Best Baits for River Smallmouth Bass
After years of guiding anglers on the Upper Potomac River and Susquehanna River, I've tested just about every bait on the market. Some work great. Most don't. Here are the six baits I trust in my boat every single day — the ones that consistently produce trophy smallmouth bass on both rivers.
These aren't sponsored recommendations or theoretical picks — these are the baits I personally use when I'm guiding clients and when I'm fishing on my own time. If you're heading to the Potomac or Susquehanna, these are the baits you need in your tackle box.
Tube Jigs
The tube jig is the single most effective bait for river smallmouth bass, period. It perfectly imitates a crayfish — the primary forage for smallmouth in both the Potomac and Susquehanna — and its hollow body creates a unique action that fish can't resist.
- Use 3–4 inch tubes on a 3/16–1/4 oz jig head for most conditions
- Go heavier (3/8–1/2 oz) in faster current or deeper water
- Green pumpkin, watermelon, and brown/orange are top colors
- Drag and hop along the bottom — don't rush the retrieve
- Fish are often hooked on the fall, so watch your line
Year-round, especially spring and fall when crayfish are most active
Ned Rig
The ned rig — a small mushroom head jig with a 2.5–3 inch stick bait — has become one of the most reliable smallmouth baits in recent years. Its subtle action and small profile are irresistible to finicky fish, especially in clear water conditions.
- Use a 1/16–3/16 oz mushroom head depending on depth and current
- Natural colors like green pumpkin, brown, and black/blue work best
- Let the bait stand up on the bottom — the action is in the pause
- Works great on a light spinning rod with 6–8 lb fluorocarbon
- Ideal when fish are pressured or conditions are tough
Clear water, post-cold-front conditions, finicky fish
Swimbaits
Paddle tail swimbaits are outstanding for covering water and triggering reaction strikes from aggressive smallmouth. On the Susquehanna especially, where shad are abundant, a swimbait that matches the local baitfish profile can produce some of the biggest fish of the year.
- Use 3–4 inch paddle tails on a 1/4–3/8 oz jig head
- Shad colors (white, silver, chartreuse) work great on the Susquehanna
- Vary your retrieve speed — sometimes a slow roll, sometimes a faster burn
- Work through current seams and along channel edges
- Upgrade to 5–6 inch swimbaits in fall for trophy-sized fish
Summer and fall, especially when shad are present
Topwater Lures
Nothing in freshwater fishing matches the explosion of a big smallmouth crushing a topwater lure. Walking baits, poppers, and prop baits all produce on the Potomac and Susquehanna, and the early morning topwater bite can be absolutely spectacular during summer and fall.
- Fish topwater during the first 2 hours of daylight and last hour before dark
- Walking baits (Zara Spook style) work best on calm flats
- Poppers are deadly near rocky structure and current seams
- Use 10–12 lb fluorocarbon for best action and low visibility
- Slow down — let the bait sit after each pop or walk
Early morning and evening, summer through fall
ZMan ElaZtech Baits
ZMan's ElaZtech material is unlike any other soft plastic on the market. It's incredibly durable — one bait can catch dozens of fish — and its unique buoyancy gives it a lifelike action that other plastics can't match. The Finesse TRD on a ned head is a go-to for tough conditions.
- The Finesse TRD on a 1/10 oz ned head is a must-have
- The Hula StickZ is a great tube jig alternative
- ElaZtech floats, so the bait stands up on the bottom naturally
- One bait lasts much longer than traditional soft plastics
- Available at SWFA Bait & Tackle — Jeff's recommended tackle shop
All conditions — especially effective in clear water
Crayfish Imitations
Crayfish are the #1 forage for smallmouth bass in both the Potomac and Susquehanna rivers. When you match the size and color of the local crayfish, you'll get more bites. Soft plastic craws, creature baits, and jig trailers all work well.
- Match crayfish color to the local bottom — tan/brown in sandy areas, darker near rocks
- Soft plastic craws on a 1/4 oz jig head are extremely versatile
- Texas-rigged craws work great around rocky structure
- Downsize in clear water — smaller profiles get more bites
- Crayfish patterns are most effective spring through fall
Spring through fall, especially in rocky areas
Shop Jeff's Recommended Tackle
All of the baits mentioned in this article are available at SWFA Bait & Tackle — Jeff's online tackle shop.
Visit SWFA Tackle ShopPut These Baits to Work
Book a guided trip and fish these baits with Jeff Greene on the Upper Potomac or Susquehanna River.
Shallow Water Fishing Adventures is the premier fishing guide service for trophy river smallmouth in the Washington, DC area and the premier fishing guide service for river smallmouth in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area.
You Are Just Minutes Away from a Fishing Adventure of a Lifetime
If you live in Northern Virginia, world-class smallmouth bass fishing is right in your backyard. The Upper Potomac River is just a short drive away — no need to travel far for an unforgettable guided fishing experience with professional guide Jeff Greene.
Conveniently Located for Anglers Across the Region
Shallow Water Fishing Adventures is an excellent fishing guide service located just north of Washington, DC, just west of Baltimore, Maryland, and also guides on the Susquehanna River in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area.