Techniques for Catching Smallmouth Bass in Rivers

Here are some techniques for catching smallmouth bass in rivers and streams that an angler can use on their next smallmouth fishing trip. Small rivers and streams can be a productive location for catching smallmouth bass, but the techniques that work best in these smaller waters vary somewhat from fishing techniques used in larger rivers and lakes. These tips can help an angler to be more productive when fishing for smallies in smaller bodies of water.

Techniques for Catching Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Get a Boat or Get Wet

Depending on the size of the stream, fishing from a canoe or other small boat or wading in the stream can help a fisherman or fisherwoman to cast at more productive angles as well as reach areas that are not easy to cast to from the bank.

Techniques for Catching Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Drift Bait

One of my favorite ways to fish streams regardless of the fish species targeted is to simply drift bait. Worms, minnows, and leeches are all useful baits to drift for smallmouths. Floats can be used to drift crayfish, but a crayfish cast into a pool weightless and allowed to move on its own is more productive in my experience.

Techniques for Catching Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Fish Shallow Lures

Deep running crankbaits, heavy jigs, and other commonly used smallmouth lures will constantly snag in the shallow water of a stream or small river. Use lures that don't dive deeply to provide more natural presentations to smallmouths in streams.

Techniques for Catching Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Use Topwater Lures

Small rivers and streams are ideal for topwater lures. Smallmouths lying on the bottom of a shallow stream will still be able to see and strike a top water lure. Topwater lures are also less likely to get snagged.

Techniques for Catching Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Use Crayfish Patterns

The crayfish is one of the primary food sources for smallmouth bass, especially in smaller rivers and streams. Anglers should use crayfish imitation lures as well as lures in a crayfish pattern to provide a natural presentation to the smallmouth.

Techniques for Catching Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Fish After a Rain

After a rain storm the water is more likely to hold large numbers of food sources that the rain and current have brought into the water and this should increase smallmouth feeding. The cloud cover and cool rain will also bring the water temperature down which will help smallmouths to become more active during warmer weather. Hitting the water after a rain can be one of the most productive times for smallmouth bass fishing.

Techniques for Catching Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Don't Eat Them All

While smallmouth bass are great to eat, smallmouth populations in small rivers and streams are more easily harmed than smallmouth populations in larger bodies of water. Taking a few smallies for the dinner table is fine but leave plenty for future fishing trips. Some streams will have release regulations, be certain to follow these rules that are set to protect the fishing.