river smallmouth

Hi Folks, Still been pretty warm out there with a big bright sun.  We desperately need rain as our rivers are getting really skinny.  Trout fishing is non-existent right now in our brooks and streams.  I have been laying off the trout and chasing river and lake smallmouth bass.  Guided the last couple of days for river smallmouth.  Water temperatures have been from 72 degrees in the morning to 80 degrees in the late afternoon.  Even a bit warm for smallmouth.  The fish are pooled up and I have been finding large numbers of fish stacked into deep pools.  The fish do not too interested in rising in the water column to eat so we have been getting down to them.  Been casting small natural colored tubes and twister tails on lightly weighted jigs with spin gear.  Had a family out this morning and we were swinging garden hook on small hooks and we did some damage.  Landed smallmouth from 10" to 17" on light spinning rods.  Good fun.  Hex fishing is going on and not a bad option for dusk into dark.  Watch for afternoon thunderstorms and the wind seems to have been blowing pretty steady from the west.  Give the river trout a break until it cools down and hopefully we get some rain.  Off to chase bass from the boat tomorrow morning.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy