Virginia DNR Fishing report 11-11

[Fishing Report]

The rivers and lakes featured in the Fishin' Report are listed by VDGIF Administrative Regions so you can quickly locate the area in which you are most interested. Consult the regional location map to find the major river or lake you want to know about.

For regulations and conditions on saltwater fishing, visit the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) website. Mandatory Saltwater Angler Registry: Effective January 1, 2010, there is a new requirement that saltwater anglers obtain a federal registry number by calling 1-888-674-7411, or online at www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov.

The new 2010 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia (Fishing Regulations) book has been published and a copy can be obtained at the upcoming fishing and hunting shows, all license agents and Department offices. VDGIF Fisheries Division Director, Gary Martel, notes, "This publication not only contains the fishing regulations, but an extensive 'Let's Go Fishing' section, with information about major sport fish, public fishing lakes, major fishing rivers, and the trout stocking program. Also, you can find information about fish citations, state records, angling education programs, exotic species, and more." The Freshwater Fishing Regulations section, including the complete Trout Fishing Guide, on our website have also been updated for 2010.
Dominion Hosts Veterans for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Trip

Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and Dominion biologists demonstrated an electro-shocking survey in mid-October on the trout stocked waters of Back Creek below the Dominion Pump Storage Station for a group of wounded warriors on a two-day trout fishing trip in the mountains of Bath County. Project Healing Waters, Dominion, VDGIF and Fly Fishers of Virginia hosted a combination of 12 active duty military personnel and veterans recovering from wounds and injuries incurred while serving their country for a special rehabilitative and therapeutic two-day fly fishing experience. VDGIF District Fisheries Biologist Paul Bugas and Fisheries Technician Jason Hallacher assisted by 40 plus volunteers from the sponsoring organizations, performed the electro shocking survey and also pitched in to make this event a great success serving as guides for the guests.

Members of the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association (VOWA), participating in the event, were treated to a tour of the new Coursey Springs Trout Cultural Station with Manager Eric Wooding. . [See additional photos and information on the Project Healing Waters, Dominion sponsored event in the People & Partners section] Roanoke TV station WSLS Channel 10 filmed the event along with members of the VOWA doing stories and photos for various publications. With all that fishing, filming, and just enjoying the beauty and serenity of Autumn on Back Creek, the appetites were big and Mike Puffenbarger's Mapletree Outdoors BBQ made sure no one went away hungry. All the sponsors and volunteers expressed special thanks to these veterans for their service and sacrifice. Project Healing Waters and Dominion and other sponsors will be partnering for future events to be hosted in Virginia's Highlands. Visit the Project Healing Waters website to see how you can support this valuable rehabilitative program. For outdoor recreation opportunities in Bath County visit their website.

Largemouth Bass Virus Detected in Virginia Reservoirs...

No impact to people; impacts to fish normally are short lived and fish populations recover

Largemouth bass virus (LMBV) is a disease that impacts several fish species but only appears to cause death in some largemouth bass. First discovered in Florida in 1991, LMBV spread throughout the southern United States and was responsible for a number of largemouth bass deaths in the late 1990's. However, in some reservoirs LMBV only led to a decrease in survival and growth rates. When those declines occur, anglers catch fewer quality-size (greater than three pounds) largemouth bass. The good news is that impacts from the virus outbreak are normally short lived and largemouth bass fisheries recover in about three years.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) tested several reservoirs between 2000 and 2003 with most either having no occurrence of LMBV or very slight infection rates. However, in a few reservoirs in North Carolina almost 40% of the largemouth bass tested were positive for LMBV. One of those systems was Shearon Harris Reservoir, which continues to support one of the best largemouth bass fisheries in the state.

Recent virus testing coordinated by VDGIF this past August revealed that LMBV was present in about 40% of the bass tested at John H. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake and is responsible for the decline in the bass fishery. Largemouth bass from Briery Creek Lake and Sandy River Reservoir (Prince Edward County) were also tested and the virus was detected and confirmed. A small largemouth bass mortality event which occurred at Briery Creek Lake in late June, 2010, was most likely the result of LMBV in the population.

