Its December days start getting longer after the 21st water temps are in the high to mid-forties. Shenandoah river is very low with much rain needed to raise the levels. The smallmouth have moved to deeper pools between 6 to 20 feet with minimal current as well as largemouth. Smallmouth favor rock over wood as rock holds heat while largemouth prefer wood over rock but both species can be found in either type structure or cover. Cold water means fishing can be extremely tough, but it also can be very rewarding if you catch a bite window. This time of year, those windows seem to best between 11:00 and 2:00 however there can be days where it can happen earlier or even later. Baits that have been working well are as follows. Blade baits like the Damiki Vaults or suspending jerkbaits like Megabass 110 plus or Berkley Stunna 112 will get you down to the depths the fish are holding at. Blade baits in colors of silver, gold or greens work best with a lift and drop technique. Jerk baits in colors of bone or northern lights are great if the water is gin clear but don’t be afraid to experiment with colors sometimes size and color change maybe the ticket. Slight twitches with longer pauses are very effective but make sure you watch your line because a lot of strikes will come on the pause and the slightest strike will make your line jump. If you’re not getting bit, then try using the Yamatanuki 2.5” in amber-green pumpkin using either a 1/8 ounce ned head with a size 1EWG hook to rig it weedless. The important part is size 1EWG hook not a 1/0 because it will be too large and very hard to make weedless. Another way to rig it is to use a number 1 EWG hook with a pegged 1/8-to-3/16-ounce bullet weight. This has been my go-to bait as well as a 1/8-ounce black marabou jig. Using ned rigs with Lil troopers’ craw from Berkley max scent in colors like Canada craw are awesome this time of year. Bass seem to prefer smaller baits but doesn’t mean they won’t eat a larger bait as well. Rodger’s hair jigs are killer smallmouth baits, and you need them in your arsenal in December. Jig colors of black, green, or brown with touches of purple, orange or blues when getting work best. You can find all these baits at Jakes bait and Tackle. Stop by and tell them Lonnie sent you good luck hope to see you on the water.
