I have never fished rivers before, and since we just happen to have land on a river after 19 years I figured I'd give it a try. I went out and caught 2 off of a Rapala DT4 mainly because I dont have tubes, jigs, or jerkbaits. To my question; does it make sense to wade upstream instead of walking back down through the dirt you've stirred up? This hit me while I was in the middle of the water. Are their any other river tips or bait presentations ya'll can throw my way?

im not really sure, but i fish rivers and i thought the same thing.  I think it is better to fish casting up-stream.  cause if there is current, the fish's regular food would not be going upstream.  

im sure more people on here would know more about it.

it is better to fish casting up-stream. .

;D

Focus on structure and current break.

Always fish coming across current or

with you lure moving downstream.

8-)

The philosophy behind Roadwarrior's suggestions is that the fish look into the current for their next meal or snack.

By throwing up stream or across the current you allow the lure to be brought into the fish's target zone as the fish are expectingthier next meal to flow.

You do this on rivers with current, like tidal rivers and their creeks.

If you can find the Woo Daves video, "Bustin' Bronzebacks! Winning Smallmouth Techiques" produced by Bass Pro Shops, the 2000 Bassmaster Classic champ gives you a lot of pointers and insight on fishing for smallmouths.

In fact, all of Woo's productions are excellent and I suggest you invest in one or two.  They are great to watch during the winter months.

Good luck.  

Thanks guys. Other than current breaks and water changes, are their any other irregular things I should be looking for to locate structure since I am without a boat and depth finder?

Thanks guys. Other than current breaks and water changes, are their any other irregular things I should be looking for to locate structure since I am without a boat and depth finder?

Depth changes, bottom compositions (ie: sandy or rocky areas), isolated boulders or rocks, occasionally shade, etc..

Anywhere the current is broken, the river is slower and deeper, and any rocks and wood cover are your go to areas. I like bigger panther martins in size 9 - 15 as my primary smallie lure. Spinnerbaits in 3/8 ounce size are also good. Don't forget to bring tubes and grubs in 2.5 - 4" sizes and jigheads of 1/8 - 3/8 of an ounce. Shallow running cranks like rebel wee craws, buzzbaits, and a couple poppers and propeller baits should round out your arsenal.

As any good trout fisher-person will tell you, always fish upstream. Trout or bass position themselves facing up, into the current. You want to approach them from a down stream position. The rest of what has been said is golden as well.

davicw....i have recently started to target smallmouth bass in my local rivers in my area. I am like you, i have no depthfinder but i do fish from a kayak. So I am like you, i need to look for those signs that i can see to find those smallies. After spending half the summer using crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits etc...i found this site and everyone said to try senkos or any other soft plastic made by gary yamamoto. Sense then, thats pretty much all I use. If i find one color isnt working i just switch up. I have found that flipping hula grubs into a tree that is fallen and in the water will work very well. Just rig it texas style so you dont have to worry about hang ups.

I have found that the smallmouth in the 2 rivers i fish hold just off of weedbeds, fallen down trees and even trees that are just hanging out over the water. Like everyone else has stated, current brakes are good spots and on those hot sunny days look for the shaded side of the river but dont forget about the cover that is on the sunny side as well. Good luck!!

Thank you EVERYONE!!!

Don't forget the push water too... Some of my biggest smallies, from the New and James, have come from the push water.  Push water is the flow right in front of an eddy, riffle.  A lot of times the water cuts out the bottom, in front of the rocks.  Even though it looks like the water is moving to fast for fish to comfortably "sit" there, in a lot of cases its not.  In this presentation you HAVE to fish downstream...

Since it would be very difficult to cast above a rocky ledge, riffle, eddy, etc

jhw

rapids are also a gold mine for fish.  fish above and below them and you will get fish, also if there are little pools of calm water in the rapids fish them to they are great for holding bass.