I know you also stated that you were done with that river, but if you decide to go back, you may want to try a lighter jig head. I've had better luck with jigs 1/32 oz. and lighter there during the winter. Good luck if you go back!
DO I remember correctly that you are fishing in a kayak?
As a rule, when the water is low, you want to fish down river, around the park or further.
If you are fishing a kayak, there is a launch just past the park on Baum Rd. that would bring you closer.
I know you also stated that you were done with that river, but if you decide to go back, you may want to try a lighter jig head. I've had better luck with jigs 1/32 oz. and lighter there during the winter. Good luck if you go back!
i was there on the first, just fished the bank at the boat ramp. caught 2 perch, 1 shell cracker and 1 chain pickerel. just used minnows.
I don't plan to give up but am very reluctant to enter tournaments when I haven't figured out the river yet. And yes I am in a kayak a small 10 foot which makes it a pain to fish competently when you are limited on the tackle you can carry. And baits as well for live bait.
You absolutely need to fish farther down river.
I have NEVER caught anything around the bridges so I gave up on that area.
Can you put in at the NWR park? From there south is your best bet.
speckle75 LIKED above post
I went to the park but I saw that it's a trout fishing area and if I put in there I guess I need a trout stamp which I don't have nor want or have interest in.
Drive past the park and turn right on Baum Rd. About half a mile down on your right there is a public launch on Smith Creek. Its a short paddle down to the river.
This time of year people do well out in front of the park dock just west of where you get to the river.
If you launch at Bob's its a pretty long way.
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.571115,-76.1468949,15z
Cool I will have to give it a shot. How's the fishing in the creek going to the river?