Due to the popularity of the largemouth bass fishery at Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake, anglers have expressed concerns about the LMBV spreading to other area reservoirs. However, some of the area reservoirs already contain LMBV and fish have likely built-up an immunity to the virus. For example, largemouth bass in Lake Gaston tested positive for LMBV in 2000. However, recent surveys at Lake Gaston indicate that the largemouth bass population is doing well. Nevertheless, anglers should follow the precautions listed below to limit the spread of LMBV.

FAQ:

* Can we cure the disease? No, the virus will have to run its course and hopefully the fish will build up immunity to LMBV. So far, lakes affected by the disease in the southern U.S. have not experienced additional large LMBV outbreaks since the initial ones in the late 1990's.
* Are there any risks to humans from the virus? No, fish are safe to eat and the water is safe for drinking water supply and recreation. This virus cannot be passed to humans.
* What causes an outbreak of the virus? It is not fully understood what causes an outbreak of LMBV. It is likely that stressful conditions such as low reservoir levels, high water temperatures, or increased handling time make bass more susceptible to LMBV.
* How can you tell if a largemouth bass that you've caught has the disease? There are very few external cues that the bass might have the disease. Fish that are very sick from the virus may appear bloated and swim erratically due to the impacts of the virus on the swim bladder.
* How does the disease spread? Fish that come in close contact (like in a livewell) can easily infect one another. Transmission through the water and eating infected prey are also ways that the disease is spread.

What can anglers do?

* Limit fishing, especially tournament fishing, to cooler months. Bass with LMBV are more likely to suffer mortality in the heat of the summer due to stress related to the high water temperatures. Paper tournaments without weigh-ins are always on option that tournaments can explore for summertime tournament fishing.
* Cooling livewells with blocks of ice in summer months is highly recommended. But, do not decrease water temperature in livewells more than 20° F from reservoir water temperatures.
* DO NOT transfer fish or fish parts from one body of water to another. This can spread the virus.
* Land fish quickly and handle them gently to avoid exhaustion and capture stress. Return the fish quickly to the water if you do not plan to keep it.
* Sterilize bilge pumps and livewells with a bleach solution to kill the virus. Studies have shown that the virus can survive in water in livewells up to seven days. About 1.5 fluid ounces of bleach added to one gallon of water (1% solution) sprayed on livewell surfaces will kill the virus. Let the bleach solution stand for 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and let air dry as chlorine bleach is toxic to fish.
* Tournaments should adopt best handling practices at all events. Using release boats, resting stations with oxygen and/or recirculating water, and iced water are all important considerations when planning a tournament. Refer to the conservation pages of the TBF or BASS websites for more information on safe handling practices and tournament organization guidance.

For information contact:

Dan Michaelson
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Fisheries Biologist
434-392-9645
Safe Boating is No Accident—Wear your Life Jacket and Take a Boating Safety Class

Attention boaters, VDGIF has begun to phase in Virginia's boating safety education requirement and wants to remind boaters that as of July 1, all operators of personal watercraft (PWC), including Jet Skis, Sea Doos, and other PWCs, age 14 to 35 will need to have proof of boating safety course completion onboard while operating the vessel. PWC operators must be at least 14 years old. To find out more about the boating safety requirement, the rest of the phase-in for Virginia boaters, or to find a boating safety course, visit the Department's website.

Virginia's life jacket laws require that there must be one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) USCG approved life jacket of the appropriate size for each person on the boat. All boats, except for personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable rafts, must carry one USCG approved Type IV throwable ring or seat cushion. In addition, if you are boating on federal waters where the USCG has jurisdiction, children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

For more information on boating water safety and the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water go to BoatUS.com. For details on Virginia's laws or to take a boating safety course, check out the DGIF boating website.

Review the article, "Does Your Lifejacket Really Fit?" in the May 26, 2010 Outdoor Report Be Safe... Have Fun section.
Got Pictures of Your Catch? Share Them With Us on Flickr!

How was your last fishing trip? Did you take pictures of your catch? Send them to us and share it with the world! Here's how:



Sarah White's Notebook - Regional River and Lake Reports on Fishing Conditions

Region 1 - Tidewater

Little Creek Reservoir: (757) 566-1702. No report this edition - call for updates.

Beaverdam Reservoir: Contributed by C. Blair Evans, Park Supervisor, (804) 693-2107. Park Supervisor C. Blair Evans told me that things have been "slow" in general. Bass are going deep, but might go for a crankbait or a jig. No word on crappie, cats or perch. Not many bluegill are being landed, but try a worm or cricket. The water is slightly stained and 57 degrees.

