I was fishing downstream from a dam the other day, and it is very rocky. i didnt get a single bite.  I was wondering what you guys would suggest useing in this situation?

One method I use for drifting behind a dam, for smallies mostly, is a Mr. Twister sassy shad rigged on a 1/8 oz. jighead. I usually wait to feel the bottom and lift the lure and kind of bounce it off the rocks. Only downside to this is you will loose a LOT of lures to the rocks.

A spinnerbait? Then again I don't know what the approx depth is your fishing or how heavy the current is(if any).

Try a swim bait with one hook that comes out the top or spinnerbait you will loose less lures.

With all due respect to the people that have responded, nothing will work better for smallies than a live river minnow. Get a seine net and take the time to catch the minnows yourself, then move up to the dam. Cast DIRECTLY INTO the raging current with the minnow and a small split shot. Reel in to keep the line semi-taught. Honestly, this is a killer way to get 'em. Plus you might hook into something like this:

http://s709.photobucket.com/albums/ww96/Fat-G-2009/?action=view&current=Smallietrip018.jpg

Forgot to mention, the undercuts on the rocks often times will be where the bruisers hang out. Just drop the rig right in front of the undercuts and let the current drift it. Also, use a 6' Medium action spinning rod and 8 pound line. That makes it sooo much more fun.

Dam + Rocks = Football head crawfish jig.  Keep the jig out of the current and slow crawl it over the rocks.

Dam + Rocks = Football head crawfish jig. Keep the jig out of the current and slow crawl it over the rocks.

x2.  Maybe even throw and a crankbait out there and bash it off the rocks.

:-/