River currents prevent these waters from freezing when flatwater impoundments are ice-covered. With careful presentations, river largemouth can be caught.
Carolina-rigging has been the favored fall tactic of pro anglers for probing reservoir structure. Some call the technique power fishing with finesse because you use stout tackle, but the action of the lure is subtle and tempting to fish.
It's typical to have smallmouths congregate on humps and sunken islands that top out at 15 to 25 feet deep during fall in natural lakes.
A livebait leech, minnow, or nightcrawler suspended below a float (bobber) is one of the most efficient ways to target walleyes that are gathered in relatively confined areas.