Some USEFUL info….

In trying to keep in line with the rest of the forums on this website, I was wondering what kinds of patterns people have been using to catch Bass in the river. Keep in mind, what can be offered here does not have to be exact spots, but what kind of structure, weeds, rocks, current breaks, etc…

From my recent experiences, the fish I have caught have come on 4.5″ Strike King tubes, Rat-l-Traps, and jigs. The have all been caught around coontail and other assorted vegetation. The slop bite has not been kind to me, yet.

Right now pool 7 has been a very tough bite. If you can catch a 2.5 lb fish in the local nightly tourneys you will cash a check. Last night, the last place fish weighed 2.24 lbs. Last year you had to have a solid 2.5 – 3 lb fish to cash a check. Don’t be mislead, these tourneys draw some pretty good fisherman.

As good as Team Supreme

Backwater rip rap for me last week with jigs and shallow runners

With the water low, I’ll probably move out into current areas…possibly wing dams, deeper rip rap. Also want to check out this point that has some vegetation on it…though I’m not sure if the green stuff is up yet

Up on 5a last weekend, the only place I was finding them was in the back sloughs on wood with a little current or with deep (6 feet minimum) water nearby. Texas Rigs or Jig and Craws pitched to the wood was the only thing working. Weedbeds looked poor, and didn’t seem to be holding anything but a few Dogfish. Should have went out in the main channel and tried more for some smallies?

Is Flick around? He’s usually on the patterns for smallies.

What’s with the Team Supreme obsession Pitbull?

T/S envy?
Actually I would consider myself in the group that consider the T/S circuit the best the river has to offer. It is unfortunate that it is not a level playing field. For us working folk, I wish they had an off limits monday-thursday. -grin-
Actually a tourney is a tourney and I am sure I will fish many more. My frustration is that I often need just a few more hours to pin down my pattern. I shouldn’t complain though, I have a few T/S plaques on my wall. I guess I just want them all. lol
jc

T/S probably is the best of the best bass fishermen on the river, no arguments from me, not that I’m a big tournament veteran to really know which is best.

Just didn’t see how it fit in this topic however.

And it looks as if I am responsible. OK,
Back to techniques.

I am finding my fish in the water. Not any on dry land but definitely in the water. They are eating baits that look like food and some that are food. Not getting any on beer cans nor am I on Marlboros. Guess I better rethink my approach.

In all reality the bite has been tough and I will be the first to say that I am not catching the fish I am accustomed to. All things influencing the location of bass has been in a fink since the floods came about 3 weeks later than normal. My prediction is that things will be normal within 2 weeks. This weekend I will be able to report back better info. Last Sunday I was snuck out for a few hours and found myself surrounded by company I know all to well from the TS tourneys. These guys mostly had limits but were obviously struggling as well.

In the next couple weeks I will switch my approach significantly as I feel the fish have taken up summer residence. I am sure you all have your favorite slop hope and such. Yes they will be back. Just a little later than normal.
Swimming fluke type baits through the veggies will produce many fish. The best fish are going to be in the least pressured / most acclimating veggie fields you can find. Say for instance if you have a pad field with a spring in the back end in an area that you have to push pole for a couple miles chances are you will catch bigger fish than I.. I guess I am a little to lazy for the that spot. –grin-
Next is presentation. This can be tricky and opinions run deep in this areana so I will let you dictate what the fish want…

Jc

It’s been a tube bite for me on Pool 4 this week. Shallow rock flats extending well out from the rip rap on Pepin have been the best. Typically I target ledges and outcroppings with immediate access to deeper water but this week the fish have been shallow. Very shallow. The best spots/areas for me have been any large shallow, rocky flat (typically found above points on the lake) with little to no current. The best pattern for me has been a brown/green head with a medium blue tail/tentacles. 1/8 ounce super doo head and away we go! Lots of 17″ fish with a few fish over 4Lb coming to the boat. I’ve tried cranks, rattle traps, rattlin’ fat raps, etc., and done very poorly in comparison.

I went out last night, and what a beautiful night it was for fishing! yeah right.

Anyway, with my trusty spook in hand I boated two cookie cutter 18″ smallies right away on a shallow sand drop next to some rock. Thinking this pattern was on I went and tried similar structure only to crash and burn badly. The wind was out of the east and COLD. I caught one small Largemouth on a mud bank with a homemade swimming jig. Not much else to report from there on. I was able to find some easy entertainment in a school of nice sized Stripers though. They REALLY like those pearl white Bandit cranks. I’m hoping the sun is able to come out today and warm things up. These fish here on 7 have to turn on soon, I hope…….

This is some good conversation. I would like to make a suggestion or at best jog some thought. These river bass all spawn at different times. There has already been a discussion regarding water levels and water temp. Many of the bass are still transitioning. The confusion stems from the movement of the bass, some are moving in to spawn and some are moving out!!!!! This time is the most confusing for even the most seasoned of anglers. Many of those talented river anglers go crappie and walleye fishing to relieve the stress that mother nature and finicky bass put on their minds. Best transition bait “The Tube”. Someone has already figured that one out! good fishing.