As the 1990s wore on, it became obvious that the Coosa had something special present in its waters: a true landlocked population of naturally reproducing striped bass.

Although great fighters, white bass do not grow that large and ultralight spinning gear lets them exhibit their strength to the fullest. A 1/8-ounce lead-head jig with a plastic grub body can catch any white bass that swims, but small inline spinners and crankbaits are also effective.

Although most anglers go after white bass with artificial lures, live bait can be very productive too. Any type minnows, but especially small shad, attract white bass.

If the area around the Lock and Dam is a little too crowded for your taste, try putting in at the Old River Road ramp near the State Route 100 crossing. Good fishing is found around Georgia Power's Plant Hammond, just upstream from the SR 100 bridge.

The Coosa is not the only river that offers good fishing during the white bass run. Another choice is the Oostanaula. Anglers can utilize the fine boat ramp at the SR 140 crossing, and at springtime flows, should have little problem roaming the entire upper half of the river. To fish the lower river, use the Heritage Park ramp at the confluence of the Oostanaula and Etowah rivers in downtown Rome.

The Coosawattee and Conasauga rivers have minor runs of white bass, but the more limited access convinces most anglers to fish the nearby Oostanaula.

As the white bass begin to disperse after the spawn, the striped bass arrive from Weiss Lake. Anywhere from the state line up to the Lock and Dam Park can produce fish, but the area from SR 100 to the Lock and Dam is the most popular.

This early in the season the river is often high and muddy, making fishing with bait the best option. For bait, gizzard shad are No. 1. Finding those baitfish is half the battle. Brushy Branch at the headwaters of Weiss Lake near the state line is the best place to cast-net for bait.

For bottom fishing, locate a likely area like a deep hole, and anchor or tie off the boat. On a heavy outfit spooled with at least 20-pound-test monofilament or braid, thread on a 1-ounce slip sinker. Next, tie on a heavy-duty swivel, about 24 inches of leader, and then finish off the rig with a 3/0 Kahle bait hook.