Umpqua River in Oregon. Never caught a SM. A little help please....

[BassChump]

I currently live not far from the Umpua River on the Oregon coast. I've heard that it's first class for small mouth. I just got into bass fishing last year. I bought a bass boat and I've had great fun with it. Now that I have had some success with LM, I'm hoping I can have some fun catching a few SM.

So my question is this.

The weather has been kind of cool around here so what is the best temps and times to try the river??? I know that the water on the local lakes is around 57 degrees (give or take) so I'm suspecting that the temp in the river is well below that.

It's been cool and rainy for the last week but it's supposed to be nice here this weekend and I was hoping it might be a good time to try for SM. Should I wait for the water temps to rise???

How would I fish for them? Do I use many of the same things and techniques that I use for LM??? What habitats would I look for??? Rock ledges, brush, weedlines or ??????

I've never caught a SM in my life so any info would be greatly appreciated.

                       Thanks.

[iceintheveins]

If the river is high fishing will be difficult. You might have to wait for it to go down and to clear.

Normally, I look for any sorts of rocks, logs, or anything that breaks the current and gives bass some cover. Deep holes are also good locations but they need to have some form of cover. The very best areas have deep water and a current break, and of course cover.

For river smallies I like big inline spinners, spinnerbaits, countdown rapalas, and of course grubs and tubes fished on jigheads. Buzzbaits and prop baits are also great at times.

[BassChump]

Well, it hasn't rain a LOT, just drizzly mainly but it's still tidal waters so I'm hoping the fishing is going to be good. I guess I just have to go check it out for myself.

What water temps do SM start spawning? Should I look for an incoming or outgoing tide?

[iceintheveins]

  Quote

Well, it hasn't rain a LOT, just drizzly mainly but it's still tidal waters so I'm hoping the fishing is going to be good. I guess I just have to go check it out for myself.

What water temps do SM start spawning? Should I look for an incoming or outgoing tide?

I would fish the non tidal sections of the Umpqua if possible. Bass location is easier to pinpoint.