Small Mouth Bass on Buffalo River?

[jmh139]

My son, wife, and I have a guided trout fishing trip (on the White river) set up for this coming Sunday. We plan to be in the area a couple of days early and I have a few questions about catching a couple of small mouth bass on the Buffalo river on Saturday.

I've never caught smallmouth before, but have caught many large mouth in Louisiana. Can anyone tell me the best baits to bring to catch small mouth this time of the year, or I can purchase anything I don't have when I get there.

Also, where would be the best place to fish from the bank, or possibly rent a small boat to fish from? We will be staying in Harrison on Friday night with all day Saturday to float and fish.

Another question, is there any type of white water rafting this time of year on the Buffalo or the White? I'd like to take my son.

Any general help on catching a few small mouth would be greatly appreciated!

Jay
maps@leagh.com

[turkeyhunter]

My son, wife, and I have a guided trout fishing trip (on the White river) set up for this coming Sunday. We plan to be in the area a couple of days early and I have a few questions about catching a couple of small mouth bass on the Buffalo river on Saturday.

I've never caught smallmouth before, but have caught many large mouth in Louisiana. Can anyone tell me the best baits to bring to catch small mouth this time of the year, or I can purchase anything I don't have when I get there.

Also, where would be the best place to fish from the bank, or possibly rent a small boat to fish from? We will be staying in Harrison on Friday night with all day Saturday to float and fish.

Any general help on catching a few small mouth would be greatly appreciated!

Jay
maps@leagh.com

If I was going to try to catch a small mouth for the first time I would fish the Ouachita River just South of Malvern Arkansas. What part of the White are you fishing? I bet Sylamore can help you out on Stone Co. small mouths.

[ozark deerslayer]

I usually catch more smallmouth using a 1/8 ounce white or yellow rooster tail. Sometimes a small rebel crawfish works well if the fish are a little deeper.

[jmh139]

If I was going to try to catch a small mouth for the first time I would fish the Ouachita River just South of Malvern Arkansas. What part of the White are you fishing? I bet Sylamore can help you out on Stone Co. small mouths.


It looks like the guide service leaves out of Cotter, AR for the white river.

Thanks!
Jay

[ccroom]

A texas rigged trick worm(green/pupmkin) with a 1/8ounce sinker is hard to beat. Small topwaters and crankbaits are good. A senko will work too.

[Hilltop]

My son, wife, and I have a guided trout fishing trip (on the White river) set up for this coming Sunday. We plan to be in the area a couple of days early and I have a few questions about catching a couple of small mouth bass on the Buffalo river on Saturday.

I've never caught smallmouth before, but have caught many large mouth in Louisiana. Can anyone tell me the best baits to bring to catch small mouth this time of the year, or I can purchase anything I don't have when I get there.

Also, where would be the best place to fish from the bank, or possibly rent a small boat to fish from? We will be staying in Harrison on Friday night with all day Saturday to float and fish.

Another question, is there any type of white water rafting this time of year on the Buffalo or the White? I'd like to take my son.

Any general help on catching a few small mouth would be greatly appreciated!

Jay
maps@leagh.com



I have pretty good luck with floating Rapala's about 2 inches long or small spinners for brownies (smallmouth). 4 inch plastic worms texas rigged can be deadly on brownies too. I would call Buffalo River Outfitters for Buffalo River canoe rental and fishing info. They are south of Harrison on hwy 65 near Silver Hill. Their phone is 800 522 7224

You won't find any whitewater up here. As dry as it is you will be lucky to have a few small rapids that will be floatable.

If you are starting your float on the White at Cotter you will probaly take out at Ranchette, possibly Buffalo City. It is a rare day that one cannot catch 25 or more trout. Most will be around 10 to 12 inches long and you might catch a few 15 to 18 inches long. I am sure you and your family will really enjoy the fishing. There are some huge trout in the White but they are not readily or easily caught.

[Brown trout]

Anything that imitates a crawfish should do well. Soft plastics have always worked for me.

Friends of mine floated the lower Buffalo a couple weeks back, they said it was hard to float a canoe, and with little to no rain since then, should be no problem finding smallie hiding spots. Just jump right in and cast a line.

[Hilltop]

jmh139, Sorry,I gave you an incorrect phone number. the right number is 800 582 2224. If you can't get thru at that# call Ben Milburn 870 391 2244.

[jmh139]

jmh139, Sorry,I gave you an incorrect phone number. the right number is 800 582 2224. If you can't get thru at that# call Ben Milburn 870 391 2244.

Got it, thanks. I plan to give them a call and go by. Also, thanks everyone for all the help. I have lots of good bait ideas now.

Thanks!
Jay

[varmit_master]

Hi try some 3 to 4 inch grubs in pumpkin seed color. If you find some deep hole of water try a shakey jig heads with a 4 inch finsse worm or Lizard in brown color. Fish the bait weedless .I cought a few the other day late on a 4 inch lizard with a jig head fix weedless around rocks. VM

[Sylamore]

I really like a Blakemore Road Runner 1/8 or less in solid brown on a 6 lb test line ultra lite. That little silver blade under the belly really attracts them. :thumb:

[straight shooter]

Not what you want to do ,but, best way this time of year is to jitterbug at night on the buffalo. Or, use real crawdad's during the day and send them under ledges .

[fish]

Here on Fouche la River we use live bait (2'' crawfish or Shiners 3'') . Artificial is about 5'' Rattlin Rouge or a pumpkin seed colored plastic bait like a Hula Grub or Creepy Crawler ( 1/8 oz leadhead with plastic twin tail and skirt or legs) Anything mimicking a crawfish or minnow. If your looking for small fish use small baits. Here we perfer normal sized bass baits. We usually catch lots of Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass all on the same trip. Not unusal to catch lots of Green Sunfish to boot. We normally float a good streach of river.
If I was going to fish the areas of heavy fishing pressure and clear water like the Buffalo River.I'd fish night or use ultralight line , small hooks, and live bait. Remember if you keep any Smallmouth Bass there are more regulations on them . Good Luck.:thumb:

[jmh139]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their help. I caught several nice small mouths on the Buffalo, and had a GREAT trout trip on the White. Was a great experience, and I will be back.

Thanks again!
Jay