River Fishing Tips for Bass

Here are some river fishing tips for bass that you can use on your next trip. While the basics are the same, bass fishing in rivers is slightly different than fishing in lakes and other impoundments. The following tips can help an angler to adjust their fishing tactics to be more successful bass fishing in rivers.

River Fishing Tips for Bass - Move Carefully

In general, rivers are shallower than lakes and the movements of the angler and the boat are more easily spotted by bass. Many rivers also receive less fishing and pleasure boating pressure than lakes. The traffic on lakes make fish more accustomed to boats and people moving in the water. In rivers with a steady current fish generally orient themselves upstream making it easier to approach them from the downstream side. When fishing from the bank work the close water first then move out with later casts.

River Fishing Tips for Bass - Fish Structure

Concentrating on structure is key in any fishing scenario, but rivers generally provide a lot of choices for anglers. From aquatic vegetation to sunken logs, large rocks to junk appliances about anything that breaks the current and provides habitat for smaller fish can be a bass magnet.

River Fishing Tips for Bass - Go Small

River bass are commonly smaller than bass in local lakes as the rivers are generally smaller. When going to a local river for the first time, move a size or two down from what you use in the local lakes and then adjust according to your own experience.

River Fishing Tips for Bass - Crayfish Lures

Crayfish are a common food source for game fish in many rivers. Smallmouth, largemouth, and other bass will all eat crayfish. Work these lures slowly along the bottom.

River Fishing Tips for Bass - Concentrate on Pools

In small and shallow rivers, the bass action generally takes places around the pools. Drift bait from the shallows into the pool. Work lures through the pools in a natural manner: minnow lures near structure, crayfish lures along the bottom, etc.

River Fishing Tips for Bass - Use Bait

Drifting worms and other bait in the river's current can be a great way to catch bass and other fish in a river. River banks are also great places to find bait. Simply turn over a few rocks or move a log or two and scoop up whatever you find, chances are good that a bass will eat it.