Anyone had luck trying artificial hellgrammites? They are deadly in Ohio creeks on smallies.

never tried them but i'm sure at certain times of the year (ice-out) they could be deadly. major larva hatch going on after ice out

PeaceFrog: "Anyone had luck trying artificial hellgrammites? They are deadly in Ohio creeks on smallies."

You should try a ZMAN ShadZ soft plastic scented jerk bait with about 10 inches of line leader tied of to a quality ball bearing swivel. Then tie the swivel to your line. Best lure I have ever used for Ohio smallies in the Great Miami River. Check out my Instagram feed at see why .......



QueticoMike Instagram link

Right on. I'll check it out. Always wanted to fish that river. Thanks QueticoMike

What color is your main producer? I found white in-line spinners and white jigs do well in the creeks I fish.

PeaceFrog: "What color is your main producer? I found white in-line spinners and white jigs do well in the creeks I fish."

You would do fine with just a plain pearl color. I like using colors called The Deal and Redbone. Basically any ZMAN ShadZ or Strike King Z-Too with the bottom half of the lure in pearl you should do well. Gray\Pearl, Blue\Pearl, Baby bass, Shiner are all good. If you ever use ZMAN RaZor ShadZ the color Bad Shad is a good one.

@ PeaceFrog - just looked at your email address, I know who you are now. Welcome to the Message Board :)

QueticoMike - I had a feeling something with a pearl belly would be the ticket. I'll give them a go this spring and see what happens. I will for sure have them with me on my trip to the BW. Many thanks for the info. I figured you would see who I was. Take care.