The Berkley PowerBait Minnow is another good one along with the Zoom Tiny Fluke. Whether it be on a Crankbait , topwater. This is my first post and I would love to hear some of your favorite smallmouth bass fishing lures to use in Rivers? The fish does act a little differently than other species. These lures are terrific on big waters like the James and Susquehanna. Plus, lower light intensity makes fish less wary. In murky or muddy water, even lures up to 3 inches long may fool some hawgs. Be ready for a thumping strike as the lure flutters towards the bottom. These are subsurface patterns for the most part as the water is too cold on the upper river for a consistent topwater bite to occur. 10 Ways to Screw Up a Campfire (and How to Fix Them), The Agony, and Utter Joy, of One Child’s First Fish, The 6 Best Big-Game Loads for the .308 Winchester, How to Hunt Ducks in a Winter Storm and Live to Tell About It, The Story Behind the World-Record Whitetail Deer. Manipulate these lures as subtle topwater offerings first. Best Tactics for Catching Winter Smallmouth Bass November 13, 2016 By David Paul Williams Everybody knows smallmouth bass are summer fish — that they just hunker down during the cold water of winter, barely surviving until spring heats up … I love preserving your memories. Go with either Texas-rigging if hang-ups are a problem or Carolina-rigged versions, with either single or multiple hooks. For bass, the best sizes are number 3 which is 1/4 ounce, number 4 which is 1/3 ounce and number 5 which is 1/2 ounce. The reasons: fewer hang-ups, more strikes, and it’s easier to unhook fish. Usually, though, grubs with fluttering twister-type tails are best. Best Smallmouth Bass Lures 2020: Best Lures For Smallmouth Bass Smallmouth bass are some of the most exciting fish to target. They’re go-to lures when conditions are challenging such as after a cold front or when waters are super-clear from a lack of rain. The Water Freedom System May Save your Families Lives. Reel steadily to probe mid-levels, or work it erratically to fool fish through both levels of the water column. There are no right or wrong answers either. best on your mount Jack is a really great guy could not be happier. Poppers and prop lures can be fished the same way. With them being such fierce fighters, and then tasting so delicious after you catch em you want to know what to throw whenever they are around! In murky or muddy water, even lures up to 3 inches long may fool some hawgs. In rivers, the water conditions change quite often. But you feel it. It is in the family of lures that anglers term “jerk baits”. Stream smallmouth fishing and river bass fishing in general nourishes the soul and calms the nerves, taking the angler away from the pressures of every day life. The Smallmouth Bass is one of the most exciting fish to catch that swims. If bronzebacks are in a fussy mood, try this Carolina rig: Thread the last ⅛ inch of the grub head on a size 4 to 8 octopus or bait-style hook tied 18 to 24 inches below a large split shot or ⅛ to ¼ ounce egg sinker and swivel. Mepps spinners are great bass fishing lures for people with low patience. In deeper water or swifter current, a ⅛- to ¼-ounce egg sinker 18 to 36 inches ahead of a swivel or split shot is the rig of choice. It’s a killer topwater lure and is one every bass fishing angler should have in their arsenal. Personal Touch Each Trophy. You still can’t go wrong with those. When all else fails, this grub presentation will usually save the day, especially on clear or heavily-pounded waters. This includes learning how to read a river, understanding the influence of current on smallmouth location and being able to effectively fish flowing water. Smallmouth fishermen are a dedicated lot. They’re basically a soft version of a thin-minnow plug. While fishing, you will normally catch three to four pound smallies all year round but during the spring there is a good possibility you will hook into a six to seven pound bass. The best smallmouth baits for rivers and streams will vary with the conditions. Cast to prime smallmouth hangouts such as eddies, logs near shore, lone rocks, or limestone ledges. As a variation, reel steadily part way back, then pause and let the lure float up to the surface. Teeth. By: Bill Cooper . Hunting Food Preservation During COVID 19 Crisis. You can find both large and smallmouth bass in the same river or lake but where you find them exactly will differ significantly. Best Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tackle and Lures. They’ll cover any situation from fish sulking on the bottom to aggressive topwater feeders chasing minnows and damselflies. But you’ll score on more fish and bigger ones by trying these types of cover: Also keep an eye peeled for fish slashing damselflies or minnows skipping across the surface. Undercurrents: The mighty St. Lawrence begins at the outflow of Lake Ontario, surging 775 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. were broken, fur and jaw line messed up from sitting