knothead Report post Posted June 24, 2016 Taking my first ever trip to Black river crossing for small mouth in a couple weeks. After looking at all my gear, I have determined that I am pretty much a trout fisherman and don't have a clue as to what will work for smallies. If anyone can tell me what they have had luck with including size and color I would appreciate it. What pound test should I use as well? I have wanted to do this trip for nearly 30 years and I'm finally doing it. Thanks 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bvanetten Report post Posted June 24, 2016 http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Hellgrammite/product/1305230801412/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions we caught as many on these as the real thing. they are heavy enough to cast without a weight. single splitshot if you fish some of the deeper pools. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allforelk Report post Posted June 24, 2016 5 weight with a mix of dark hellgrammite patterns. Sculpin tied in bluegill colors work great too. Craw colors in just about any 3-5 inch plastic will work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Str8Shot Report post Posted June 24, 2016 Panther Martins, Rooster Tails, Small floating Pin's minnow ( or similar lure ) , small Rebel Craw All on 6lb or less line with a light or ultra light spinning rod .. This assortment will catch about everything in the water, from Big Browns and Small Mouth to those little native chubs. If you are going to fly fish , or floating a fly with a spinning outfit as others have said hard to beat hellgrammite patterns, though I still catch plenty using Warden's Worry with a red tail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allforelk Report post Posted June 24, 2016 +1 for Panther Martins Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allforelk Report post Posted June 24, 2016 If you are using spinning gear, take a craw fish trap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D.F.M. Report post Posted June 24, 2016 Panther martins with gold blade or any minnow lure good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted June 24, 2016 This time of year there are a lot of cicada and grasshoppers hitting the water. To me nothing is more fun than getting them to hit on the surface. A rebel craw is perfect - toss it as close to the opposite bank as possible, work it like you would a dry fly keeping your line up stream then as soon as it starts to get pulled, do a fast retrieve and try to bounce it off the rocks. In the afternoon, a lot of times if you put it in still water they'll come up and take it within a second or two. Glad you are getting out there - it's a special place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed67 Report post Posted June 24, 2016 2" pink single tail grub, 1/8 oz green jig head worked by far the best for us the last few years Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLW Report post Posted June 24, 2016 haven't been for a while to the black but we used to kill em on small tube baits in smoke grey or green watermelon w/ red flake. also as mentioned panther martins are awesome! found these a while back and been using at other creeks and they catch smallies and browns as well as stocker rainbows if catch and release either cut off the bottom treble or buy the single hook ones joe's flys super striker spinner james Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost85 Report post Posted June 24, 2016 bring a small net and catch live crawdads and hellgrammites. i have fished the black a lot and all i carry is hooks and split shots anymore. bass can't resist live bait. you can usually stop in a good shallow pool and catch enough bait to last the day in not much time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites