Wisconsin Smallmouth Bass Fishing Small Rivers

Made it out to my favorite smaller river and we crushed the big smalies this past week in waders and light tackle. Fishing small rivers brings me back to the basics of fishing and reminds me of when I used to shore fish as a child. Kind of the “Grass Roots” of fishing for me.

This is the style of fishing we all need to do from time to time, either no boat (Just waders) or a small John Boat no fancy eletronics, fiberglass 60 K boats and competition by other anglers.

For me this is my sanctuary that keeps me going it’s simple trips like this that really keep me passionate about this sport. I typically bring 1 small box 1-2 rods with 8-10 lb test.

In my box I use a varitey of small cranks,small stick baits, plastics such as senko’s style baits, a few spinner baits and even some top water walking the dog plugs. Also a very critical bait is a 3-4 inch Kalins grub which is a smallie killir along with hair jigs or Maribou jigs with 6 lb test. Don’t forget abut 1/4 ounce swim jigs as well. Basically anything that immates a crawfish or minnow works in these style rivers.

Do a little research on some smaller rivers and go explore, think out of the box, don’t be afraid to try new things…New places, this is key in learning as an angler. For me I love exploring this particular day I never had fished this stretch of river in my life but look at the rewards we got for taking the chance and going out and exploring. When the wind blows this is a perfect time to fish these smaller rivers. Although I would not suggest fishing here after a signifigant rainevent such as an inch or more of rain.