The Spawn

[CrustyMono]

Was wondering where Smallmouth would spawn in a large river. It is 99% boulders the size of a yoga ball. Im talking millions of them. The Water fluctuates greatly. It was all the way up last year. This year it was 80' low. This gave me the chance to see the composition of the bottom. There was still another 150' in some spots. We went way up the right creek and found some mud. Where would the bass spawn. Keep in mind the rocks are big and there is a big drop off all around.

[Turkey sandwich]

So, Francis E Walter is more of a reservoir, despite it being on the Lehigh River.  Come the spawn, they'll likely move up onto the shallow, protected flats adjacent to deep water access that meets their spawning needs.  I grew up near there, but never really fished it much, so I can't help with specifics.  (Not super familiar with levels, bottom composition, etc) 

The good news is that you still have 5 months to figure it out.  

Now, if you decide to hit the Susquehanna instead, that's a different story.  That I can help with. 

[CrustyMono]

5 hours ago, Turkey sandwich said:

So, Francis E Walter is more of a reservoir, despite it being on the Lehigh River.  Come the spawn, they'll likely move up onto the shallow, protected flats adjacent to deep water access that meets their spawning needs.  I grew up near there, but never really fished it much, so I can't help with specifics.  (Not super familiar with levels, bottom composition, etc) 

The good news is that you still have 5 months to figure it out.  

Now, if you decide to hit the Susquehanna instead, that's a different story.  That I can help with. 

would i be able to fish the susquhenna with a jon boat and two trolling motors?

[Turkey sandwich]

That would be an excellent way to fish it.  Set it up to put in upstream and meet someone/pick up 4-9 miles downstream, depending upon your ambition that day.  For an 8 hour day, I'll do 4-5 miles on a kayak while fishing and not be pressed for time.  The trolling motors would only make it easier. Also, be aware of shallow water.  A jon boat doesn't sit very deep in he water, so I wouldn't anticipate a lot of rubbing, but mind the trolling motors and be willing to get out and walk the boat if you're running into low conditions and very shallow water.  In spring, this might require waders, but I did it very comfortably with my dad's aluminum V.