Those of us that live in and around Grand Rapids,
Minnesota know that we have more lake-fishing opportunities for
fishing bass than anywhere in the country. From small ponds to large
bodies of water the choices seem endless. We also have tremendous
opportunities to fish for bass in several different river systems.
There is nothing more relaxing than floating down a river in a canoe
quietly searching for bass. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can
be found in our local rivers. For largemouth bass, I like to fish
the mighty Mississippi and for smallmouth bass, I like Prairie
River. Fishing for bass in a river is different than fishing for
bass in a lake. Due to water current, fish relate more to shoreline
cover as well as shallow areas that offer an eddy or slack water
sanctuary.
If you chase bass around as much as I do, you know that river bass,
unlike lake bass, are less effected by unfavorable weather. You also
know that because bass that live in an environment of current uses
much more energy than a lake bass they need to feed more often.
River bass also feed more aggressively which results in some of the
hardest hitting, hardest fighting bass you have ever caught. If you
like wading, drifting or fishing from a 20-foot bass boat, you
should try your hand at river fishing for bass.
Locating bass: Whether you are fishing for largemouth or
smallmouth bass, current speed and available cover are key factors
you need to keep in mind. On small or shallower rivers, it is easy
to read the water to visually locate areas where the current is
changed. Structure such as rock piles or a rock jetty, a single
large rock, trees in the water or anything else that will divert the
water flow to create a current break. These are all great ambush
spots for fish to lay in and wait for food to drift by.
On large or deep river systems locating current breaks becomes a
little more difficult, especially underwater structure. This is
where good electronics are important tools. Your depth finder will
help you identify those bottom structures and most likely show you
the fish laying downstream behind the structure waiting for an easy
meal. When fishing these larger river systems look to the shoreline
for current breaks or eddies. Remember that anything that breaks up
the current or gets the fish out of the current can hold bass.
Lure choices: As with fishing for bass in lakes, lure choices
are many. Again, the key factors to remember are current speed and
cover. In slack water, top water lures are dynamite. Cast upstream
and let the lure drift with the current toward slack water or eddies
caused by objects or cover in the water. When the lure gets to this
location give it a couple twitches and hang on. This technique also
works well with slow sinking lures such as Berkley power grubs or
power worms on a light jig head. A jig/pig combination works great
around lay downs in the river. These are super areas for bass to get
out of the current and wait for an easy meal to come by. If the tree
is suspended off the bottom, try casting upstream and let the lure
drift back under the tree. I have caught some huge bass using this
technique. Other lure choices include in-line spinner baits, tandem
willow leaf spinner baits, crank baits, and jerk baits. If the water
is clear, use natural looking lures such as shad or perch colored
and if the water is muddy or stained, I will use bright lures such
as chartreuse or firetiger colors. The same holds true for plastics.
Equipment: When fishing for bass in smaller streams or when I
am using small lures, I like to use a 7’ medium action spinning rod
with a good quality spinning reel. I will fill the spool with 8 to
10 pound Berkley Trilene for most applications. If I am fishing
around heavy weed grow, I will spool the reel with a braided line
such as Berkley Spiderwire in 10 to 20 pound test. Braided line has
near zero stretch, will hold up better in heavy weed grow and allow
you to pull the fish out of the cover.
If I know an area holds larger bass, say in the 5 to 7 pound class,
I like to go to a bait casting rod/reel combination. Again a 7’ rod
with a medium/heavy or heavy action is my choice. In this case, I
will spool the reel with as high as 50-pound braided line. I prefer
a bait casting rod/reel combination because I can move the fish away
from cover easier with this outfit compared to a spinning outfit.
Safety: Fishing a river can be loads of fun but it can also
hazardous. Not only is there current, there are underwater objects
of all kinds. Before you venture onto an unfamiliar river system,
check with local bait or tackle shops, ask area guides or check with
the local DNR. Find out all you can about the waterway you plan to
fish. Are there danger zones such as white water areas or extremely
shallow areas or rapids. Let someone know where you are going and
take a friend along. If you are going to drift a river in a small
boat or canoe, wear your life jacket. Believe me, the water is
generally colder than lake water and if there is strong current, you
may lose contact with your boat. If you do fall in, position
yourself with your feet pointing down stream. If it is deep enough,
swim across the current toward either shore. If you think safety and
are prepared for a day on the river, you will have a great time.
No matter where you live, chances are that there is a river close
by. If the weather has been unstable or if you just want to try
something new, head to the river. You will be surprised at the
quality of bass you will catch and as far as a fighting fish, I’ll
take a river bass over a lake bass any day. They are swimming in
current almost their entire life and let me tell you, they are
strong. Whether it is large mouth or small mouth bass you are after,
river fishing is a blast.
Arnie Nichols
classicbass.com Field Staff