Virginia Beach: Captain Jim Brincefield (443) 336-8756. According to Captain Jim, stripers are biting around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. They are attacking live spot and bucktails. Speckled trout and puppy drum can be found at the Rudde and Lynnhaven Inlets. They like cut bait and Mirrolures. The flounder bite has slowed considerably, but some are getting lucky with minnows or squid. The water is fairly clear and 60 degrees.

Chickahominy River: River's Rest (804) 829-2753. Charlie Brown hasn't had many anglers come in lately, but a small bass tournament held recently did well. Indeed, the bass are out there and going for crankbaits. A few crappie are responding to minnows and jigs. Cats are biting on fresh eel. Some stripers can be had around the bridge; try rattletraps. The water is stained and 61 degrees.

North Landing River and Back Bay: West Neck Marina (757) 426-6735. Tom Hunt reports that local bass are going for plastic worms and top-waters. A few crappie are responding to minnows and jigs. The cat bite is good on cut bait. Bluegill action has slowed down. The water is clear and 60 degrees.

Norfolk Lakes: Dasheill's Show Room (757) 539-7854. Drew Dixon reports that bass are attacking jigs with Silver Buddies and soft plastics. Lots of crappie are being brought to boat, some of them big 'uns. Try to get your lunker with a minnow or a jig. Some big cats are coming in too on cut bait, with cut eels being a particular favorite. Some white perch have gone for night crawlers. The bluegill bite has slowed down. The water is clear and cooling.

Blackwater and Nottoway: By Riverkeeper Jeff Turner www.blackwaternottoway.com Both the Nottoway and Blackwater are in good shape right now. Largemouth are biting good and the river is just gorgeous. The leaves are making fishing a little hard right now, but it's just part of the deal this time of year. My buddy Edwin told me they caught a pile of blue catfish last week on the Nottoway with the largest going nearly 30 pounds! All were caught on the primitive limbline. Please remember that limblines must be removed if you're not going to fish them daily. Don't leave them in the trees for wildlife to get tangled up in. It looks like the blue cat fishery is really taking off and we are indeed going to end up with some big fish residing in the rivers. We don't know yet what the effect will be on other species, I guess time will tell. Better get out on the river now and try them though, the warm days are 'bout over and soon the gloom of winter will be upon us.

Upper and Lower Tidal James: Local Guide, Captain Mike Hoke, Life's Revenge Guide Service, (804) 357-8518. Captain Mike has been in the woods lately, but he does report that the cat bite is good, both blues and flatheads. Shad make good lures for the whiskered fish, as do cut and live eel. Crappie have schooled up and are going for minnows and jigs. Stripers have been landed in Hopewell and below. The water is clear and 60 degrees.

Upper and Lower Tidal James: Local Guide, John Garland, Screaming Reels Fishing Charter, (804) 739-8810. No report this edition.

Region 2 - Southside

Brunswick Lake: Contributed by our man in the boat Willard A. Mayes. I hate to admit that I only managed to make it out but one time in two weeks but everyone must put in some work time each year. With the promise of wind of only 5 to 10 mph until noon, Cricket Man and I headed to Brunswick Lake. The lake is still at low level, but clear with a slight brown stain. It seems someone did not remove the crow's nest from one of his reels so I spent the first 15 minutes digging out knots and tangles while Cricket Man fished with his worms. Finally got the line unraveled and started fishing with my 1/32 lead head and 2 inch twister tail under the bridge. We spent about 15 minutes fishing there and only caught one 10 in. crappie on a purple twister, so we moved to the flats. Cricket Man started picking up some bluegill on his worms and I would get one every so often on the twisters. The wind was still, so I switched to the fly rod with popping bug and then things really picked up. I had to cast and let the bug just sit there before I would get a strike. I put 28 hand size bluegill and 6 bass the largest being 13 inches in the boat when we decided to head toward the upper end of the lake and try for crappie. Cricket Man caught 6 from 10 to 12 inches trolling along, or as I call it "boat fishing" with two rods, and I picked up three more before we called it a day. Cricket Man caught 21 bluegill, 2 bass and 6 crappie. Not that great a day, but we have had worse.

Sandy River and Briery Creek: Contributed by Longwood College Fishing Club's Jack Pollio. No report this edition.