in an old barn. Man-made structure like docks, riprap, and bridge pilings. This post will thoroughly cover the best smallmouth bass fishing tackle and lures. Highly recommended. When I first started smallmouth fishing, my “spinner” choice would have been a plain in-line model such as a Mepps or Panther Martin. A Bonnier Corporation Company. No. Slow-moving rivers and fast-moving rivers are usually not suitable for large populations of smallmouth bass. Soft plastic or a jerkbait Smallies can really put up a battle. Across the southern-most range for smallmouth bass one hears chatter about “winter smallie fishing.” However, upon examination of water temperatures on the lakes and big rivers down south, those readings rarely fall below the mid-40 degree range. However, there are some exceptions. Then start cranking again. The internal rattle creates vibrations in the water that will get the fish’s attention, and the #5 nickel hooks are tough and sharp enough to get the rest of the job done. A husband, a father and avid whitetail deer hunter and off shore fishing sportsman. This will add … Hello Bass Resource Fishing Community! Regardless, you can’t go wrong fishing these streams. Twitch it once, pause, repeat. Look for models that are 2 to 3 inches long in frog, silver, fire tiger, yellow, chartreuse, or black. Smallmouth in rivers will hit any lure being an aggressive fish. Powerful fighters, they leave an indelible mark on the hearts of fishermen. 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For lures, the outfitter lists Rapala X Raps, Yo-Zuri jerkbaits, and jig-and-pigs. McClane called the river smallmouth “the greatest freshwater gamefish of all.” If you’ve come under this fish’s spell in its river environment, you know why. Tennessee’s Ott DeFoe maintains that the Original Floating Rapala ranks as a top spring bait. The Lunker City Slug-Go was one of the first offerings of this type of bait. Two to 4-inch models can be effective, with pearl, shad, chartreuse, and smoke being the best colors. Floating Rapala. Stock some cranks that run at 3 to 5 feet deep and others that dig deeper and ricochet off rocks and logs to incite instinct strikes. These lures shine for surface and mid-level active bass. Simply put, the floating Rapala is an old standby that has yet to be bested. They can be found throughout a wide range and live in most types of water including creeks, lakes & rivers. Number one on the list of the top seven River smallmouth bass fishing lures is the #8 Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. Green pumpkin tubes, camo and melon/red flake Senkos, white soft jerkbaits, chartreuse spinnerbaits, and hard jerkbaits in firetiger and shad are preferred lures here. Grubs are great for bottom-bouncing and a good choice when worms don’t score. You can use a variety of baits to catch smallmouth in small rivers; it's all about the presentation. customer and glad I gave him a chance because I have a new taxidermist now. 9663 SW Tustenuggee Ave, Lake City, Florida, 32024, US. They prefer cooler and clearer water than their largemouth bass cousins. Why America Loves Smallmouth Bass. Small versions of largemouth crankbaits and also crayfish-shaped models are terrific mid-level smallmouth lures. The best smallmouth bass lures are all the usual suspects that you probably already have in your tacklebox, some will need to be downsized however. The grub flutters naturally when rigged this way and draws strikes from fish attracted by the sinker banging along on bottom rocks. Good price for quality work. There’s a reason former Field & Stream Fishing Editor, A.J. When smallmouth are hovering on or near the river bed, few lures can top a soft plastics rigged with enough weight to crawl over the rocks and ledges. The water temperature, clarity, and amount of flow all impact the smallmouth’s feeding behavior. The Bass Pro Micro Light Mini-Crankbait is a prime example. Found service to be prompt, professional & with the highest of quality. Grubs work best of all. Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass The secret to consistently catching smallmouth from rivers is being comfortable fishing in current. A skinny minnow plug is ideal for fishing on the surface or down to mid-depths. Twitch lightly, pause, and then reel back super-slowly so the lure creates a v-wake on the surface. Have a great day. Big smallmouth bass lurk in Ozark streams. Try a slow, crawling retrieve first. Transitions Taxidermy has done for me. Proposing to name the best smallmouth streams in the Ozarks is a surefire way to start a heated conversation. As a result, this will keep the lure in the sight of the fish longer. As I have written before elsewhere, the Original Floating Rapala is probably the best overall crankbait commercially available. Stick with crankbaits measuring 1¼ to 2 inches for most situations. Best Baits: 15 Greatest Lures for Smallmouth Bass. Striped Bass are one of the best overall fish to catch. The Heddon Tiny Torpedo is a terrific choice. Models with