and I'll really fish it hard and thoroughly next week. Maybe go with a deep diving crank or a texas rig. How about a very wide bridge with no concrete pilings. So the entirety of the water below is shaded. I was thinking in mid summer when the temps are very high it could hold bass looking for cooler,shaded water?

[geo g]

Great advise so far! The only real current occurs after a storm rolls in but I saw the rip rap covered with small baitfish. Promising to say the least and I'll really fish it hard and thoroughly next week. Maybe go with a deep diving crank or a texas rig. How about a very wide bridge with no concrete pilings. So the entirety of the water below is shaded. I was thinking in mid summer when the temps are very high it could hold bass looking for cooler,shaded water?

Hit the rip rap with a square bill, chatterbait with a ragin craw trailor, or a swim bait gambler E-Z swimmer.  Cool morning the rip rap holds heat.

[scaleface]

When a local reservoir was new, bridges were a good place to get into some action. Pop R's , medium diving cranks and lipless cranks got used a lot. Fishing pressure took its toll and now they are not very productive .I just drive past them these days . There are always boats there , mostly crappie fishermen .

[Bankbeater]

I tend keep my distance from pilings in water with a heavy current.  They can really cause some serious damage if you bump one hard enough.

[Jig Man]

I fish a few.  In the highland reservoirs we have the water may be as deep as 100' under them.  My bait choices are buzzbait if the water is calm and spinnerbait if there is wind.