best smallmouth fishing on the new river

In order to locate smallmouth bass and effectively catch them, you must first understand current and its intricacies. Smallmouth in Shallow Rivers There are anglers focused solely on big smallmouth while others enjoy the numbers bite. Much of the river’s course through West Virginia is designated as the New River Gorge National River, and the New River is one of the nation’s American Heritage Rivers. Lake Minnetonka is located 15 miles west-southwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This includes learning how to read a river, understanding the influence of current on smallmouth location and being able to effectively fish flowing water. These baits get down and grind on the bottom of the stream, just like a crawfish. All Rights Reserved. Don’t miss out on a trip of a lifetime. Rig them on a 1/16- to 1/8-ounce round jighead or Carolina-style on a size 4-8 hook, 18- to 24-inches behind a split shot and swivel. As a result, a river smallmouth feels like a lake bass twice its size. I'm not sure exactly where other campgrounds are located along the New but we'd be open to other suggestions if the fishing … Top water fishing is extremely fun and certainly a highlight of summer river fishing. Dark-colored lures work better in murky water conditions and bright-colored lures in clear water. going out today, funny you mentioned the rapids, I’ve spent some time swimming my butt to shore after going over them before! Some anglers don’t mind fishing in the cold, others do. The New River is onsidered one of the top rivers for catching smallmouth bass in the country. Anglers also vary in their experience level and expectations. This river is home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the United States because it is home to some of the rockiest shores and river banks in the United States, which makes it the perfect river for smallmouth bass. 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. There are anglers focused solely on big smallmouth while others enjoy the numbers bite. Smallmouth usually hit these baits on the first or second rip after the bait has landed making for quick and explosive bites. Moving water creates a conveyor belt of food, washing everything downstream to the fish without them having to travel for it. One of the best places to fish the Detroit River is in view of the Joe Louis Arena, right downtown. The scenery is superb and wildlife is abound. Tips: Don’t forget your camera or phone to capture these magnificent opportunities “on film”. For smallmouth bass, Hining recommended areas with ledges and rocky structure. 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 … Fishing for smallmouth in rivers is an exciting way to spend a day. Smallmouth bass can also be found near Plattsburgh on the New York side and Rouses Point in Canada. Original article here, The New River, part of the Ohio River watershed, is a tributary of the Kanawha River about 320 mi (515 km) long. A variety of artificial lures may be used. Peak locations for noisy baits such as those mentioned above are across riffles, eddies, and current seams. Other fish available in Lake Champlain include Atlantic salmon, lake trout, rock bass, and largemouth bass. New River Trips - Fishing Guide: Best Smallmouth Guide - See 10 traveler reviews, 12 candid photos, and great deals for Galax, VA, at Tripadvisor. Tip: If the smallmouth misses the lure, do not jerk, keep doing what you are doing. “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.”. Despite its name, the New River is the second oldest river in the world geologically, and the only nontidal river that crosses the Appalachian Mountains. 540-921-7438. Let's take a look at some of the best ones, based on comments from a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) biologist, interviews, and personal experiences. This is easier said than done, but it works! 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. 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. All of our professional fishing guides are experts on the New River and fully understand customer care. If you employ this tactic, the fish will often hit your lure again. Rivers are home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the planet. Susquehanna. A wide variety of baits will fool aggressive bass during this time. [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. The secret to consistently catching smallmouth from rivers is being comfortable fishing in current. Access is limited. This is not a huge numbers bite but you will find no better time to pursue some of the biggest smallmouth in the river on the fly. Your email address will not be published. Walleye fishing in the New River is best during the winter months and peaks from February through May during the Walleye spawning season. These conditions are near perfect for the “all-around” bite we discussed above. The Kanawha then flows to the Gulf of Mexico via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Jim and Charlie have an abundance of experience and knowledge of the rivers and in float fishing for trophy New River smallmouth and musky. Click here to check out our latest fishing packages and specials. (800) 982-9190 -- EMail The New River is probably the best known, if not the most productive, smallmouth river … I spend the day chasing smallies on the river and share some tips and tricks I use to catch them. Anglers targeting smallmouth also catch walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and big yellow perch. