Fishing Forum

Full Version: Snake River Smallmouth Report
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
On Saturday we made another trip to fish for smallmouth. This time 4 of us crowded into the drift boat, my wife, brother, Windriver, and myself. The day was beautiful and warmer so we thought the fishing was going to be really hot after the cooler temperatures last Saturday.

We put in below Massacre Rocks at around 10:30 and the first spot where we caught fish the previous Saturday produced nothing. The next area that we had some luck the previous week produced two smaller bass. The third area that we tried really produced and we landed 10 out of that one location. Over all the day was good and we ended with 25 bass and 5 or 6 big carp. Three of the carp were hooked in the mouth on bass jigs which surprised us. Windriver had a banner day, he landed 4 bass at the last spot we fished and finished with a total of 10 bass.

We felt like we had to work a little harder than last week and the fish averaged a little smaller but over all the fishing was still good.

SteelFisher
[signature]
[left]Those are some really nice fish! What were you guys using? Were you guys using a fish finder? I fished over that way right at the put in under masacre rocks from the boat dock about a month ago but I didn't have any luck. I wish I could get into some bass like that, I'm kind of getting tired catching big trout. [:/]
[/left]
[signature]
the bass are just starting to run really good down that way a month ago as you said im sure they where still a little slow starting.....try again there are some nice bass in that stretch of water.....
[signature]
We did best with spider jigs in a crawfish color. We didn't use a fish finder we just hunted for the fish. You sometimes find them in places that you wouldn't expect them to be in. We don't know if they are in their spawning areas or feeding areas. They look like they are getting about ready to spawn because they are so fat.

Where are you catching all the big trout? I wish I could catch so many big trout that I was starting to get tired of them.[cool]

SteelFisher
[signature]
Yeah, those smallmouth were REALLY fat! I have a few places that I catch big trout. When the season opens up I will be hitting the Teton a lot and the South Fork. I have some top secret lures that they really like to gobble up.
[signature]
I'd like to invoke the freedom of information act for said lures[Wink]. I've been having trouble getting much to bite this year.
[signature]
Thanks Steelfisher for another wonderful trip. I kind of invited myself, but I think it worked out ok.[cool] Tell your brother that I still feel bad for popping him in the ear with my elbow when I set the hook. I've been watching toom any bass fishing shows.The more I get into this smallmouth fishing the more I don't know.

If anyone knows the answers to my questions feel free to chime in.

1. Did we not get into the fish during the middle of the day again because of the time of day or just location of fish?

2. The fish were hitting crayfish jigs moved very slowly across the bottom. Are they not in the "pre-spawn" mode yet? I heard they get agressive and will hit crankbaits in pre-spawn.

3. After they spawn will they go on a feeding frenzy or does it slow down during the summer?

Windriver
[signature]
[quote tob04002]Yeah, those smallmouth were REALLY fat! I have a few places that I catch big trout. When the season opens up I will be hitting the Teton a lot and the South Fork. I have some top secret lures that they really like to gobble up.[/quote]

[font "Calibri"]I agree with Belasko, I also protest your secretiveness regarding your superdooper trout lures. [Wink] I would love to catch some big trout (or just fish in general… I’m not picky, ask Belasko or Lovemylarvo they can confirm this). You asked what he was using and he told you!!!!!! [Image: whistle.gif](which is amazing and awesome at the same time). I think you could do the same! That seems fair. Anyone else agree? [/font]
[signature]
Them's some nice basses! It's good to see you fellers involving your wives in the sport. Right about now I'm looking with envy on anybody involved in the sport. Looks like I'll miss opening day, cause I've been having back spasms in my lower back. I loaded up on pills today, so there may be some hope to be able to function.
Great pictures troops!
[signature]
1. both
2. yep
3. both

Water temps can throw them into a funk. You most likey moving ur baits through fish and they were inactive. Try curly tailed grubs slow off the bottom. Cold and fast moving water down that area will slow the spawn a bit.

[signature]
Hey Biglew I hope your back gets feeling better. If it does are you thinking about going to Henrys? Thats where we will be along with most of Idaho and Utah.

SteelFisher
[signature]
We were planning to hit Island Park Res. to see if it is producing, and if not, moving over to Henry's. Henry's should be good, with the ice just leaving. Unfortunately, I won't be there. Looks like some re-hab is in order.[frown] Good luck, and leave one for me.[Wink]
[signature]
[quote Jetcrafter][quote tob04002]Yeah, those smallmouth were REALLY fat! I have a few places that I catch big trout. When the season opens up I will be hitting the Teton a lot and the South Fork. I have some top secret lures that they really like to gobble up.[/quote]

[font "Calibri"]I agree with Belasko, I also protest your secretiveness regarding your superdooper trout lures. [Wink] I would love to catch some big trout (or just fish in general… I’m not picky, ask Belasko or Lovemylarvo they can confirm this). You asked what he was using and he told you!!!!!! [.img][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/images/gforum/whistle.gif%5B/img%5D%28which"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/...stle.gif[/img](which[/url] is amazing and awesome at the same time). I think you could do the same! That seems fair. Anyone else agree? [/font][/quote]

If somebody can take me out and get some nice bass action like that I would return the favor and get you some VERY nice trout as well. I catch and release the big ones though. Smile Let me know if I have any takers. A PM would work to get a hold of me as well as on here. Here is an example of one of my biggies.
[signature]