I think it would be safe to say that the spring season of 2018 was short. Winter hung on longer than usual, and after a few weeks of beautiful weather that comes with the season, we were greeted with unseasonably hot temperatures.
This irregular weather pattern lent to little time for anglers to enjoy some of the most action-packed and exciting fishing of the year. In fact, the bass resorted to summertime patterns far earlier than I hoped for.
And what comes with summertime patterns? Well, fish can still be caught. But they are much less cooperative than during those magical times when feeding periods are numerous and one can simply focus on just about any type of cover in shallow water. In turn, anglers must resort to other techniques that are not as remotely easy to master.
However, there is still hope for those who are not adept at coaxing bass from the water during those dog-days of summer. In fact, those who are willing to forget about our local reservoirs and focus on small rivers might just be in for some of the most enjoyable and productive days they've experienced in years.
Although river bass are more apt to bite during the summertime months, there are still a few tricks that will increase one's odds of success. First and foremost, it is essential to find waters that are not easily accessible, as fishing pressure has an adverse effect on small rivers.
One might have to search a little, but there are locations out there that see very little pressure. I'm fortunate in the sense that I have access to several holes of water that are secluded on private land.
Such destinations are premier. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining permission from the landowner before crossing their property boundaries. Of course, those who trespass without the landowner's blessings are setting themselves up for a run-in with an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission law enforcement officer. And rest assured that the charge is serious and very costly.
And let's not forget yet another reason one should not trespass that is equally important, if not more so. It's simply a matter of respect of other's properties. Regardless of their reasoning, property owners have various reasons for not allowing others to fish and hunt on their land.
Some folks simply do not want others on their land, and that's their prerogative. Sadly enough, however, their choice is a result of bad experiences. It might be a matter of people failing to clean up after themselves, maybe destroying fences, or people using their property without permission.
That being said, it still doesn't hurt to stop and ask. One won't always receive the answer that is hoped for. But don't be surprised if a landowner finds a sense of trust in those who are responsible enough to ask for permission. In turn, they might just give you the green light.
There are also many miles of small rivers running through public lands. Of course, these waters are apt to see their fair share of pressure, but even these fishing destinations are capable of producing a bountiful habitat.
Of course, finding a premier river is the greatest challenge. But instant success is not guaranteed. Now it's time to devise the most effective game plan for success.
River fish are no different from lake fish in the sense that they are most active during specific conditions. Of course, we would all prefer sleeping in. But those who are willing to get on the water just as the eastern horizon begins to lighten are upping their odds of success.
The final few hours of daylight are also prime, as the sun has fallen low in the horizon and is not remotely as intense as it was in the late afternoon hours. In fact, bass are even apt to continue biting on into the night. But be aware that snakes might also become more active during the nighttime hours.
OK, how about lure choice? There are an array of lures on the market that can prove effective on our local rivers. However, I have trimmed my lures of choice down to a select few models.
I suppose a plastic worm would be at the top of my list if I had to choose my favorite river lures in order. These soft plastics can be rigged in an array of fashions, and in turn, are effective in an array of circumstances. I most use a Texas rig however, as this particular set up is weedless and can be fished in heavy cover. But there are also times when I resort to rigging my worm wacky style, which often drives river bass stark raving wild.
The chugger is yet another one of my all-time river fishing favorites. Of course, the fact that large bass often find a chugger appealing is more than enough reason for my favor for this lure. But I also love to see the water's surface erupt when bass rush from nearby cover and attack what they think is their next meal.
Of course, the buzzbait is another staple of river fishing. This lure, too, can be fished in heavy cover. But it differs from a worm in the sense that it's a noisemaker and is fished at the water's surface.
Of course, the spinnerbait is a good choice as well, as is a floating minnow. But regardless of the lure one chooses, one can rest assured of one thing: those who spend time on our local rivers will have an opportunity to experience one of the greatest sports in the midst of the wonderful outdoors.
Sports on 07/05/2018