Rivers vs. Lakes

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TLaw
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 4:00 pm

Rivers vs. Lakes

Post by TLaw »

I usually fish in lakes but I'm thinking about starting to fish a weekly tornament in the White River. I was wonering what changes, if any, I might want to try. I was planning on using pretty much the same lures that I use to fish in lakes(jig n pig & tubes) but smaller sizes. I was wondering if any of you might have some helpful knowledge. Thanks
johnnie crain outdoors
Posts: 1504
Joined: Sat Apr 06, 2002 5:00 pm

Rivers vs. Lakes

Post by johnnie crain outdoors »

Tlaw, fishing rivers is a whole new ball game. The same lures you are confident in will work in rivers, but the type cover and structure fished will be entirely different. First, you will in most cases be working shallow water, two to three feet. Mostly fishing either rock shorelines, stump fields, brush piles and fallen trees.
There will be current at times that makes boat control a priority, you must fish into the current casting upstream and retrieving down. Bass ALWAYS face into the current and wait for prey to come to them. Spring/fall, think backwayers and creeks. Summer, think main river bends, day markers, islands, wing dams, trees or brush along river bends-inside or outside turns-look for current breaks, anything a fish can hide behind yet still be able to slash out and strike. Jigs and tubes are excellent river baits, but don't ever overlook spinnerbaits and shallow crankbaits, and you don't necessarily have to downsize much unless your primary target is smallmouth. Make sure you have a push pole to get off stumps and push into extremely shallow bays etc, be sure you have a high power trolling motor that's capable of powering 8 hours into the current. In most cases, you can use heavier line to fish the heavy cover. Always look for weeds or grass when posiible, these are bass magnets. There's so much more I'd like to tell you, but don't want to tie up the post board too much or saturate your mind too much all at once. Keep in touch and I'll help you along with specific questions. Been fishing the Mighty Mississippi river for 30 years. Good luck. Johnnie
Johnnie Crain
Matt
Posts: 20
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2003 5:00 pm

Rivers vs. Lakes

Post by Matt »

I am not familiar with the White River, but I do a agree with Johnnie when he says where to look for bass and his statement about not necessarily downsizing your baits unless you are targetting smallmouth and remember they don't always require smaller baits. Don't forget your spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwaters on rivers. River fish like those just as much as lake bass as long as the conditions are right. Your first choices as you already stated (jigs and tubes) are good choices, just keep an open mind and observe how the fish are reacting to the current where you are. It could be different around the next turn!
Matthew J. Wagenfer Sr.:Bassin' USA Prostaff: Maryland
TLaw
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 4:00 pm

Rivers vs. Lakes

Post by TLaw »

Thanks for your guys help. I know I dont post very much but when I do I can always count on JC giving good tips. Knowing that fish always face in to the current will help out a lot.
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