Hey guys, and gals

I'm getting cabin fever lol the river behind my house ( Shenango river north western PA ) is high right now but I can help and want to go fish it any pointers. The current is fast and very muddy. I've never caught anything out if it but everyone around here says it's awesome I must be doing something wrong lol

High, fast, muddy, probably very cold, water is not the best conditions to catch river smallmouth. If you are going to give it a try, fish very tight to the bank in eddies, behind rocks or trees, or along concrete walls. A jig and plastic dabbled in the slack water areas or a float-n-fly are what I'd try. Approach carefully and don't make a lot of noise.

Float-n-fly? 

Welcome Newbe.  As Scott mentioned, those are far from 'ideal' conditions as the fish will be in more of a survival or negative state. They'll be holding tight to anything that offers cover and slack water. A float-n-fly is a hair/feather jig presented under a float (bobber). It's a great way to discover slack water areas when there don't appear to be any.

Find some creeks .

 

I'd say you're all a pretty optimistic bunch. When our river looks like the one @scaleface posted I don't even attempt it. History has made me at the very least, unconvinced.

10 minutes ago, Preytorien said:

I'd say you're all a pretty optimistic bunch. When our river looks like the one @scaleface posted I don't even attempt it. History has made me at the very least, unconvinced.

Its hard  to see  but there is a creek to the right indicated by the slack water that is actually a big slow moving eddy . Lots of  species of fish congregate there   during high water .

Welcome aboard!