James at Scottsville: Local Guide L.E. Rhodes www.hatchmatcherguideservice.com, (434) 286-3366. No report this edition.

Kerr Reservoir: Bob Cat's Lake Country Store, (434) 374-8381. According to Devin Griles, things have slowed down considerably. Once things cool down the bite all around should be better. The water is clear in the main lake, and stained in the creeks and 60 degrees.

James at Lynchburg: Angler's Lane, (434) 385-0200. Tom Riesdorf told me that the smallmouth action is quite slow, but some are being fooled by crayfish imitations. The rainbows and brown bite in the Jackson River is okay, but should pick up soon. Try small nymphs or a hare's ear. The water is clear and in the high 40s.

Lake Gaston: Holly Grove Marina, (434) 636-3455. Holly Grove is closed for the season, but will re-open in February.

Lake Gaston Health Advisory: The Virginia Department of Health has issued an advisory on walleye fish consumption due to mercury contamination in Lake Gaston. Recent fish tissue sample results from the North Carolina Division of Public Health show mercury levels in walleye fish exceed the amount considered safe for long term human consumption. VDH advises the consumption of no more than two meals a month of walleye taken from Lake Gaston. Virginia's advisory stretches from John H. Kerr Dam downstream 18 miles to the Virginia-North Carolina state line. For additional details, visit the VDH fish consumption advisory page.

Smith Mountain Lake: Contributed by Mike Snead. Virginia Outdoorsman, (540) 724-4867, www.virginiaoutdoorsman.com.

Stripers: While there are always stripers distributed around the lake, many are currently being found and caught in the upper lake. Most anglers report good success fishing with live bait. Some stripers are being marked in small schools from 12 to 25 feet below the surface and being caught on downlines. Others are being caught off shallow points and flats in as little as 3 or 4 feet of water using planer boards and floats. Anglers casting, counting down and retrieving bucktails, flukes and lipless crankbaits are catching stripers. These same lures can be used to catch stripers feeding on the surface. Trolling is another technique that continues to produce the occasional striper. Many troll with lead core line outfits, as they are a very effective way to fish for striped bass.

Bass: Bass fishing continues to be mixed. Bass are being caught under docks using traditional pig and jigs with plastic trailers and floating finesse worms rigged on small shakey head jigs. Bass are also being caught on heavier jigs and Texas rigged worms in deeper water. There has been a very inconsistent top-water bite early, but bass have been hitting spinner baits off windblown points, the sides of floaters and around deep-water structure. Traditional crankbaits and lipless crankbaits continue to produce bass and the occasional striper as well.

Crappie: Crappie fishing continues to be excellent. The numbers and the quality of crappies being caught have been incredible over the past several weeks. Many anglers say they have been catching crappies well over 12 inches in length every time they go fishing. While most crappie anglers report the bait of choice is a small or medium minnow presented on a single hook below a split shot, several have also had success "dock shooting" and jigging with small jigheads and plastic trailers. Crappies are being reported at a number of different depths, but four to eight feet below the surface appears to be the most often identified range during the day.

The water is clear and 61 degrees.

Early black powder deer season continues through Friday the 12th of this week. The regular firearms season starts Saturday, November 13th, so if you don't hunt, but plan to be anywhere near where people may be hunting, I strongly suggest you wear a blaze orange hat or vest. (Read more about the importance of 'safety' orange in the Be Safe... Have Fun section feature "Blaze Orange Is Not Just For Hunters!")

This is a beautiful time of year. Have a great time and be safe while in the woods and on the water.

Region 3 - Southwest

Claytor Lake: Rock House Marina, (540) 980-1488. No report this edition.

Lower New River: Big Z'S (540) 639-1651. John Zienius says that bass action is better now that the water level is up and folks can get around in jet boats. Bass are going for Senkos and little jerkbaits. Muskie action is so hot that "you're scared to stick your toe in the water". These aggressive lunkers are attacking big inline spinners and big jerkbaits. The water is clear and in the low 60s.

New River: Tangent Outfitters, (540) 257-0415. Shawn Hash reports that the bass bite is good, with one of his clients landing a 6 ½ pounder. They are going for cranks and jigs. Muskies are "fired up" and respond aggressively to inline spinners and big cranks. The water is clear and in the 50s.

