I live close to Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. The fishery has very good number of large smallmouth in it right now but I really struggle to find them once they leave the bays and start chasing the huge schools of smelt. These schools of smelt typically are found in 30-60ft of water. Any ideas of how to search for these fish, where to look , and how to catch these. Everyone I talk to around here seems pretty lost on how to these suspended roaming fish.
Thanks
I typically don’t fish deeper than 30 feet since too many die on the way up. However, when I fish deep, I usually drop shot near the bottom, or use ripping raps to bounce up off the bottom. If they are in 30 fow and suspended say half way up, I might try the deep diving Xrap or Shadow Rap which dive to 7-10 foot depth depending on line, speed, etc. Smallmouth will come upward to hit baits like that some times several feet.
The Lindners have done a couple really interesting shows on chasing suspended smallies. I believe they were both filmed in northern Minnesota but they do mention these are smelt-based fisheries. Could be a technique worth trying!
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
