Think of the river as a big creek. Bass will be positioned behind objects that break the current for them, or in eddies or other logical ambush points like cuts or the mouths of creeks. Try to cast upstream and bring your lure downstream.
I think the same lures that work elsewhere work on the river. Back when they used to have a regular tourney in the Frankfort pool, a bubble-gum colored trick worm used to bring in a lot of fish. I've also had success in the river on Texas-rigged worms and pig/jigs.
I've always found the fishing a lot better in the fall and spring than in the dead of summer.