the river isn't much good unless there's been a big amount of rain, and or the dam is open. Spinners work best when it's flowing, these fish are aggressive and strike with anger, not so much hunger. I find that when the dam is open, after high tide has been best. Everyone and their mother is throwing bright stuff...my recommendation is to resist the temptation. Purple, dark green, blue...all have treated me well in the river when fish are being bombarded with pink, orange and chartreuse.