You may be 100% rite abot the lower populations....Not sure because i don't know your section of river....You have to remember that these are native fish that adapt to every and any change to their enviroment...That being said i would lean more towards, the fish in your section have most likely relocated to suit their needs.( whatever that may be- water temps,water quality, or more than likely , the need for specific food items...) Crayfish make up a huge percentage of the smallmouths diet, as well as many other insects and crustations....But the quality sized fish, 2-6 lbers need a healthy supply of every size crayfish....Not sure just my 2 cents
Its not my handle on this site, but on others its smouthaddict...
To say the least i am a student of the smallmouth....I have been a flyfisherman, mainly for native trout, for about 25 yrs....In my strong opinion,river smallmouth bass can be just as spooky and elusive as your most educated wild trout....They can be very aggressive and at times easy, but they can also be river ghosts....especially on smaller waters...