Upper New River: Contributed by Captain Forest Pressnell, (540) 818-5274, New River Charter. The upper New River is at all time historic low water levels. Water temps are cold and it is still crystal clear. Slow roll a big spinner or pig and jig for a shot at a big smallie. Muskie and walleye fishing are best on cloudy days. The striper never made it up the river out of Claytor Lake due to the low clear water level. This is pretty much the pattern on the river until the walleye spawn in late Feb. or March.

Region 4 - Mountain and Shenandoah Valley

North and South Forks of the Shenandoah: Harry Murray (540) 984-4212 www.murraysflyshop.com. Master of all things fly, Harry told me that the temperature of smallmouth streams in both the North and South Forks of the River had dropped quickly; but, that nymphs and streamers fished deeply would still get results. The best areas to fish are: from Edinburg downstream to Strasburg in the North Fork; and from Luray downstream to Front Royal in the South Fork. Good flies are: Murray's Olive Strymph, size 4; and Murray's Creek Chub, size 4. The water is clear and 54 degrees.

There is good action for rainbows in the stocked streams in the Valley. It is best to fish below the riffles and in the deep pools. Good flies are: Murray's Cranefly Larva, size 12; and Casual Dress, size 12. The water is clear and 52 degrees. The brookies in the mountain streams are spawning just now, and shouldn't be stressed any fur.

Lake Moomaw: Local Guide, Mike Puffenbarger, (540) 468-2682, www.mapletreeoutdoors.com. Puff reports that the Lake has not come up much with recent rains, but the fall color and warm temps make for some quality time fishing on Moomaw with great smallmouth action recently. The trout and yellow perch still not very active yet. Water temperature is about 60 degrees and about 21 ½ feet low. Coles Point boat ramp is inaccessible and only one lane is open at Bolar Flat and Fortney Branch.

There Are Still Some Trout Out There... Puff also notes special thanks is due Dominion for stocking a portion of Back Creek managed by Dominion Power as part of their Pump Storage Facility with over 2400 trout for the Project Healing Waters Event in mid- October and is now open to the public for catch and release only, single hook, artificial lures fishing. This generous 'donation' by Dominion should make for some great fishing throughout the winter for the "it's never to cold for trout fishing" enthusiasts! A special thanks to all our veterans for their service and sacrifice and to Project Healing Waters, Dominion, VDGIF and other organizations for hosting fishing and hunting opportunities for these true American heroes and patriots. Visit the Project Healing Waters website to see how you can support this valuable program.

Region 5 - Northern Piedmont

Piedmont Rivers: Local author Steve Moore (Wade Fishing Guidebooks covering the: Rapidan, Upper Potomac, North Branch Potomac) I am happy to announce that my book on Wade Fishing the Rapidan River has been released. It covers every access point on the river between the Confluence and Skyline Drive– 181 pages of information supported by 248 pictures and 162 GPS coordinates to get you to the right place to fish 34 miles of the river. We are at the height of the fall trout season with additional fish being inserted in the most popular rivers in the Piedmont. Last week, Locust Shade Park in Prince William County received a good stocking; building on the insertion of fish into the Hughes and Rose Rivers the previous week. By the time you read this, the trout in the Rose and Hughes will have started their acclamation to natural food; making the coming weekend a great one for fly rodders to hit that water. On the Upper Potomac, the water temperature continues to drop; reaching 51.4° this last week. As we move into the winter months, the warm outflow from the Dickerson Power Plant will make it the consistent "go to" place during cold weather. That said, the algae has died off and the water is exceptionally clear right now. If you fish the Upper Potomac, Ken Penrod recommends you stay low your boat and rely on long casts to keep from spooking the fish. The water levels are still low enough to wade in many places as long as you wear a PFD. One other point of interest on the Upper Potomac is that the Maryland DNR will recommend that the current catch and release regulation that applies to the section between Seneca Breaks and the mouth of the Monocacy River remain in place. Except for the most aggressive anglers, both the Rappahannock and Rapidan have shut down for the season. the few fish being caught are hanging deep. I received a report that the mountain brook trout are at the height of their spawn right now. This will continue over the next month - making it unwise to fish the mountains until after the eggs hatch in mid-January.

Lake Orange: Contributed by Darrell Kennedy of Angler's Landing (540) 672-3997. Angler's Lane is closed for the season. Although the shop is closed, the Lake remains open for use.

