What do you generally find to be the most efficient way to cover the mid river channel for summertime fish holding behind cover?

[Ohioguy25]

I have found quite a few small mouth mid river in the deep channel behind boulders on the current seam picking off bait as it floats by. It would seem that some sort of moving bait with fast sinking capabilities would be the most effective way but I can’t really figure out which one possibly a deep crank or a heavy spinnerbait?

 

Or if you’re in the camp that firmly believes in extreme water temps (outside of 55-70 degrees) mature fish (18”+) will not chase and must be finessed, a Ned or a tube? Seems like a slow means of covering water but if they won’t hit a crank or a flashy moving bait or even a glide than perhaps a necessary evil.

 

The river I fish averages 4-6’ deep, 50-75 yards across. I typically float in a kayak.

[wvsmallie]

How deep is deep?  How wide is the River?  What is the current speed?  Are you wading or in a boat?  I think you are likely to get better answers if you can provide more specific info. 

[Ohioguy25]

28 minutes ago, wvsmallie said:

How deep is deep?  How wide is the River?  What is the current speed?  Are you wading or in a boat?  I think you are likely to get better answers if you can provide more specific info. 

4-6’ deep, 50-75 yards across. Floating in a kayak.

[wvsmallie]

On 7/3/2023 at 10:39 AM, Ohioguy25 said:

I have found quite a few small mouth mid river in the deep channel behind boulders on the current seam picking off bait as it floats by. It would seem that some sort of moving bait with fast sinking capabilities would be the most effective way but I can’t really figure out which one possibly a deep crank or a heavy spinnerbait?

 

Or if you’re in the camp that firmly believes in extreme water temps (outside of 55-70 degrees) mature fish (18”+) will not chase and must be finessed, a Ned or a tube? Seems like a slow means of covering water but if they won’t hit a crank or a flashy moving bait or even a glide than perhaps a necessary evil.

 

The river I fish averages 4-6’ deep, 50-75 yards across. I typically float in a kayak.

It sounds like you fish a little bigger water than I typically do, but I'll take a shot.  I think the crankbait and spinnerbait ideas both make sense.  This might be a place to try a twin-spin, which in my experience tend to get and stay deep.  I also started experimenting with small lipless cranks last year in similar situations with pretty good results.  They fall fast and can be worked in a variety of ways at a variety of depths.  Perhaps the most universal bait I fish is a ballhead or mushroom head jig head with trailer of your choice.  You can key the weight to the depth you are looking to fish and then swap out trailers depending on your approach.  A curl tailed grub can be fished at almost any speed or depth.  You could drag bottom with a creature bait or craw-imitator.  A little finesse worm can also work wonders.  Variety and simplicity.  I don't believe that fish must be finessed outside of 55-70 degrees.  If I had to go low and slow, ned rigs and tubes would be at the top of my list as would a finesse jig with a craw trailer.

 

I'd love to hear what you end up trying and how it works for you.  

 

 

[Reel]

Drop shot - heavy weight

[bowhunter63]

Rage Craw t rigged light weight. Let the current pull it right to em. Or a Rebel crawdad crankbait  Float it by and run to them. 

[PaulVE64]

On 7/3/2023 at 10:39 AM, Ohioguy25 said:

I have found quite a few small mouth mid river in the deep channel behind boulders on the current seam picking off bait as it floats by. It would seem that some sort of moving bait with fast sinking capabilities would be the most effective way but I can’t really figure out which one possibly a deep crank or a heavy spinnerbait?

 

Or if you’re in the camp that firmly believes in extreme water temps (outside of 55-70 degrees) mature fish (18”+) will not chase and must be finessed, a Ned or a tube? Seems like a slow means of covering water but if they won’t hit a crank or a flashy moving bait or even a glide than perhaps a necessary evil.

 

The river I fish averages 4-6’ deep, 50-75 yards across. I typically float in a kayak.

I throw a hand tied 1/0 stinger hook covered in fanciful fur, feathers and flash. I add a pinch on bullet wt of the correct wt and I float that thru the seams and drift it into pools. Takes patience.

[MGF]

Sounds like the perfect time for a ned or my splitshot finesse worm...and that how I was catching them last Friday.

[Spankey]

I’m pretty sure I’m fishing a river much different than yours. But I would be throwing what I typically throw everywhere on the river. Many ways to fish a spot and not be wrong. Most likely no way is a wrong way. Hit it with all your favorite/confidence baits. 

[MassBass]

I would suggest a selection of crankbaits. Maybe some 4-6 ft. Divers. Boat positioning might be hard in a yak, may need multiple drifts on the same target. 

[Bdnoble84]

Spinnerbait is a great place to start in summer. I like to start reaction generally. If nothing is going on that try an x rap and a dt6. Paddle tails, grubs. I dont consider 4-6ft very deep. It deepends more on clarity and speed. If its a riffle im burning a 3/8 to half oz bait with chart/ white blades. If its just heavier current im using pretty much everything in my arsenal. Not really something i use alot but you might try a wopper plopper. Jigs with a curlytail have always been deadly for me as well.

[PaulVE64]

1/4 oz GP tube with a rattle.

Also a black tube with a rattle.

Pumped in the deepest channel or near a ridgeline. Money.

[Ohioguy25]

19 hours ago, PaulVE64 said:

1/4 oz GP tube with a rattle.

Also a black tube with a rattle.

Pumped in the deepest channel or near a ridgeline. Money.

Link me?

[TnRiver46]

Last night I was just slow rolling a paddle tail and they were eating it. 

[PaulVE64]

21 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Link me?

My local tackle shop makes them. I'm not brand loyal and I have a full set of coptic markers