Smallmouth Bass

The South Umpqua River near Canyonville offers a good opportunity to target smallmouth bass in a classic riverine environment. This section of the Umpqua provides the rocky structure and swift currents that smallmouth love. The best time to target them is late spring through early fall, after the spring runoff has subsided and the water has cleared. Look for smallmouth around rocky points, current breaks, and deeper pools. Wading anglers can find success using crawfish imitations, tubes, or small crankbaits. For boaters, launching at the Days Creek boat ramp provides access to a good stretch of the river. Keep an eye on water levels, as low water can make navigation challenging in some sections. The smallmouth here tend to be aggressive, often hitting lures with a vengeance, but they can also be wary, so varying your retrieve and lure presentation can be key.