Thread: Bluegill fishing in rivers

Using a float in rivers is a little more complicated because of the different current speeds between the surface water and the water on the bottom. The deeper the river, the bigger the difference in the current speeds.

This is important because your float is at the surface and will be travelling at the same speed as the surface water. It will also be dragging your bait at the surface speed. The problem is that water near the bottom (and all the little bits of food there) will be travelling at a slower speed, so your bait will not look natural, and the fish will not take your bait. To remedy this problem, you need to hold back or "check" the float and slow it down. Only through trial and error can you get the correct speed.

Good floats help, too. Get some floats specifically designed for river fishing. Avon floats would be good to start with. You can get them at Wacker Baits or fishusa.com.

When I fish rivers, I look for area of little or no current. I tend to fish away from the middle of the river, where the current is strongest.

are good opportunities on rivers down here in the southern part of the country. I normally hit areas with little to no current, back drops, pockets, etc...and use red worms, cricket, and when water is flat I throw multiple types of micro jigs, flies 2 to 3 ft below a split shot. I do pretty good especially on Shellcrackers and huge goggle eyes.

I use to fish rivers all the time.no bobbers though.Would just let the bait tumble with the current.A lot better then casting and reeling over and over.

Originally Posted by azslabber

I use to fish rivers all the time.no bobbers though.Would just let the bait tumble with the current.A lot better then casting and reeling over and over.

same here it works good

I'll try fishing without a bobber when I start fishing in March; I don't go fishing in winter.

i dont either but if i had the gear to do it i would

Fishing in rivers in winter is dangerous because of increased flows due to winter rains.