Smallmouth Bass

The Yamhill River near McMinnville offers a decent smallmouth bass fishery, although it's not widely known. Focus your efforts on the rocky stretches and areas with good current breaks. Look for smallmouth around submerged logs, boulders, and deeper pools. The best time to target them is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when the water temperatures are ideal. Early morning and late evening are often the most productive times. Bank access can be limited in some areas, so consider using a kayak or canoe to explore the river more thoroughly. A good starting point is the Dayton boat ramp and then heading upstream. Small crankbaits, tubes, and spinnerbaits are effective lures. Don't overlook live bait like crawfish. The smallmouth here are generally smaller, but they can put up a good fight in the river's current.