Fishing Success On Rivers Right Now          

By Bob Jensen

Many Midwest anglers are looking forward to their first fishing trip of the spring. Many of those anglers will be taking that first fishing trip to a river. The fishing opportunities that rivers provide across the Midwest are many. Some anglers will chase walleyes, some prefer white bass, others like to go after catfish. Panfish and northern pike will also provide action in rivers in the spring. Pretty much whatever you want to catch will be available in a river. To increase your chances for success, keep these ideas in mind.

One of the most important concepts when it comes to river fishing is to remember that most of the time, the most active fish will be facing into the current. Fish, regardless of specie, instinctively know that their food will usually be coming from upstream. Worms, nightcrawlers, or bugs that are washed into the water, along with wounded minnows or crawdads, will be moving downstream with the current. It's just a natural thing for hungry fish to face upstream so they can feed on these food sources. Therefore, it's a good idea to present your lure so that it is working downstream into the fish's face.

Sometimes, however, you just can't work a bait with the current. It doesn't work, for example, to troll or cast a crankbait so it is moving downstream. Sometimes it works well to cast a crankbait across current, but much of the time it will be necessary to troll or cast the crankbait so it is working against the current. When this is the case, it works best to let it pause frequently. The force of the river's current will keep the crankbait wobbling near the bottom, so it is still attractive to a hungry fish.

It also is often times best to use smaller lures in rivers, especially in the spring. River fish seem to be more likely to take smaller baits in the cold water of spring, although as the water warms they will go after larger baits. Put the odds in your favor though, and use a smaller bait in rivers this time of year.

Water levels will often be a good indicator where the fish will be. In high water, look for the fish closer to shore and near objects that will deflect the current.

One last idea. Lures with orange or chartreuse, maybe a combination of the two, can be very productive in rivers any time of the year.

The Midwest has lots of rivers, and most of those rivers have excellent populations of a wide variety of gamefish. Right now is a good time to visit the river near your home. Let your bait work with the current when possible, keep the lure near the bottom, and pay attention for light bites. If you do these things, you're probably going to find out just how productive river fishing can be this time of year.