River Smallmouth Patterns and Techniques

* Time of year: Late August through early September.

* Water Temperature: Mid. to high 70's.

* Body of Water: St. Joe River, Benton Harbor.

If you've ever had a 4.5 lb Smallmouth explode on a top water lure multiple times and not get hooked, then you know my frustrations.  In late August, when the water temperature starts to fall the Smallmouth Bass fishing starts to fire up in the St. Joe River.  This time of year Smallmouth can be patterned quite easily and caught using multiple techniques. 

During late summer/ early fall, smallmouth are beginning to school up and feed heavily on shad.  This makes patterning Smallmouth very easy.  Wind direction and current are the two main factors I look for during this time of the year.  The key is finding a wind blown sandbar.  The wind does two things: it consentrates the baitfish, and breaks up the clarity of the water.  Smallmouth will push the baitfish up on the sandbar to start a feeding frenzies.  Secondly, current is very important during this phase.  If there isn't any current then there isn't any fish.  Some of the least likely places turn into great fishing water this time of year.

Late Summer/Early Fall fish can be caught using a few very productive techniques.  My favorite technique is buring a chrome and blue Rattle Trap over the top of sandbars.  Theres no secret, find a sandbar with current created naturally or by wind, burn your Rattle Trap as fast as you can, and hold on.   You will need a rod with a fast action tip to absorb the vicious strikes.  My second favorite technique is walking the dog with a Zara Spook top water bait.  Huge largemouth and smallmouth will engulf a top water lure.  Mike Rappette caught a 5.0 lb largemouth and smallmouth on top water using this Late Summer/Early Fall technique.  Top water fishing can be the most exciting and frustrating technique for monster smallmouth.

Bass fishing in the St. Joe River during Late Summer/Early Fall can be a great Southwest Michigan fishing experience.