Topwater Smallmouths in Small Rivers
As water levels drop, current slows and the water clears, summer smallmouth fishing on small rivers comes into its heyday. Topwaters are easy, fun and effective lures for catching them.
We explore the exciting world of topwater fishing for smallmouth bass in small rivers. Small rivers offer unique angling opportunities, with their fluctuating water levels, changing cover, and abundance of forage. These factors, combined with the current flow, create a perfect environment for targeting game fish like smallmouth bass.
The Angling Puzzle
All lakes, rivers, and reservoirs experience dramatic seasonal changes in water levels, water clarity, and the availability and abundance of forage. These changes, along with the shifting cover, present anglers with a puzzle to solve. Peak periods, when environmental conditions concentrate game fish, are prime times for angling success.
Chasing Smallmouth in Small Rivers
My fishing partner, Mac, and I have a deep passion for chasing smallmouth bass, especially in small rivers. We find these rivers, particularly the shallow ones, to be ideal for our pursuit. Even in the middle of the day, when many anglers prefer fishing in larger lakes, we enjoy targeting smallmouth bass in small rivers.
Water Levels and Migration
The water levels in the rivers we fish can fluctuate significantly throughout the season, sometimes by four to six feet vertically. This spring, we experienced unusually high water levels, which caused the smallmouth bass to migrate to clear water tributary rivers and backwater areas. However, as the water levels dropped dramatically, the fish were pulled back into the main river channel.
Importance of Current Flow
Current flow is a crucial element in our fishing equation. As any experienced river angler knows, stagnant water in a river is not ideal for fishing. Moving water acts like a conveyor belt for predators, concentrating prey and allowing them to feed more efficiently. When we have low, relatively clear moving water in a river, it creates the perfect conditions for topwater fishing for smallmouth bass.
Opportunistic Fishing
Another factor at play in our fishing success is the unusual summer we had. The high water levels made the river unfishable for most of the season. However, just a few weeks ago, the water levels dropped, and the river became fishable again. This lack of fishing pressure has made the smallmouth bass in this river more susceptible to our baits. They haven’t seen many lures this year, making it an excellent opportunity for us to take advantage of their naivety.
Conclusion
Fishing for smallmouth bass in small rivers can be an exhilarating experience. The ever-changing water levels, the presence of current flow, and the lack of fishing pressure create the perfect conditions for topwater fishing. It’s a chance to solve the angling puzzle and enjoy the thrill of hooking into a feisty smallmouth bass. So, if you’re looking for a new angling adventure, consider exploring small rivers and experiencing the excitement of topwater fishing for smallmouth bass.
