Looked at the river flows online Monday night to see if any water nearby was fishable due to the snow run off causing high flows and colder water temperatures. Have not had a chance to wet a line in several weeks, so I had the itch bad. Snake river seemed to be my best bet so I high tailed it to the Rocky river banks after work Tuesday morning. working nights does have its advantages sometimes. Upon arrival it looked like my best chance would be to go with the ned rig and a shad rap. Walked the bank casting both lures in every crevice I could for a good hour but nothing. Now this next part was the key to my success. I came to a large bluff exposed to the sun. While standing close to this bluff I noticed I was a lot warmer than before, hmmmm. A few minutes later i finally hooked a dink inches from the rock face suspended in five to eight feet of water using the ned. Beat the water for awhile after that, changed colors and styles of finesse plastics, but still nothing more for my effort. In desperation I tied on the smallest lucky craft jerk bait I have ever seen to my med. Spinning rod with 6 lb. Test line. Do not know the exact size of the lure yet because it came in a pan fish monthly subscription box. I proceeded to catch five good sized fish in five casts right next to the heated bluff. Ended up catching a total of 15 good fighting bass in that little sliver of a hole before losing my jerk bait on a snag. What I noticed was a  cast more than five feet from the bank would not get a nibble at all. The fish seemed to be literally laying against the vertical cliff taking advantage of the warmth I was enjoying also. The combination of the rocks holding heat and that little lucky craft saved my morning.  No other lure (including the lucky craft 65) got a bite, and no other holes produced the rest of the morning. Learned a valuable lesson about looking for subtle differences in my surroundings and down sizing baits when the bite is tough. I also have a funny feeling my wallet will be a little lighter very soon stocking up on these great little jerk baits.

Recently moved to Boise, will be going to the river this weekend to see if I can get anything, hopefully some Smallies!!

I have some Pointer 48's I use for trout and crappie. Possibly what you were using. They have tiny little hooks, probably #10 or even #12 I'd guess. It's much smaller than the 65 pointers I have. 

Yep, the bass were enjoying a little warmer water.

 

We always try to find the warmest water in Virginia when fishing our lakes.  We know the sun will warm up the western and northern banks the fastest in the morning and any rocks or riprap will hold the heat.

 

Water temperature and clarity play an important role in your success as does your bait selection.

 

Great that you found the best bait and pattern for the day.

 

The Bait Monkey is looking for you, too!!!!