Many of our regions rivers are similar in many regards but they also have some striking differences that are influenced by a number of factors that many anglers may never consider when they are out fishing.
Chasing Smallies requires an ability to read conditions on the water but also how to evaluate resources off the water that can point anglers in the right direction based on the historical patterns and behaviors of smallmouth. Smallies will move and move again depending upon water conditions that may be influenced naturally by something as simple as rain events or major events often times outside the region that work their way down our rivers from the Northeast causing swift rising water.
Conditions in your section of your river will be influenced by whether the section has creeks or tribs off the manin river that feed the river. These will forcece water into the manin river as well as bottom compoisition like mud as well which change the water clarity of the area and thus require anglers to change tactics. Move further up or down from these creek or trib mouths and you often find totally different water clarity. Smallies prefer clearer water and know instinctively where to go to find it and will move miles to locate it.
Weall know that smallies love the current flow and thrive in the current flow with increased oxygen that fuels their aggression. The muddy water and muck has less of this oxygen for them than the swift current seams smallies love to align near. While many will argue its about ambush sites and that is true it also cannot be expressed more that is is equally about sitting in clear water with a bit of a cooling effect with plenty of oxygen that smallies absolutely long for. You can find big smallies sitting adjacent to clearing flow and not strike a single bait tossed their way because they just love to almost suspend and recoup oxygen and such.
Reading these conditions is critical to elevating catch rates and the real craft is understanding where the smallies will be headed next or where they will be at any given time of day and how they interact with the river itself. Looking for the seams and current breaks are an age old tried and true method of locating smallies but it becomes harder to employ when we see rivers below two feet for longer periods of time as we have seen this year numerous times.
Locating smallies middle river often becomes the norm even though many of us have been conditioned to think smallies will be moving shallow tighter to the bank but often the current flow may dictate whether that happens or not based on the amount of water that is actually being pushed down river.
Reading river conditions for smallmouth bass fishing involves understanding the various factors that influence the behavior and location of these fish. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Water Flow: Smallmouth bass prefer moderate to swift currents. They are often found near current breaks and structure that provide shelter from the strong flow. Look for areas where the current slows down, such as eddies, points, and behind rocks or logs.
Water Clarity: Clear water allows smallmouth bass to rely on their vision to locate prey. In clear conditions, use natural-colored lures that mimic the fish's diet, such as crayfish, minnows, or worms. In murky water, opt for lures with more vibration and noise to attract their attention.
Water Temperature: Smallmouth bass are sensitive to water temperature. They thrive in water ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-24°C). In colder temperatures, they tend to be less active. As the water warms up, they become more active and move to shallower areas that usually have some form of cooling current adjacent.
Structure and Cover: Smallmouth bass are more structure-oriented fish than we give them credit for and often relate to different types of cover. Look for rocky areas, submerged boulders, drop-offs, fallen trees, submerged logs, weed beds, or any other form of cover that provides shade and ambush points. These areas offer hiding places for prey and protection for the bass but also provide a thermal benefit during periods of the year when water temps may be colder than norm.
Depth: Smallmouth bass can be found in various depths depending on the season and water conditions. In warmer weather, they may move to deeper areas during the day and come shallower in the morning and evening. Pay attention to depth changes and target areas where the river bottom transitions, such as ledges or drop-offs. If there is grass in these areas all the more better.
Current Breaks: Current breaks are crucial for smallmouth bass, as they allow them to conserve energy while staying near their prey. Look for areas where the current slows down or changes direction, such as eddies, points, and seams between fast and slow water. These spots often attract feeding bass.
Prey Availability: Understanding the primary forage in the river system is essential. Smallmouth bass feed on a variety of prey, including crayfish, minnows, insects, and other small fish. If you observe baitfish or crayfish in the water, it indicates potential bass activity nearby. Match your lure selection to mimic the prevalent forage. SIZE of baits is higher priority than color in most cases.
8. Weather Conditions:
Weather patterns, such as temperature changes, wind direction, and precipitation, can significantly impact smallmouth bass behavior. Before heading out, check the local weather forecast. For instance, a warming trend after a cold front can trigger increased feeding activity.
Remember, reading river conditions for smallmouth bass fishing is not an exact science. It requires observation, experience, and adapting your approach based on the current conditions. Local knowledge and fishing reports can also be valuable resources for understanding the specific river you're fishing in.
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