Best Ways to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Creeks
When fishing streams that contain smallmouth bass, it’s hard to target anything else.
Smallmouth are one of the most sought after and entertaining sport fish to angle for.
They are notorious fighters and aggressive bait seekers. I have caught smallmouth under two pounds that have fought harder than 5lb largemouth.
A day of catching 1 to 3lb smallmouth bass will rival just about any freshwater fishing experience. If you are fortunate enough to get over the 5lb range, they are downright heart pounding.
How Do You Catch Smallmouth Bass in Creeks?
Wading for creek smallmouth is perhaps the most fun way to catch them. While jon-boating is very relaxing, and offers increased supply capacity, oftentimes in smallmouth streams it can also require portage over areas that are too shallow to float.
Wading offers anglers a way to not only connect deeper with the flora and fauna of their surroundings, but to become more connected with the art of angling.
Another major advantage to wading is that you tend to fish out a deep eddy more thoroughly. If I’m in a boat in a stream then I am somewhat governed by the current and my motor capability. Of course you can always drop an anchor, but this can get old as fishing holes in creeks tend to be close together, but far enough apart that it requires movement.
When on foot this is as easy as window shopping, and just because I didn’t catch anything on the three casts I had from the boat doesn’t mean there’s not a 4 lb smallmouth under that downed tree that my 5th or 6th cast, while wading, would get to bite.
I have experienced this first hand. Slow days in the boat can often be rectified by tying your boat up and wading the area. Sometimes you’re just getting unlucky spots.
Bass of all species can be picky even on active days. I could drop my tube 3 ft in front of a smallmouth and he might just stare at it, but dropping that same tube a foot in front and two feet to the left or right might set them off, you never know. This is why it’s important to make multiple casts at a targeted area, and wading offers the easiest path to this approach.
What Size Rod & Reel Do You Use for Creek Fishing?
For the creek it is important to pack one rod and reel combo. I have gone fishing with friends who pack more than one rod and it leads to less fish caught. I catch several bass every summer while on the move.
If you’re like me, you like to explore as well as fish, so it’s easy to get wrapped up in what’s around the next bend. Also the grass is always greener, am I right?
Unless I’m actively pulling bass in from a good spot, I am likely moving while targeting inviting areas. We’ll always seek the fabled honey hole and now and again we find it.
If you reference my previous article on best rod and reel combos THE 5 BEST ROD & REEL COMBOS FOR CREEK FISHING IN 2020 you will see a list of great options.
Should I Use a Tackle Box or a Pack for Creek Fishing?
The Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag is a great pack for the creek, particularly if you like to shoulder carry. Many of my friends shoulder carry and as we get older they find it is more and more forgiving on their backs. I prefer a backpack however, because I find it more comfortable.
Backpacks tend to be my operating system in general whether for hunting, fishing, or camping and hiking. I enjoy the equipment capacity of the backpack, especially for setting out on foot down a body of water.
When setting out to fish your tackle box is the next item you want to consider. A good creek fishing tackle box is small and can easily slide into a bag or pack. A lot of fishing tackle bags come with their own boxes. This can mean the difference between using a lure through multiple years vs one season.
Many amateur anglers overlook this piece of equipment as something to seriously consider, but it saves money! Not only does the right tackle box preserve your lures much longer, but they typically do it at a great price too.
A great list was compiled on this very site earlier this year in the article THE TOP 5 TACKLE BOXES IN 2020.
The Importance of Staying Hydrated
Before we get into more gear let’s make sure we have hydration covered. This can be done in a couple ways: first, for long outings I used the water bladder. It holds about 3 times the amount my 32oz Nalgene bottle holds, while fitting ergonomically in my pack.
The bladder storage pocket and tubing port system on the SOG NINJA TACTICAL DAY PACK is perfect for this system and the polyester and canvas blend keep the bladder relatively cool throughout a hot day.
Secondly, for shorter outings, I will take my 32oz Nalgene which fits perfectly in the aforementioned pack’s side pouch. These two hydration systems are a basic must for anyone who likes to creek fish, or just encounters the outdoors on a frequent or semi-frequent basis.
When setting out to trek down a creek, it is important you have plenty of supplies to aid you in the event of an injury which could detain you getting back to help.