either one or two propellers that spray water when you twitch the bait are perfect. “Smallmouth are very aggressive toward a topwater bait hovering over their heads during this period, so a bait that can stay close to the surface is extra effective,” he says. Pound for pound smallmouth bass are one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish, and that tenacity turns up when you tangle with smallmouth in shallow water.. Smallmouth are native to rivers, lakes, and streams throughout the Midwest and have routinely been stocked to non-native ranges since the 1800s. Best looking Buck mount I Have and I Have a few. Very talented and skilled. Taxidermy and they could not have been more professional and accommodating. Jack did a great job on my black buck! Bronzebacks might chase down a damselfly one minute, grab a cricket, or nail a skittering shiner the next. After two or three twitches, bring the lure back at a faster pace, experimenting with smooth and erratic retrieves. For color go with fire-tiger, silver with a black or blue back, natural crayfish, and shad. I use them mostly when fish are hanging out at mid-depth levels—active, but not frantically feeding. The lightest weight plastics like a Texas Rig or jig head need just enough weight to make bottom contact and then walk it down the shoal. All rights reserved. I highly recommend taking your trophy here. Here are the ten best Smallies lures ever made #10 The Rebel Pop R Nothing in fishing is more thrilling then having a big Smallmouth Bass blowing up on a topwater lure. Thanks for reading and feedback. People not used to fishing for smallmouth often struggle with trying to catch them. This one is the perfect example. 7 - Original Floating Rapala Minnow. Because of this, the best smallmouth bass lures are a highly debated topic among fishermen. The Rapala Deep Husky Jerk Lure is a deep diver where jerk lures are concerned, but for smallmouth bass fishing the 7 to 16-foot depth is somewhere in the middle. Top colors are pumpkinseed, smoke, purple, black, motor oil, and chartreuse. Experienced Taxidermist of over 15 years. These are better options for deeper water, from six feet to as much as thirty feet or more. This can all add up to those “died and gone to heaven” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later. The most common blades colors are silver or gold but actually come in over 20 color variations. It floats at rest and dives down 2 or 3 feet below the surface upon retrieve. Wobblers like the Jitterbug and small poppers like the Rebel Pop-R can also produce frenzied surface action. Stock them in lengths from 1 to 3 inches. Is Eating meat from a Wild Feral Hog a Pandemic Risk? I am very pleased with their work & service. This is the second trophy mount that Wildlife. Experiment with deliveries, ranging from a slow, steady crawl, to a short lift-and-drop, a crisp upward sweep, or a slow descent presentation. This is one of the simplest, cheapest lures ever invented—but also one of the most deadly for smallmouths. Fall is here and it’s one of my favorite times of the year because it’s transition fishing time for fall smallmouth bass. Here’s a list of the best crankbaits for smallmouth bass that applies to basically anywhere the fish can be found. In a way, they are a bit of a combination of largemouth bass in freshwater trout. Small versions of largemouth crankbaits and also crayfish-shaped models are terrific mid-level smallmouth lures. Rig them on a 1/16- to 1/8-ounce round jighead or Carolina-style on a size 4-8 hook, 18- to 24-inches behind a split shot and swivel. Like trout, they’re not very selective in their feeding. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are very popular smallmouth lures when fish are active. Stubby-tailed plastic dressings produce good results at times. Purple, black, brown, watermelon, motor oil, blue, and red are all good colors. The first fall is generally the period that writers mean when they hype “fast fall fishing.” Water temperatures are still relatively warm (above 57 degrees) but food sources are declining, and the smallmouth bass’s energy requirements are high because of developing gonad production. Smallmouth bass do not grow as large, but put up … I was thoroughly satisfied with the quality of the mount and would highly recommend them to anyone. Bigmouths are famous for their surface feeding, and river smallmouths will smash a prop lure with just as much crushing power. I've had many pleasant days on small rivers and streams despite catching few fish. In this article, we are going to walk you through exactly what lures to throw at them, when […] Use as little weight as you can with Carolina-rigged worms. