Fishing in a muddy river???

[billbrum]

Here is a basic description of this river: Shallow, 6 inches visibility, trees everywhere, rocks, and some weeds in a couple places. Just kinda scoped it out today, didn't go far, was getting a feel for my new jon boat more than anything.

What would you guys throw at them?

[daviscw]

I have way more luck with rivers when they clear, but my 2 favorite river baits are weightless Ragetail Craws and Rapala X-Raps.

[Mobydick]

In muddy water, here are my following preferances.

Spinnerbaits- Booyah 1/2 ounce-chartreuse-2 golden willowleaf blades if it's sunny

                 cloudy- same spinner-chartreuse blades or a Strike King redeye special 3/8 ounce white with white blades

Crankbaits- chartreuse and black, big with rattles.

Jigs- big, black, and loud.

Worms are the same as jigs.

I hope that helps ya some!

[Steve1357]

Only success I have had is spinnerbaits on top and plastic worms weightless dragged off of the logs, rocks, and bank into the water. Try a topwater, twitch it and let the ripples just about disappear each time. Annoys them more than anything I think. Bream should peck the worms, yanking off the tails to let you know it isn't dead water...

[senko_77]

Is there any current?  Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and topwaters is what I would have tied on.  Also, have a jig or texas rigged worm tied on.  Get away with the lightest weight you can without having the current sweep it downstream.

[Sam]

Remember how bass hunt.

Sight

Vibrations

Noise

Since the river is dirty the sight sense becomes the last sense that bass will use and at the last instant before locating your bait and striking it on your dirty river.

So you have to attract them to your baits.

Think moving baits that give off vibrations and noise.

Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, Beatle Spins, Roostertails, Chatterbaits, etc.  Anything that gives off both vibrations and noise so the bass can locate your bait.

As for colors, if the water is dirty then color may not be that important until the bass get close enough to see your bait.  Since you are seeking reaction strikes they will probably hit what you throw so you can go with the white/chartreuse or darker colors, whichever you find they are seeking.

So always think about how bass feed and the water conditions you are fishing.

I also suggest reading a few bass books this winter so you will understand your opponent.  

[.ghoti.]

First you gots to ask Muddy if it's OK

Then you gots bring Muddy some food. He's Eye-talian, so don't be bringin no stinkin polish sausage.

Then you gots to bring Muddy some coffee. Or rootbeer. Don't be bringin no stinkin tea.

Now you fish the Muddy River

And don't be bringin no stinkin Shimano reels either.

[Volman482]

I'd use spinnerbaits with at least a #5 colorado blade so you get the maximum "thump" outta them. If using worms, creature baits, tubes,etc.,make sure you use a rattle in them. Same for jigs.

Good luck

[JShrock07]

I would try to use anything that creates noise, or moves alot of water.  

Spinner baits work great

Rat-l-traps

Large jigs w/ trailer

Good Luck!!!

[loomis spookwalker]

Anything brightly colored and noisy always works for me in muddy water.

[Crestliner2008]

Has this muddy condition just happened? Or is it like this all the time? Is the water moving consistently and at the same level it's always been at? The answer to these questions can put you on some serious fish.

If this has just happened and the water level is up and muddy, then find current breaks in or near the deepest holes. You can also search out some inlet rivers which may be less muddy. A break between muddy and clear water is awesome to fish! Slow rolling spinnerbaits is a good approach, but in these conditions I prefer an on-off bottom retrieve with a blade bait. Bass will school up in these conditions, in very specific spots. You need to find those spots. Your sonar or a good UW camera can be great aids. It's all about location.