One of the most enjoyable things to do on this planet is to catch smallmouth bass, while wading in a river. The angling is done in the same manner as fishing for trout. The exact same gear is even employed. The only difference is the type of fish that you're catching. In central Pennsylvania, we used to regularly catch 3-4 pound smallmouth on the exact same gear that we used for trout and it was a lot of fun. Talk about getting you in shape for trout fishing! Smallmouth bass with the help of the flowing current will, most certainly, get you ready for most any trout that you might encounter. It's widely accepted that pound for pound, smallmouth bass are the hardest fighting fish that there is.
Catching smallmouth bass is a ton of fun. Just for clarification, I'm speaking of putting on your waders and fishing for them the same way you would for trout. The baits and methods are normally the same as well, although with small mouth's larger baits can normally be employed if the angler would like. For example, spinners and spoons up to ½ ounce can be used for smallmouth, whereas with trout I normally don't use spinners or spoons larger than 3/8 ounce. Smallmouth Bass are voracious feeders, so color and size changes with the situation. As with many types of fishing, experimentation is integral to success.
One of the most effective methods for catching Smallmouth Bass in rivers is to use live bait. We've always had great success fishing live worms rigged on a set of gang hooks. Then you simply bounce the worm off of the bottom, while flowing with the current. This is a deadly method for catching Smallmouth, and is almost always effective. Fill your bait bag with worms, rig one on a get of gang hooks, and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
The bottom line is that catching smallmouth bass, while wading in rivers, is the same as fishing for trout in rivers. The equipment's the same the bait's are the same, and the tackle's the same. The only difference is the type of fish that you're catching. In many instances, both of these fish can be caught in the same places, although if you're catching smallmouth, you usually don't catch a ton of trout for some reason. In any case catching smallmouth in a flowing river is a ton of fun, and you should give it a shot.
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country…..Montana!
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