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As Pete has mentioned, now is the time for some hot smallie action! Both our lakes and rivers are giving up great smallmouth action right now. Its a very simple approach at this time, just look for their fanned out "beds", lighter colored circles in shallow shoreline areas. Some stealth is required, you can't just blast in with your 20ft/250hp Ranger, ya gotta kinda creep on em'. Same goes when wading shallow waters. One photo I posted shows a fish that was laying at the head of a small island, facing into the current, the only reason I got the picture is because I was able to walk on land (quietly) up to a brush pile that had been washed up by high water and peeked over it. The next photo is the same fish, I caught him by wading way around, very slowly and quietly, then long casting into the area. Generally speaking, they're pretty agressive when something lands near one of their "beds".

My lure selection is very basic too. All I did was add one of my 1/8oz walleye jigs to a Beetle Spin spinner bait wire and stick a twisty tail on it. Its enough weight to cast and has a single hook which prevents most snags, allowing the bait to be bounced over logs/rocks,etc.

A word about the wading: Its not easy, it requires good balance and sure footing. Think of walking on slippery bowling balls while either resisting or being pushed by a pretty good current. Your legs will be tired after a few hours of this type of "hiking". I've soaked my share of cell phones while fishing smallies, best to leave the phone behind or at least ziploc it. Advance slowly with each step being very deliberate, feeling your way along with your feet. Interestingly, being waist deep or a bit more is actually easier due to the water supporting your body weight. I've taken more plunges in thigh deep water...

I'll be heading out to see what the waldos are doing today. A few days back they were in the shallow weeds, 3-6ft of water on the ER Chain, where ever you could find new weed growth (good luck with that, see next post).

Good fishing and be safe out there.