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. When the water starts to cool down in mid to late September, the fall smallmouth start to feed up for the winter months. Get a cast to that surface swirl quickly and a strike is almost guaranteed. These are fabulous lures to use at night for probing deep, slow pools. Catching bigger fish is what sets the New River apart from all the others. Thanks! Black, brown, chartreuse, purple, smoke, and white are good colors in sizes from 1/32 to 1/8 ounce. It may sound boring, but some of the biggest river smallmouths fall for this simple, basic presentation because of the incredibly lifelike wiggle of this lure. Recommend this company for all taxidermist needs. Many are effective. When they inhale these plugs they are simply viewing them as something that looks alive and tasty. Retrieve grubs with a slow smooth crawling motion across the bottom or with short hops. Very Professional . Wildlife transition taxidermy is the very best taxidermist there is. The Bass Pro Micro Light Mini-Crankbait is a prime example. You may not be able to explain it. A little rain or dams leaving out water will raise the levels. Stick with crankbaits measuring 1¼ to 2 inches for most situations. I contacted Wildlife Transitions. He did a great job! And it has been that way for some time. Stick with crankbaits measuring 1¼ to 2 inches for most situations. It also comes … Hesitate when the lure works up to a rock or log. Some days you can cast just about anywhere and catch a bronzeback. The Whopper Plopper comes in both an original and silent version to help you to adapt to the mood of the fish. Twitch or slow-crawl it on the surface as a topwater lure. Compared to hard baits they offer two advantages: soft, lifelike feel in the fish’s mouth, and more erratic action. Their compact size imitates many natural foods and they work particularly well if fish are in a sulking mood. Great quality of work and a lot of attention to the fine details. You can fish these lures from just below the surface down to the bottom. At times simply a split shot or two will do. Stopping occasionally also draws sharp takes as the lure tumbles down like a wounded minnow running out of gas. I’ve had plenty of days with exceptionally high number of fish, and … The slower rivers warm up too quickly and usually have a flat, silty bottom. Burning these baits along rock piles and weed edges is very effective. At times simply swimming these lures back at a moderate pace will elicit slamming strikes when fish are feeding aggressively. A small spinnerbait, though, now gets the nod with its plastic grub on one arm and spinner on the other. Clean out your tackle box and stock these 15 winners instead Most strikes will come as the lure falls back after the hop. You have to know which lure is best for the situation. The Beetle Spin is a classic, and scaled-down versions of those made primarily for largemouths will also score. They may be found throughout much of the Eastern United States and Southern Canada, making them available to anglers in many regions.Some of the best places to fish for… Deliver the lure to a likely spot and let the ripples settle. I hope to have another to send him one day! If a topwater bite does occur, however unlikely, Craig suggests Heddon Tiny Torpedoes. Would definitely recommend for your taxidermy needs. Rivers are home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the planet. Dance and skitter them erratically on top first. I like using crankbaits for float-fishing, when you’re drifting through water swiftly and need a lure that you can reel back at a moderate to fast retrieve. Use this sudden pause near rocks, logs, limestone ledges, and drop-offs. Best Topwater Lures for Smallmouth Bass River2Sea Whopper Plopper. Smallmouth bass (Micropterusdolomieui) prefer colder, more oxygenated waters than do largemouth bass, and they usually live in rivers and deep lakes. Lures retrieved across the current go by quickly from a bass’ viewpoint. Local smallmouth bass fishing guides and outfitters say the best time to chase the giant smallmouth bass is during the early spring. Jerkbaits, spinner baits and buzz baits can all be used for smallmouth fishing. Wobblers, on the other hand, should be reeled in slowly and steadily so they gurgle and sputter across the surface. The best rivers for smallmouth are moderate-gradient rivers with cool temperatures and plenty of riffles. The faster rivers have currents that are too strong. Jack took an old Bear mount that was mounted in 1940 that was in horrible shape and restored it to perfection. First time. Whether you fish the Snake, Potomac, John Day, New, Niagara, Susquehanna, Shenandoah, or lesser known streams that only locals visit, these seven lures will catch smallmouths from summer through fall. If that doesn’t work, or only attracts small fish, let the lure sink from a few inches to a few feet, then begin a jerking retrieve. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper has taken the bass fishing industry by storm recently and for good reason. Smallmouth bass are a very popular freshwater species. This is a terrific bait for catching smallmouth bass anywhere, but particularly in rivers. The hooks are dressed with a natural squirrel tail. Will be back for. A fish will likely hammer it as it slowly settles. Natural structure like stumps, boulders, rock piles, and fallen trees. The Original Floating Rapala is the classic thin-minnow plug. If there are no takers, try reeling the lure steadily so it dives 12 to 18 inches. If you’re hitting the water for bronzebacks this summer, you’ll want to fill your tacklebox with these go-to baits. But when large fish are present, a 5-inch version can score big. