I fished a couple northern natural lakes this past weekend and found most of the smallmouth to be suspended off structure and chasing baitfish. I tried a number of things but only hooked one and then got a couple that swam to the bottom as I went over them in a dropshot. Anyone have any successful baits or techniques for targeting these fish?

Joe

I'd throw crank baits, blades or lipless crank baits trying to have them run just a bit shallower than they are holding. You could even try using a slip float to keep your drop shot worm just over their heads instead of just off the bottom.

Crankbaits, crankbaits, crankbaits.

 

And don't be afraid of the big ones (DT16, 10XD, etc).

For some reason, casting seems to be better than trolling. Probably because they like a stop-go retrieve.

Jerk baits and crank baits worked mostly fast.

Might want to try the "Double Rig" ~

 

Seen here.

 

http://www.in-fisherman.com/tv/double-rig-smallmouths

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

All these are good suggestions. You might also want to try suspending a wacky rigged Senko under a slip bobber; such as described in detail in the "Pinned" topic at the beginning of this section.

Spybaiting with a Duo Realis spinbait 80. Count it down to where the fish are suspending and slowly real it through them. Great clear water bait.

Spybaiting with a Duo Realis spinbait 80. Count it down to where the fish are suspending and slowly real it threw them. Great clear water bait.

How fast do those things sink?  I have occasionally see arches on my sonar on some rock piles.  They're usually grouped up in fours but they're suspended about 6-10 feet up in 35+ feet of water.  I've wanted to try to figure it out and catch them, but can't think of a efficient way of fishing that depth.  I might just buy a camera to ease my curiosity.  

Keitech Swing Impact on a jighead. Count it down and use a slow, steady retrieve. 

If they're busting, then I'd throw a spook or a jerkbait.  Don't look past a senko either

If youre vertical put gulp on a slipbobber. It's beyond easy.

I was able to catch a number of very nice fish swimming a hair jig I tied.