When you’re fishing in river situations, it’s important to understand how relate to cover and structure based on current direction and strength. Once you know where the fish are sitting and what direction their facing, you can more efficiently present lures directly in front of their noses!

Catch More Fish by “Swinging” Your Lure (Rivers)

Fishing in rivers can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you know how to position your bait effectively. Whether you’re targeting smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskies, walleye, or any other species, understanding the importance of bait presentation is key. In this article, we’ll explore a technique called “swinging” your lure, which involves positioning your bait naturally with the current flow to entice fish to strike.

Positioning Your Bait with the Current Flow

All river fish face upstream into the current. The current acts as a conveyor belt of food, and fish position themselves strategically to take advantage of any forage that’s moving along with it. By understanding this behavior, you can position your bait in a way that mimics natural movement and increases your chances of success.

Quarter Casting with the Current

One effective technique for positioning your bait with the current is quarter casting upstream and sweeping it down with the natural flow of the water. This technique is especially effective when fishing around rock piles, log jams, fallen trees, rocky points, and sandbars. By casting upstream and allowing your bait to sweep in front of the fish’s face, you’re presenting it in a way that mimics the natural movement of forage in the current.

Targeting Areas of Current Flow

In addition to quarter casting, it’s important to target areas where the current flow is focused. Active fish tend to position themselves in these areas, such as the front face of an island or rock point. On the other hand, inactive fish tend to drop back downstream on any current breaks. By understanding these patterns, you can strategically position yourself to increase your chances of hooking into fish.

Using Fixed Position Techniques

Many experienced river fishermen prefer to fish from a fixed position. This allows them to make successive casts without having to constantly reposition themselves in the current. There are several tools that can help achieve this, such as spot lock on a MinnKota trolling motor, a shallow water anchor like a Talon, or even a traditional anchor. By using these tools, you can effectively cover a section of water without worrying about constantly adjusting your position.

Consistent Bait Presentation

Regardless of the bait you choose to use, it’s important to present it in the same manner upstream to downstream. This ensures that your bait is moving in a natural and enticing way in front of the fish’s face. Whether you’re throwing a swimbait, topwater lure, jerkbait, or jig, the key is to mimic the movement of forage in the current.