I would try live bait. If you are seeing fish break the surface they are after minnows or bugs. You have to fish like what you are seeing. If small baitfish are breaking the water, I would imitate that by using a small rapala running 1-2' under the water.

If you see a lot of larger baitfish (bream, perch, crappie, etc.) I would get a chub/shiner minnow about 4 foot under ther water with a float and fish it in a deeper hole.

My guess would be that the main river bottom (old creek bed) would be the coolest part of the water. If you have low water and high air temperatures the fish find the coolest water possible.

Another option could be crickets on top of the water? This can be imitated with dry-flies or poppersand a fly fishing approach.



Lastly, when I can't get fish to hit top water, I have a go-to lure.

Storm Rattlin' Chug Bug