Steve S.

A few years go by very fast, and yes there will be a period when his interests are focused elsewhere. All part of growing up. My Dad and I have never stopped fishing together. He gave every minute he could to me and my brother when we were kids. Its something you never forget and to this day, I still look forward to fishing with him.

Tim I think by the number of reponses and opinions you've received, you can surmise that there's more than one way to get this done. There are lots of anglers catching lots of nice bass out there, many of whom don't post. I think if you clue in on a few key points, you can get the job done no matter what you choose to throw at them. I have caught the same (nice) bass a number of times this season, from the same general area. I caught her on a topwater popper the first time, a topwater prop numerous times, a white tandem spinnerbait, a 4" fat tube, and the last time on a tiny Rapala Husky Jerk. The bass location is always driven by one main factor not presented here, and that is where the food source is hanging out. The main reason I can catch quality smallmouths on the WI River in summer is knowing where they are feeding (at least part of the time), and that's chasing crayfish out on the flats and pushes in the early morning before the sun gets too high and the crayfish return to the nooks and crannies in the rocks. From there, I think the bass drop back into cover as well, whether that be in the deeper water below the dam or downstream into pools and below riffles. They may be "semi active" at this point, but the period when they are active and feeding can sometimes be unbelievable. When the water is high, the baitfish get out of the strong current and then the bass follow. If you try wading in this stuff, you'll soon understand why. They group up into certain areas. That's why they are easy to locate and catch during this period, IMO. When the water is low, the baitfish scatter, and so do the fish. The next time there is a high water period (maybe in the spring) try to get out just to see if you can make this pattern work. You may also find out if there really are any bigger bass in the areas you are fishing. In summer, I would cast a topwater all day long, as long as the water is on the "clearer" side. That's how I would choose to find the bigger bass any where I fish, not only because it works for me, but because its fun! BTW - I'm not always catching bigger fish. I run through my fair share of dinks as well. Just keep putting your time in - when you can.

There's a lot of value in knowing the stretch(es) you like to fish. This especially holds true if you're targeting the bigger fish. Small streams and rivers present a different challenge in that you may need to cover miles of stream to hit a half dozen really productive or "quality" spots. This really scatters the bigger bass IMO. You do have to put the time in to learn these stretches and find the spots that will consistently produce. Or, you can let the high water bunch them up, as long as you know where they bunch! As for the casting aspect, I do agree that a softer touch will prevent you from spooking some fish. Accuracy is a huge factor as well. I have plenty of bass smack a topwater or spinnerbait on entry. I think that has more to do with putting the bait where it needs to be versus the landing, unless you're really a poor caster. With a spinning rod, I can plop a lure anywhere I want, as soft as I want. With my casting rod, I'm improving, but I need to upgrade to a higher quality casting reel to get better at both accuracy and touch. The good thing about the casting rod is it opens up the door to more of "anywhere I want". Nothing like having the confidence of a quality casting rod in your hands while fishing the thickest cover. Bigger lures, the right spots, the perfect casts, the right times. They all add up to bigger bass.

Not too many men are this honest!

Scott Any fishing stories?

That's interesting Josh. I'm amazed (and pleased) to see wildlife so close to home. I'm hoping there is enough balance in the ecosystem to support these animals and that I'm not just seeing them because they are overpopulating and/or running out of places to go. The green area along the river provides some habitat, and at least enough for safe passage between larger areas. In the same area I saw the mink, I've recently seen a coyote in the middle of the afternoon, as well as deer, raccoons, opposums. I wish I knew more about birds, because I see many that I cannot identify by sight or sound. They sure are beautiful though.

YUK!

Does this mean the WWTP's are not effectively/adequately treating the water before it is emptied into the rivers? Also, are you referring to oral contraceptives (endocrine disrupters) as a cuplrit? That is scary stuff.

Andrew If I had some photo editing software at work, I'd paint in the spots for you on the WI! Did you hit it this Fall?

That's awesome Gary! I've heard that they are rarely seen around here but more plentiful than you'd expect.

Just took this last night: West Branch DuPage - Oct 2006 Rock Creek, Kankakee River - Jan 2005 Wisconsin River, Oneida County - Jul 2004

Sounds like an interesting day indeed! Wish I could get out of work!

Expect to see more people fishing your creek!

I'm just thinking about how hungry those smallies will be after fighting the heavy current this week!

Dick Saw the same article but haven't read it thoroughly yet. Thanks for pointing it out. Doesn't the same article address the impact of the 355 extension already in progress?

That last photo reminds me of Matthiessen State Park by Starved Rock. It doesn't appear that the change is very far along. I'm excited for this Fall. I think with the rain and cool summer, the trees are really healthy and will be vibrant when the colors are in full swing. Hopefully a big storm doesn't blow them all away too soon! Nothing more picturesque than the backdrop of Fall leaves and a beautiful, fat smallie! So, chubs on our shallow rivers? Maybe under a float? I'm not a bait guy, in fact I haven't seen a minnow in years. A crayfish, maybe from time to time, and a grub on an ice jig. Also, I wouldn't doubt for a second that our smallies would grab a 4" chub if it floated by. I think you would catch plenty. Just have to find them, that's where its easier to search with a lure. Let us know if you give the chubs a try.

Scott Was wondering if you had made the trip. I would imagine you are pleased with the results! I'm sure after you hit that 19.5" on the 2nd cast you knew you were in for a banner day! Looks like they're fattening up nicely. There is something special about them WI smallies. How were you fishing the chubs? How would you apply what you learned (or practiced) to our local waters? Or better yet, will/would you? If you have more pictures of the UP, please post them. I have only been up there once, skiing back in the college days. The pictures look beautiful!

Thanks for all the input. You've all offered a different perspective, which is what I was looking for, since I like to analyze so much. Scott, now I recall your article from a previous newsletter (that's now in my Dad's hands). The thought of the denser plastic appeals to me most. I feel most confident in the lure when it can "freeze" in the water column, even if the current is guiding it downstream. My previous attempts to add weight often change the action, at least in my eyes. Jim, I agree. Much of my fascination with these type baits are from my experience in lakes, especially crystal clear waters. I cannot equal my success with them in rivers, but that won't stop me from trying. I think this bait will be really productive this Fall. Getting your bait into the strike zone and keeping it there is critical no matter what you're throwing. I used my Fluke just before the latest "flood" and had quite a few missed strikes. Could be the Fluke was just moving too fast, but they sure seemed interested. BTW, how do you attach the spinner?

Just curious how everyone is rigging them for river fishing. I've never been a fan of using weighted hooks with them as I feel they negate the "hang time" which to me is the attractiveness of the lure. However, fishing them in current without a weight may sometimes be futile. I've always been a big fan of the "Sluggo" type lures (I primarily use Sluggos) but I have a hard time fishing them effectively in heavier current. Thanks

I use 2 methods: I bought a little plastics "binder" that I store them in along with assorted plastics. I also use empty plastic paks from plastics (like a Yamamoto pak) and stuff them in my wader pockets. The plastic pak helps keep the hooks from poking you.

Any recommendations on jackets and liner pants? I'm looking online for some now. Don't want to spend a fortune (I don't have Simms money) but I'd still like to get something functional and durable. Thanks!

Nice bass Jim! Looks like we have a couple of months of fun ahead of us!

Be sure to bring the camera!

I was waiting for you to post your spinnerbait! I may be chucking a spinnerbait this evening for some chocolate milk bass.