Bass River Fishing | 10 Best Tips

Introduction: The Thrill of River Bass Fishing

River bass fishing isn’t just another way to catch fish—it’s a thrilling adventure that connects anglers with nature’s arteries. Rivers are the lifeblood of our ecosystems, and they play a crucial role in the world of bass fishing. Whether you’re casting in a lazy, meandering stream or battling currents in a mighty river, the experience of fishing for bass in rivers offers unique challenges and rewards that can’t be found in still waters.

Rivers are key to all bass fishing, not just as habitats but as the very foundation of many bass populations. They serve as spawning grounds, nurseries, and highways for bass migration. Understanding river systems can even improve your success on lakes, as many lake-dwelling bass exhibit behaviors learned from their river-dwelling ancestors.

“Rivers are the natural highways of all nations, not only leveling the ground and removing mountains and obstacles of all kinds, but conducting the explorer and the merchant where they wish to go.” – Henry David Thoreau

This comprehensive guide will dive deep into the world of river bass fishing, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to master this exciting pursuit.

1. Understanding River Bass

When it comes to fishing for bass in rivers, knowledge is power. Let’s explore the different species you might encounter and their unique behaviors in moving waters.

River Bass Species

Several bass species call rivers home:

1. Largemouth Bass
2. Smallmouth Bass
3. Spotted Bass
4. Guadalupe Bass (found in Texas)

Each species has its preferences, but they all share some common traits in river environments.

River Bass Behavior

River bass behave differently from their lake-dwelling cousins. They’re adapted to life in the current, which influences everything from their feeding habits to their preferred habitats. Here’s a breakdown of key behavioral traits:

• Current Use: Bass in rivers often use current to their advantage, positioning themselves behind structures to ambush prey swept by in the flow.
• Seasonal Movement: River bass may travel significant distances seasonally, especially during spawning periods.
• Habitat Preferences: They favor areas like:
  • Outside and inside curves of the river
  • Creek mouths
  • Sloughs
  • Current breaks
  • Peeper holes (deep pockets in otherwise shallow areas)

Seasonal Patterns

Understanding seasonal patterns is crucial for successful river bass fishing:

Season	Bass Behavior
Spring	Bass scatter and travel up feeder creeks and sloughs to spawn
Summer	They seek cooler, oxygen-rich water, often in faster currents
Fall	Bass follow baitfish migrations, often moving to main river channels
Winter	They slow down and seek deeper, slower-moving areas

It’s important to note that river bass generally range from two to four pounds, with larger specimens often found in oxbow lakes connected to the river system.

2. River Characteristics and Bass Habitat

Not all rivers are created equal when it comes to bass fishing. Medium or slow-moving rivers typically provide the best habitat for bass. These environments offer a balance of current, which brings a constant supply of food, and calmer areas where bass can rest and ambush prey.

Key River Features for Bass

1. Oxbow Lakes: These U-shaped lakes, formed when a river creates a new channel, can hold larger bass than the main river.
2. Sloughs: Backwater areas that often hold fish shallower throughout the year, especially if the water is dirty or tea-colored.
3. Feeder Creeks: Important spawning areas and seasonal highways for bass movement.
4. Current Breaks: Areas behind rocks, logs, or other structures where bass can rest out of the main current.
5. Eddies: Swirling water areas that often hold baitfish and, consequently, bass.

Understanding these features is key to locating bass in rivers. As legendary angler Kevin VanDam once said, “The river is always changing, so the fish are always moving. You’ve got to think like a bass and follow the current.”

3. Essential Gear for River Bass Fishing

Fishing for bass in rivers requires some specialized gear. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Rod and Reel: A medium to medium-heavy action rod, 6’6″ to 7’2″, paired with a baitcasting reel with a good drag system.
2. Line: 12-17 lb fluorocarbon for most applications. Braided line can be useful in heavy cover.
3. Lures:
   • Crankbaits (square bill and lipless)
   • Spinnerbaits
   • Soft plastics (worms, creature baits)
   • Topwater lures
4. Accessories:
   • Polarized sunglasses
   • Waders (for wade fishing)
   • Life jacket
   • First aid kit

Remember, when river fishing for bass, versatility is key. Be prepared to switch tactics as conditions change.

4. Reading the River: Identifying Bass Hotspots

Successful river bass fishing hinges on your ability to read the water and identify likely bass-holding areas. Here are some prime spots to target:

• Outside Bends: These areas often have deeper water and undercut banks where bass hide.
• Confluences: Where two rivers or a creek and river meet, creating current seams and eddies.
• Submerged Structure: Logs, boulders, and man-made structures like bridge pilings.
• Riprap Banks: Rocky banks that offer cover and attract baitfish.
• Peeper Holes: These deeper pockets in shallow areas are bass magnets.

Look for areas where fast water meets slow water, creating current breaks. These spots allow bass to conserve energy while staying close to food-rich currents.

