Winter Smallies

[MoFisher22]

I’ve fished a lot of the smallmouth streams in Missouri but never tried the James. Thinking about giving it a go this weekend, anyone ever had any luck fishing the river in the winter? Trying to figure out which stretch of river is worth the float 

[Dutch]

I’ve only fished it below Asher’s in the winter but have caught some good ones on shaky along steep banks and cuts.  Some on the Arig also.

[MoFisher22]

I’m not very familiar with the area. Where is Asher’s? I think we are looking at trying around hootentown

[tjm]

Some pdf maps here http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/waters/rivers/james-river/james-river-maps-r276/

 

Mile by mile description here https://www.floatmissouri.com/plan/missouri-rivers/james-river/

[Flysmallie]

6 hours ago, MoFisher22 said:

I’ve fished a lot of the smallmouth streams in Missouri but never tried the James. Thinking about giving it a go this weekend, anyone ever had any luck fishing the river in the winter?

Yes. The lower sections closer to the lake are good but so are the middle sections. 

[MoFisher22]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the info. I think it’s going to be too nice this weekend to not go out and try to find a smallie or 2. I’ll update after for a report. 

[Flysmallie]

43 minutes ago, MoFisher22 said:

Thanks guys I really appreciate the info. I think it’s going to be too nice this weekend to not go out and try to find a smallie or 2. I’ll update after for a report. 

Good luck but don't be surprised if they aren't as excited about the weather as you are.

Places to try

 

What I'd throw

 

And yes I know that's not a smallmouth. But those run in gangs down there and that's just stupid fun if you run across one. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

2 hours ago, MoFisher22 said:

Thanks guys I really appreciate the info. I think it’s going to be too nice this weekend to not go out and try to find a smallie or 2. I’ll update after for a report. 

I've only fished it once but I liked it.  I put in at Galena in the summer time. 

[MoFisher22]

23 hours ago, Flysmallie said:

Good luck but don't be surprised if they aren't as excited about the weather as you are.

Places to try

 

What I'd throw

 

And yes I know that's not a smallmouth. But those run in gangs down there and that's just stupid fun if you run across one. 

Jerkbait, correct? I’ve had really great success on the lakes in late February/early March with them but never tried them for river smallies. Definitely going to have to give it a try

[Flysmallie]

1 minute ago, MoFisher22 said:

Jerkbait, correct? 

Yep. They work.