Virginia Fishing report 9-23

[Fishing Report]

Anglers throughout Virginia and neighboring states want to know "how are the fish bitin'?" To provide some answers, more than 25 license agents, marinas, fishing guides, and bait shops have volunteered to serve as contacts for information on recent fishing conditions for primary rivers and lakes throughout the state. Sarah White, outdoor writer and regular contributor to Virginia Wildlife magazine, prepares this Fishin' Report from interviews with these contacts the week prior to publication of the Outdoor Report.

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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.
Hardware River WMA Boat Ramp Now Open with Completion of New Bridge

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has officially opened the new bridge across the Hardware River leading to the boat ramp on the James River and improved the access road into the 1,055 acre WMA. The access road and boat ramp were opened on August 4 and officially dedicated September 2. The new bridge replaces the one originally constructed in 1932, and re-built by the Department in 1984. In the fall of 2008, the bridge failed is annual safety inspection and had to be closed to vehicular traffic. This made difficult the full use of the boat landing on the James River Access and a significant portion of the WMA. The Department and the Board recognized the importance of the bridge to restoring access to the boat landing and that portion of the WMA that lies beyond the Hardware River and made the replacement a priority project. Mattern and Craig from Roanoke, completed the design and Burleigh Construction Company of Concord, Virginia was selected to build the replacement bridge.

The Department invested boat registration fees to match Sports Fish Restoration Funds from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to re-establish the critical boating access to the James River. The cost was approximately $600,000. VDGIF Executive Director Bob Duncan noted at the dedication, "This bridge represents the sportsman and women's investment in hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and boating. Without their continuing support, the boat landing would still be closed, and a portion of the WMA would remain inaccessible. Our partnerships with those who love wildlife and boating, with those such as our elected officials who supported this project, with local governments that support our activities in their jurisdictions, and many other partnerships is what keeps the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and its Board serving our customers."
Lake Thompson is Draining (Again)

Lake Thompson, a 10-acre lake on the VDGIF G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area in Fauquier County, is draining again – the first case occurring almost exactly two years ago. The drain near the lake bottom failed somewhere along its course upstream of the outlet pipe and, unfortunately, was not fixed before the failure became clogged (probably by mud) last time which allowed inadvertent refilling. VDGIF engineers, in consultation with contract dam safety engineers, will evaluate potential repair possibilities to the drain system and conduct additional assessments of the entire outlet structure and emergency spillway that need extensive renovations to meet current Department of Conservation and Recreation Dam Safety Standards.

As of August 23rd, the lake was down to about 2 acres of pool and was still draining rapidly. It is likely that the lake will be dry by the first of September given current flow rate. Anglers are advised to use caution when fishing the lake, as the exposed substrate is slippery and littered with debris. However, fishing is still allowed, and fish may be creeled (harvested) in compliance with State regulations. For updates check our website or contact the Region 5 office in Fredericksburg at (540) 899-4169.
Fish Virginia First - Your Fishing Vacation Planning Tool!

Fish Virginia First is an inter-jurisdictional marketing effort seeking to link Virginia's fisheries with anglers, travelers, outdoor television networks, and tournament organizers from across the nation. The initiative's goal is to better inform anglers, vacationers, and fishing tournament organizers of the outstanding fisheries available in the Commonwealth's rivers, lakes, streams, and reservoirs and to provide assistance with planning a fishing adventure in Virginia by linking visitors with local hotels, restaurants, guide services, campgrounds, state parks, and fishing related businesses that can make fishing trips easy and fun. Visitors are encouraged to visit the site and begin exploring the fisheries resources that are awaiting you whether you are planning a day trip on your next day off or a two week family vacation of a life time!

Visit the Department's website to learn more about this innovative fishing trip planner.
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.

