Winter River Fishing

[Slippery]

What's the general consensus on large (normal) vs. downsizing the lures used for winter small mouth fishing? Do you throw the same gear 365 and just change the presentation?

I'm not really looking for types of lures or even colors used. (some of you guys will take that information to your grave) I just don't have any real experience fishing the winter months outside of crappie fishing the lakes.

Thanks in advance.

Stay safe out there & tight lines.

[Ham]

The mix of winter baits I would throw gets pretty small. Float and Fly, Small skirted jig with trailer, Jerk baits. (100 size max), hair jig or in my case a Zig Jig, Ned Rig, tuibe or Ika, and a Hula Grub on a jig head. That's about it  Most of those things are smallish, but more a reduced speed/activity level from warmer water periods than reduced size. I don't throw a lot of stuff larger than that when the water is warmer.

If I had to do so, I could be pretty happy heading to the river when the water is cool/cold with one rod and a dozen 1/8 oz Zig Jigs.

[Mitch f]

I think it's probably a good idea to downsize a little, especially when it's clear and cold.

[Brian Jones]

Generally speaking, the colder it gets, the smaller the baits we throw.  But by cold, I'm talking water temps in the upper 30s.  Don't change much about my baits until the water drops below 40. 

[Norm M]

 I let the fish decide. I've caught fish on lures in winter in rivers that are so big most wouldn't even use them in summer. I've caught them on small 2-3 inch lures and on normal size tackle .  Shoot I've even caught smallmouth on topwaters in the middle of winter in my river. I don't recommend that unless you have a lot of time and patience and are willing to endure very long stretches of not catching .

 you won't know unless you try .