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This is my second year living on the river. Last year was one of exploration. I did not know where the fish would be, what the structure of the river was like, what types of fish were about, or what lures would seem to hold the most promise.
I don't know if I can read the river better, but I am a more consistent fisherman. I have learned of some key spots, especially for smallmouth.
To say the smallmouth fishing has been good this year is an understatement. All the rocky areas, deep dropoffs, and the main bridge piers have been very good. A lot of fish in the 12" to 15" range, with a few 18" and larger.
I just seem to gravitate to little F3 Rapalas using 4 lb test line on lightweight tackle. I go barbless on the hooks and have moved to PLine fluorocarbon monofilament (sturdy and very small diameter). As I fish from a kayak most of the time, the fishing is just challenging enough.
We had a mild winter this year and the canal was not dropped in level much. I wonder of that has helped to limit wintertime habitat loss or has helped with holdover baitfish. All I know is that the smallmouth action has been very good (the bluegill, sunfish and rockbass all seem bigger than last year also)!
