River fishing, just like stream fishing, offers a tranquil and picturesque experience, with the soothing sound of rushing water providing a perfect backdrop for angling. While fly fishing is commonly associated with river fishing, it is not the only method available. Large and small rivers offer quality catches in a challenging yet beautiful environment. Although it can be intimidating and have a steep learning curve, it can also be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding fishing experiences with the proper knowledge and practice.
Whether you prefer casting from a canoe or kayak or wading in the water, river fishing is known for its simplicity and relaxing atmosphere. To get started on your river fishing adventure, it is essential to understand the necessary gear, potential catches, fishing locations, and other factors like river levels and access points. By following basic river fishing tips and techniques, even beginners can enjoy a successful fishing trip on a secluded river or stream.
For those new to river fishing, learning about freshwater tackle and gear is a good starting point, along with understanding where you can likely find fish. With the right approach and preparation, fishing in rivers can be both fun and rewarding. Consider booking a fishing guide to make the process easier and more enjoyable, and get ready to experience the excitement of river fishing firsthand.
Deciding where to fish in a river can be challenging, especially for those more familiar with stillwater fishing. However, with experience, identifying a suitable habitat on a river can make fishing less complicated than on a lake. Reading water is crucial for anglers and comes with practice rather than high-tech electronics. To do this, envision yourself as a fish, considering factors like water flow, depth, clarity, and structure. Observing where aquatic life is present, where fish hide, and where they feed can guide your strategy. Some anglers even take a break before casting to allow fish to return. This slow and careful approach is favored by seasoned trout anglers, who strategically plan their casts in small streams. By thinking like a fish and carefully observing the water, anglers can improve their chances of a successful catch in a river.
To find quality river fishing habitats, you must look for areas with some sort of current, as fish are scarce in calm waters. Whitewater or high current areas like rapids, confluences, and spillway dams create diverse habitats and attract smaller fish, which in turn draw larger fish. Eddies, created by slower-moving water next to fast-moving water, are ideal spots to find fish seeking prey. Accumulated foam, indicating high oxygen levels, is another sign of fish presence in rivers. Dams, whether small spillways or large structures, provide diverse water flow and high oxygen levels, attracting migratory fish during spawning seasons.
Other productive spots include rocky areas, cut banks, downed trees, log jams, and aquatic vegetation. Exploring these structures and habitats is essential to increasing your chances of success in river and stream fishing. Doing due diligence in exploring these structures will help you find and catch fish in rivers.
River fishing offers great pleasure due to the variety of fish species and fishing methods available. It's best to start with a very basic approach.
If you are already familiar with the essential gear and fish locations, you just need to learn the most effective river and stream fishing techniques. There are some simple methods that you can start with, especially if you’re a beginner. You can continuously acquire new skills as you gain more familiarity with fishing in rivers and streams.
Whip fishing is straightforward, requiring only a pole without a reel to cast out a float and baited hook. This is ideal for catching fish near the river's edge. Beginning with a 4-meter whip is ideal since it is inexpensive and relatively resistant to tangling. You can also purchase pre-made float fishing whip "rigs" to simplify things.
Trotting is also a delightful method for river and stream fishing. It involves a float but utilizes a rod and reel to allow for greater exploration of different waters. To "trot," you release the float to drift naturally, carrying your baited hook along with the current in search of fish. It's really enjoyable and effectively attracts many fish.
Another effective river fishing method is legering, which involves using a weight to anchor the bait to the riverbed. This method effectively targets fish that primarily feed on the bottom, such as bream and barbel.
This technique is commonly used with a swim feeder, also known as a "feeder," which is a weighted container that disperses bait into the water. A quivertip, a delicate and flexible rod end section, signals bites by twitching when a fish grabs the bait.
Another popular tip for river fishing involves using a Carolina Rig to bounce live bait or soft plastic bait along the bottom with the current. This technique can be especially effective for catching smallmouth bass near ledges or drop-offs near deep channels or cuts.
Use in-line spinners to cast upstream to catch brown or rainbow trout. Natural food sources will flow with the stream's current, leading to a genuine presentation. Spin your spinner upstream first, then reel it downstream.
