Ririe Smallmouth

[Belasko]

If you're drop shotting I would imagine it to be very difficult from shore most the time given the sharp rocky drop offs into the reservoir. Just too easy to hang up. Not that you couldn't do it, I just would plan on bringing extra gear. If you have a boat, even a pontoon or tube, it would be a great way to approach it. I have seen several people use crankbaits, and that can be done from shore, if you're careful. I personally use a Mr. Twister grub on a 1/8 or 1/4 oz jig head most the time in the colors windriver suggested. I'll cast right up to the shore line (within a foot) and work it back out to the boat about 20-30 feet out, just bouncing and jigging it on the bottom. I'll usually catch them in the evening and morning that way once it warms enough (couple more weeks for consistency). Once again, most of them are small, 10-12" with a few bigger. Largest I have seen is a 3 pounder, but every year I hear of someone's buddy who caught a 4 or 5 pounder and one guy last year claimed to catch 2 that were in the 8# range. However none of them have ever produced any photographic evidence of any of those fish.

If you want someone to take you out and show you the ropes I'll be more than happy to have someone keep me company sometime. Just drop a PM and I'll let you know when I'm available.

Ben
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