Sarah White's Notebook - Regional River and Lake Reports on Fishing Conditions
View online the:


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. The cooler weather is beginning to move the fish all around the lake. Anglers are reporting that the bass seem to be in random locations and are being caught on jigs, crankbaits and plastic worms. However, anglers are having a tougher time keeping up with the movement of the fish. The park's last open tournament was held last Saturday and the weights and amounts of fish that made it to the scales were low and proved that the fishing is a little challenging during this transition to Fall. The water is slightly stained, 10 inches below full pool and 76 degrees. Park hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in September and 7:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. in October.

Virginia Beach: Captain Jim Brincefield (443) 336-8756. Captain Jim says that rough and windy conditions have slowed things down. The flounder bite has dropped off. There are still some spot and croaker at the mouths of the York and James Rivers. They will go for Fishbite or squid. He thinks that things should pick back up by next week. The water is fairly clear and 77 degrees.

Chickahominy River: River's Rest (804) 829-2753. According to Alton Williams and Charlie Brown the bass bite has been slow. Other fish have been better with a citation 44 in. blue cat landed with cut live eel. Some crappie are going for minnows and jigs. Not much word on perch or bluegill. The water is slightly stained and 76 degrees.

North Landing River and Back Bay: West Neck Marina (757) 426-6735. Dewey Mullins says that there have been lots of responsive bass, as the fish have been schooling up. Top waters, spinners, cranks and plastics all work well. If you choose plastics, try a dark color. Crappie are starting to pick up, but have been a little slow. Use minnows and jigs around bridge pilings and old stumps. Not many cat anglers are getting lucky. Perch are also schooling up and will go for almost anything. They especially like live shiners, nightcrawlers and spinners. Local bluegill are biting crickets, red wigglers and, if you are a fly fisherman, poppers. The water is clear and in the mid 70s.

Norfolk Lakes: Dasheill's Show Room (757) 539-7854. Drew Dixon reports that there are still a few bass out there and that they will go for soft plastics. Crappie will be schooling up soon and become very responsive to minnows and jigs. There are lots of big cats out there, try cut bait. Not much word on perch. Lots of bream are biting crickets. The water is low but clear and in the mid to high 70s.

Blackwater and Nottoway: By Riverkeeper Jeff Turner www.blackwaternottoway.com Fishing on both rivers still remains fair despite adverse river conditions. Low water conditions continue to be an issue on the upper rivers as there is just not enough water to get anywhere. Water temps have fallen to 75 degrees which has eased the strife the low flow conditions have been causing. The ticket to catching fish seems to be finding a place where the water is forced to flow in narrow or shallow places or over logs etc. Topwaters are working well in those situations for largemouth. We need significant rainfall to put the rivers back in great shape; unfortunately there is no relief in sight.

Squirrel hunting from the boat is a great way to put some meat on the table if the fish are not biting. Check local game laws in your area before going and you must have landowner permission to hunt along someone's shoreline from the boat. Also when hunting from a boat remember that if you shoot ground level be sure of what is beyond your target and that it is safe to shoot in that direction. Wear your life jacket... this is a great time to invest in an inflatable vest which allows better range of motion.

Upper and Lower Tidal James: Local Guide, Captain Mike Hoke, Life's Revenge Guide Service, (804) 357-8518. No report this edition.

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

Upper and Lower Tidal James: Capt. Mike Ostrander, James River Fishing School, Discover the James, (804) 938-2350. No report this edition.

Region 2 - Southside

Nottoway Falls: Contributed by our man in the boat Willard A. Mayes. I thought it was time for a trip to Nottoway Falls looking for hungry fish. I arrived at the lake around 10:00 a.m. to find the water with a dark stain and visibility to only about a foot or so. I know people are tired of hearing that the water level is low, but it is! It is a good 8 inches below normal there, with no water overflowing the dam. I was afraid I would not be able to float the boat off the trailer but either lack of rain did not wash soil onto the ramp or it has been cleaned real well. I found two new signs in front of the spillway saying no boats beyond this point, which is far enough to keep me from reaching the dam on a cast. I caught several 10 inch or so crappie in the middle of the lake between the signs as well as some bluegill. I fished all over the lake all the way up river picking up 35 crappie, 18 bluegill and 6 bass. The largest bass was 13 inches down to 7 inches. I got several 10 inch or so bluegill but most were in the 5 to 7 inch range. I threw back 10 crappie in the 7 and 8 inch range and kept 25 of the 8 to 10 inch ones. I could only travel in the channel to get up river because of the low water, and also did not have any problem seeing the stumps. I only fished the spinning rod with 1/32 lead heads using several colors, chartreuse, yellow, brown and purple. My thinking was the chartreuse would show up better in the dark water but my favorite purple seemed to be the bait of choice for the day on a slow retrieve .

