Red Cedar river is hot for smallies. #4 single hook, large split shot 1 foot up, 3-5 inch minnow, dead stick it, wait 1-2 minutes, watch line move out, stab em.
If they are taking the hook too deep, try a circle hook. Just put steady tensoun and a little sweep set and they are hooked right in the corner of the mouth every time. I did that about 2 weeks ago in northern minnesota and just wacked them.