© 2020 Walker Creek Retreat. Slower, less busy water, often presents the perfect scenario to fly fish for big smallmouth bass. Smallmouth in Shallow Rivers Smallmouth bass tends to swim next to cover, searching for smaller fish swimming in or out. These baits get down and grind on the bottom of the stream, just like a crawfish. The secret to consistently catching smallmouth from rivers is being comfortable fishing in current. Once that big, black glob of a smallmouth sips your bug for the first time, you’ll be addicted for a lifetime! Everything Smallmouth - Smallmouth Fishing Tips, Articles and Videos Everyday. Besides smallmouth fishing, the river offers a diverse selection of other sportfish. “But for those who aren’t afraid to battle cold weather, harsh winds, high water and even occasional snow, the late winter and early spring typically produce the best numbers of 4-pound-plus fish.”. Top water lures have long-ranked high on anglers’ list of favorite baits, and they tend to be more consistent in the summer months. Fishing for smallmouth in rivers is an exciting way to spend a day. These conditions are near perfect for the “all-around” bite we discussed above. This means that the bass will set up in areas that provide an ambush point. When you hook one the fight is on and it will give you a surprising fight for its size. Characterized by its extensive ledge systems, deep pools, numerous rocky runs, and plentiful forage, the New River has all the necessary ingredients to garner the ranking as one of the best rivers in the country for producing citation-sized (20" and up) smallmouth. The best habitat for fishing will be deeper, slower water close to fast water, according to Kelly. After the rod loads and you sweep into the fish, make sure to keep that rod angle down. Don’t miss out on a trip of a lifetime. Conditions: Largemouth bass is lazy. Some anglers don’t mind fishing in the cold, others do. I often get asked the question; “When is the best time to come fish the New River?” That is not the easiest question to answer because there are so many variables involved. Grubs work best of all. Always wear a life jacket while wade fishing and float fishing. Jim and Charlie have an abundance of experience and knowledge of the rivers and in float fishing for trophy New River smallmouth and musky. This ancient river begins in the mountains of North Carolina near the Tennessee state line, flows generally northwestward across the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Appalachian Valley, Ridge and Valley Province, and the Allegheny Front in western Virginia and West Virginia, then cuts through the Appalachian Plateau (in the New River Gorge) to meet the Gauley River and become the Kanawha River in south-central West Virginia. Susquehanna. A number of guides lead both spin and fly fishing trips to the New River and its tributaries. The best time for smallmouth fishing is late June through October. Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains typically brings stable weather conditions meaning temperatures during the day in the 70’s and 80’s and night-time lows in the 60’s. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dark-colored lures work better in murky water conditions and bright-colored lures in clear water. The New River produced this fine smallmouth bass; the North Carolina section of the river has four fine floats. If you liked this article, please remember toLIKE us and SHARE with your friends on Facebook and Twitter! An ideal position is in a current break (slack water) immediately alongside the swift current. “As the river begins to cool in the late fall and the river levels begin to rise, fishing in the midst of the vivid fall colors on the New River can be nothing short of sensational,” says Stoudenmire, adding that quality bass of 2 pounds and more, likely will attack reaction baits, including spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwaters. New River Outfitters - U.S. 221 bridge for river conditions, fishing reports and canoe livery service. Top water fishing is extremely fun and certainly a highlight of summer river fishing. All of our professional fishing guides are experts on the New River and fully understand customer care. It is not uncommon to see mink, muskrats, river otters, bald eagles, and ospreys, to name a few, on any given day on the New River. If you ever get the chance to fish the New River for smallmouths, go for it. A variety of artificial lures may be used. After many years of fishing the New River, I have come to believe that the best “all-around” time to fish for river smallies is … [VIdeo] River and Stream Hopping For Smallmouth Bass, [Video] Searching For Smallies: The River Eddy, Brunner Island Power Plant Fined $25k For Susquehanna Smallmouth Damages. Walleye fishing in the New River is best during the winter months and peaks from February through May during the Walleye spawning season. Moving water creates a conveyor belt of food, washing everything downstream to the fish without them having to travel for it. Trip Check: Location: New England’s longest river passes through 26 New … The flies you select change with the season, but basically it’s a match the hatch game, with the hatch consisting of baitfish, hellgrammites, leeches, baby lampreys, crayfish and the like. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The New River is onsidered one of the top rivers for catching smallmouth bass in the country. Smallmouth abound in the New, and its mix of rapids and deep pools allows them to commonly grow to 4 and 5 pounds. Fishing on the New River As our customers say over and over again " Pro Fishing Expeditions provides one of the best fishing experiences in the country". Buffalo River – The lower 24 miles of the Buffalo River in Arkansas is considered one of the best smallmouth rivers in the nation. Typically, the month of July signifies the start of our fly-fishing season as the annual Dog-day cicadas begin to emerge and, most importantly, die. Although there are some reaches of the New that are accessible by boat, the best fishing is centered in the Beckley, West Virginia area and is … Anglers also vary in their experience level and expectations. The best days for largemouth fishing are cloudy days or days where the water is murky. Casting ability is key in having a successful day with 30-40 foot casts needed, on average. Fish the fast-moving water and rocky banks. Floating the New River in the Fall (Smallmouth Bass Fishing) Just be careful you don’t end up going over the rapids! The smallmouth bass is one of the more abundant species found in the New River. This includes learning how to read a river, understanding the influence of current on smallmouth location and being able to effectively fish flowing water. O ur New River Guided Fishing Trips are run on over 100+ miles of the New River in the state of Virginia. Best Crankbaits for Smallmouth Bass A favorite crankbait for smallmouth is the Rebel Craw, smaller size, deep runner on light line. For those who like excitement with their world-class fishing for smallmouth bass, few rivers, if any, are better than the New. On the other hand, an angler can expect good numbers of 10- to 14-inch bass from late spring through summer, with an occasional tackle-tester of 17 to 20 inches joining the fray. I spend the day chasing smallies on the river and share some tips and tricks I use to catch them. New River Trips - Fishing Guide: Best Smallmouth Guide - See 10 traveler reviews, 12 candid photos, and great deals for Galax, VA, at Tripadvisor. It was named the New River because it was not known to early Atlantic Coast explorers. 540-921-7438. It is a thrilling time of year and can last deep into September during some summers. “Many Class I to IV rapids daunt the New throughout its course. The answer is probably most of you. Top-water lures used late in the evening are an excellent choice. While the river is great fishing year round, Spring and early Summer provide the best water levels to enjoy this Mountain State treasure. Much of the river’s course is lined with steep cliffs and rock outcrops, particularly in its gorge in West Virginia. This is easier said than done, but it works! For those who like excitement with their world-class fishing for smallmouth bass, few rivers, if any, are better than the New. The Rebel Pop-R, Heddon Tiny Torpedo, and Phillips Crippled Killer are classics that have caught hundreds of thousands of fish over the years. Bruce Ingram, author of The New River Guide, adds, “Throughout its length across three states, the New has a strong undertow, the likes of which I have never seen in any other river. And tricks I use to catch River smallies, how Many of you would select a top water fishing late... An easy meal they present quick and explosive bites Google Maps or other online resources satellite. A surprising fight for its size on top order to locate smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass have sharp nearby. 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