Twin Lakes: Cricket Man was well rested so we thought we would check out Twin Lakes on Ft. Pickett, the water is only few inches low there with a slight brown stain. I had only gotten a few feet from the ramp when I lucked out on a nice 11 inch shellcracker and almost made my arm sore patting myself on my back about picking the right place to fish. However it was a long time before we got another fish and then it was only because I broke out the fly rod with a size 10 popper. Cricket Man was fishing his worms and crickets and did not get a fish for about two hours. We fished the shore line all around the lake only catching a few small bluegill and few bass. While I was eating lunch I just trolled around the middle of the lake and that is when Cricket Man picked up his spinning rod with his 2 inch twister tails and he started catching bluegill and two crappie. For the day, we ended with a lot of casting and a few fish. Cricket Man had 12 blue gill, 2 yellow perch, 2 crappie and 1 bass. I had 12 blue gill, 4 bass, the largest being 12 inches and one nice yellow perch. Oh yeah, we did bring 6 'cat fish', i.e. two finger blue gill that I fed to the cats. Things will get better and who knows we may even get to see some rain.

Sandy River and Briery Creek: Contributed by Longwood College Fishing Club's Jack Pollio. Studying hard with classes back in session - no report this time.

James at Scottsville: Local Guide L.E. Rhodes www.hatchmatcherguideservice.com, (434) 286-3366. The low, clear river conditions have the smallmouth moving to the deeper holes. Fish are still taking soft plastics with the stick baits being the preferred bait of choice. Fly anglers see top water action slowing down. Crayfish patterns have produced the most fish this past week. Until we get some rain and the river levels rise look for some tough floating conditions.

The bridge work at Hardware River landing has been completed opening up two sections of river that hasn't seen much traffic for close to two years. There is about a month of quality top water action left for the year. Get out if you haven't and enjoy the James. Give me a call if you want to book a trip or just talk fishing!

Kerr Reservoir: Bob Cat's Lake Country Store, (434) 374-8381. Taken from the Bob's website.

Striper: Size and numbers are starting to pick up as fish are moving back into the lake. Fishermen are finding fish in the Goat Island area and up to Eastland Creek. They are trolling bucktails, deep diving red fins and Capt. Mack's umbrella rigs with downriggers. Heavy jigging spoons in the 2 ¼ to 4 oz. range on main lake points in the Nutbush area will soon pick up.

Catfish: Fishing for cats remains good with blues in the 20 to 40 lb. range being caught and flatheads in the 30 to 40 lb. range. Fish can be found from the mouth of rivers to Goats Island. Fishermen are anchoring on main channel breaks fishing with shad, bream, and jumbo shiners. Noodling has also picked up in major creeks.

Crappie: Fish have moved to their summer hideouts. Deep brushpiles around main lake points in the 15 to 30 ft. range. Fishermen are reporting catching fish up to 1 ½ lbs. Most are casting jigs like Bobby Garland, Kalins and Southern Pro and are also using the slip cork method.

Bass: Fish are being found in all depths. Fishermen are reporting finding topwater fish early using Zara Spooks & Splash-It's. They are catching them around bridge poles with crankbaits, flick shake rig and shakey heads. Deeper fish can be found in the 15 to 25 ft. range using big worms 10 to 12 in., Carolina rigs, football jigs and deep crankbaits like Bill Norman DD-22, Spro DD Little Johns and Rapala DT's.