Hydration is unarguably at the top of the list for preparation in this department. You need water, period. Shelter is constructible, food can be foraged and hunted.
Ensuring clean water is doable, but more complicated and risky than shelter and food. If you invest in no other supplies beyond this listing, get yourself adequate hydration systems for your outings.
So, now that we have answered some common questions and considerations, let’s take a look at the gear that we’ll need as we figure out The Best Ways to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Creeks!
Disclosure: This website uses affiliate links, meaning: at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate & CJ Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only feature products that we believe in and use ourselves. Your support means the world to us and allows us to host this website. Thank you!
Best GEAR FOR CatchING Smallmouth Bass In CREEKS IN 2022
Lew’s American Hero Spinning Combo
The rod and reel combo I choose for this list is the LEW’S AMERICAN HERO SPINNING COMBO
This rod and reel combo got the #1 spot on this year’s list of top rod and reel combos THE 5 BEST ROD & REEL COMBOS FOR CREEK FISHING IN 2020. This is the combo I use the most in the creek.
My expectation is always to catch a 5+ pounder, so I want to feel the confidence the durable LEW’S AMERICAN HERO gives me. Lew’s has become one of the best rod and reel manufacturers on the market and the AMERICAN HERO series gives us a high quality combo at a great price point.
Honestly, it is important not to go too expensive on a creek combo. The nature of navigating terrain and being in the water inevitably leads to more wear and tear than your lake rods, which spend most of their time on a boat. So having the quality of the LEW’S AMERICAN HERO at the price Lew’s offers it is a no brainer.
FEATURES & SPECS:
IM7 graphite rod with EVA split grip (recommend: 6ft rod length for creeks)
Six stainless steel bearings with one-way zero reverse clutch bearing
Thick and Durable locking bail
Lew’s Speed Lube for increased element resistance
Double anodized aluminum spool for increased corrosion resistance
6.2:1 gear ratio - retrieves 31” per crank of the handle
Monofilament line capacity on 6ft model - 120yrd/8lb
I recommend the Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag. It boasts waterproofing and is saltwater rated.
If you like fishing brackish estuaries for trout or salmon, as well as seeking inland smallmouth, then this bag has all the versatility you need while being plenty enough storage for your equipment.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Saltwater Angler Approved
Waterproof
Includes 4 compartmentalized trays
Skid and Rip and Tear resistant
2 front pockets with extra storage
Padded shoulder strap
As far as the boxes themselves, I recommend the FLAMBEAU OUTDOORS 7004R ZERUST TUFF TAINER
The Flambeau Zerust system is a reliable box for keeping your lures rust free. Some cheap hooks might show a little after a year or two, but if you buy quality products they will hold up for as much as 5 or 6 years.
I am still using crankbaits and topwater lures that I bought 5 and 6 years ago, because I use Flambeau Zerust boxes.
My recommendation is to get the Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag, use the tackle boxes included for your plastics, then use the FLAMBEAU OUTDOORS 7004R ZERUST TUFF TAINER as your creek tackle box, while toting it in the spiderwire bag.
Customization of your kits and packs are not only fun to equip, but offer you a chance to tailor your own path to success.
FEATURES & SPECS
Double Deep Smart Divider System - 9 adjustable dividers allowing for up to 16 compartments
Easy Identification Design - allows for assessing which box contains what without opening each individual box
Dimensions are 16.5”L x 9.75”W x 3.25” D and includes nine zerust dividers
ZERUST anti-corrosion technology - Exclusive CVI formula infused into the dividers releases a corrosion inhibiting vapor that forms a protective layer on metal to stop rust in extreme marine environments
Lasting Rust Defense - Flambeau’s proprietary Zerust formula inhibits electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion. Flambeau boasts up to 5 years of protection on your hooks and tackle
I personally carry and recommend the Sog Ninja Tactical Day Pack. It has a great seat for my Nalgene and storage for everything else I will need on the water. I can fit up to 3 tackle boxes in this pack if I want, although I only need one for the creek.
This pack is a 100% wool and polyester blend which offers great water resistance. Perhaps most importantly it is comfortable to wear. It has wide padded straps and offers a contoured foam back with multiple air channels.
This makes the SOG NINJA TACTICAL DAY PACK one of the most comfortable packs I have ever owned. I have had the same weathered model for 8 years now, and it shows no signs needing a replacement any time soon.