Many fishermen believe that jigs are the most effective bait for catching walleye in rivers close to the river's opening, in spots with weaker currents, and along the shores. Using jigs weighing between 1/4 and 1/8 ounces will be effective in most circumstances. In locations with faster flow, using a maximum of 1 ounce is permissible. Look for additional details on jigging in the following section.
When fishing in a river, you must consider where fish will hide from the current and predators. Take into account places with natural formations on the riverbank, like submerged trees or hanging branches, while also remembering that there are many fishing spots throughout the river. The top fishing rivers provide a variety of natural structures that protect game fish from predators and currents and provide perfect spots for them to ambush their prey. Use these fundamental tips for river fishing to increase your chances for a successful river fishing and stream fishing experience.
A crucial element of river fishing is the ability to interpret water conditions. This involves grasping the water's movement, velocity, profundity, and any hindrances or characteristics that may impact your lure or bait. Watch the weather forecast and note any rainfall in the region, as it could impact river conditions for an extended period. If the water is rapid and high, fish are typically located in places with cover or near eddies.
River fish favor edges, so they are frequently located near the bank when the water level is high. The most effective method to locate them is to walk into the water and use your feet to feel for hidden logs or other structures that could offer protection. After finding a promising location, cast your line upstream and allow the bait to float downstream. Watch for any line movement signaling a bite, and prepare to hook the fish.
River fishing and stream fishing are excellent ways to appreciate nature and spend a calm day on the water. Nevertheless, success relies on choosing and using the right gear. Knowing the suitable river fishing rods, hooks, and tackle for each scenario is crucial for success.
Before going to the river, you must have the right equipment to ensure a successful outing. First and arguably most importantly, you'll need appropriate shoes and attire. Ensure you utilize a layering system when fishing during colder seasons, and unless it's summertime, you might require a set of waders for fishing while walking.
Ensure you have appropriate footwear, such as wading shoes or old sneakers, when it is summertime or the water temperature is moderate. It’s also best to bring a daypack to carry your essentials, such as a fishing license, water, snacks, tackle, and other items. Consider additional equipment like safety gear and life jackets when fishing from a boat or kayak.
When it comes to rods and reels, you never know what you might come across in a river, so it could be better to carry two rods. Initially, you can use a more lightweight configuration consisting of a 6’6”-7’ spinning rod with medium-light or medium power, paired with a 3000-size spinning reel and 8-10lb fluorocarbon line. This arrangement works well for targeting smallmouth bass and is suitable for other species like bass, pike, walleye, trout, pickerel, crappie, panfish, and more.
You can also bring another rod and reel for catfish and carp on a river trip if you want to use heavier bait on the bottom while using a lighter rod for bass fishing. Many anglers recommend using a medium to heavy catfish spinning rod measuring 6’6”-7’6”, paired with a 5000-size spinning reel and 50-65lb braid with a comparable pound test in fluorocarbon or monofilament for leader material.
Regarding river fishing tackle, it’s best to start with basics like split shot sinkers, multi-purpose bait hooks, and swivels. Use no-roll sinkers and circle hooks for bottom fishing in swift currents for self-setting ability. Bait options like nightcrawlers, hotdogs, and corn effectively catch catfish, carp, and drums. Catching your own bait by turning over rocks for crayfish or using a net for creek chubs or minnows can help match the fish's prey.
Artificial lures like twister tail grubs, Rapala husky jerks, and small crayfish crankbaits are great for various species. Downsize your lures for river fishing to increase bites; seasonality will dictate which lures work best throughout the year. Experimenting with different lures at different times of the year will help you become more successful and catch more fish. Topwater lures like Whopper Ploppers and hollow-body frogs are effective in summer and late fall. Experienced river anglers recommend downsizing lures and getting to know fishing spots intimately to improve success on the water. Matching the hatch using specific bait and downsizing lures are key to successful river fishing.
Latitudes Outfitting Co. provides guided river fishing trips that emphasize sustainable fishing techniques. Our experienced team offers personalized fishing trips on the best rivers in Montana, guaranteeing a memorable experience for both novice and experienced anglers. We are dedicated to conservation and love the outdoors, assisting you in perfecting fishing skills amidst the stunning waters of Montana. Contact us and have an unforgettable river fishing and stream fishing experience!
Robert Gary, Owner/Outfitter #7970
PO Box 1281
Hamilton, MT 59840
Operating on United States Forest Service - Special Use Permits