James at Lynchburg: Angler's Lane, (434) 385-0200. Jimmy Cheers says that smallmouths will take a crawdad fly, size 4 or 6; a baitfish fly, size 4 or 6; or an Appalachian Shine, also size 4 or 6. Browns and rainbows are going for wooly buggers, size 12; nymphs, sizes 14 to 18; and hoppers, size 10. Brookies can be fooled by nymphs and hoppers, the same size as above. The water is clear, very low and cooling.

Lake Gaston: Holly Grove Marina, (434) 636-3455. Craig Karpinski reports that bass fishing is so-so, with topwaters working best early and late. During the day try soft plastics; use dark colors on cloudy days and bright colors on sunny days. Crappie fishing is okay, try about 5 to 10 ft. down with a minnow. The cat bite is good with cut and stink baits. Perch are in the shallows, 3 to 7 ft. down. They will go for minnows, worms or small spinners. Bluegills are in the same depths and like small worms. The water is clear and in the mid 70s.

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: Anglers continue to report catching striped bass while trolling with umbrella rigs and three-way rigs using Sutton spoons and selected swimbaits. Sutton spoons with the hammered finish seem to be producing best over the past week or two. Stripers are also being caught on live bait presented on downlines and shot lines as well as on flukes rigged on lead headed jigs and jigging spoons. The flukes and spoons can be jigged vertically or cast and retrieved. Large schools of stripers continue to be found in the main channel and inside the major creeks, especially early and late in the day. Since the schooled stripers have been moving very rapidly, it is important to get lures or bait down on them as quickly as possible.

Bass: Bass are also schooling baitfish early in the morning. When bass are found schooling baitfish, a small, shad colored, Lobina Rico popper is one of the preferred lures. This lure features a unique spitting action when retrieved and extremely sharp hooks, so it can be fished right out of the box. The smaller suspending jerkbaits are also good choices when bass are schooling. Bass are hitting spinner baits in shad colors, especially in the morning and later in the day when it is windy. As the sun moves overhead, many bass will move to the shade and structure found under deep-water docks. They are drawn to vertical structure like pilings and ladders as well as edges. Large bass are also being found and caught in shallow water right up next to the shoreline under floaters and walkways or in the back of windblown guts off the main channel and mouth of large creeks.

Crappie: Crappie fishing continues to improve. Good numbers are being caught on small minnows in and around submerged brush and trees in the major creeks. Crappies are also being caught around deep-water docks where there is some form of structure or brush. Anglers also report they are successfully drawing crappies to submerged lights.

The water is fair to clear and 75 degrees. This is my favorite time of year. Too much to enjoy and so little time. Leaves are starting to turn and cooler Fall weather is on the way. Tight lines and please enjoy what promises to be a beautiful week and weekend.

Help VDGIF Monitor Striper Growth Rates...
This is the last month before the 26 to 36 inch striped bass slot limit goes back into effect. If you catch and decide to keep a striper this month weighing 10 pounds or more, you can help the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) biologist monitor the fishery. Just weigh the fish and measure its length. Cut off the fish's head behind the gills, place the head in a plastic (ZIP Lock) bag, along with information about the fish and your name, address and telephone number, and freeze it. Bring it to the Virginia Outdoorsman the next time you are in the Westlake area and I will insure the head gets to Dan Wilson, the VDGIF biologist for the lake. Dan will remove the otolith (ear bone) and use it to age your fish. Its age and the information you provide will allow him to establish and monitor growth rates. We have also changed our hours as we do every fall. Virginia Outdoorsman Sporting Goods is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and are closed on Sunday and Monday, unless by special appointment. Tight lines and have a great week on the water or in the woods.

Region 3 - Southwest

Claytor Lake: Rock House Marina, (540) 980-1488. Glendon Jones reports that the bass bite is slowing down as the fish are starting to school up. Try soft plastics. Not much word on crappie, bluegill or perch. The catfish action, however, is picking up. The best baits are alewives and gizzard shad. The water is clear and 77 degrees.

