Cold, muddy river advice

[andyjade]

I'm patiently waiting for Chad's book to arrive, and know that it will probably answer my question(s). But I thought I'd see what ya'all have to say...

My local smallmouth river is slowly starting to warm. She just hit 59 degrees, and the water is still brown. Well, the brown never goes away, but it's at its darkest. The river should eventually warm to the mid to upper 60s. Give it a month or two. The current is lazy, and flows around 1-1.5 knots. Said river is filled with structure, averages 12 feet deep, and experiences a full range of sun/shade conditions. I normally am able to fish it between 5PM and 7:30PM, during which time span river-left is sunny and river-right is shady. More or less. There, the stage is set. Well, almost. Here's the kicker: no soft plastics/artificial worms/craws/frogs allowed. Only hard lures and flies. Sorry, not my rules.

How would you attack this river? I am new to bass fishing, and am a trout guy through experience. Again, these are likely dumb questions, and they will likely be answered through other media. But, well, I had to ask.

Cheers, all...

[jfrancho]

Chocolate milk muddy? I go home.

Seriously though, I'm interested in some responses that have actually produced...

[Hanover_Yakker]

1. Gold Shiner lipless cranks (SPRO Aruku Shad 75 series, Koppers Live Target)
2. Single large colorado style spinnerbaits
3. Large 3/4oz. Secret Weapon Lures Clacker spinnerbait with gold blades
4. Square billed cranks with a rattle chamber in dark profiles - lots of nose and disturbance

[mcca78]

Do those rules also mean no jigs??? Talk about handcuffed, cranks, big honking dark colored colorado spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, rattletraps. Thats a tough one......

[andyjade]

I believe that jigs are allowed so long as they are not tipped with worm or other soft plastic.

Good stuff so far; I'm learning a lot. Am I correct in assuming that I should aim all of these into the shady side?

[oubassman]

Wow, that is definitely tough.

I would have to say colorado blade spinnerbaits with dark color skirts, the gold rattle-traps, wide bodied cranks in dark colors that will have a lot of vibration and displace water, etc.

As for sun vs shade, as water temps are still warming up, I would go with the sun. Once "summer" sits in, then focus on the shade.

[andyjade]

Thanks all. I now have a shopping list. I appreciate the help. I'll fling 'em into the shade and let you know how it goes. Ears are still open, of course. Cheers.

[Jeff Little]

What's the reasoning behind the regulation on no soft plastics? Muddy water is all about increasing the baits presence. Go to the videos link and watch the one on muddy water tactics.

[andyjade]

Hi, Jeff. Thanks for stopping by. I'm a fan of your writings...

You know, I wish I had a definitive answer regarding the soft plastic ban. They are allowed in the lower portions of the waterway, but I live closest to the upper reaches. I suspect that is has something to do with lumping soft plastics into the same category as styrofoam worm containers, Coors Light cans, and broken bobbers. All have been notorious denizens of said river, and Oregon is known for all encompassing bans. Still, it's a head scratcher.

Honestly, soft plastics aren't the most popular items in the local tackle boxes, and there probably hasn't been a drive for reform.

Thanks for the video suggestion; I'll check it out. I have in my possession Chad's book. I am becoming enlightened. I'm also reading Knowing Bass - a scientific approach. The murk is being demystified. Cheers, fellas...