Wintertime-River Smallmouth Edition

[Guest]

This time of year, I get very few bites and subsequently don't fish for river smallmouth too often.

I managed to locate a good wintering hole recently, or I think it is.

The bass are visible in the clear water, but Im not sure how to proceed.

The rivers edge has a thin sheet of ice but the main river is open.

I bet the water temp dropped 10 degrees or more in the past week.

I hear a lot about jerkbaits and hair jigs, but its general inofrmation.

There's nothing specific on this topic.

Could ya'll share a few ideas or patterns for frigid water conditions?

Not your location but a rundown of what to look for.

[Guest]

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[Blazerman]

Water that will eddy out at any flow condition, or a place where they can find slack water at any water level. I also look for holes that will receive lots of sunshine, if there is a big bluff that blocks the sun for most of the day I would shy away from that hole. If you can see the fish in the hole right now it is definitely a wintering hole so they will be there until the end of February at least.

As far as fishing goes. I like hair jigs that are about 1.25-2" long in black, olive, brown, white, and olive/ginger. I use 1/8 oz most of the time. Fish them SLOW! Most bites will be hard to distinguish and will feel like you picked up some grass or leaves. When they are active they will move to the heads and tails of the pools and areas with slight current. Set the hook if you feel any kind of resistance or get slack in the line. If there is a warming trend or the water gets a little stain to it by warming runoff, the jerkbaits can really tear them up. Fish those slow also until the water temps get into the 50 degree range and then they will take them fished more aggressively. It is all about patience and perseverance this time of year, so get after them and don't give up until you catch them. Time of day seems to matter a lot this time of year too, 10-3 seems to be the best for me.

Good luck!

I agree with everything siusaluki says here except with the hair jigs I usually add a #11 pork trailer usually in black. I think it helps them hold onto the bait a little longer and gives you a little more time to set the hook. Also with the jig sometimes all you feel is a very slight tick. If you feel the tick set the hook.

And one thing is for sure, most of the time you can expect a lot less fish catching in winter time. Even when you can see them, many times it is tough to get them to hit. Some days you might only get a couple to hit at all but typically they will be bigger smallmouth.

[Guest]

Can ya'll upload a pic of your favorite wintertime hair jigs?

It seems that hair jigs vary a lot between different anglers.

weights, brushguards, type of hair, etc.

[Blazerman]

This is what i usually call a deer hair jig and there was a #11 black pork trailer attached to it although you can't see it because it is in it's mouth.

the second pick was caught on the same jig.

[Guest]

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[Guest]

Can yall elaborate on jighead weights?

I've been using a 5/16 Eakins ballhead type jighead, but it falls too slow in the current.

I think bucktail must be super bouyant.

[Mitch f]

Can yall elaborate on jighead weights?

I've been using a 5/16 Eakins ballhead type jighead, but it falls too slow in the current.

I think bucktail must be super bouyant.

If 5/16 oz is falling too slow I'm guessing you have too much buck tail tied on. I make my own 1/8 oz football heads with a twin wire weed guard. I use Arctic fox hair or raccoon.

[Guest]

If 5/16 oz is falling too slow I'm guessing you have too much buck tail tied on. I make my own 1/8 oz football heads with a twin wire weed guard. I use Arctic fox hair or raccoon.

Yeah, I think my tendancy to "overkill" everything is the problem.

Are you throwing your little jig on spinning tackle?

[Mitch f]

Yeah, I think my tendancy to "overkill" everything is the problem.

Are you throwing your little jig on spinning tackle?

Well, last year I bought a couple of casting rods designed to throw light jigs, but a spinning rod is a great choice.