I have never fished for bass in a river system before.  I hear that things are "different".  I will have my 1st opportunity the weekend after next.  Any advice?  Tips?

 

FWIW ... It appears to be a relatively stained/dirty river.  At least the parts that I can observe.

Just fished the Mohawk yesterday...very high and extremely muddy right now. As far as advice...be prepared to get snagged a lot. But that's most rivers anyway.

Between the 6-7 lock the river was flooded this past week. It is now in a post flood stage and things are clearing up. If we get light rains for the next week you should not have a problem finding some fish.

If you are driving I would look for 4 types of situations. Rocky flats, creek mouths and current transitions/breaks.

I like to drag a tube or work topwater in the current breaks/rocky flats. Creek mouths I like a senko/topwater. A fluke will be tied on at all times.

If you are not in a tournament trolling a grub or jerkbait is a great way to find fish.

I like to use solid colors; the translucent colors never seem to produce as well for me.

White/Chartrusse 1/2oz spinnerbait works really well for me and I fish the mohawk about 80% of the time I fish.

Just finished my tournament this past Saturday.  Definitely very different than any fishing I have ever done.  Muddy ... and I mean muddy waters.  Less than a few inches visibility.  The fish I did catch I caught dragging a black tube or t-rigged senko around.  That seemed to be the only way to get a bite where my boater and I were.

 

FWIW ... I did learn one precious thing though.  Just because it's like chocolate milk doesn't mean the bass can't see dark lures dragging on the bottom.  I tried bright white colored lures and they just downright ignored it.  Went black and the bites started to happen.

 

I lost a very nice Smallmouth on a senko.  Got bit, began reeling it in and then it jumped out of the water.  When I reel the line in my senko was split just short of the hook.  I don't think the SMB ever had the hook in its mouth.  Amazing how strong they are.  It held on almost all the way to the boat.

 

I will get my revenge Mohawk.