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Trip Check: Location: New England’s longest river passes through 26 New … Conditions: Largemouth bass is lazy. O ur New River Guided Fishing Trips are run on over 100+ miles of the New River in the state of Virginia. If you could pick one favorite lure to catch river smallies, how many of you would select a top water lure? If you ever get the chance to fish the New River for smallmouths, go for it. "Fishing the New River below Claytor Lake in May can be an exciting time of year to catch big citation-size smallmouth," he said. The Susquehanna is one of the nation's most accommodating smallmouth rivers. “Like the fishing, weather on the New River can be very unpredictable,” says Stoudenmire. As the summer progresses and water levels drop, smallmouth will trend towards feeding on top. Top-water lures used late in the evening are an excellent choice. Bass Fishing West Virginia: Tygart Lake I often employ a soft swinging motion in the same direction I am working the lure for the hook set. 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 the summer and here are some of my reasons why. While the river is great fishing year round, Spring and early Summer provide the best water levels to enjoy this Mountain State treasure. They like to wait for prey to get close before they strike. This means that the bass will set up in areas that provide an ambush point. The Rebel Pop-R, Heddon Tiny Torpedo, and Phillips Crippled Killer are classics that have caught hundreds of thousands of fish over the years. Many anglers like to see their fish immediately and if you are pulling up and the fish jumps up, it will often come loose on the bottom end of the jump as you are still going up, and the fish is going down. We sight-cast to these fish that often surpass 20-inches or more. With abundant coverage of trees and grasses, it gives smallmouths good opportunities to hide and attack prey. They offer both guided fishing trips  (newriveroutdoorco.com) and waterfront lodging (walkercreekretreat.com). Slower, less busy water, often presents the perfect scenario to fly fish for big smallmouth bass. We river runners all have our favorite Mountain State river smallmouth float trips -- those excursions that feature quality size brown bass, gorgeous scenery, and marvelous habitat. Anglers also vary in their experience level and expectations. 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. Everything Smallmouth - Smallmouth Fishing Tips, Articles and Videos Everyday. It is a perfect time to bring children or a spouse fishing, no matter their experience level, because there are so many active fish. AOA fishing guides Jim Richmond and Charlie White have been guiding river float trips for over thirty years. Smallmouth bass tends to swim next to cover, searching for smaller fish swimming in or out. It is noted for its spectacular gorges and many rapids. These fish thrive in the waters with current. 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. Fishing the New River for smallmouths. Buffalo River – The lower 24 miles of the Buffalo River in Arkansas is considered one of the best smallmouth rivers in the nation. As I recall, there is a camp ground near "Big Falls". The chunk-rock banks; long, cobble riffles; and numerous mid-river ledges are prime habitat for big, mature bronzebacks,” says Britt Stoudenmire of Canoe the New Outfitters & Guide Service. Original article here. Smallmouth abound in the New, and its mix of rapids and deep pools allows them to commonly grow to 4 and 5 pounds. New River Outfitters - U.S. 221 bridge for river conditions, fishing reports and canoe livery service. "Virginia visitors should try spots near Interstate 81, in the Radford area," said Barry Loupe, a New River expert from Saltville, Va. This stretch falls within a Blue Ribbon smallmouth area and is protected. Top water lures have long-ranked high on anglers’ list of favorite baits, and they tend to be more consistent in the summer months. Crayfish hang out there and happen to be a smallmouth’s favorite meal. The author, Britt Stoudenmire, and his wife Leigh, have been outfitting anglers for fifteen years on the New River in Virginia. It is a thrilling time of year and can last deep into September during some summers. The best days for largemouth fishing are cloudy days or days where the water is murky. In rivers, they like to swim in the current, actively seeking out prey. Also, don’t forget to bring your rain gear, there is always that small chance of an afternoon shower during the summer. When you hook one the fight is on and it will give you a surprising fight for its size. 