By summer the fast action on many lakes and reservoirs has slowed down. Fish move deeper and feeding periods can be difficult to pattern. Toss in increased boat traffic and for many anglers fishing can be tough. Through years of experience as a fishing guide I have learned if the fishing gets tough head for the nearest river. Believe me rivers make my job easier in summer.

Across the country there are miles of river that see little if any angling pressure in summer. In summer angler’s can not only encounter a variety but have a chance at landing a trophy as well. This past summer we put several 6-pound smallmouth and one eight-pound walleye in the boat in the so-called "dog days of summer". Along with larger predator fish, perch, crappie, rock bass, bluegill, catfish and sturgeon are also present. Unlike most natural lakes in a river there will be more than one dominant predator fish. Even secondary predator fish are present in strong numbers. This mixed bag is what enables fishermen to do well on any given day. Simply put if one specie is inactive another is usually on the feed. Changing from one specie to another will keep you on active fish.

However to tap into this consistent action anglers must learn a few basics. As you move into the summer not only are all species of fish active but often they can be found in the same locations. This activity will occur both in weeds and around rocks. While both areas may hold fish different species can be active at different times in different locations. Once you put together a pattern distinguishing these times and locations you can’t loose.

These patterns are all centered around one thing, food. In most rivers predator fish will feed on both crayfish and baitfish. Baitfish will be most abundant in weeds but rocks will harbor crayfish by the truckload. Crayfish in particular are very important in summer. Besides being easy prey due to their abundance they can also contribute to fast growth rates. While crayfish may be the dominant forage there are times when predator fish will be feeding heavily on baitfish.

Fishing weeds is one pattern few summer anglers key in on. However for weeds to be productive conditions must be right. Overcast days, particuarly during a warm front or stationary front are by far the most productive. During these conditions you can expect to find active fish in the weeds throughout the day. Along with consistent action these conditions are also prime for catching a trophy. Large bug hatches can occur during these conditions attracting huge schools of baitfish.

If clear conditions prevail, look for the weeds to be most productive early and late in the day. So if you must be on the water at sunrise forget about the rocks or wood cover and concentrate on weeds. Even a small patch of grass on the edge of a creek channel can be hot at sunrise.

Weeds will support a two-story fishery. Smallmouth or pike will hold on the upper edge of the weeds while walleye and perch will hold tight to the weeds near the bottom. So at any given time you will have both active and inactive fish in the same area. Few river anglers are aware of this situation. By utilizing different presentation you will be able to catch a variety of species.

Start out fishing for the active fish with a spinnerbait or topwater bait. If you are fishing with a partner, each use different bait. The person in the front of the boat should work the spinnerbait fast while the person in the rear slowly pops a surface bait over the weeds. The more of a pop and noise the topwater bait has the better.

Next slow down and switch over to plastics. I use either an ISG Intimidator Tube or four-inch worm. Work the baits parallel to the weeds fishing both the edges and the base. Use a slow direct retrieve. It is important not to work the bait to fast or set the hook to quickly. Give the smallmouth a few seconds before setting the hook. Walleyes will also hit plastics but often a jig and crawler is the best bait. Swim the jig and crawler along the edge of the weeds and crawl it along the bottom. When fishing plastics use a 6’6" or 7’ rod. My personal favorites are either a Lamiglas TBS 661 or a TBS 703. These rods are a made of both Titanium and IM700 graphite making them both super sensitive, lightweight and powerful.

Rocks can be productive on overcast days but bright days offer consistent action. It is typical for both walleyes and smallmouth to move into the rocks to feed at the same time with the best action occurring in the middle of the day. One difference will again be their location. Walleyes will hold along the deeper edges of the rock shelves while smallmouth will move across the shallows. So by fishing both the deeper rocks and the shallows you will encounter a mixed bag.

Crankbaits are the most effective bait in locating both walleye and smallmouth. Since both species are feeding on crayfish use crayfish imitation crankbaits. To be effective your crankbait must run just over the rocks and occasional bump bottom. By bumping the bottom with your crankbait you will trigger strikes from larger fish. If your crankbait runs to shallow you will only catch small to mid sized fish.

You will need to experiment with both different crankbaits and lines to get to the desired depth. Remember the smaller your line diameter is the deeper your crankbait will run. Berkeley Fire Line is perfect for this situation since it has a small diameter and sensitive.

Once you locate fish with a crankbait switch over to plastics or live bait. Many of the larger walleyes and smallmouth we boat in summer come on one of these presentations. ISG Skirted grubs are particularly deadly since they resemble crayfish and can be fish tight to the bottom. Cast into the current and keeping a tight line and rod tip high crawl the grub over the rocks. When fishing a nightcrawler use a light jighead or a plain hook and a small split shot. Nightcrawlers are especially deadly since they have a scent that resembles crayfish. There have been days on the river where the only big fish we caught we taken with nightcrawlers. If sturgeon are present be prepared since they can inhale a crawler. When a sturgeon hits be prepared for the fight of your life if you are using light tackle.

When fishing rocks I either use my electric trolling motor to position my boat, slip downstream or anchor. Much will depend on the type of boat you have and the current. Whichever method you use it is important not to fish to fast. Each year I see many people fishing to quickly and passing up big fish. To catch the big fish of the day you may need to slow down your presentation.

This upcoming year spend more time on the river than previous years. When mid summer fishing gets tough on your favorite lake head for the nearest river. Choose a river t and try to learn as much about it as possible. It doesn’t matter which river you choose just give it a fair shake. Not only will you avoid the crowds but also you will catch lots of fish and enjoy your time on the water. See you on the river.

For more information, visit mike at his website at www.mikemladenik.com