Tips for Fishermen and Hunters as Black Bass and Squirrel Seasons Open in Missouri

Smallmouth bass fishing in small streams and rivers offers a unique and rewarding experience for anglers. These feisty fighters are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic battles, making them a favorite among freshwater fishing enthusiasts. To help you increase your catch rate, we’ve compiled the best tactics for catching smallmouth bass on small streams and rivers.

1. Understanding Smallmouth Bass Behavior

Before diving into tactics, it’s essential to understand the behavior of smallmouth bass. These fish prefer clear, cool, and oxygen-rich waters. They often inhabit areas with a rocky or gravelly bottom, where they can find plenty of prey like crayfish, minnows, and insects. Smallmouth bass are also structure-oriented, seeking out places like submerged logs, boulders, and undercut banks for cover.

2. Choosing the Right Gear

For small stream and river fishing, you’ll need gear that matches the environment:

• Rod and Reel: A medium-light to medium spinning rod, around 6 to 7 feet long, paired with a spinning reel is ideal. This setup provides the sensitivity and control needed for smallmouth bass.
• Line: Use a 6-10 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament line. Fluorocarbon is preferred for its low visibility and abrasion resistance.
• Lures: Opt for a variety of lures, including crankbaits, jigs, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits. These mimic the natural prey of smallmouth bass.

3. Top Lures for Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are opportunistic feeders. Here are some lures that have proven effective:

• Crankbaits: Shallow-running crankbaits that mimic minnows are excellent for covering water quickly and triggering reaction strikes.
• Jigs: Tube jigs and hair jigs are versatile and can be fished slowly along the bottom, mimicking crawfish.
• Soft Plastics: Soft plastic worms, grubs, and creature baits can be rigged on a jig head or Texas-rigged for weedless presentation.
• Spinnerbaits: These lures are great for fishing around structure and cover, their flash and vibration attracting bass from a distance.

4. Effective Fishing Techniques

Using the right techniques can make all the difference:

• Casting and Retrieval: Cast upstream and retrieve your lure with the current. This natural presentation mimics prey being washed downstream, enticing predatory strikes.
• Drifting: Allow your bait to drift naturally with the current, especially in deeper pools and runs where smallmouth bass may be holding.
• Targeting Structure: Focus on areas with structure such as rocks, submerged logs, and overhanging vegetation. These spots provide cover and ambush points for smallmouth bass.
• Bottom Bouncing: Use weighted lures or jigs to bounce along the bottom, mimicking crayfish and other bottom-dwelling prey.

5. Seasonal Adjustments

Smallmouth bass behavior changes with the seasons:

• Spring: As waters warm, smallmouth bass move into shallower areas to spawn. Target shallow flats and rocky areas with soft plastics and jigs.
• Summer: During hot months, fish early in the morning and late in the evening. Focus on deeper pools and shaded areas using crankbaits and spinnerbaits.
• Fall: Smallmouth bass become more active, feeding heavily before winter. Use crankbaits and jigs around structure and in current breaks.
• Winter: Fishing slows down, but you can still catch smallmouth bass by fishing deep, slow-moving pools with jigs and soft plastics.

6. Reading the Water

Understanding how to read the water is crucial:

• Eddies and Current Breaks: Smallmouth bass often hold in eddies and behind current breaks where they can conserve energy and ambush prey.
• Riffles and Runs: These areas provide oxygen-rich water and are often teeming with prey. Smallmouth bass will position themselves in these spots, especially during warmer months.
• Deep Pools: In small streams and rivers, deep pools offer refuge and a consistent food supply. These are prime spots to target, particularly in summer and winter.

7. Catch and Release Practices

To ensure the sustainability of smallmouth bass populations, practice catch and release:

• Handle with Care: Use wet hands or a rubberized net to handle the fish, minimizing damage to their protective slime coat.
• Quick Release: Minimize the time the fish is out of the water and release it promptly to reduce stress.

By understanding smallmouth bass behavior, choosing the right gear, and employing effective fishing techniques, you can increase your chances of success on small streams and rivers. Remember to respect the environment and practice ethical fishing to ensure these waters remain bountiful for future generations.

Happy fishing, and may your next trip be filled with thrilling smallmouth bass action!