Upper New River: Contributed by Captain Forest Pressnell, (540) 818-5274, New River Charter. The Upper New River continues to suffer from the drought. Low waters levels and clear water continue to make for a tough bite. Smallmouth fishermen can stay with topwater early and late in the day switching to plastics and slowing down during the day. Fly fisherman should stay with poppers near the banks early and late then switch to deceivers, half and halfs or the new Forage Fly would be a good bet. Muskies are still following and looking but are not being very aggressive. A few walleye are still being caught at night on jerkbaits. No stripers in the river yet but they are moving up in Claytor Lake. No info on the cat fishing but it should be doing well at night right now. Water temps are slowly falling which should continue to help with the bite.

Lower New River: Big Z'S (540) 639-1651. John Zienius told me that the river is so low; it can only be navigated by kayak or canoe. If you can get out, there are smallmouths to be had. The muskies are hiding in their deep holes and not cooperating. The water is low, clear and cooling.

New River: Tangent Outfitters, (540) 257-0415. Shawn Hash reports that muskies are "on fire" and are attacking tubes and spinners. Bass action is "phenomenal" on soft plastics. The water is clear and cooling.

Region 4 - Mountain and Shenandoah Valley

North and South Forks of the Shenandoah: Harry Murray (540) 984-4212 www.murraysflyshop.com. The North and South Forks have cooled considerably and had some rain, so the action is great. Good flies are: Murray's Magnum Creek Chub, size 4; Murray's Magnum Bluegill; and Shenk's White Streamer, size 4. The water is clear, 68 degrees and at a good level. The stocked streams in the Valley are also providing good angling. The best spots are the Smith River at Bassett and the Hidden Valley of the Jackson. Good flies are: Murray's Flying Beetle, sizes 16 and 18; Mr. Rapidan Ant, sizes 16 and 18; and the Sprit of Pittsford Mills, sizes 16 and 18. The water is low, clear and 68 degrees. The streams in the Mountains are too low for good fishing.

Lake Moomaw: Local Guide, Mike Puffenbarger, (540) 468-2682, www.mapletreeoutdoors.com. Puff reports that the lake is lowering daily due to lack of rain. With temps cooling and some rain to fill in the lake, the fishing will pick up dramatically within a week or two. Puff will be at the West Regional and State Big Game Contest in Harrisonburg September 25-26 with a full assortment of hunting supplies and wild game processing gadgets and spices from Mapletree Outdoors. Come see him for hunting and fishing tips and information for the Highlands area.

Region 5 - Northern Piedmont

Piedmont Rivers: Local author Steve Moore, SwitchFisher.com / Wade and Shoreline Fishing the Potomac River - DC to Harpers Ferry. Dry, dry, dry! Most of the Piedmont rivers are in horrible shape as we head into the fall when smallmouth bass start their winter oriented feeding frenzy. All rivers are running far below the 20th percentile and it looks like the Rappahannock will set a new record for low discharge with the unofficial instantaneous values being half of the previous record minimums. The Upper Potomac is your best bet for fishing right now since, as a larger river, it has more deep areas that shelter fish. In fact, the flow on the Upper Potomac, while low, remains above the 20th percentile mark even though it is far below the average for a typical year. Anglers can turn this negative into a positive since low water means that wading access to areas that are typically deep might be possible. In particular, there are deeper holes upstream from the boat launch on the Maryland side of Point of Rocks that are now more accessible. Another area to check out is Swains Lock. Check the book for the places that are not normally recommended and investigate (book now available at the One Stop Deli on Clay Street ½ mile east of the Point of Rocks launch and Smoketown Bait in Brunswick). For boaters, the best areas continue to be White's Ferry, Edwards Ferry and the deep water above Seneca Breaks. Maryland is currently considering revoking the catch and release regulation on the Upper Potomac between Seneca Breaks and the Monocacy River. Please express your opinion by sending an e-mail to fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us. I don't have any recommendations for the Rapidan; it's just that bad. In spite of a few intermittent rainstorms, trout hunters need to avoid the mountain streams that are now just a trickle of water, if that. I visited several popular streams on the west slope of the Blue Ridge this week and was stunned at what I saw. If you can kick the streambed and see an explosion of dust instead of water, there is a problem. The first mile of Paines Run, Madison Run and the West Branch of the Naked Creek are all dry as a bone. As a side note, in addition to dust, I saw more bears than I had ever seen before (one on each stream). They are on the move! Be prepared for an encounter if you head to the mountains. Instead of dealing with that, fish the cold tailwater of the North Branch of the Potomac, the Jackson or Smith River.

