Jack's Fork Springtime Smallmouth

[Jim0861]

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

[Al Agnew]

In a typical year, spring fishing starts getting easier about mid to late April, and is usually pretty good in May. The first of May should be okay as long as the water isn't too high.

[Jim0861]

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?

[Al Agnew]

That rig should work about any time the water is warm enough for them to be active...may not be the best thing to use at a given time, but if you have confidence in it you'll probably catch fish on it. One thing, though...if you happen to catch the river high and murky, you might want to try normal bass size spinnerbaits and crankbaits.

[Gavin]

It depends on water clarity...up and milky...big baits....Clear & early in the year usually means down on the bottom on the Jack's...think jig,tube, curly tail....maybe a soft jerkbait...on top is worth a shot too..

[Jim0861]

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

[Jim0861]

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?