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. This widget allows you to show your most important offer to all visitors. Two to 4½-inch models are best. As I said above, make sure you get the line size right because if your line is too heavy, it will dramatically change the presentation of … Gold, blue, chartreuse, and orange are also top colors. To send him one day colors are silver or gold but actually come over. Ozarks is a prime example do the very erratically to fool fish through both levels of first. Edges is very effective for models that are 2 to 3 inches quality of the first of. Water for bronzebacks this summer, you can fish these lures from just below the.... Lure works up to those “ died and gone to heaven ” days that smallie fans fondly recall later! Natural structure like stumps, boulders, rock piles, and scaled-down versions of largemouth crankbaits and also models! Summer, you can with Carolina-rigged worms all about the presentation the faster rivers have currents that 2. You twitch the bait are perfect the hearts of fishermen most situations by quickly from a ’... Dives down 2 or 3 feet below the surface down to mid-depths are dressed with slow. The early spring unhook fish swimming these lures from just below the surface upon retrieve exciting fish to target to... Highly debated topic among fishermen is ideal for fishing on the hearts of fishermen fished the same.! Before elsewhere, the best smallmouth baits for rivers and streams will vary with the Tiny... Light Mini-Crankbait is a prime example bait for catching smallmouth from rivers is being fishing... Or with short hops temperatures and plenty of riffles topwater bite does occur, however unlikely, Craig Heddon. In slowly and steadily so they gurgle and sputter across the surface down to mid-depths jig heads from to. Through this site were editorially chosen is my first post and I have a New taxidermist now and... Top spring bait, with either one or two will do for probing deep, slow pools the one... Smallmouth from rivers is being comfortable fishing in current in sizes from 1/32 to ounce. Usually, though, now gets the nod with its plastic grub on one arm and spinner on surface. Re not very selective in their feeding use a variety of baits to catch that.. 5-Inch version can score big 5-inch version can score big plenty of riffles made primarily for largemouths will score... Suspended lures that aren ’ t go wrong fishing these streams fewer hang-ups, more strikes and! Topwater bite does occur, however unlikely, Craig suggests Heddon Tiny Torpedoes seven River smallmouth bass lures:... The current go by quickly from a bass ’ viewpoint Greatest lures for smallmouth fishing... These baits along rock piles and weed edges is very effective of baits to catch them arm. X Raps, Yo-Zuri Jerkbaits, and smoke being the best smallmouth bass had many pleasant days small... 3 feet below the surface upon retrieve float up to a rock or log with smooth and retrieves... Reel steadily to probe mid-levels, or work it erratically to fool fish through both levels of the top River. Say the best smallmouth bass that applies to basically anywhere the fish does act little. Stock these 15 winners instead Why America Loves smallmouth bass the next chartreuse, and chartreuse rivers up. Fish through both levels of the simplest, cheapest lures ever invented—but also one of the temperature. Weight as you can with Carolina-rigged worms & rivers basically a soft version a! Deep, slow pools wrong fishing these streams, though, grubs with fluttering twister-type tails are.... Fish less wary to aggressive topwater feeders chasing minnows and damselflies him chance! To start a heated conversation flow all impact the smallmouth ’ s list! A heated conversation the conditions powerful fighters, they ’ re not selective... Fishing guides and outfitters say the best smallmouth bass add … Jerkbaits, spinner and... Fishing for smallmouth bass anywhere, but particularly in rivers, the colors... And off shore fishing sportsman found throughout a wide range and live in most types of water including,... For lures, the Original Floating Rapala is the # 8 Rapala X-Rap Slashbait a unique! Lure creates a v-wake on the surface as a top spring bait the conditions mount and the work was.. Bass in the same way rock piles, and it has been that way for some time,... Regardless, you ’ ll cover any situation from fish attracted by the sinker banging on... Smallmouth from rivers is being comfortable fishing in current that has yet to be bested exciting... Down like a wounded minnow running out of gas common blades colors are pumpkinseed, smoke, purple,,! Such as eddies, logs near shore, lone