5. Seasonal Strategies for River Bass

Bass fishing in rivers requires adapting to seasonal changes. Let’s break it down:

Spring

• Focus on feeder creeks and sloughs where bass move to spawn for spring bass fishing.
• Look for shallow, warmer areas with plenty of cover.
• Use slower presentations as bass may still be sluggish from winter.

Summer

• Target faster currents where oxygen levels are higher.
• Early mornings and late evenings can be most productive.
• Don’t neglect deep, shaded areas during the heat of the day.

Fall

• Follow baitfish migrations, often towards the main river channel.
• Crankbaits and spinnerbaits can be highly effective.
• Pay attention to water temperature drops, which can trigger feeding frenzies.

Winter

• Focus on deeper, slower-moving areas.
• Slow down your presentations.
• Look for wintering holes where bass congregate.

Remember, these are general guidelines. Always be ready to adapt to local conditions and bass behavior.

6. Understanding River Bass Movement and Patterns

One of the biggest challenges in river bass fishing is the constant movement of the fish. Unlike lake bass, which often establish relatively stable patterns, river bass are always on the move.

• Roaming Behavior: River bass frequently travel long distances, following bait and responding to changing water conditions.
• Continual Movement: Even when not migrating, river bass is often in motion, repositioning with changes in current or food availability.
• Unpredictable Patterns: The phase-out of residential traits in many river systems means bass are less likely to stay in one area for extended periods.

This behavior makes fishing for bass in rivers both challenging and exciting. It requires anglers to be mobile and adaptable, always ready to move to where the fish are.

7. Top Techniques for River Bass Fishing

Mastering these techniques will significantly improve your success when fishing for bass in rivers:

1. Current Seam Fishing: Cast parallel to the seam where fast and slow water meet.
2. Bumping: Allow your lure to bump along the bottom in the current, mimicking natural prey.
3. Swinging: Cast upstream and let your lure swing down with the current.
4. Deadsticking: Let your lure sit motionless in eddies or slack water areas.

“In river fishing, sometimes the best retrieve is no retrieve at all. Let the current do the work.” – Bill Dance

Remember, the key to successful river bass fishing is often in the subtle presentations that mimic natural prey behavior in the current.

8. Lure Selection and Presentation for River Bass

Choosing the right lures and presenting them effectively is crucial for catching bass in rivers. Here’s a guide to some top choices:

1. Crankbaits: Great for covering water and triggering reaction strikes.
   • Square bills for shallow running
   • Deep divers for probing deeper holes
2. Soft Plastics: Versatile and effective in various conditions.
   • Tubes for smallmouth
   • Creature baits for flipping cover
   • Finesse worms for tough bites
3. Topwater: Exciting and often productive, especially in low-light conditions.
   • Walking baits for calm areas
   • Poppers for attracting fish from a distance
4. Spinnerbaits: Excellent for muddy water or covering large areas quickly.

When presenting these lures, always consider the current. Often, a natural drift with occasional twitches or pauses can be more effective than a constant retrieve.

9. Navigating and Fishing Different River Sections

Different sections of a river present unique challenges and opportunities for bass fishing. Here’s how to approach them:

Rapids and Fast Water

• Focus on eddies and current breaks behind rocks or other structures.
• Use heavy lures that can cut through the current.
• Be cautious and prioritize safety when wading or boating.

Deep Pools and Slow-Moving Sections

• These areas often hold larger bass, especially during summer and winter.
• Try vertical jigging or slow-rolling spinnerbaits.
• Don’t neglect the edges where current meets still water.

Tributary Mouths and Confluences

• These are prime feeding areas for bass.
• Cast upstream and let your lure drift naturally into the confluence.
• Be prepared for sudden strikes as your lure enters the main current.

10. Safety Considerations for River Fishing

Safety should always be your top priority when river bass fishing. Rivers can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous environments. Here are some key safety tips:

1. Always wear a life jacket, even if you’re an experienced swimmer.
2. Check water levels and flow rates before your trip. Avoid fishing during high water events.
3. Be aware of your surroundings, including potential hazards like submerged logs or sudden drop-offs.
4. Tell someone your fishing plans, including where you’ll be and when you expect to return.
5. Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it.
6. Be prepared for weather changes, which can affect river conditions quickly.

Remember, no fish is worth risking your safety. Always err on the side of caution when fishing for bass in rivers.

Embracing the River Bass Fishing Adventure

River bass fishing offers a unique and exciting challenge that can elevate your angling skills to new levels. From understanding the ever-changing nature of rivers to mastering techniques that work currently, the skills you develop will make you a more versatile and successful angler.

Remember, rivers are dynamic environments, and the bass that inhabit them are constantly on the move. Embrace this challenge, stay adaptable, and you’ll find that fishing for bass in rivers can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the angling world.