No river is the same, but most can fit into a category that helps anglers like yourself choose the right one for your needs and means.
In the US, the most common types of rivers you’ll encounter are tailwater rivers, freestone rivers, and spring creeks—all of which have their own unique water sources, qualities, and of course, fish. Knowing what artificial bait to use for each river type and the bass you’re targeting is crucial if you want to reel in a catch.
From bass that lurk in murky, nutrient-rich tailwater rivers to clear spring creeks stocked with smallmouths, we’ve covered everything you need to know about baiting up for America’s most common river types.
Why Do Different Rivers Require Different Fishing Baits?
Understanding the difference between various river types is important for making the most of your fishing experience.
This is because each river type has unique characteristics that influence how bass behave, what the weather conditions may be like, the intensity of water flow, and the level of clarity that the water holds. All of these factors affect which bait you choose and why.
That said, even though these different river types have their own quirks and factors to consider, river fishing, in general, tends to require similar kinds of bait. Nonetheless, narrowing each river type down to a few prime bait varieties can only help you in your quest to land a PB.
Tailwater rivers
Tailwater rivers are rivers that flow out of a larger dam, lake, or reservoir nearby. They are the “tail” of bigger bodies of water, hence the name. Similarly to spring creeks, tailwater rivers have a fresh, even flow and cool, nutrient-rich water.
This type of river can also tend to have a subtly muddy, opaque appearance, making the fish much less likely to spook, giving quiet anglers a good advantage.
Some of the best tailwater fishing artificial baits include:
Crawdad imitators
Plastic worms
Colorful lures
1/4 to 1/8-ounce black or blue jigs
These four types of bait would all be good options for fishing in a tailwater river. The main thing they have in common is that they are all great options for bottom-feeders like largemouth bass, which tend to be more populous in the murky but nutrient-dense waters of a tailwater river.
The US features many beautiful and fish-active tail rivers that make excellent fishing holes, and many are bass hotspots. By sticking to the artificial baits listed above, you should be able to hook a few decent fish.
Freestone rivers
Freestone rivers receive most of their water influx from surface waters, snow run-offs, and rainfall. Because of this, their conditions are more subject to change than the other river types on this list.
For instance, freestone rivers can flood easily during periods of heavy rainfall or after large quantities of snow melt and overrun the surrounding bodies of water. All of these factors influence the aquatic life living in them and the way that you lure them out.
Some of the best artificial bait for fishing in freestone rivers include:
Colorful spinners
Imitation mayflies
Bright swimbaits
3” twister tail grub
If you’re fishing in a murky freestone river, it’s a good rule of thumb to choose bait that has a strong color contrast with the water. The brighter and more obvious the bait is, the more attractive it may be to hungry fish. Swimbaits or lures with glitter are a great option, as they not only have a brighter color but also catch the light too. However, if the water runs clear, opt for more neutral-colored bait.
America boasts a multitude of beautiful freestone rivers, particularly in Colorado, where these rivers are richly stocked with smallmouth bass. But because freestones have a less predictable water quality than tailwater rivers or spring creeks, it’s always important to make sure it is safe to fish beforehand.
Spring creeks
A spring creek’s main source of water comes from fresh underwater reserves, making its temperature and water level more consistent throughout the year. They are also usually very clear and transparent in color, meaning you need a very different bait approach to tailwater or freestone rivers.
Spring creeks have very mineral-rich soil, attracting lots of aquatic plant life and an abundance of bottom-feeder marine life, such as worms, leeches, scuds, crayfish, and various underwater insects.
Some of the best artificial baits to use in a spring creek include:
Small crankbait
Artificial minnows
Plastic worms
Suspending jerkbaits
The above baits are likely to result in a catch, mostly due to the fact that they’re popular with bass.
Just remember to be patient and allow the fish a little more time to inspect the bait and become comfortable with taking a nibble. In spring creeks, bass can see perfectly, unlike in the muddier waters of a tailwater river.
Because of their often shallow crystal-clear water, spring creeks tend to require more experienced bass angling techniques than freestone or tailwater rivers. However, with enough practice (and the right bait!), catching a sizable spring creek fish is well within your grasp.
Scent For Success
Regardless of what type of river you’re fishing in, it’s also a good idea to use a Scent on your bait that attracts bass. Bass, like many species of fish, have well-developed nostrils and olfactory systems, and scented bait can prove hard to resist.
Artificial baits and lures with a fish-friendly scent have scientifically proven to work, so they’re an excellent addition to your kit our favorite is Garlic.
Bait Up For A Big One
To maximize your chances of hooking a big one, you need to choose the best fishing spots and the most suitable bait to match. Bass have sharp survival instincts in clear and muddy waters, and they can become surprisingly picky eaters, especially in colder weather or certain water conditions. If you give them something they think they can’t resist, you can overcome any natural obstacles standing in your way.
Meta Title: River Fishing Bait Guide For Every Bass Angler | The Bass Cast
Meta Description: Find out all about the various types of bait that suit different rivers. Our guide delves deeper into what works best for specific rivers and bass in the USA.
