This year so far, I have gotten out 5 or 6 times without a fish. The first time I went out, my lake was frozen over. I am now fishing a river. It is non other than the Chicago river. The water remains warm and for 4 trips I have come back with zero. I saw one blue gill though. I have flipped jigs, lipless crankbaits, and jerk baits. What should I do to entice a strike? I have been fishing the numerous rock piles and fallen timber. The area where new water enters the river, I have casted jigs into. Still I have got nothing. What can I do to buy a bite?

How do you fish rivers in general?

On any river I've ever fished I look where the water creates a hole where a collection of bait could collect. It's its a large river than I'm sure it's different, but just like any bass structure and current are huge factors. If there is bass where you are fishing, which honestly if it's not warm enough bass might not be there, I'd honestly think in 6 trips you would have got a bite. If you don't see bait, or signs of activity, I wouldn't put myself on the river. I'd be looking for some deeper water if it was still cold.

If I had to fish it, I'd work the water like I do everything to locate fish, with cranks. I'd try to drop a lipless crank in front of their face hoping to get a reaction strike from a lazy bass. Flip plastics around structure and cover. But like I said, they might even be there.

Goodluck

the river i am fishing is generally warm, but shallow. the maximum depth is about 4-5 feet. There are massive amounts of structure. I have seen a few bluegill but nothing more. I have been fishing where the current breaks.

You can throw everything in your tackle bag all day and not catch a thing. if you aren't in a spot where bass are, you wont catch anything. you have to go to the fish, not visa versa. Check your current and look for structure, eddys, or rip rap.

didnt you make a thread about not being able to catch fish last year, 90x? seems you have a tough time up there, dont lose your confidence and keep trying. like new angler said, its very possible the fish just arent in the spot youre fishing no matter what structure is there. perhaps you should try a different part of the river. look for water with a slacker current in the river...

Last year I murdered the fish. This is the first year I am fishing this particular river. However, all the places I expected to catch a fish failed. The problem is a majority of the fisherman get skunked.

3-4 times a week I walk down the same 3 blocks to the river. I cross two intersections. All of the people stare in disbelief of being able to catch any living creature. This is my first time actually attempting the river. The past times were the only days above 40 degrees. So, It may be my fault.

Other than that, the problem I have is finding fish. Last year was the year I actually became a bass fisherman. I have learned from my experiences. The places I fished were stocked private lakes.

It is more of an experience issue though. More time on the river i think I will be able to catch something. I know the spots to fish, but my anxiety to just get out puts me in trouble. Any day above 50 degrees I will be out there. However, the river is like 5 feet deep maximum at my spot.

Thanks everyone for the insight.