If the weather report holds true heading into this weekend, we should see some great fishing on the Juniata River and other rivers around the state. Clear stable water has really helped the fishing. I was out this past weekend on a two day camping/fishing trip and the smallmouth bass were eager to hit our baits…as long as we were throwing the right stuff. Low clear water means finesse fishing!
Here are my prediction for this coming weekend:
Look for fish to be actively roaming and feeding since we are heading into the fall. The fish will be in shallow water most of the day unless intense sun drives them into deeper current breaks or into cover. Low clear water means finesse fishing. I’d look at baits that mimic small crayfish or minnows/baitfish. Focus on baits that are in the 3-5 inch range since this is the size of many of the baitfish the smallies are feeding on this time of year. Natrual colors will likely work best in clear water. Some of my top pics would be:
- 3-5 inch stick worms (senko style baits)
- 3-4 inch Soft jearkbaits ( Slug-go or fines-fish style baits)
- Sweet Beaver style baits
Fish these baits with no weight or on a split shot rig depending on water depth and current. “Nose hooking” or “wacky rigging” these baits will probably produce the best results.
Since we are nearing fall don’t forget to check for a top water bite in the early morning. River smallmouth this time of year tend to start schooling up in packs of 5-10 fish. They are typically very aggressive when schooled up like this and will compete for food. Top wate baits can be the ticket for creating some tackle jarring strikes this time of year. My top water bait pics would be the following:
- Pop-r style baits
- Tiny Topedo, Heddon
Good luck this weekend and please feel free to leave comments if you try some of the baits I’ve listed within the next couple of weeks. I’d like to know how you do!
I have one to add to your list that has been working well on the river:
Rapala X-Rap XRD8 in Silver
I’ve been throwing that up near the Granville train bridge (around the bend, I’m sure you know the spot
). It’s been working great the best couple days. Haven’t had much luck with the Torpedos, but then again, I haven’t been out in the early morning yet (only evening around 6pm). When they do work though, the color you have pictured is my go to lure 
Hey, thanks for the comment Nathan. Yes, I know where your talking about. You are exactly right. The suspending jerkbait bite should be coming on now. I didn’t put it on my list but its in the pic for the article. Once we hit october through mid november I will throw the xr8, xr10 almost exclusively. Water temps will dictate when the really serious suspending jerkbait bite will start. Usually when the water temperature starts to dip under 60 degrees headed toward 55 degrees it starts picking up.
The topwater bite has been WAY off this year. Water conditions just haven’t been conducive. I’m just going out on a limb with that one. Fall can also bring a nice top water bite in the morning…it can extend through the day depending on cloud cover. We’ll see!
Yeah, everything seemed a little off this year. Personally, I think the spawn was even a little late (maybe due to all that high water early on and low water temps). Hopefully the action on top will pick up, it’s my favorite time of year!
My club has planned a trip to Duncannon, PA (Oct 15-18)to stay at Riverside Campground. This is the second year for me, but upwards of 15 for the other members of my club. The fishing is great on that section of the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers! What I’m requesting is what baits, and colors should I pack. I’ve had good luck in the past with tubes and inline spinners (white or light color). Any other suggestions? Thanks
John, Thats a tough question. River conditions and weather will play a huge role in strategy. If the water temps drop under 60 degrees and approach 55, all things being equal you may get an awsome suspending jerkbait bite. That may be all you need to put big fish in the boat. x-rap xr8′s and pointer 100′s could be the ticket. If it were me, I’d start out with a top water to see if you can latch onto a big boy. Then move to the suspending baits. You can also get into a nice shallow running crankbait bate in the fall. It’s funny, i’m primarily a finesse soft bait guy but this year the hardbaits have been doing a number on the smallies. Don’t count out your tube though! I’d have at least 5 rods loaded and at the ready. In th fall I’ll have the following baits tied on 1. suspending jerkbait 2. soft jerkbait 3. crankbait 4. topwater 5. Tube (I almost always have a soft stickworm tied on as well). I usually throw multiple baits at the same targets. for example I’ll throw the topwater and catch a few fish from a spot then toss the tube at the same spot to pick up a couple extra fish. combination are key to increasing the number of times you get bit.
Thanks, and I mis-spoke about the campground. It’s Riverfront, not Riverside. Riverfront is dumpy, but all we do is fish. We use their boats, get dropped off up river and use trolling motors and drift fish. We usually have a blast. Just us guys asting like nitwits and fishing up a storm.
John, no problem. I knew the campground..hey all that counts is that you catch fish. I’ve slept in my vehicle before just to get a shot at some good fishing!!
Juan, I plan to use the 4″ senko that you recommend (along with the stickbait and tiny torpedo). What size hook should I use? For the largemouth I fish for I use 3/0 and 4/0 EWG (extra wide gap)hooks. I was planning on using a 2/0 regular offset or EWG worm hook. Is that OK?
John, When I texpose a senko type bait I usually use a 3/0 that seems to work fine…or sometimes 2/0 but that rare. Try a pop-r too. I’ve had some really great luck on but smallies with a costum pop-r I’ve been helping to develop. The one I’m using has a very unique subtle pop but a regular pop-r will do the trick. Good luck with your fishing trip!!!
don’t forget the jitterbug on most mornings in the fall…
Mike, you are right. The jitterbug is a time tested fish catcher!