Spring Smallmouth Help

[UPSmallie]

Hey all, I'm prepping for the spring thaw, obviously a ways off but was wondering if you guys can give me some advice on what to do in this situation.  I just found a small river that collides with the main river in the local area where I live.  I haven't really put in time yet to fish it since I recently discovered it, but have seen and heard reports of people catching 3-5+ lb smallmouths at the head of the small river joining the big river.  To help with what I am saying, here's a water depth chart.  Though not really showing the depth of the small river, it ranges from 5-8 feet with some structure near the head of the small river, keeping in mind that this chart is a little outdated.  It's on the middle-left side of the chart and looks like a big crack on the map.  It's the Charlotte.  Most guys I talk to catch their smallies using worms but I'd like to catch the smallies on something artificial.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks

 

[roadwarrior]

Well, I suggest reading ALL the posts in this section. 

 

[smallie.mike]

Almost any type of bait will work well for river smallmouth in the spring. Tubes, jerkbaits, crankbaits, jig-n-pig etc.

 

Keep in mind that on some smaller flows the bass population can be seriously affected by fisherman targeting spawning smallies. 

[BigSkyBasser]

It really depends on how fast the water warms up around there. 

Most prespawn smallies will absolutely crush a jerkbait if you can find the ledges they're moving up on and fish them effectively

When I fish rivers I always recommend casting upstream into seems and secondary pools, these are less obvious but preferred ambush spots for most smallmouth during prespawn here.

 

Also, where are you fishing?

[UPSmallie]

Thanks guys for all the tips and advice.  I'll try a different variety of things and try and find some effective go-to methods.

@BigSkyBasser - In Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ 

As smallmouth bass begin to fatten up for spawning, its common for anglers to catch their personal best bass in spring.

After a winter of low activity, smallmouth bass in rivers tend to become more active with every increase in water temperature.  River water temperatures can change quickly depending on weather and it can be difficult to know from one day to the next how the bass will behave.  They can be energetic and aggressive, going after just about anything that moves or they can be in more of a winter pattern and not want to chase a bait.

This is probably the hardest part of spring fishing.  There are several factors that make this tough.  First is water levels.  When water levels are rising from spring rain or snow melt, bass will move out of current and locate themselves close to banks and protective cover.  Once levels begin to drop, they will tend to spread out and move in between their wintering holes and closer to spawning areas.  Don’t let stained, high water get you down.  Find areas where creeks come into the main river or look for clearer water and fish along the edge of this line.

Eddies, banks and wash out areas behind islands are great places to search for bass.  I like to use a search bait until I find smallies and then run through a few different presentations to see what they favor on that day.

Options for search baits in spring include spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits and throwing a tube or other weighted soft plastic jig in a particularly fishy looking location.  If you are not getting bit in a short period of time, keep moving.

When the water is stained, a slow rolled spinnerbait can be the ticket to a great day.  Keep it moving just enough for the blades to spin, You want to feel the bait bumping along the bottom and get ready to set the hook.  Bass are often near the bottom of the river in stained, high water.

Once you find some active bass, pick apart the area with different baits to figure out a pattern.  Once you find your pattern, begin to use that as your search bait until the fish tell you otherwise.

A-Jay  

 

[UPSmallie]

Thanks A-Jay for the help.  I'll be sure to try those tactics as well.

[BigSkyBasser]

On 1/22/2016 at 1:34 PM, UPSmallie said:

Thanks guys for all the tips and advice.  I'll try a different variety of things and try and find some effective go-to methods.

@BigSkyBasser - In Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula

Ok so circumstantially you guys see very similar weather to us here in Northwestern Montana. 

I usually find that fish really start their quest for pre spawn feeding when water temps rise around 50 Degrees. But that can vary wildly here.

Based on what I understand of your area, the smaller river feeding the larger pool would generally be the place to avoid as it'll be colder for longer and smallies will avoid it when they have access to warmer water before spawn.

Bass particularly in pre spawn seem to be especially sensitive to slight differences in water temperature. This can help determine what ledges and secondary/primary points will be holding larger (if any) groups of smallmouth. 

Hope you post pics if you nail some slabs this year!

 

[UPSmallie]

Never thought of that...

 

Will do!

[bowhunter63]

Baby Rage craw and spinnerbaits.Also a swim jig with a smaller swim bait trailer.I down size a little in the spring on the river till it gets going.Spinnerbaits and jigs i use 3/8 and baby rage craw a 3/16 moaner rage rig hook.Good luck

[UPSmallie]

Thanks bowhunter63.  That makes sense