White bassin

[Troutman]

Had a great morning out on the Holston yesterday. Arrived just before daylight with the river still running high , launched the boat, and started downstream looking for feeding smallmouth. Set up on the top of a shoal and the white bass started busting minnows all around. I had a favorite shallow running white rabbit streamer on my 8wt, and a popper on the 6wt. The WB were hitting almost every cast, so after about 15-20 on the streamer , I switched over to topwater and they liked it also. I am not a trout or smallmouth purist, I take whatever the river offers up each time I go, whether it is bream, smallies, carp, or white bass. I'm still waiting on the opportunity to find some big river stripers this year.
here is the popper I used today. blockhead style



some good sized white bass





some decent smallies mixed in


Taking a break in the shade after the feeding shut down mid morning.

[David Knapp]

Looks like fun Gary! I haven't chased white bass or stripers in way too long and think I'm inspired now. May have to drive somewhere to chase those fish soon...

[Troutman]

David, I missed the annual spring white bass run two years in a row now on the FB and the Holston. Finding these bass was a lot of fun even if it only lasted a few hours.
I would like to go with Dean Campbell sometime over to his home waters to learn how to catch those Stripers. Not knowing the river, I don't want to go by myself the first time.

[David Knapp]

Gary, I can't help you experience wise as far as fishing from a boat goes but would be glad to tell you what I have figured out if you would like. I don't know anything compared to Dean but have caught a few at times. Shoot me an email and I'll fill you in on what I do know...