It comes in a variety of colors, of which I chose Coyote due to its resemblance to the colors in natural rock and stone. If you’re like me, you like to blend in with your natural environment and not stand out.
This pack will not just solve your tackle bag needs for the next couple decades, it will be able to house everything on this list, except the rod and reel; and if you need to, you could attach the rod and reel to it using the MOLLE webbing design and some paracord.
FEATURES & SPECS:
100% polyester/canvas blend
Large Main compartment with internal sleeve for water bladder or knife storage
Two front zippered pockets, one smaller in the top (great for packing a loose spool of monofilament) one larger pocket at bottom that I use for keeping plastics and first aid
Comfortable on the shoulders with yoke-style adjustable padded straps and padded back with ventilation grooves for cool air to move through, keeping you drier
MOLLE webbing, which is more of tactical feature for attaching items/equipment - great for adding carabiners if you plan on negotiating some terrain on your outing
Tubing Port for accessing a hydration bladder
Side Pouch stretches and will fit most water bottles
24.2 liter capacity and is backed by a lifetime manufacturer's warranty
I use the 32oz Nalgene Tritan Narrow Mouth Bpa Free Water Bottle. I used the narrow mouth due to its ability to attach to a Lifestraw.
A Lifestraw is a must for the backcountry fisher.
If you are trekking miles away from your transportation, you absolutely need an emergency water filtration system.
The bladder that I recommend is the Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir due to its ability to be opened and cleaned. Keeping your hydration bladders and bottles clean is of the utmost importance. Allowing bacteria and mold to manifest defeats the purpose of bringing your own clean water into the outdoors and can cause serious health problems.
I recommend the 3 liter bladder because why take double when you can fit 3 times the amount?
FEATURES & SPECS:
Easy Slide Top Opening seals watertight and allows the bladder to be opened for ease of cleaning
Hydrostatic backplate provides structure to shove a full bladder into a full pack, while maintaining it’s flat shape
Hydrapak blaster bite valve provides fast and smooth water flow with a quarter turn on/off switch
Quick Connect system and carry handle make for easy filling and switching from pack to pack
Two Magnet Clips including a sternum magnet clip for easy management of the hose
All parts are BPA, Phthalate, and lead free; and certified food safe
THE BEST LURES FOR SMALLMOUTH BASS IN CREEKS
What’s a day of fishing if you don’t bring any lures? While this is certainly up to the opinion of the angler, and we all know those opinions vary, I have compiled a short list of lures that I use with consistent success catching creek smallmouth.
Zoom Salty Super Tubes
The classic tube - This is one of the most basic, simple, inexpensive, and successful lures on the market. The tube has been around for decades and is a tried and true classic for all black bass species. For smallmouth in the creek, I use ZOOM SALTY SUPER TUBES watermelon red.
3.75” is a great size for bass fishing and conforms to both 3 and 4 inch hooks. I fish this tube weightless and with slack in my line. Make sure you pay attention to your line, since you’re not tight lining or instantly retrieving you will miss bites if you don’t keep an eye on what that slack is doing.
Let the natural sinking action of the tube do its job. If you find your tube is wanting to float, pop it a couple times and it will likely start to sink. Tubes have a skirt that gives a natural flutter when sinking, let this happen! Throw the tube near downed structure or submerged trees and stones. (pro tip: if the tube is floating, and the smallmouth are hitting the top of the water, just go with it)
I use and recommend GAMAKATSU OFFSET SHANK ROUND BEND worm hooks in 3/0 or 4/0. These hooks are some of the best on the market. They are sharp, durable, and rarely let a fish off once you’ve set the hook. My lost fish ratio went from now and again to almost never after switching fully to Gamakatsu.
Yakima Baits Worden’s Rooster Tail is one of the most classic lures on the market. It has been around for generations now, and is a household name in freshwater fishing.
It is perhaps one of the most versatile lures ever made, and I can personally attest having caught 9 different species of freshwater fish on a Rooster Tail.
Many of your more serious amateurs will scoff at the Rooster Tail because of its simplicity and ease of use, do not be that angler. It catches fish, period. If it’s a bright sunny day and the water is clear, you’re a fool not to try it.
