Jim0861

That answers my question guys. Thanks

Thanks Gavin. So you are saying the Prongs is so-so for fishing with better and bigger Smallmouth populations on downstream? My question is, are the Prongs a worthwhile destination to fish or is it primarily more for the floating challenge?

I know alot of people like to float the Prongs in ealy Spring due to the challenge and enjoyment. Is there any good fishing there during the same time? Thanks

Thanks for the input guys. I'm looking to make a longer mid September trip or two and we will see how that works out.

Had the opportunity to do three short floats last week on the JF. Couldn't do any long or overnighters due to wife and kids along. I did two floats from Horse Camp to Emminence and one float from Bay Creek to Alley. Three days, three fish. I fished primarily soft baits (Senkos, Zoom Tubes, and KVD Perfect Plastics). Fished no spinners, topwater or cranks. See attached pictures. Is the slow fishing a typical June pattern or did I do something wrong? The temp was mid to low 90's, clear skies, and high barometric pressure. I fished 8 lb. fluorocarbon tied to a barrel swivel with Texas rigged plastics. As a side note, the trip from Bay Creek to Alley required getting out and walking the canoe is at least a half dozen places due to water levels. Thanks for any replies.

I am looking forward to giving it a try this year, particularly along some of the slower, deeper stretches.

Any dropshotters here? Anyone tried dropshotting the deeper holes in JF or Current River? Results? Lessons learned?

I'll have at least three rods with me. I'll try that approach. Thanks again!

Thanks Gavin. Sounds good. Do you have a go-to lure you like to use in the Spring?

I have some time on my calendar this year for a springtime Jacks Fork Smallmouth float. I am wanting to do an overnighter or maybe two from Rymers to Two Rivers. Was wondering which month in Spring is generally considered the best for Smallmouth? I fished the JF in the Summer before and had pretty good luck with 4" YUM stickbaits. Does that bait hold true for Spring? Any information is appreciated.

Thanks Al. I will keep your advice and the 60 degrees in my mind. You have been a great help.

And thank you all for your replies. Your insight is very helpul in assisting me with trip planning.

Based on your feedback and experience, what is the optimum water temperature for springtime Jacks Fork Smallmouth, and during a "normal" weather year, when does that happen?

While fishing in the Jacks Fork this summer I was surprised at where I hooked into smallies. The smallies I hooked were, without exception, in the middle of the rapids away from cover or structure that would lessen the impact of the current for the fish/ I have always heard/read to look for smailles at the end of a set of rapids, on the edge, or behind cover as this requires less energy for the fish to maintain their position. When fishing the areas conventional wisdom accepts I drew blanks only to cath fish in the middle of the currents with no structure or cover breaks. What do you seasoned stream fisherman think? Thanks

By the way, as I mentioned earlier in the post, I had little luck last summer with cranks or spinners. Do either of you have particular brand/type/color of cranks or spinnerbaits you have had luck with?

Thanks Gavin and Al. Both very good suggestions I will keep in mind

Thanks. I did some fishing there this summer (July) using a 4 inch senko texas rig on a carolina rig setup with about an 18" leader. I didnt have much luck with small cranks or spinners. Would you expect a srping pattern to be the same?

Hello all, Me and a friend want to make a spring two day float on Jacks Fork (Rymers to Alley). What time/month in the spring offers the best fishing? I am thinking about 1 May. Not sure if that is too early or late? Any replies are appreciated