Hey there,
I have not fished the New river, YET! But I will. I am a fair smallie fisherman.
I hunt them in the Dan all the time. The one key I have found about smallies is you need fairly clear water. In the Dan River they won't bite unless it is clear. I use lots of small baits like a rebel "hellgrammite" floating minnow, and "Lews" makes a real good lure called a speed lure that the bass just adore. I know a guy that fishes the New and all he ever uses is a carolina rig with a 4 inch plastic worm and according to him ,he slays them. Of course you know how some fisherman lie. I take pictures to prove I caught it and then I let it go back, hopefully to grow bigger. The biggest I have seen caught in Dan River is 2 1/2 to 3 pounds but that ain't often. They say that is a common size at the New River.
Just my two cents, good luck and tell when you go and how you do.
Emmett