During the summer, when water temperatures are in the 70s and levels are low, a large portion of river dwelling smallmouth bass can be found out in mid-river areas, using boulders, channel edges and rock ledge for cover.

When the water cools and levels rise — such as we've had during the past couple of weeks — the fish must leave such areas.

Rivers are comprised of a sequence of riffles, runs and pools. During the early part of the fall, when water temps are still warm, expect some bass to still be relating to riffle areas that held them in the summer. Bank-side rocks and ledges will collect smallies driven from the riffle proper.

As water temperatures drop into the low 60s, anticipate finding more bass off the slow pools and moderate-current runs.

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