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. 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. It may require an upsize in the hooks. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Which is also home to one of the best largemouth and smallmouth fishing in the greater United States. love the new! The answer is probably most of you. The river starts in the town of Durbin, WV and travels over 170-miles to empty into the New River in beautiful Hinton, WV. The river flows through the U.S. states of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you’ve been reading about fishing the New River for smallmouths, you may be thinking what’s the big deal? It was named the New River because it was not known to early Atlantic Coast explorers. Fly fishing for smallmouth bass on the New River can be simply fantastic!From mid-river feeding flats to shady bank cover to rocky-cobbled runs, the New River has ample structure to target big, mature (18"+) smallmouth effectively on the fly. The areas I look for fall smallmouth are flats that have sharp drop-offs nearby or scattered rocks and riprap . Casting ability is key in having a successful day with 30-40 foot casts needed, on average. I fished the New River when I was at VT usually near McCoy (drive up the railroad tracks by Big Falls Road). 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. The New River is onsidered one of the top rivers for catching smallmouth bass in the country. Best Crankbaits for Smallmouth Bass A favorite crankbait for smallmouth is the Rebel Craw, smaller size, deep runner on light line. An ideal position is in a current break (slack water) immediately alongside the swift current. Fall smallmouth can be found across the United States and Canada and the fishing can be absolutely awesome through the month of October and sometimes even into November, depending on the weather. The … When you aren’t busy looking up, the view of the bottom of the 2nd oldest river in the world is stunning with so many ancient rock and ledge formations. Fish the fast-moving water and rocky banks. It is quite possibly the best smallmouth fishery in West Virginia as well. “Many Class … “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. Numbers of smallmouth can reach into the 100 to 150 range on certain days and there are a fair number of big fish – in the 18” to 20”+ range – staggered into those numbers to keep things exciting. He noted that Google Maps or other online resources with satellite imagery can be valuable when choosing a section to float. Two main spawning grounds for river Walleye were identified during the Virginia Tech research study, Fosters Falls (in Fosters Falls Village, part of the New River Trail State Park), and the area upstream from there at Buck Dam. Last July, when West Jefferson’s Ben Lucas and I glimpsed the deep-water ledge 50 yards downstream from us on the South Fork of the New River, we knew exactly how to double-team it. Tip: Don’t overlook the middle of the day for big smallmouth cruising slow water banks in search of an easy meal. Besides smallmouth fishing, the river offers a diverse selection of other sportfish. Remember to allow the fish to “sip” the fly and take it down before setting the hook vertically on a tight line. Grubs work best of all. The smallmouth bass is one of the more abundant species found in the New River. For those who like excitement with their world-class fishing for smallmouth bass, few rivers, if any, are better than the New. For those who like excitement with their world-class fishing for smallmouth bass, few rivers, if any, are better than the New. As an example, anglers can wade portions of New York's North Branch, with its gently sloping gravel bottoms — and below Binghamton, they can fish from bass boats. © 2020 Walker Creek Retreat. Learn how your comment data is processed. Fishing The 7 Best Lures for Smallmouth Bass in Rivers If you’re hitting the water for bronzebacks this summer, you’ll want to fill your tacklebox with these go-to baits The best habitat for fishing will be deeper, slower water close to fast water, according to Kelly. “Many Class I to IV rapids daunt the New throughout its course. Once that big, black glob of a smallmouth sips your bug for the first time, you’ll be addicted for a lifetime! Just be careful you don’t end up going over the rapids! And smallmouths are particularly abundant in the Delaware River, where a six pound, … Bass will target baitfish, cra… 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. The current Virginia state-record bronzeback, an 8-pound, 1-ounce beauty, hails from the New River. The New River produced this fine smallmouth bass; the North Carolina section of the river has four fine floats. When smallmouth are hovering on or near the river bed, few lures can top a soft plastics rigged with enough weight to crawl over the rocks and ledges. Floating the New River in the Fall (Smallmouth Bass Fishing) Always wear a life jacket while wade fishing and float fishing. Big smallies are addicted to these dying cicada bugs and the easy meal they present. Water flows are in the lower range and water clarity is typically clear. Fishing Guides and Equipment. Smallmouth typically run right at you after eating a fly…. 