Anyone have any tips for catching river smallmouth bass? Since I don't have waders, I am thinking I will be back in the river in Spring.

smallies like rocky bottoms with some current, look for areas of a lot of structure like trees, drop offs, and rock piles. back water (eddies) near faster current is a prime spot

most smallies are caught on typical bass baits: spinner baits, jerk baits, plastics, jigs, etc. but can be caught on almost anything else- i've caught them bobber fishing for panfish.

use lighter gear if possible ( makes it a lot of fun when fighting). i like a 6'6" medium action spinning rod with 6-8 lb. line

Currently I fish in a river so i am constantly standing and walking, my choice of tools, unltra light rod and reel (6 lb line) with a cp swing lure. I catch everything from small-large mouth bass, perch, panfish and even trout. AWESOME lures!!!! The toughest fish I have caught was an 11inch small mouth on this combo, still believe he didn't break the line.

Damn I want to go fishing now!! The Steelheads we get near the coast in Northwest Oregon are insane.

ScorchedNX2K wrote:Damn I want to go fishing now!! The Steelheads we get near the coast in Northwest Oregon are insane.

so ready for open water...fly fishing for trout and jigging for walleyes...