There are many pure outdoors activities that can quickly become polluted by all the “stuff” that some consider is necessary for success. The simple rod and reel over the shoulder and a handful of baits for a trip to your favorite fishing hole gets replaced by the bass boat and tackle boxes that resemble a sporting goods store for a trip to the local lake that’s crowded with pleasure boaters. However, there is still some pure fishing fun to be had that won’t break the bank. However, it can create some of the best summertime memories and likely bring back some nostalgia from your childhood. For creek fishing, you won’t need a high-powered boat or depth finders—instead, all you need are the basics.
Why Creek Fishing?
Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of creek fishing is that you can go light and still reel in some fun. Maybe it is because of the magnetic draw of lakes and big boats, but whatever the case, small creek fishing is an overlooked gem. You will deal with less water traffic and competition and be able to take limited tackle and light action rods and reels for a wonderful day on, or alongside the water. However, don’t be misled into thinking that light weight tackle leads to a lightweight catch. Numerous small streams and creeks are home to lunker bass (largemouth and smallmouth), pike, trout and even muskies. Late-evening and early-morning excursions even render the occasional catfish.
The simplicity of creek fishing makes it a perfect place to inspire a future angler. The simple use of earthworms, minnows and other live bait can be suitable—but the can become a perfect classroom for teaching your kids how to use artificial baits as well. The kids will enjoy fishing and of course they’ll love getting wet if they’re wade fishing.
Aside from the benefits of avoiding crowds and literally getting your feet wet, the aesthetic beauty of many of our creeks is amazing. The overlooked little nooks and crannies that are jam packed with the amazing sites of creation are closer than you think. Sometimes we must slow down and look around just to notice them.
Master your Approach
As summer temperatures rise, wade fishing can be an excellent way to cool off and keep your lines wet at the same time. Using a light action rod with small baits makes the catch that much more exciting. In many cases, stealth is the most important tool for successful creek fishing. Since the water is often shallow in a creek you will want to limit your intrusion until you have fished out each hole/stretch of water. Casting your baits upstream can prevent the silt and debris from your steps from spooking fish as it will flow downstream.
Water clarity can be an obstacle to summer creek fishing. Clear water can be more of a curse than a blessing because when water levels are low and the water is extremely clear, it will be easier to spook the fish. Fishing back from the shoreline and even at varying angles to conceal your presence can keep you from spooking the fish.
Boats for small stream fishing are completely optional. Using a small jon boat or even a kayak can allow you to navigate the shallow areas with limited disturbance. In areas where the creek widens or gets too deep for wade fishing your boat will give you a way to navigate. It will also give you access to corners behind logs and other debris. Mixing it up a bit and using the boat in the deeper or wider areas, and wade fishing the shallower waterholes is one of our favorite ways to spend a hot summer day.
Gear for Creek Fishing
Again, simplicity is the word when it comes to creek fishing. No crowds and no pressure. Keep it simple when choosing a rod and reel. Using an ultralight rod with a small spincast reel can be plenty. However, spinning equipment or a fly rod will work great. My standby reel of choice has long been the Zebco 33. I still have several vintage models that I use when I go to the creek.
If you’re taking kids, it’s a good idea to make sure they wear a lifejacket. A slip on a slick rock while your back is turned is all it takes for a simple accident to turn into a calamity. Always wear sturdy, non-slip footwear to navigate slippery rocks and uneven terrain. Be mindful of rising water levels, especially after rain, as flash flooding can occur quickly and without much warning in certain areas.
Keep your bait selection simple as well. My favorite bait for creek fishing has always been the Mepps #2, #3 and #4 spinners. There are dozens of color combinations to choose from so that you can adjust to the water conditions. The natural grey or red squirrel tail choices work well in most water types. On some summer days you can seemingly empty the waterhole of all its fish while using these baits. The pull of the bait coupled with the swift water and strike of the fish on your ultralight rod will be a thrill.
A small crawdad bait works well in rocky areas and swiftly moving shallows. Small floating minnow baits, and of course red worms, can give you a broad enough selection of baits for a day in your local creek. Depending on the depth and structure available in your creek of choice, having some plastic worms or lizards in your tackle box is also a good idea.
Experiment with your favorite small tackle and add it to your creek fishing repertoire as you have success. Of course, you shouldn’t forget the stringer for all your keeper fish and even a small net for scooping up your occasional lunker. All the aforementioned baits and gear can be carried in a backpack or other easy to carry bags.
Places to Fish
Rocky shorelines can be a perfect hangout for bass, trout and red-eared sunfish. Their aggressive behavior makes them a prime catch as you cast near the rocks where they search for food. Rock embankments beneath bridges are great hideaways as well. Not to mention the bridge will provide some shady relief from the summer sun.
Finding deeper water during the summer months will allow you to find the larger fish that prefer cooler water temperatures. Slower retrieval of lures or plastic worms can get the big boys moving.
As the water moves towards narrows or shallow areas known as riffles, smallmouth bass tend to congregate to feed on crawdads and small minnows. Casting downstream can keep your baits afloat and spinner spinning. The shimmering blades will catch the eye of the fish. Trout will often wait just below the riffles where oxygen-rich and food-rich water flows in—they can sit just downstream in calmer water to feed.
In areas where the creek makes a sharp turn, the swifter water will flow near the outside of the curve. This can sometimes create an undercut bank. Shade and cover offer protection from predators, but this is also a great place for trout or bass to ambush prey species swimming past. Sometimes you’ll find an eddy, an area of swirling water, where the water makes a bend. Fish will feed aggressively in such areas which makes it a great location to thoroughly fish. It’s amazing how a productive fishing hole will produce fish year after year. When you find your honey hole, take the kids and they’ll fall in love with the sport.
Concentrating your casts parallel to a rocky shoreline can help you entice a big fish as the bait passes its resting/ambush place. Rock ledges and fallen timber provide perfect cover for large and small mouth bass (and other fish) on lazy summer days. When fishing in a creek where riffles or rapids are available, fishing with small artificial crawdads and Mepps #2-#4’s can lead to some rod bending action. Larger fish love feeding in the swifter water, or just below where bait fish struggle against the current.
Behind large rocks and boulders are spots to target. These spots break the current, creating calm pockets where fish can rest. Food gets funneled around the rock, giving them an easy meal.
Slow retrieval of the bait will allow it to settle behind rocks, but the swift water will help keep it from getting snagged. Even undersized smallmouths feel like a heavy haul, and it can be quite exciting. Speaking of exciting, don’t be surprised if a muskie takes a bite at your bait. Believe me, you’ll have no question as to what is on the line if you hook one.
When I take a trip down memory lane it doesn’t take me long to stumble upon memories of me and my dad spending a hot summer day standing waist-deep in a creek and reeling in some fish. So, as the lakes begin to get crowded with pleasure boaters and jet skis, take a day trip to your local small stream or creek and get back to the basics of a simple, good time on the water.
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