Tips for Locating Smallmouth Bass in Rivers

Here are some tips for locating smallmouth bass in rivers and streams. Small rivers are one of the best places for smallmouth bass fishing. While the smallies might not grow to trophy sizes in these smaller streams, an angler that is in the right place at the right time can find some fast fishing action.

Tips for Locating Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Shallows in Spring

Smallmouth bass spawn during spring. As the weather begins to warm smallmouths will start to move into shallower areas of the stream. Anglers should concentrate fishing near shallow areas with rocky or sandy bottoms that are used for spawning. Fish the shallows but work lures and baits from the shallows to the nearby deeper water to find the areas that the smallmouth are located.

Tips for Locating Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Deep Holes and Shade in Summer

The summer heat will push smallmouth bass into the deeper water from their more shallow spawning areas. Summer is the most important time for early and late day fishing when the mid day sun may warm the water and make smallmouth lethargic and less likely to bite.

Tips for Locating Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Look for Schools in Fall

During the fall, smallmouth bass may be found from shallow to deeper water, but smallmouth tend to gather in schools which can provide for fast fishing action when located. This is a good time of the year to use shallow running crankbaits and other lures that can be worked quickly to find fish.

Tips for Locating Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - In Current Structure

Any structure that breaks or slows the current is an ideal location for a smallmouth. These areas allow the smallmouth to not have to fight the full current while still watching the current for food.

Tips for Locating Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Tributaries

Smaller creeks and other feeder streams coming into a river is an ideal location for smallmouths. These small streams generally bring cooler water as well as food sources into the main stream both of which attract smallmouth bass.

Tips for Locating Smallmouth Bass in Rivers - Riffles

Riffles are another area in streams and rivers that fishermen and fisherwomen targeting smallmouth bass need to concentrate. Smallmouths will often be found waiting just below the riffles for food that is pushed by the current through the riffle and into the calmer water of the pool. Each spring, I catch more than a few smallmouths while drifting worms in riffles for trout.