Targeting Pre-Spawn River Smallmouth
River Smallies Are Very Different Than Lake Smallmouth
In the last few weeks we have seen many of our river systems absolutely blow out and reach water levels they have not reached in over two years in some instances. I have recognized after years of river fishing that this is not necessarily a bad thing when it happens in late winter. Obviously, we would prefer these high water events not happen during the mid Spring let alone spawn because in those instances it can be dissastrous really for the river system in terms of producing a quality spawning class.
The rivers today while warming are still for the most part hovering around 48-50 degrees on average throughout the region. Temperature is always a mitigating factor when we begin to talk about the pre spawn behaviors of Smallmouth. (See my previous Pre Spawn article here on the stack) The issue that many anglers come agress is the information that is readily available these days with the ease of You Tube often times is not really applicable to the viewers river systems. Most major Smallmouth channels for example on You Tube are dedicated to big water lakes like Lake Erie or Champlain or lakes in Michigan and the upper Midwest where Smallmouth behaviors are very different than eastern Smallmouth especially river Smallies.
This is absolutely the case when it comes to the pre spawn. There are countless regional differences pertaining to Smallies that will impact your fishing expereince that many fail to identify. Even within sub regions rivers can be very different not only in substrate river composition but also current flow and forage habitat for Smallmouth. All of these factors will influence the behavior of Smallmouth and while your river Smallies may be transitioning from winter holes or deeper areas of your system another river less than hundred miles away flowing different directionally like say the New River and the James River in Virginia will display different patterns.
We have been told that the ideal temp for the Smallmouth to enter the pre spawn transition is between 48-58 degrees however that is not always the case. In fact in recent years I have noticed that the Smallies seemingly are triggered more by the March lunar phase and pattern or the early April than water temperature. We have seen citation Smallmouth caught repeatedly in late February and early March in the Mid Atlantic region out moving about the river systems in pods where many anglers would never expect to find them at that time of year. Whereas, many on You Tube will tell you that its mid April to early May before Smallmouth really get to moving around again post winter. Again, everyone of these claims should come with a disclosure. Nothing beats experience on your own river system.
Lakes have a considerable advantage over rivers when it comes to pre spawn in that lakes rarely change. Whether it be structure or contour lines, lakes tend to be consistent and lets face it a ton more predictable. Rivers not so much. Just take a look outside today at your river if you live in the Mid Atlantic compared to just three weeks ago. Rivers are heavily influenced by multiple of factors that lakes just are not. While lakes anglers will look for those transition lanes and such for moving Smallmouth, river anglers must contend with current changes and flow rates that will completely alter the course of movement especially if coupled with rising water or the blown out conditions we are seeing today.
For example, Smallmouth this week are being caught up on water filled banks amongst trees on rivers like the Monocacy and James River as the high water has extended the water above banks and into areas normally well above the river level. We are seeing the early signs of an early “craw break” as the burrowed crayfish are being disturbed by th water levels and the rate of flow churning the river bottom and banks. This means that the river will be chalk full of forage for the hungry pre spawn Smallmouth. For me this circumstance coinciding with the March full moon is going to create an outstanding Smallie Chasing opportunity for the anglers dialed in and understanding that these events will trigger smallies to move and feed no mater the water temperature may be.
How to target these transitions?
Locating pre-spawn Smallies in river systems requires an understanding of their behavior, habitat preferences, and of course the environmental conditions we are seeing today. Here are some techniques and practices for locating them, along with the best baits to target them:
Understanding Behavior: Smallmouth bass tend to move from deeper wintering holes to shallow areas near spawning grounds as spring approaches. They become more active and feed more aggressively as they prepare for spawning. They can be both shallow and in deeper areas but typically will not be solitary.
Locating Transitional Areas: Look for areas where the river transitions from deeper wintering holes to shallower areas of even prime flats in sections of the river where the river flow tends to slow down. These transition zones can include points, channel bends, and areas with gravel or rocky bottoms but in our region may also include sand or shell bed.
