Quote Originally Posted by etcfishin View Post
Before they started work on the dam, it was too cold for smallmouth. But with the repairs and lower water level in the summer, the river temperature has been warmer. Just about every species of fish was caught last year. With the cold winter we had, it may have pushed the smallies back into the tribs where's it's warmer. I haven't heard very many reports on this board of a lot of smallmouth being caught down there, but there probably is some. Perhaps some other fisherman who fish around Burkesville and below might be able to comment. I usually fish closer to the dam.
Some family members, including myself, have taken a few trips down to the CR via Burkesville. However, since the lake level change, and the temp change, the fishing has not been nearly as good. Have yet to catch a smallie (not saying it couldn't happen, but doubtful). Conditions may lead to smallmouth being more prevalent, but as of now it's not good.