Any Suggestions on Multi Species Rivers

[Jacob Hill]

I'm sure most of us have fished at least one good sized creek where you never have any idea at all what you are going to catch. My example would be an Ohio River tributary in southern Indiana, where, from mid May to late October, you can catch, get ready, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Sauger, Saugeye, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, (some white catfish maybe), white bass, Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Warmouth, Rock Bass, Green Sunfish, Longear Sunfish, Yellow Bullhead, Creek Chub, Sucker, Shiner, Northern Pike. (I have caught 12 different species in one day). But I'm starting to get off topic. My question is, in the upper reaches of the river where the majority of the fish are smallmouth up to 13", spotted bass up to 16", bluegill up to 9", longear sunfish up to 8", and rock bass up to 12", what are the best methods for trying to catch the good sized bass (over 12")? I have tried larger swimbaits, without much luck. I enjoy catching the longears and rock bass, but I would also enjoy catching the better sized bass that always hit my micro-baits. The current is fairly swift in my creek.

[Jacob Hill]

thanks for the advice frank! 

[Frank Ribble]

I catch bass with 3 techniques. 1 - catch creek chubs & fish with a large foam bobber. If there are pike use a steel leader & hold on. 2 - try a crawler harness underneath a large foam bobber. 3 - bottom fish with a creek chub. I catch creek chubs up to 7". You catch big fish with big bait! I love catching rock bass. I caught a 7" & 9" this week. Fish for bluegills & rock bass with a second pole.

[John Sheehan]

Wow 12 species in one day is fantastic!! I want to fish the Ohio River real bad now!

 As far as big species ,my biggest fish have usually come on overcast days ,or  rain, or low sun angle conditions .I think if they're deep you gotta put it on their nose so maybe a Jig or Jigging spoon .Deadsticking has produced big fish sometimes too.

  Nice post Jacob .I'm anxiously waiting to hear what the other Fisherman on this site have to say! Always great learning from them!