Lake Orange: Contributed by Darrell Kennedy of Angler's Landing (540) 672-3997. With the shortening daylight and longer nights, largemouth bass have gone from their Summer patterns into a Fall pattern: shallow feeding early and late. Then they will take top water baits. During mid-day crankbaits and soft plastics are the bait of choice. Keep an eye out for balls of bait fish and fish beneath them, for there you will find large predator fish such as bass, walleye, and crappie, which are feeding on the balls of bait fish. Crappie are feeding on small minnows around the fishing pier and fish attractors in 5 to10 ft. of water. Catfishing is strong throughout the lake on chicken liver and night crawlers. The upper end of the lake seems better for the catfish bite. The water is clear with temperatures around 80 degrees.

Our 12th Annual Youth Fishing Day sponsored by the Gordonsville Lions Club is Saturday, September 25th from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. at Lake Orange. We will have recognition for: Largest fish caught, Largest Largemouth bass, Largest Catfish, Largest Bream, Largest Crappie, as well as many other categories too! Event is open to any child who can hold a fishing pole up to age 16. Fishing is permitted from the shoreline, from your boat or from one of the rental boats available at Lake Orange. Come make a day of it and bring the family to Lake Orange! This Event is FREE! Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. to acknowledge all of the participants.

Mid Point Potomac: Warbird Outdoors, (703) 878-3111. Chuck Perry says that the bass are hiding in the heavy grass mats and might take a topwater frog. No word on crappie, perch or bluegill. Some stripers can be had with large minnows. The water is dingy and in the mid 70s.

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. See website for updates.

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

Bass: The cooling water temperatures and shorter daylight hours will trigger the bass this month to start feeding up for the Fall and will position the larger bass in the backs of the creeks and up the rivers. The bass are feeding on threadfin shad and herring so popper style baits and flukes work well on top and smaller crankbaits worked on the lips of the flats will produce well. Start all the way back and work your way out hitting ledges on the old creek channels where old stumps are present. Fish will usually congregate in the channel bends where it passes through the flat. Deeper diving crankbaits digging into structure will yield catches of nice bass while covering a lot of area. The bass around the bridges will be blowing shad out of the water in low light conditions as well as out on the main lake on shallow flats and the older fish structures. Down lake schools of nice bass have been feeding heavily around the rocks in the current of the third dike, some days the bass are breaking for up to 3 hours at a time chasing small 2 to 3 inch baits up to the surface.

Stripers: Catches have slowed the last 2 weeks as the schools follow the baitfish migration to the backs of the creeks. The schools are dispersing as the stripers break up and feed in very shallow water on herring and gizzard shad. Catches will improve if the lake receives some significant rainfall this month helping to put oxygen back into the lake. Fisherman using artificial baits can throw Spooks, Devil Horses, Chuggars and Poppers as well as subsurface rubber twitch baits to catch the stripers. Probably the best way to catch them is pulling planner boards rigged with herring and larger gizzards covering as much area as you can to locate the feeding fish. If you are looking for plenty of action check out Dike 3, schools of breaking stripers are busting in the current early and late in the day.

Crappie: These fish are moving shallow following the schools of threadfin shad. Most docks, rock piles and shallow brush are producing nice catches. The shallower bridge pilings will hold nice fish also, especially if the water stays low. Small and medium minnows along with 2 in. jigs will catch nice slabs.