Year of the big creek smallie?

[jastew]

I fish some creeks and rivers that are normally fair at best...that's being generous. But this year, I've not only caught good numbers, but I've caught some really big fish for the waters I fish. 15 over 17 inches so far. Broke my personal best twice in the same day, a 19.5 followed by a big fat 21 incher later that day. The numbers of 12-16" fish is way up as well.

These are from water where a day of wading usually provides a handful of 8-10 inchers and a big one would be maybe 14-15", and that would be a good day.

I'm wondering if other stream fishermen are finding the same thing. I'm thinking maybe the warm winter gave the smallmouth some extra growing time, and lower mortality... but maybe just the streams I fish are just much improved.

So, is anyone else having a way better than average year on their creeks and river?

BTW, Redeyes(rockbass) are running bigger as well

[rob26]

I have had a really good year in the stream I usually fish. I started fishing in late Febuary this year and almost every one you would catch looked like they was ready to pop they was so fat, because they ate good all winter. We have had some 60 to 70 fish days this summer and have caught alot of fish in the 18" to 22" range this year. So I would agree it has been a very good year for stream fishing. We should meet up and go some time if you live close to Morehead.

[Denver1911]

Same here. Caught 18 on Friday. 5 measured 15 inches and were fat as could be. Most others were 12 - 14 and strong. Most times I get one near 15 and many < 12" on this section of water.

[cpsniper05]

I need to fish with you guys or where you guys fish...i live on a section of floyds fork and have been fishing my whole life and dont think ive ever caught a keeper. What do you typically throw in streams to catch better fish?

[jastew]

I need to fish with you guys or where you guys fish...i live on a section of floyds fork and have been fishing my whole life and dont think ive ever caught a keeper. What do you typically throw in streams to catch better fish?

My best bait this year has been a 3" watermelon curly tail grub on either a 1/16" or 1/8" oz jig depending on the current. I've caught fish drifting it through current and just swimming it.

A floating #9 rapala fished twitched pretty aggressively has been my second best.

After that would be a spinnerbait(1/8 and 1/4 oz), a 4" or 6" lizard on a jighead, and a fluke type bait.

All these have caught some chunky redeyes too.

Crankbaits are usuallly good for me, but haven't produced much this year.

Whatever you use, stay away from tiny "creek" baits(rebel craws, little spinners...etc). Go bigger and you'll catch bigger.

That's my 2 cents, hope it helps.