It's a good time of year for our local river smallmouth fishing. It's easily wade-able, clear, and slow moving.

 

I've noticed in the past couple of trips that I will see schools of 4 or 5 smallmouth moving as fast as they can downstream, like their trying to set some speed record. They're not enticed by any lures we throw at them.

 

Normally the bass will sort of saunter around and search the river, sometimes even swimming slowly, but these guys the past few trips are booking it downstream and not stopping. The water is in the mid-70's and stable.

 

What's going on?

They may be bombing thru attempting to ambush by speed sunfish or other quick baitfish. Maybe try ripping fast a fluke near them. Or maybe they are carp?

I have seen other fish school and fly down rivers or along the shore before, but not small mouth.  That doesn't mean they don't do it, I just have not seen.  My only thought on the topic is that they are migrating to new waters for the season - warmer, cooler, deeper, shallower, etc...

Might get too much fishing pressure and they are spooked

I'd be guessing they are migrating to their new seasonal area.

I'd be guessing they are migrating to their new seasonal area.

They don't dart from place to place when they migrate.

Maybe a river otter in the area? ChasING them. But I have no fact to back up that theory tho