smallies Tuolumne river central Ca

[badog]

Hit the Tuolumne today near Modesto, it was no love. Any ideas for winter smallies. i caught the same fish all summer, is winter different , techniques lures? Thanks for any help!!!

Badog

[River Rat316]

Any idea on Water temp? I would start looking to SLLLOOOWWWW areas of the river, areas with little current, whether its just a large eddie or some feature of the river that slows the current down. Like inside turns, usually after a riffle there is an area with little to no current, you just have to find those areas and fish em, process of elimination!

[SuskyDude]

What River Rat316 said. First place to start is in slow, protected areas.

Shoreline eddies, coves, backwaters, down-river ends of islands, etc. Depth can vary alot, but as long as you can't see bottom, and the current is slow, you got a good spot to start.

I also look for lots of wood in these areas. Something to hide around/under is very attractive to winter smallies in my river.

Remember that alot of smallies will winter, spawn, and spend their summer all in the same general area of the river if possible. Think about your summer fish, then think about nearby spots that they might have moved to and start from there.

What lures I would use would depend on temps/trends. A tube dragged really slow on the bottom does it for me this time of year. Hair jigs and jerkbaits are other sensible options.