Raystown Branch Juniata River

[Marvin25]

I've been lurking this forum for a few months and finally decided I should join and post something.

 

This morning I spent a few hours wading the Raytown Dam spillway that connects to the Juniata River. Specifically, in the area of Corbins Island. It's been almost 20 years probably since I had fished there. I caught several nice smallmouth using a green pumpkin 5" Senko. The biggest was probably 4 or 5 pounds if I had to guess. If i can figure out how, I will attach some pics.

 

I was only able to fish until about 11:30 this morning. The bite was on until sometime around 10. From that point on I was getting nibbles but nothing was taking the hook. A storm rolled through around noon. I don't know how much of an affect that may have had.

 

All in all, it was a good day that reminded me of why I used to love fishing so much and of an old friend who passed away way too young that I used to fish these waters with.

[Dwight Hottle]

Welcome to BR. Nice first post. 

[Log Catcher]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

[Marvin25]

Some pics of the smallies from this morning...

 

This was one of the smaller ones. Unfortunately I can't seem to get more than one pic to upload for now.

[Marvin25]

Yesterday I got to do some fishing in the Lewistown area of the Juniata River. I caught 6 smallies in a matter of about 3 hours. 4 of them were caught with a weightless green pumpkin stick bait. 2 were caught using a weightless green pumpkin SK Rage Craw, including the biggest of the day. It was probably a 2 pounder. Unfortunately I haven't figured out how to resize pictures to make them fit yet.

 

I'm trying to gain some confidence using other lures as I mainly stick with a Texas rigged Senko most of the time. I started with a chatterbait but quickly switched over as I wasn't getting any bites.

 

How do you all recommend learning new lures? I have a hard time sticking with a new lure if I'm not getting bites. 

[Susky River Rat]

3 minutes ago, Marvin25 said:

How do you all recommend learning new lures? I have a hard time sticking with a new lure if I'm not getting bites. 

Use them when they fit what are the ideal conditions for them. Hopefully that can help you gain confidence in them.