RE: Smallie fishing in small creek
I've done alot of small river and stream fishing for smallmouths, and one of my most consistent producers is a minnow plug. Usually it's a chrome/black Storm Thunderstick, or an all silver Rapala Husky Jerk. Just a 2 1/2" or 3" long minnow plug twitched and paused. They are killers on smallmouth. #3-#5 inline spinners like a Mepp's or Blue Fox work great too. Senkos are good. Topwater too.
Smallmouth and largemouth are 2 distinct fish with their own behaviors, and i usually never fish them the same. Sure, theres exceptions to every rule. In small streams, i basically just try to make the lure look natural like silvers, browns, blacks, coppers, etc..Make the thing look wounded, and the smallies should pound it. If you have to finesse, go to a senko or a tube.