I suggested in a recent article that ponds should not be ignored as potential fishing destinations, especially by those who either do not own boats or are too strapped for time to embark upon a trip to the lake.
Well, there is yet another type of water that I feel compelled to feature as well. As the summertime temperatures continue to soar, I will find the idea of casting into small rivers far more compelling. In fact, I already have a river fishing excursion planned and will have the trip in the books before this article hits the press.
So why focus on these waterways during the hottest months of the year? Well, as the summer progresses, our lakes undergo a noticeable change. It's the time of the year when a lot of folks most enjoy getting out and enjoying their favorite outdoor activities. And as should be expected, boat traffic increases exponentially.
I'll be the first to admit growing restless when boats are zipping to and fro. But there is even a greater reason for my quest to seek refuge in the serenity of a small river quietly meandering through rural settings.
Those who fish on a regular basis will likely be quick to agree that the bite slows drastically on our lakes during the hottest months of the year. Of course, I could resort to night fishing. And I have during previous years. But I eventually came to the conclusion that fishing during the daylight hours is far more enjoyable than casting into the darkness.
And it just so happens that river fishing, during daylight hours, continues to be productive throughout the summer months, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Let alone the fact that I hardly see another person at some of the secluded locations I have discovered throughout the years.
Fishing small rivers is comparable to pond fishing in the sense that permission to launch on private property must often be granted. And again, those who are kind enough to grant permission should be assured that their land will be treated with utmost respect.
So what kind of water will prove most productive? Of course, those waterways that see the least fishing pressure are likely to prove most fertile. However, it is also important to find a waterway providing a suitable habitat for fish to thrive.
Of course, a substantial food source is of utmost significance. But it is equally as important to choose a stretch of river that is deep enough to support larger fish.
It is not uncommon for largemouths in the five-pound range to lurk in such waters. In fact, it's not beyond the realm of possibilities to occasionally boat a bass in the six- to seven-pound range.
OK, so we've found a small river showing potential. Now what? Well, I suppose this is the perfect time to review our lure selection. It is important to understand the food source that is most plentiful in these waters.
Generally speaking, river fish benefit from an abundance of crawfish. That in mind, one might consider bouncing a soft plastic, or jig and pig across the substrate. Speaking of soft plastics, floating a worm "whacky style" is also very effective throughout the entire summer season.
Of course, a fertile river will also produce an ample supply of small bream and various baitfish, as well. So why not try casting something resembling this particular prey. And by all means, consider presentations that appear as an injured minnow or other baitfish species.
One should also consider the substrate, as huge rock formations and fallen trees often lurk in the murky depths. That in mind, one might choose lures that are not likely to get snagged on hidden cover.
Spinner baits are a good choice, as are Texas-rigged plastic worms. But there are also topwater lures that are extremely effective in such terrain. In fact, buzz baits are pretty much weedless. And there are times when they seem to drive river bass stark raving wild. Chuggers are also an effective choice. However, they notoriously get hung in colonies of water willows and other aquatic vegetation.
River bass are no different from lake fish in the sense that they are cover-oriented. In turn, one might consider focusing on the shadows of submerged cover and the overhanging trees.
But one is also apt to see their fair share of excitement by casting into and retrieving the presentations through and at the base of rapids. And be prepared to coax a few fish from natural bends and eddies.
I'll be the first to suggest that there is somewhat of a learning curve to river fishing. But I'm also confident that those who understand the habits of the fish species they are pursuing will quickly grow fond of fishing on these secluded waterways.