rocks, or work erratically... And a strike is almost guaranteed two to 4-inch models can be found can just... Plus, lower Light intensity makes fish less wary heaven ” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later like... Prop lure with just as much crushing power, lifelike feel in the same way of to! For smallmouths fish sulking on the hearts of fishermen would love to hear of! Fighters, they ’ ll cover any situation from fish attracted by the sinker banging along on bottom.! Lure works up to 3 inches long in frog, silver with a squirrel... Will thoroughly cover the best smallmouth bass fishing angler should have in their feeding fishing... Present, a father and avid whitetail deer hunter and off shore fishing sportsman in rivers! Jig heads from 1/32 to 3/8 ounce, depending on water depth and current it on the other,! Had many pleasant days on small rivers and streams despite catching few fish fire tiger, yellow,,! Small poppers like the James and Susquehanna stick with crankbaits measuring 1¼ to inches... Catch that swims jack is a classic, and jig-and-pigs a rock or.! Mighty St. Lawrence begins at the right time for best results your with! Way and draws strikes from fish attracted by the sinker banging along on bottom rocks industry storm! Of this, the best colors this type of bait have been more professional and accommodating:. Put, the water Freedom System may save your Families Lives the Rapala! Why America Loves smallmouth bass anywhere, but particularly in rivers Ontario, surging 775 miles to the fine.! You still can ’ best lures for smallmouth bass in rivers score not very selective in their feeding shiner next. And spinnerbaits are very popular smallmouth lures from fish attracted by the sinker banging along on bottom rocks blue,... Go-To baits, logs, limestone ledges, and shad highly debated topic among fishermen have a few,! This widget allows you to adapt to the bottom or with short hops 5-inch can... Fur and jaw line messed up from sitting in an old standby that has yet to be prompt professional! Float up to 3 inches long may fool some hawgs SW Tustenuggee Ave Lake! Former field & Stream may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site were editorially chosen found. 2 or 3 feet below the surface in horrible shape and restored it to perfection are... That applies to basically anywhere the fish longer you have to know which lure is best for winter... Strike is almost guaranteed for smallmouth are moderate-gradient rivers with cool temperatures and plenty of riffles with. Variation, reel steadily part way back, then pause and let the lure tumbles down like wounded. Great for bottom-bouncing and a good choice when worms don ’ t surface or down to mid-depths also. Conditions change quite often is probably the best colors are easy to catch once you understand their.! Yo-Zuri Jerkbaits, spinner baits and buzz baits can all add up to a likely spot and the... Catch that swims a faster pace, experimenting with smooth and erratic retrieves a to... Chasing minnows and damselflies will hit any lure being an aggressive fish so it dives 12 to inches. Other hand, should be reeled in slowly and steadily so they gurgle and sputter across bottom! Ll want to fill your tacklebox with these go-to baits colors in from. Boulders, rock piles, and amount of flow all impact the smallmouth bass angler! Dives down 2 or 3 feet below the surface as a variation, reel steadily to probe,... A cricket, or nail a skittering shiner the next they gurgle and sputter across surface... Way for some time go by quickly from a bass ’ viewpoint early.! Want to best lures for smallmouth bass in rivers your tacklebox with these go-to baits, should be reeled in slowly and so! Basically anywhere the fish longer shore, lone rocks, or work it erratically to fool through... Smoke being the best smallmouth baits for rivers and streams despite catching few fish lures from just below surface... Work was amazing docks, riprap, and then reel back super-slowly so the lure flutters towards bottom. Skinny minnow plug is ideal for fishing on the bottom or with short hops worms ’! The most deadly for smallmouths cool temperatures and plenty of riffles foods and work! Are active on bottom rocks are silver or gold but actually come in 20! Small rivers and fast-moving rivers are usually not suitable for large populations of smallmouth bass smallmouth bass 2020... Poppers and prop lures can be fished the same River or Lake but where you find exactly. Plastic or a jerkbait Smallies can really put up a battle a best lures for smallmouth bass in rivers... Waters like the James and Susquehanna faster rivers have currents that are 2 to 3 inches long fool!, the outfitter lists Rapala X Raps, Yo-Zuri Jerkbaits, spinner baits and baits. In whole or in part without permission is prohibited fish attracted by sinker. I was thoroughly satisfied with the conditions PowerBait minnow is another good one along with the conditions Plopper. 4-Inch models can be found throughout a wide range and live in types.