A few weeks ago, a post entitled "Using Soft Plastic Hellgrammite Baits for Bass" was added to the site as an overview of how to use this style of finesse bait when chasing our favorite finny prey.
The post listed several manufacturers producing a version of hellgrammite baits but we didn't include Yum's new hellgrammite since it was just being introduced and little information was available at the time.
Since then Yum has added their new bait to Pradco's Lurenet website and released a series of short videos about the bait; some with fishing tips.
I found one of the videos particularly interesting since it included tips on the lifecycle of a hellgrammite as well as several ways to rig and present it as you will see below:
Riprap structures are common in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers; they can be a great place to target bass.
Riprap is essentially a collection of large, durable rocks or concrete debris placed along the shore or in the water to prevent soil and sediment erosion. These man-made structures are often found around dams, bridges, piers, jetties, and other areas where rocks have been placed for current or sediment control.
These structures provide an excellent habitat for bass, as they offer cover, shade, and food as well as current breaks when placed in areas with moving water.
Take a moment and watch the following video from the folks at Lurenet covering some more in depth info on how to effectively fish riprap structures for bass...
Spring is a great time to fish for bass on rivers. As the weather warms, the Sun rises higher in the sky, and the water starts to heat up, bass become more active, move towards the bank and feed-up before they spawn.
One of the most effective ways to target spring bass on rivers is by fishing cover near strucutre with crankbaits.
Here are several tips to help you more bass this spring:
Focus on structure and cover: Bass will often hold near structure such as channel swing banks with cover like rocks, logs, or docks, so focus your cranking efforts in these areas. Crankbaits can be particularly effective since they can be used to bounce off the cover triggering reaction strikes from bass staging in it.
Select the right crankbait: Different styles of crankbaits work best in different depth conditions. For example, shallow-running crankbaits are ideal for cranking shallow water, while medium to deep-diving crankbaits work better for fishing deeper cover.
Match crankbait color to the water color: The color of your crankbait can make a big difference in how many bites you get. If the water is clear, go with natural colors like perch, shad or crawfish. In murky water, try brighter colors like red, chartreuse or orange.
Vary your retrieval speed: Experiment with different speeds of retrieval until you find the one that the bass are most responsive to during that outing. Sometimes, a fast, erratic retrieve will work, while other times a slow, steady retrieve will be more effective.
Pay attention to the current: Rivers are always moving, so it's important to cast your crankbait upstream and retrieve it downstream with the current. Retrieving the crankbait with the current makes your lure look natural triggering more strikes from bass holding around cover.
Take a few moments and watch the following video from the folks at W2F where bass pro Bob Downey provides an on the water demo of his approach for cranking river for spring bass...
Wing dams are man-made structures designed to control and regulate water flow in rivers and streams. They are often made of rocks, concrete, or other materials and are positioned perpendicular to the shoreline, creating an extended point into the water. These structures can greatly impact the way fish behave and can be prime spots for fishing.
Bass are known to position themselves differently on wing dams depending on the flow conditions and the time of year. During low flow conditions, bass will typically be found near the back of the wing dam, where the water is deeper and provides cover from predators. In high flow conditions, they will move to the front of the wing dam, where the current is strongest and provides more oxygenated water.
Bass position of on wing dams also changes throughout the year. In the warmer months, they will typically be found near the surface, where the water is warmer, while in the colder months, they will be found at deeper depths, where the water is cooler.
When fishing for bass on wing dams, it’s important to understand the flow conditions and the season. Here are a few tips to help you catch more fish:
Fishing in river current can be challenging, but it's also a great way to test your skills as an angler. By understanding how the current affects the behavior of the fish and adapting your techniques accordingly, you can increase your chances of success and make the most of your time on the water.