I have caught loads of smallmouth on days when no other lure, even my trusted tube, was getting it done. Fish this lure tight lined, meaning constantly retrieving it. This lure is intended to be a moving target always. Letting a Rooster Tail sink risks hanging it up and damaging or losing it.
I recommend the chartreuse color if you’re only getting one, white is a great second choice for the creek, and after that it’s angler’s choice. For the creek setting I recommend 1/8th oz to 1/4 oz for size.
The Heddon Tiny-Torpedo topwater lure is one of the most successful I have ever used and seen used on the creek.
Topwater lures can feel a little big and loud for a calm creek setting and sometimes that’s exactly the correct assessment. I have spent two hours of a morning casting a hula-popper or whopper plopper only to realize I’m spooking good sized smallmouth away.
The Heddon Tiny-Torpedo is designed to avoid being too loud, while giving the smallmouth that topwater target they love. The tiny propeller on the rear of the lure provides the Whopper Plopper-like disturbing of the water, while being small and quiet enough to appear to be an easy target.
I recommend the 1 and 7/8ths inch model that weighs approximately 3/8th oz, and in the color “baby bass” as it provides a dark topwater target, which I prefer in all settings, while having a hint of chartreuse on the sides.
Do not be afraid to cast this lure upstream and right out in the middle. Creeks are usually pretty small and bass patrol the whole thing when they’re hunting.
—These lures are my three go-to lures in the creek. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I threw anything other than the three lures listed above while fishing a creek for smallmouth. This is also why I say you only need one tackle box. If you get these lures and maybe a couple others, and get some variations of color even, you will still only need one solid mid-sized tackle box for your creek arsenal.
THE BEST MULTI-TOOL FOR CREEK FISHING
Having a good knife and/or multi-tool makes a huge difference when fishing a creek or trekking outdoors in general. When it comes to fishing there are a couple of these items I cannot do without.
Kilamenjaro Magnus
First, in the multi-tool department, we have the KILAMENJARO MAGNUS. This multi-tool is big, bulky, and heavy duty which I love.
It comes with a belt attachable, button down sheath which can obviously be worn around the waist, but more importantly it can be easily attached to a pack that has MOLLE webbing or multiple unclippable straps. This is how I pack the MAGNUS.
It is tough as nails, even boasting a hearty saw-blade. The saw-blade feature is great for removing small undergrowth popping up along banks and disrupting your casting lanes.
The pliers are sturdy and narrow enough to navigate the gullet of a bass. This multi-tool comes in handy for other sports as well. If you, like myself, love to deer hunt in the fall, the MAGNUS’ saw blade is great for aiding in field dressing and processing your harvest.
FEATURES & SPECS:
10 Components: Long-nose pliers, Wire-cutters and stripper, Crimper, Bottle Opener, Phillps screwdriver, Flat/Slot screwdriver, Single-cut File, Saw-Blade, and a Knife
Stainless Steel Tools
Snap Pouch with Belt Loop for ease of storage and wearing
Overall Length: 10.4” open, 6.4” closed, Knife Blade Length= 4”, Weight= 15.9oz
Secondly, in the Knife department I prefer the KERSHAW CRYO featured on this site’s TOP 7 EDC (EVERYDAY CARRY) KNIVES.
Kershaw makes an excellent knife at a fantastic price point. The CRYO is a great pocket clip knife featuring a 2 and three quarter inch blade. This is great for if I’m just changing lures and have no need for pliers.
This blade also doubles as back up defense. When out in the wilds, one usually encounters wildlife, and on rare occasions it’s not a friendly interaction. The KERSHAW CRYO offers a solid backup weapon if you were to tussle with an animal.
The SpeedSafe assisted opening system uses a torsion bar to deploy the blade with the nudge of a finger.
FEATURES & SPECS:
8cr13MoV Steel
Titanium Carbon-Nitride blade coating
SpeedSafe Assisted Opening System
Fame-Lock design allows for safer and sturdier use
—If you prefer to have a larger Knife for backcountry fishing, I recommend the SOG SEAL TEAM SURVIVAL KNIFE TIGERSHARK ELITE as I have owned this knife for years and can speak volumes about it’s durability and versatility.
THE BEST CLOTHES FOR CREEK FISHING
Having the proper attire in the outdoors is always optimal and fishing the creek is no exception. It can mean the difference between remembering the fishing and the trees vs remembering your sunburn.
