Lower Niagara skunked for smallmouth

[Scott M]

Trying to learn the ropes on the lower. We tried driftingfor smallmouths  with dropshot rig in 15,20,25,30,35,40 fow, tried crankbaits and plastics along weedlines, nothing. Storm moved in and so we called it a day. We're doing something wrong... Just not sure what. Any tips?

[WalleyeChaser]

Tubes.. dark green with silver fleck 

[Scott M]

I read about using a trolling motor to slow the drift, but I find it hard to believe it makes much difference, or maybe it's all the difference? Do you drag deep with tubes or just cast the weed lines?

[teedee]

u may be drifting to fast . ur lure will not work properly if going to fast or to slow . drop ur lure over side of boat and watch the action .there are ways to slow ur drift down without spending the money for trolling motor .

[GREYHAWK]

Here are some other techniques u might want to try - jerk baits, spinnerbaits, swim baits, spy baits, and jigging spoons. It is critical to also have a good electric motor to keep you on fish when you find them and to  control your drifting. Look for counter drifts and fish the the edges of the drifts. Finally, at this time of the year smallies  have a tendency to move to the mouth of the river. Trolling crank baits both east and west of the mouth in the 15 to 20 foot depths especially over the humps on the American side can produce some hefty catches. Be warned, however, that muskies roam this area too.  Be prepared for some bitten off lures.