Water Temperature: Monitor water temperature as smallmouth bass become more active as the water warms up. They typically start moving toward spawning areas when the water temperature reaches around 50-55°F (10-13°C) but males typically will not move out to generate beds until we reach a consistent 60 degrees or more BUT it is not uncommon to see Smallmouth begin to move and ultimately spawn sooner if their river is pulling cold deep water from dams along its sections and releasing it.
Structure and Cover: Smallmouth bass are often found near structure and cover such as rocks, boulders, fallen trees, submerged logs, and weed beds. Focus your efforts around these areas, especially in the vicinity of deeper water. **Important to note many Craw will be found in and around structure as opposed to rock as is the common thinking especially under trees brought down river via high water. Smallies will gravitate to where the food resources are so do not pass up opportunity to target lodged trees in the river.
Current Breaks: Look for areas where smallmouth bass can conserve energy by positioning themselves out of strong currents. These could be behind rocks, along eddies, or in slack water areas near the shore. The current flow will also tend to be colder water so once identified look to target those areas adjacent in calmer water or below.
Using Electronics: Utilize fish finders or depth sounders to locate underwater structures and changes in depth, which can help identify potential smallmouth bass holding areas especially for the lake anglers that seem to reap more benefit that river bassin anglers beset with skinny water typically in most of our rivers. Again, electronics are certainly a great tool but nothing replaces an ability to read river conditions with the naked eye.
Observation and Exploration: Spend time observing the river and exploring different areas to understand where smallmouth bass are congregating. Pay attention to signs of baitfish activity, such as jumping or surface disturbances. Locate the areas in which you believe the smallies will be moving toward eventually and then work backwards to locate their wintering areas to find them in the transition.
Now, let's talk the best baits to target pre-spawn smallmouth bass in our river systems:
Crankbaits: Crankbaits are effective for covering water quickly and can be retrieved at various depths to target smallmouth bass holding in different parts of the water column. Opt for natural colors and sizes that mimic local forage fish. Smallies will be keying on action and movement more so than color. The notion of throwing “red” has been overblown more as marketing effort by the industry to get us anglers to purchase red colored crayfish baits for Spring. There are very few species of crayfish that are “red” let alone in Spring and especially fewer in our region. Remember why “green pumpkin” is such an effective coloration pattern for finesse presentations okay. Our crayfish species are more aligned with this green, brown hue than “red” or “fire” color patterns the industry wants to sell.
I prefer the Lipless Crankbait during the transition allowing me to cover more water as opposed to other top water presentations this time of year. I find greater success with the traditional topwater search baits later in the Spring than during the pre spawn. Changes in the cadence of these is crucial. Find the right speed and cadence and dial them in.
Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits work well in river systems, especially in stained or murky water conditions and even more so in rising water conditions. They create vibration and flash, attracting smallmouth bass from a distance. Choose spinnerbaits with willow leaf or Colorado blades in natural colors but also gauge your water levels and conditions and utilize what I would call “finesse spinners”. Small compact 1/4 ounce spinnerbaits offering up an easy meal. I would also throw in the newer “Top Spins” category of spinners into this category like the 1st Gen Fishing line up.
The action is quite different and many smallies may not have yet seen them just yet. Another is the “underspin”. There are far more options out there nowadays but I still prefer my trusty M.E.S. Lures 1/4 ounce underspin with a natural forage scheme paddletail swimbait.
Jigs: Football jigs or finesse jigs rigged with soft plastic trailers are effective for targeting smallmouth bass around rocky structure and cover. Experiment with different weights and colors based on water depth and clarity but be careful on your selection of jighead. Melissa from Thomas Custom Lures does exceptional work with hand tied jigs of various sizes and weights including finesse, football, swim and bladed varieties.