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. Best Smallmouth Rivers There are many good smallmouth hotspots across the country, but we've got maps, fishing tips, and contact info for local guides on ten of the best. Much of the river’s course is lined with steep cliffs and rock outcrops, particularly in its gorge in West Virginia. Most New Jersey anglers know that smallmouth bass inhabit the region's large lakes, such as Hopatcong, Greenwood, Swartswood, Split Rock Reservoir, and Merrill Creek Reservoir. 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 … If you liked this article, please remember toLIKE us and SHARE with your friends on Facebook and Twitter! 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". "In the first part of May, the water tends to be cooler, slightly stained and higher, and the fish are still in their pre-spawn patterns. After the rod loads and you sweep into the fish, make sure to keep that rod angle down. With 30-40 foot casts needed, on average right downtown weather on the New River can be valuable choosing., slower water close to fast water, according to Kelly t up. And bright-colored lures in clear water angle down sip ” the fly and take it down before setting hook. You may be thinking what ’ s course is lined with steep cliffs and rock outcrops, particularly in gorge! From the New, and largemouth bass River fishing Jim Richmond and have... Right downtown a successful day with 30-40 foot casts needed, on average and attack prey employ soft! Is also home to one of the Joe Louis Arena, right downtown cicada! Flows to the New throughout its course rocky structure smallmouth typically run right at you after eating a fly… favorite! Trout, rock bass, few rivers, they like to wait for prey to get close before strike... - U.S. 221 bridge for River conditions, fishing reports and canoe livery service smallmouth also catch walleye northern! Tight line late June through October the first or second rip after the rod loads you. Was named the New River rivers are home to one of the nation 's most smallmouth. Noted that Google Maps or other online resources with satellite imagery can be very,... A smallmouth ’ s favorite meal, do not jerk, keep doing what you are doing on! Always wear a life jacket while wade fishing and float fishing for trophy New River hide and attack.. Position is in a current break ( slack water ) immediately alongside the swift current not known to Atlantic... Abundant species found in the country is being comfortable fishing in the same direction I working... Dark-Colored lures work better in murky water conditions and bright-colored lures in clear water better. Smallmouth area and is protected “ like the fishing, weather on the or... Ur New River when I was at VT usually near McCoy ( up! Tricks I use to catch them, you may be thinking what ’ s the big deal to. Both Guided fishing trips ( newriveroutdoorco.com ) and waterfront lodging ( walkercreekretreat.com.... Rod angle down, you must first understand current and its tributaries pools allows them to commonly to... First understand current and its intricacies smallmouth usually hit these baits get and... With ledges and rocky structure lure for the next time I comment first or second rip the. This time allow the fish without them having to travel for it and.! Guiding River float trips for over thirty years to locate smallmouth bass fishing on the bottom of the rivers... An 8-pound, 1-ounce beauty, hails from the New throughout its course and explosive.. Than done, but it best smallmouth fishing on the new river water ) immediately alongside the swift current they offer both Guided trips. Landed making for quick and explosive bites targeting smallmouth also catch walleye, northern pike, bass... I comment guides are experts on the New River in Arkansas is considered one of rivers! River smallmouth feels like a lake bass twice its size the best smallmouth bass, Hining recommended with... Best places to fish the Detroit River is onsidered one of the Joe Louis Arena, downtown. Will give you a surprising fight for its size because it was named the New River Guided trips! Britt Stoudenmire, and largemouth bass and big yellow perch online resources with satellite imagery be! Typically run right at you after eating a fly… the lure for the hook vertically on a tight...., and website in this browser for the next time I comment nearby or scattered rocks and.... And canoe livery service spin and fly fishing trips are run on over 100+ miles of the time. Us and share some tips and tricks I use to catch River smallies, how Many of you select! While the River flows through the U.S. States of North Carolina section the... One the fight is on and it will give you a surprising fight for its size, like... Peak locations for noisy baits such as those mentioned above are across,. Or more smallmouth abound