How to Catch Smallmouth Bass While Fishing in Small Rivers & Streams

Any fisherman worth his or her salt is well aware of the fact that smallmouth bass are known as one of the hardest fighting fish that can be caught in freshwater. When most anglers think of fishing for smallmouth bass they tend to think of fishing for them from a boat in a lake, reservoir, or large river. While these are all excellent places to fish for smallmouth, this article will outline some tips on how to catch smallmouth bass while fishing in small rivers and streams.

When I refer to the terms 'small rivers' or 'small streams', I'm referring specifically to rivers that are best fished by wading. The size rivers and streams that are normally thought of as "trout fishing" rivers. In many area's rivers of this size provide absolutely phenomenal smallmouth bass fishing. In many instances you can fish just as you would for trout, with the difference being that smallmouth are caught.

The first thing to keep in mind when fishing is small rivers & streams is the diameter of your fishing line. When fishing in this size of river many anglers tend to use line that's much too heavy. In small rivers and streams you always want to use fishing line that's as light as possible. I personally use four pound test monofilament, but six pound is effective as well. Any fishing line heavier than six pound test is a mistake when fishing this type of river. Keep your line light and you will get more bites, it's as simple as that.

If you want to know how to catch smallmouth bass in small rivers and streams, live bait should be employed. Although many types of live bait are effective for smallmouth bass, the most accessible and easy to use are live worms. Live worms that are rigged on a set of gang hooks and allowed to flow naturally with the current is an extremely effective fishing technique. The hooks are attached to your line with a small barrel swivel to prevent your line from twisting, and weight is added in the form of split shot sinkers. This style of smallmouth rig is very effective.

When fishing with live worms while wading it is necessary to have an effective way to carry said worms. Always knowing right where you worms are is a huge advantage to the wading angler. It means that baiting up and re-baiting takes seconds, rather than minutes, adding to your valuable fishing time. This is where an effective worm carrier comes into play. Having a live worm holder that clips directly to your fishing vest is a great idea anytime you are fishing while wading.

The last thing to be aware of is when you are fishing. Certain times of the day, week, and month are better for fishing than others. This is largely determined by moon phases and what the weather is doing. For example fishing during a 'new' moon phase is normally better than during other moon phases. The point is that if you want to know how to catch smallmouth bass, spend a little time studying how the weather and moon impact fish behavior.

Catching smallmouth bass in small rivers and streams is extremely enjoyable and these simple tips will help you experience much more fishing success.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.

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