How to Fish in a River

Co-authored by Kathy Sparrow, MA

Last Updated: December 19, 2024

Fishing in a river can be hard since a river usually has a fast current, and they are different from fishing in calm quiet creeks, lakes, and oceans. It takes specific supplies and talent to be able to fish in a river - this article will show you how.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Gathering Supplies

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1
Get a good quality fishing rod. A good fishing rod would be one that has a sturdy, fiberglass or graphite, a line that won't snap easily, and other features that actually work. Choose a good size for the fishing pole, such as is 8 feet (1.5 meters).
- Having backup equipment is also really important. Make sure you have two rods with you, just in case something happens.
2
Choose good bait to take for the fish you're looking to catch. Fish that live in rivers, such as sturgeon, bass, carp, catfish, etc., need bait that would attract them to your hook. They prey on many types of other fish and sea creatures, so find a bait that your target fish would want. Take an assortment of bait since you might be fishing for many types of fish.
- Use thawed frozen chunks of sardines secured to magic string (flexible clear rubber string) wrapped around the no.3 hook.
- Use blood worms for your lure. Rip off their heads or they might snap and bite your fingers. Just be careful not to splash blood on yourself. Thus, they are named blood worms.
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These glasses will help you look for fish more easily. You will be able to see through the river and find fish with them. This can prevent wasting time, as well as catching more fish. ^{[1]
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Part 2

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Picking Where to Fish

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1
Research local river options where fishing is legal. ^{[2]
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- Check with local fish and game agencies for catch limits, rules and regulations; they change every year.
- See if you are allowed to keep the fish you catch if you are planning to do so. Some places only allow catch and release.
- You might need a license to fish in some places, but that can usually be obtained online through a website or an app. Just do a quick search online and you'll should be ready to go in a matter of minutes.
2
Look at the features of the rivers you're considering.
- Choose a river that has a curved edge. Rivers that are curved are better to fish on the edge since the faster water (this usually carries the food that fish eat in water) moves to the edge of the bend. This is where fish usually look for food, and you can easily fish in that part of a river. ^{[3]
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- Look for rivers with merging currents. When two bodies of flowing water meet, there will be more fish food flowing in the river, which means more fish may go in that part of the river to find food. Catch fish in a part of a river with merging currents - that way, you will catch quite a few. Catfish are attracted to fresh water streams, you can find them where streams and creeks meet the river.
- Choose a river with places that have weeds and islands on them. Places where there are weeds have lots of fish hanging in that area since they like to shelter there and surprise attack their prey.Islands also have some good fish to catch there. ^{[4]
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- Find a river that is calm. Calm rivers with no fast moving currents are great for fishing. The fish can easily smell the scent of the bait that way instead of a rushing river, where they can just zoom past without smelling the bait. ^{[5]
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- Find a river with currents, but not as fast as just zooming past. This is only if you can't find a calm river. Choose a river to fish in that has slow currents. Fish can still be moving, but not as fast and can still smell their prey more easily in there.
Ask an owner of the place the river is in and tell them if you can keep the fish or not. If you can't keep the fish and you do, you may be fined as well as other problems happen, since this may be illegal.
4
Decide when to fish. Consider visiting the river where the fish are most active so you can catch more. Check the weather and make sure it is a good condition for fishing. Consider fishing when it rains. Fish like cold, wet water, so they will be most active at this time. ^{[6]
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- Another good time to fish in a river is at dawn. Fish do not like direct light, and they seem to be active at sundown and sunrise.
- You really have to first know where you want to go, as that will influence the optimal time of the day to fish. There are a lot of different resources, including podcasts and magazines, that you can use to learn more about the place where you'll go fishing so you can have a better time.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Catching Fish

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Good baits are lures that have strong smells that a fish would normally eat as prey, but live bait is also helpful. This is called bottom bounce live bait. Be sure to bounce your bait with the currents, and not against it. ^{[7]
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When you set the lure, a triangular shaped sinker is tied to a slider on the line to anchor the bait to the bank (river bottom) and keep it from rolling down with the current.
Be sure you don't let go of the fishing pole, as it could break or get washed away by the fast currents. Hold the fishing pole tightly - the fast currents of a river can wash it away from your hands.
Or you could balance a tin can to warn you when a fish bites.
Keep an eye on your rod so you notice if you catch anything.
Quickly snap the pole and pull to hook the fish mouth when you feel a slight tug, The hardest and most crucial step that you should learn is knowing when and how to pull the line. Thus, only with practice and experience you'll master that. Hence, fish are pretty clever. You'll find out that your bait is gone and was eaten before you even know it.
If you do, the fish can slam into you. Pull it upwards and wait until it lands on the ground. Hold it down quickly so it doesn't flap away, and wait until it stays motionless. Carefully take the hook out of wherever it is sticking in the fish.
9
Take it home for a great meal, or just let it go into the water. Be sure there is nothing wrong with the fish so it survives. Let it into the river in the least part with a lot of rocks and rushing water.
- You can use a tie rope to hold the fish you've caught anchored to shore alive while you fish for more.

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Question

What is the size limit for bass?

Community Answer

This varies by region, and can even differ among different bodies of water in a region. Pick up the most recent hunting and fishing guide for your area at a bait and tackle shop or sporting goods store, or reference it online.

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I live in a town and I see people fishing a lot but I don't have a licence as I'm a beginner still, I'm 14. Where do I get a licence or do I need one?

614 Fishing

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Check your state's laws about fishing licenses. In most states, you do not need a license if you are under 18.

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Can you use a bobber to fish in a river?

ANDREW JENSEN

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Yes, if you are using a spinner or spoon though, you will not want one. It all depends on the type of bait you are using.

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Tips

Be careful when taking the hook from the fish - sometimes it can hook anywhere in their body, and it will hurt or even kill the fish if you just jerk it out. Locate where the hook is and slide it out. Then pull it out of the mouth and let the fish go.

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Use a net to grab the fish.

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Warnings

Avoid cuts in your hands. Some fish have spikes and sharp scales. Always use gloves.

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If you pull too hard, the line will snap with the tension. Get the fish tired first by releasing some line and winding it when the fish sets towards you.

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Most fish have slight concentrations of mercury and don't consume too much.

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Do not take the fish from the river that you catch if you aren't allowed to — there will be a fine and problems may occur.

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Things You'll Need

Quality fishing pole
Good bait that fish will smell easily
Boat (optional)

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How to Fish in a River

Steps

Gathering Supplies

Picking Where to Fish

Catching Fish

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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