Again not all the styles and brands being pushed by the industry will be effective in our rivers with large volumes of rocky substrate. Unless you want to spend a large part of your day snagged in rocks stick with the rounded heads or ball head styles. Most of my best hair Jigs which are perfect for right now in the pre spawn all are ball head jigs and roll effectively around the rock but one thing I would also suggest is an examination of your fishing line being used when presenting these smaller jigs. I prefer a more bouyant line so the jig will in effect be aided in its rise off the bottom composition simply based on the line pulling the jig subtly higher in the column.
Bassdope Lures has a great line up of finesse jigs like the Candy Jigs for example. The lineup can be found here for review but they have a number of styles as well as the bladed jig varieties here: http://tinyurl.com/33spaepd as well that are effective. Candy Jigs found here: http://tinyurl.com/f8h7zrcd
The ned rig is also part of this category of course and is always highly effective. I tend to prefer to go lighter on both weight and line in the early Spring. The variety of trailers whether tradition stick bait, cut senko etc to now the utilization of smaller flukes and swimbait this one really comes down to the angler preference. I would suggest natural hues and colors more so now in pre spawn than say later as we get to summer in large part because the forage is more or less hues of browns, golds and bronze colorations. I prefer to to tie hair onto my ned rigs as well just to increase the profile a bit without adding much weight at all to the presentation.
Soft Plastics: Texas-rigged worms, creature baits, and tubes are versatile options for targeting smallmouth bass in rivers. Rig them weedless to minimize snagging in rocky areas and vary your presentation based on the depth and cover. Tubes are always effective. Most of my tubes come from Snagler Tackle Company out of Pennsylvania and John is a guide on the Susquehanna River. I will either rig them uber finessey or with a jighead but with the head inside the actual tube or at times rig a blade attached to the hook to trail the tube for some flash factor. Drop shotting is also yet another technique to utilize soft plastics especially if you can locate some deeper water in the river.
Swimbaits: The craze continues. Paddle-tail swimbaits are effective for imitating baitfish and can be retrieved at various speeds to entice strikes from pre-spawn smallmouth bass. Choose natural colors and sizes that match the local forage. These in terms of the soft plastic variety are being utilized now with such presentations as the Damiki Rig and Hover or Strolling Rigs.
Topwater Lures: As water temperatures rise and smallmouth bass become more active, topwater lures such as poppers, walking baits, and buzzbaits can produce explosive strikes, especially during low light conditions or when targeting shallow flats and cover.
I would include my favorite Jerkbaits in this category or potentially its own category really buy I prefer to keep my jerkbaits up during this period but be on the look out for those pesky musky my friends as they are also going to be out and about feeding at the end of the cold water period before they seemingly disappear when the water moves past 60 degrees. Musky will destroy your jerkbaits. Again I prefer really bouyant line like P-Line Topwater that keeps my jerkbait high while twitching to entice strikes. I prefer the smaller Jr. like ones from Lake’s Edge Lures especially the threadfin shad pattern that mirrors shiners really or the rainbow trout pattern (above) which is one pattern very effective in the Mid Atlantic with all the stocking of trout done from Virginia to Pennsylvania in rivers and creeks.
Live Bait: (bank beaters) If regulations permit, live bait such as minnows, nightcrawlers, or crayfish can be highly effective for targeting pre-spawn smallmouth bass in river systems. Present live bait using Carolina rigs, drop shots, or under floats near structure and cover.
When targeting pre-spawn smallmouth bass in river systems, it's essential to adapt your techniques and bait selection based on factors as mentioned such as water temperature, clarity, depth, and prevailing environmental conditions. Experiment with different approaches, observe the behavior of the fish, and be prepared to adjust your strategy accordingly to maximize your chances of success. Information is just that and nothing more. The key is to find what actually applies to your river system and what does not. Rinse and Repeat what you have learned from each section of your river and listen to your river. It will tell you more than you would every possibly think it would. You just have to listen to her.
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