I am personally not a fan of sunscreen, so I select attire that allows for me not to have to apply sunscreen. If you would rather wear short sleeves and shorts, there are certainly those variations on the items I use that can be purchased, but I wear long pants and a long sleeve, even in the heat.
Fortunately, this choice doesn’t have to come at the cost of comfort. These are some of the articles of clothing I wear while creek fishing.
Huk Performance Fishing Kryptek Lopro Icon Hoodie
This hoodie is more of a long-sleeve beach shirt than a hoodie, but the hood is an excellent accessory to block the sun off your neck and ears.
The mesh back allows for the free flow of air and makes the shirt as cool as any t-shirt you could wear.
Supreme breathability, UV protection, Moisture-wicking and Stain Release technology make this the perfect creek/backcountry fishing shirt.
The POSTROPAKY MENS HIKING QUICK DRY TROUSERS are perfect for wading a creek, primarily because of their effective quick dry technology.
This particular brand has a reputation for durability at an excellent price point. It changes your life when you switch to a reliable quick dry trouser.
Typically after exiting the water and packing up my gear into my vehicle, I am already only damp, and by the time you get home or to your getaway cabin, you’re likely as dry as when you left.
I recommend this trouser in green, again due to my ‘blend in with the environment’ preference.
The CHACO Z/CLOUD 2 SANDAL is one of the most comfortable sandals for wading a creek.
Chaco’s strap system works great for keeping the sole on your foot, but also gives enough wiggle room to evict any pebbles or sand you collect as you walk. This means the world when you’re creek fishing. I have closed water shoes that will always have to be taken off and cleaned out during your trek, no matter how nice the draining system is.
The CHACO Z/CLOUD 2 is ready for you to give your foot a little shimmy in the water, and most of the debris you’re carrying will vacate your sandals. They also dry out pretty quickly too due to not having a significant amount of material enclosing the foot.
Just like in any endeavor, invest in the performance and comfort of your feet and you will thank yourself later.
No trek should be undertaken without a proper rain jacket.
I know it may feel like this is something you can nix from the list, since you’re going to be getting in the water anyhow, but walking an hour and a half or longer back to your transportation while getting rain dumped on you is never fun.
Having an effective and durable rain jacket can mean the difference between being borderline miserable or actually enjoying your soggy hike.
The Marmot PreCip ECO Jacket delivers serious performance at a great price point. It’s 100% waterproof and windproof and is designed with the need for flexibility in mind. A well designed ventilation system makes the jacket able to perform no matter the season.
Marmot also added a DriClime Chin guard which is meant to prevent chafing, which makes the PRECIP ECO JACKET perfect for not only fishing, but backcountry outings as well.
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles”
—Doug Larson
There you have it folks. These aren’t the only ingredients for success, but they are the ingredients I use to catch creek smallmouth and enjoy myself while doing it.
Properly outfitting yourself with the gear and attire needed will lead to a good time, every time. Even when you have a slow day, having the proper set of tools and equipment means you are prepared, which eases the mind. It also lets you blame the fish and not yourself.
If they’re not biting but you’re throwing 1 or all of the lures I listed, then it may just be that they’re not biting. That does happen occasionally, but if you follow this list it will minimize those days.
Remember to target slow moving, deeper pools. Downed trees and large rocks/boulders are your friend, cast near them. Cast upstream, and try to move your lure with the natural movements of real creek critters in mind.
Remember, you can’t catch your personal best if you don’t have a line in the water.
Tight lines my friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Smith is an avid angler and outdoorsman based in central Kentucky.
Ryan spends between 60 and 110 days fishing each year.
He is a carpenter by trade.
RELATED ARTICLES:
THE 5 BEST ROD & REEL COMBOS FOR CREEK FISHING IN 2022
THE TOP 5 TACKLE BOXES IN 2022
THE 5 BEST FISHING KAYAKS IN 2022
TOP 5 FISH FINDERS FOR KAYAKS IN 2022
THE TOP 7 WADERS FOR HUNTING & FISHING IN 2022
THE 7 BEST INSULATED WATERPROOF FISHING JACKETS OF 2022
THE TOP 5 RODS AND REELS FOR BASS FISHING IN 2022
ABOUT