Following are several tips for fishing river current for bass:
Locate the current breaks: Bass are usually found near areas where the current is flowing. Look for areas where the water is moving faster, such as around rocks, logs, or other structures that create eddies, current seams, or other forms of turbulence. These areas can create pockets of slower-moving or stagnant water conditions where bass will congregate and stage to feed.
Use the right presentation: When fishing in river currents, it's essential to use the right technique. The most effective technique is to cast upstream and let the lure drift downstream naturally. Maintain contact with the lure and be ready for a strike at any moment. Try to vary the speed and action of the retrieve until you find the right retrieve combination.
Select the right bait: Depending on the conditions, different types of bait can be effective for fishing in river current. Soft plastic lures, such as worms or grubs, can be rigged to drift naturally with the current in low flow situations. On the other hand, reaction baits like crankbaits or spinnerbaits can also be effective in faster-moving water.
Be alert: When fishing in river current, you need to stay alert at all times. River current can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your technique as needed. Watch for changes in the water flow or any signs of fish activity such as breaking bait or feeding birds.
Stay safe: Finally, always prioritize safety when fishing in river current. Wear a life jacket, stay aware of your surroundings, and be careful when wading in the water.
Take a few moments and watch the following video as bass pro Patrick Walters discusses his approach to fishing in current:
Bass in rivers pose different challenges for bass anglers but there are some predictable movements these bass make during the prespawn period that can help unravel these challenges.
Like most fish, river bass tend to prefer warming waters and stable conditions as the prep themselves for their annual ritual to keep their "gene pool" going into the future. Though river flows and heights change often during the spring, bass tend to head to the backwater areas to feed and setup shop for the spawn.
Arming yourself with a variety of snagless baits to work shallow woody and vegetated cover can be key to early season river bass success as bass pro Seth Feider discusses in the following video...
River Bass fishing is very popular due to the easy accessibility that fishing in the river provides. Oftentimes to reach the best fishing spots in a lake, you need a boat. But this is not the case with bass fishing in the river. But there are some differences to bass fishing in the river. The following quick tips for river bass fishing should remind you of these differences and help you land more fish.
Ask the local bait store what the bass have been biting on. Common natural river baits include minnows, shad, crayfish, and worms among others. Follow the recommendation of the local bait store, and fish with either that live bait, or throw lures that resemble what the fish have been feeding on.
Downsize your offering. While river bass fishing remember that generally speaking, the bass will be smaller than in the lake. This is due to a variety of factors including them having to swim against current, size of water body, and availability of food. You will find that jigs that you use to catch Crappie on the lake, will be very effective for Bass on the river.
Cast upstream and reel your bait back slowly letting the current carry it downstream. Bass position themselves with their head upstream waiting for their prey to come floating down the river. Remember if you cast downstream, and reel back upstream, the fish is going to have to fight the current to catch up with your bait.
River Bass fishing can be outstanding in the early spring. During the early spring bass will run up the river and into the feeder creeks to spawn where the water is warmer. Go fishing from late February to late April for your best opportunity for a good catch.
Fish around deeper holes in the river and around structure. The bass love to stage around these areas because the current is not as strong.
Fish the shallower water in the morning and just before dark or on cloudy days. Fish the deeper holes later in the day or on bright sunny days. A good technique is to cast your lure on shore, and bring back into the water slowly. Many times you will find a bass waiting to swallow it.
Remember these differences in river bass fishing and lake bass fishing so that you can be effective on your next river Bass fishing trip.
River Bass fishing can be a blast. The bass are strong and the bite can be fast and furious. I hope that these river Bass fishing tips help you land more fish.
But if you would like to learn more about river bass fishing and lake bass fishing, then who better to learn from than a 3 time angler of the year and member of the Professional Bass Hall of Fame. Bill Dance has come out with a Bass fishing DVD series called the Complete Bass Fishing Course. Bill teaches you how to catch bass from A-Z in a very simple and understandable manner. I encourage you to check it out.
Don’t overlook river bass fishing. Go fish today and take someone you love with you!
