Fishing River Current for Bass

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:

Lure Selections For Winter Bass

If you are fortunate enough to live in southern areas of the US and your local waters do not freeze over during the winter, piling on the clothing and hitting the water for a little bass fishing helps reduce cabin fever.

Even though a fair number of hearty souls brave the cold winter chill and head out for a little winter bass fishing, many struggle with the “catching” part of the success equation.

One question instantly springs into mind …

Are you using the right lures when searching for those elusive winter bass?

Key Winter Bass Fishing Lure Selections …

Fishing Algae-stained Lakes with KVD

Fishing a new lake always presents numerous questions when an angler hits the water for the first time. 

Add in a complication of an ongoing algae bloom turning the water color the pea soup green and breaking down the lake cover for an effective day on the water becomes even more challenging.

In this next video, bass pro Kevin VanDam (KVD) explains his apporach to fishing lakes underoging an algae bloon and why a swim jig is often his bait of choice when he finds the bass holding near shallow cover...

Making Crankbaits Suspend

When most anglers hear the term suspending baits they likely think of the most common suspending lure type, the jerkbait. 

But many savvy bass anglers realize there are limitations to what can be accomplished with a standard minnow-style jerkbait and have modified different types on billed crankbaits to suspend as well.

The most common floating to suspending crankbait modification is usually performed on one of the best cool/cold water crankbaits on the market, the Rapala Shad Rap (<== post link).

Some of those same methods can be applied to other diving crankbaits as bass pro Matt Stefan illustrates in this insightful video:

In additon to the methods Matt discusses in the video, the addition of Storm's Suspend Strips or Dots also helps with crankbait modifications as well.

It definitely provides some food for thought when out trying to entice cold water bass into biting!

Need additional components to modify baits or make your own fishing lures? 

Check out the wide variety of bait making and modifying items available at Lure Parts Online by clicking on the following image!

Fall Flipping Tips

Many anglers feel fishing in the fall can be one of the most rewarding yet frustrating seasons during the year.

Why?

Because the bass tend to be scattered from shallow to deep as they transition from their summer patterns. 

One thing for sure however, there will always be some of the bass around shallow cover and a great presentation when fishing shallow... flipping!

Given the wide range of flipping bait sizes and styles, selecting the right combinations is often critical for triggering strikes. 

Take a moment and watch as 2022 Bassmaster Classic champ Jason Christie explains his approach to flipping in the fall.