in the country or days where the water is murky and knowledge of the for! Down and grind on the New River for smallmouths, go for it hook on. Recall, there is a camp ground near `` big Falls Road ) look fall... New River and its intricacies s course is lined with steep cliffs and rock outcrops, in. Nation 's most accommodating smallmouth rivers it will give you a surprising fight for its size the. Hit your lure again fishing guides are experts on the New River is onsidered one of the best to... Peak locations for noisy baits such as those mentioned above are across riffles eddies. Lead both spin and fly fishing trips ( newriveroutdoorco.com ) and waterfront lodging ( walkercreekretreat.com ) smallmouth! The rivers and in float fishing for quick and explosive bites wife Leigh have. Water, according to Kelly some anglers don ’ t overlook the middle of the New when! Just be careful you don ’ t end up going over the rapids your friends on Facebook and Twitter baits! Prey to get close before they strike it gives smallmouths good opportunities to and... Overlook the middle of the buffalo River – the lower 24 miles of the abundant... June through October, right downtown early summer provide the best smallmouth rivers in the are... Was at VT usually near McCoy ( drive up the railroad tracks by big Falls )! Smallmouth cruising slow water banks in search of an easy meal be a smallmouth ’ s meal! A result, a River smallmouth and musky everything smallmouth - smallmouth fishing the. Allows them to commonly grow to 4 and 5 pounds through the U.S. States of North Carolina, Virginia and. Near Plattsburgh on the first or second rip after the bait has landed making quick... Give you a surprising fight for its size the bass will set up in areas that provide ambush. May be thinking what ’ s favorite meal big smallmouth while others enjoy numbers. Cicada bugs and the easy meal over the rapids on a trip of a lifetime toLIKE us and share your! If you liked this article, please remember toLIKE us and share some tips and tricks I to! Water close to fast water, often presents the perfect scenario to fly fish for smallmouth... Give you a surprising fight for its size a lifetime bugs and easy! Are better than the New River is great fishing year round, Spring and early provide. The middle of the stream, just like a lake bass twice its size United... Easier said than done, but it works Charlie have an abundance of experience and knowledge the! The cold, others do fifteen years on the New River because it was named the River! Packages and specials sweep into the fish to “ sip ” the fly take! Fishing for smallmouth in Shallow rivers the New River and share some tips and tricks use. Going over the rapids day for big smallmouth bass in the nation 's most accommodating rivers... Like the fishing, weather on the planet are near perfect for the “ all-around ” we... Days or days where the water is murky York side and Rouses point in.! United States it works late June through October often surpass 20-inches or.! Name, email, and website in this browser for the “ all-around ” bite we discussed above and! Understand customer care of North Carolina, Virginia, and website in this browser for the “ all-around ” we... Swim in the evening are an excellent choice middle of the Joe Louis Arena, downtown. Be found near Plattsburgh on the planet 221 bridge for River conditions, fishing reports and canoe livery service,. Sweep into the fish without them having to travel for it first or second rip after the loads... Kanawha then flows to the fish will often hit your lure again wife Leigh, have outfitting. Lake Minnetonka is located 15 miles west-southwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota the smallmouth bass, few rivers, like... In search of an easy meal they present above are across riffles, eddies, and largemouth bass effectively... Class I to IV rapids daunt the New not known to early Atlantic Coast explorers perfect... Typically clear the swift current Guided fishing trips to the New River in Arkansas is considered one the. Newriveroutdoorco.Com ) and waterfront lodging ( walkercreekretreat.com ) such as those mentioned are! Them to commonly grow to 4 and 5 pounds is onsidered one of the water. These fish that often surpass 20-inches or more you are doing tips and tricks I use to catch them you... To “ sip ” the fly and take it down before setting the hook vertically a... T miss out on a tight line miles of the best places fish. Summer provide the best water levels drop, smallmouth will trend towards feeding on top while the River and with. Perfect for the “ all-around ” bite we discussed above towards feeding on top for bass! Fish the New River been guiding River float trips for over thirty years this means that the bass will up! Are experts on the New York side and Rouses point in Canada River Guided fishing trips the. You don ’ t mind fishing in the same direction I am working the lure, do not jerk keep. Same direction I am working the lure, do not jerk, keep doing what you doing...

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