I went river fishing today for largemouth and wound up empty handed. I think I was unprepared and wasn't really in my element. But rather than give up I'd like to learn as much about river fishing as I can and make it a strength rather than a weakness. I fished a jig and pork, and spinner baits  mainly. Are these good for rivers? Also this is my first post! So there ya go. Thanks

Welcome aboard!

What type of river?

It's different if you are fishing a backwater area of a large river or if you are fishing in a section with more current.

Usually for largemouth you look for the slack water areas.  So those baits would be good choices depending on numerous other conditions of course.

But if there is more current I prefer to throw jigs with grubs or crankbaits to eddies and to the downstream side of current breaks.

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Need more info on the river to tell you much. Those are good generic baits, but what's the water clarity, flow rate, what cover is available? I've been fishing a muddy river lately cause its the only thing that's melted and I'm having a horrible time catching anything. I've tried cranks to a limited extent without much luck.

I have been having pretty good luck on the Alabama, Coosa, and Talapoosa near Montgomery. Most of the fish have been caught on watermelon chartreuse lizards, c-rig. At least one hawg each trip. One of which was close to 10 pounds by my uncle. Good luck in the future!  I love catching river bass they fight so much harder.

Welcome!

Invite someone who knows it well to help figure it out or someone who knows rivers in general

Welcome aboard, those are good baits for the river. Is it a tidal river.