Mid Point Potomac: Warbird Outdoors, (703) 878-3111. No report this edition.

Potomac: Outdoor writer and fishing guide, Charlie Taylor provides a weekly Fishing Report for the Potomac River and other NOVA lakes and rivers, which may be accessed at any time at: http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeqbewt/. This web-report is updated every Thursday afternoon.

Lake Anna: Contributed by C. C. McCotter, McCotter's Lake Anna Guide Service, (540) 894-9144. Welcome to the start of the fall fishing frenzy here on Lake Anna. With water temperatures ranging from 67 at Dike III to 64 up lake, anglers are poised to experience schools of heavily feeding striper, bass, crappie and white perch. Turn over is complete and the lake is ready for your visit. Here's what you can expect in the coming weeks.

Largemouth Bass: There is good fishing in the upper regions of the North Anna, Pamunkey Branch and Terry's Run. Anglers should use a mix of shakey head worms and Texas-rigged creature baits casted to hard cover to include rocks and docks. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also worth using on high activity days. Lipless crankbaits help you cover water and connect with schooling fish when you encounter them. Mid lake bass fishing is fair. Down lake bass fishing is good when you can find the schools. In both cases you can always find bass on docks with the shakey head worm pattern.

Stripers: The feed began as the full moon of October began to fade. Hot spots include Rose Valley, the mouth of Plentiful Creek and the mouth of Terry's Run. As the season progresses, you will be able to find fish much further up lake in very shallow water. Yes, there are still fish schooled and feeding from Dike II to Dike III, but you will want to be up lake now from The Splits on up to the headwaters. Contrary Creek stripers won't turn on until after Thanksgiving. The hottest lure is the new Chartreuse Holoshad Toothache spoon and the Blue Holoherring Toothache spoon, though Crazy Blades and 3 in. swimbaits are now catching fish, too. Dragging live shad and jumbo minnows on planer boards and free lines is productive for some, but there are so many stripers, casting is king now.

Crappie: Good fishing on bridge pilings, up lake docks and brush piles in the upper end of the lake. Overall, size per fish is down, so you might have to work harder to catch a bunch of slabs but there is plenty of action for those fishing 1 in. jigs or slip bobbers and minnows now in 10 to 15 ft. of water.

White Perch: Vertical jigging with Crazy Blades and Toothache spoons at the mouths of mid lake creeks can be very productive now. Target fish in 25 to 30 feet down. You can also tip a drop shot with a small minnow and catch a fish just about every time you drop the bait when you find them.

Lake Anna: Contributed by Local Guide Jim Hemby (540) 967-3313.

Stripers: In November the most consistent action has been mid lake and the Dike 3 area. Stripers are schooling and are breaking in low light conditions from the splits down to the Dam feeding in the main lake concentrating themselves near the mouths of creeks and in the current at Dike 3. In the current, it is hard to beat the Pencil Popper worked on the surface. When the fish sound, convert to swim baits and spoons to catch the stripers. There are nice schools working the mouths of Sturgeons and Boggs and around the power plant.

Bass: To locate bass this month, start in the backs of the creeks next to the creek channels on structures like stumps or humps where bait is present and later in the month when the water cools down follow the schools of bait out of the creeks. Swim baits and crank baits worked under schools of threadfin shad regardless of structure will also catch feeding bass back in the creeks. If fish do not cooperate in the backs of the creeks move right to the primary main lake points and flats. Fish quick moving baits covering lots of water this month using crankbaits on structures, and suspending jerkbaits on points and breaking fish for larger bass. Bass will also visit docks this month being caught well on weightless worms.

Crappie: For the last month I have been catching citation size crappie, throwing for bait all the way up the rivers and creeks in 2 ft. of water or less. On warming trends they are moving up on the points with brush on them in 5 to 10 feet of water, on colder days the larger slabs can be caught on the deeper drops on primary points with structure (boulders or brush) on them. They will also move to the bridge pilings in the colder spells. Later this month once the water temps drop below 50 degrees the crappie will remain on the bridges and primary points. The points around Christopher Run and Hunters Landing will produce well this month. The nicer crappie are feeding on 3 and 4 inch threadfin shad, so try larger baits. It is not uncommon to catch crappie on 4 inch Storm Wildeye Shads or Sassy Shads. If the fish do not cooperate, downsize to traditional sizes of jigs and minnows.